President Joe Biden canceled his Italy trip to focus on federal efforts as wildfires devastate Los Angeles, claiming lives, destroying thousands of structures, and causing billions in damages.
President Joe Biden has called off a planned trip to Italy due to the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, the White House announced on Wednesday.
"After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a major disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead. Additional details to follow," said spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement.
Intense wildfires, driven by strong windstorms and extremely dry conditions, swept through areas of northern and northwestern Los Angeles on Wednesday, resulting in five fatalities and destroying over 1,000 homes, businesses, and other structures.
The Palisades Fire, the largest so far, began Tuesday morning at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time (18:30 GMT). It has already scorched nearly 16,000 acres, rapidly advancing through the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood near the coastline.
According to AccuWeather, a weather forecasting company, the damage caused by the fires is estimated at $52 to $57 billion.
“This is a terrible disaster. We’re just starting to get a clear look at the magnitude of the destruction and loss," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter.
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.
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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.
Elon Musk has reclaimed his position as the world's richest individual, surpassing Bernard Arnault on Forbes' 39th Annual Billionaires list, while President Donald Trump has seen his wealth more than double, highlighting significant shifts in the global financial landscape.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
Elon Musk has reclaimed his position as the world's richest individual, surpassing Bernard Arnault on Forbes' 39th Annual Billionaires list, while President Donald Trump has seen his wealth more than double, highlighting significant shifts in the global financial landscape.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
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