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Los Angeles Wildfires: Death Toll Climbs As Firefighters Battle On

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Fire guts Defence Headquarters in Abuja

Firefighters continued their grueling efforts Saturday night to contain massive wildfires raging across Los Angeles, as fierce winds fueled the flames, driving them toward previously unaffected neighborhoods.

The infernos have left at least 16 people dead, destroyed communities, and put millions of Californians on edge.

The relentless Palisades Fire grew to 23,600 acres by Saturday evening, threatening the Getty Center’s priceless art collections and pushing northward toward the densely populated San Fernando Valley.

READ MORE: Joint Security Team Rescues Four Kidnapped Victims In Sokoto

Despite aerial water drops and round-the-clock efforts, the fire was only 11% contained. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire spread to 14,000 acres with 15% containment.

“We’re a nervous wreck,” said Tarzana resident Sarah Cohen. “Every time they drop water, it gets better. But then it gets worse again.”

A lull in the wind Saturday gave firefighters a brief reprieve, but forecasters warned that dangerous gusts would persist for days.

The National Weather Service predicted “critical fire-weather conditions” through early next week, raising fears of further destruction.

Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, including homes, outbuildings, and vehicles. Thousands of displaced residents now face an already tight housing market.

“I’m back on the market with tens of thousands of people,” lamented Brian, who lost his rent-controlled apartment. “That doesn’t bode well.”

Frustration has mounted among residents waiting hours to access disaster zones. “I just want closure,” said Janelle, whose home was confirmed destroyed. “I need to see it with my own eyes.”

With reports of looting, officials imposed nighttime curfews and deployed police and National Guard checkpoints. Residents have also voiced anger over hydrants that ran dry during initial firefighting efforts.

Amid rumors of discord, Mayor Karen Bass and Fire Chief Kristin Crowley presented a united front Saturday. “Our mission is to get us past this emergency,” Bass assured reporters, following reports of funding shortages within the fire department.

Among the victims was former Australian child star Rory Sykes, known for his role in the 1990s British TV show Kiddy Kapers. His mother, Shelley Sykes, mourned his loss on social media, writing, “I’m totally heartbroken.”

Cadaver dogs continued to search the rubble, with several people missing and fears that the death toll could rise.

Cause of the Fires Under Investigation
Authorities launched a large-scale investigation involving the FBI, ATF, and local agencies.

While natural causes or human error are common culprits, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that any criminal intent would be thoroughly investigated.

“If this is a criminal act, we will hold those responsible,” Luna stated.

Climate Challenges and Urban Sprawl
Experts noted that climate change and urban sprawl exacerbate wildfire risks.

Drier conditions and higher temperatures, driven by fossil fuel use, have created an environment ripe for destructive fires.

 

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International News

DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home

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Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.

Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.

SEE MORE: Trump Sparks Outrage With Shock Proposal to Rename New Mexico

The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.

A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”

The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”

 

 

Details later……….

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Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital

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Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.

The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.

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According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.

Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.

Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.

Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.

For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.

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‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal

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US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.

“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.

SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock

According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.

“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.

“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”

Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”

“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.

“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.

Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.

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