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.
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.
Japan is battling its worst forest fire in three decades, which has claimed one life and forced the evacuation of over a thousand residents. Since the blaze erupted on Wednesday, it has scorched approximately 1,800 hectares in the Ōfunato Forest.
Taiwan has reported a sharp increase in Chinese military activity as Beijing concluded two days of war games around the island, intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Hunter Biden has voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in Washington, D.C., following criminal convictions that raised questions about his professional eligibility.
Brazil has named automotive industry executive Dan Ioschpe as its official “climate champion” for the COP30 summit, to be held in Belém this November.
Within hours of Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech, a chorus of global voices began responding — some cautiously, others furiously. While the U.S. president promised to rebalance what he called “decades of economic exploitation,” world capitals began drawing their own red lines.
Standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump declared what he called “Liberation Day”, announcing a raft of tariffs on U.S. trading partners — the most expansive use of trade powers in modern American history.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The King of the Kingdom of Gureshaba, Doku Hmaiai Hippolyte Sinewami Htamumu, has formally applied to join the Baku Initiative Group. The Kingdom of Gureshaba is located on Nenon Island in New Caledonia.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for COVID-19, according to his doctor, Asim Hussain. The 70-year-old leader has been advised to remain in isolation as a precautionary measure, while his condition is reported to be improving.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary signals diplomatic defiance as he travels despite an ICC arrest warrant. With Hungary rejecting the court’s ruling, the trip highlights shifting alliances while Israel presses ahead with its military operations in Gaza amid growing international pressure.
Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, made press statements and responded to journalists’ questions. The President of Azerbaijan made the statement first.
Taiwan has reported a sharp increase in Chinese military activity as Beijing concluded two days of war games around the island, intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Hunter Biden has voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in Washington, D.C., following criminal convictions that raised questions about his professional eligibility.
Brazil has named automotive industry executive Dan Ioschpe as its official “climate champion” for the COP30 summit, to be held in Belém this November.
Within hours of Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech, a chorus of global voices began responding — some cautiously, others furiously. While the U.S. president promised to rebalance what he called “decades of economic exploitation,” world capitals began drawing their own red lines.
Standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump declared what he called “Liberation Day”, announcing a raft of tariffs on U.S. trading partners — the most expansive use of trade powers in modern American history.
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