Six wildfires tearing through Los Angeles have destroyed over 1,100 buildings, claimed at least five lives, and displaced countless residents, including several prominent Hollywood figures.
The affluent Pacific Palisades, home to numerous celebrities, has been severely impacted by the fires, which began on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a new blaze erupted in Runyon Canyon, prompting immediate evacuations in Hollywood Hills.
Among the affected is Billy Crystal, 76, who confirmed losing his Pacific Palisades residence of 46 years. Crystal expressed heartbreak, noting, “Every inch of our house was filled with love... but with the support of our children and friends, we will get through this.”
Actor Eugene Levy, honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades, also lost his home. Meanwhile, actor Cary Elwes reported that his Malibu property had been destroyed, but his family had safely evacuated. Paris Hilton, whose Malibu home held cherished family memories, described the devastation as "unimaginable."
Other celebrities affected include Mandy Moore, John Goodman, James Woods, and Diane Warren, all of whom shared their sorrow while commending firefighters and first responders. Jamie Lee Curtis noted that while her home survived, her local sobriety meeting church was reduced to ashes.
The wildfires have brought the entertainment industry to a halt. The Academy extended voting deadlines for the Oscars, and the Critics Choice Awards have been postponed.
US President Joe Biden has declared a federal disaster, enabling funding for temporary housing and property repairs. Experts attribute the growing severity of wildfires to climate change, which has extended wildfire seasons globally by two weeks on average.
As Los Angeles grapples with the aftermath, the resilience of affected communities and individuals shines through amidst the devastation.
Travelers Companies Inc. reported a dramatic 60% plunge in profit for the first quarter of 2025, largely due to catastrophic losses linked to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
South Korea is facing its worst wildfire disaster, with blazes doubling in size and killing at least 27 people. Over 33,000 hectares have burned, destroying historic temples as firefighters battle the flames. Strong winds and dry conditions fuel the rapid spread of the fires.
At least 15 people have died as wildfires continue to ravage South Korea’s southeastern region, Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday.
New York has declared a state of emergency as brush fires force evacuations and shut down a major highway.
Japan is battling its worst wildfires in more than 30 years as blazing infernos continue to scorch thousands of hectares of land each day.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
On April 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu to discuss the South Caucasus, peace talks with Armenia, and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Aliyev emphasized dismantling the OSCE Minsk Group and securing Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is set to be held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, said Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israel warned on Thursday it will unleash an even wider offensive in Gaza unless Hamas frees its remaining hostages, a threat issued as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 55 people across the enclave, according to local medics.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
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