Wildfires rage across Los Angeles
More than 80,000 Los Angeles residents were forced to evacuate their homes as multiple wildfires currently engulf the area. The blazes have destroyed countless homes and businesses, covered the city in smoke, and turned the skies red. Despite these devastating losses, officials warn that the worst is yet to come.
The Palisades fire began on Tuesday morning in downtown Los Angeles and had eventually covered 3,000 acres by night. Residents rushed to evacuate but faced heavy traffic. Another fire east of Los Angeles started later that evening and has now covered more than 2,000 acres.
Officials are also responding to smaller fires in the area. Fierce winds will continue to strengthen these blazes, and conditions are expected to worsen. Almost 300,000 Southern California residents are now without power, and more than a dozen school districts in the area have closed today.
Congress certifies Trump’s reelection
Lawmakers met under heavy security and a snowstorm to certify President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the vote, reading the tallies one by one.
After the vote was confirmed, the chamber broke into applause, first Republicans for Trump, then Democrats for Harris. The whole process moved swiftly and without unrest, with Harris stating, “Today, America’s democracy stood.”
This took place exactly four years after a violent mob of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol to try and prevent Congress from affirming President Biden’s win. The Capitol was under the tightest national security level possible, surrounded by layers of tall black fencing.
New Orleans attack leaves 14 dead and dozens injured
A man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd of people celebrating New Year’s Eve. At least 14 people were killed before the attacker died in a shootout with police. Dozens of people were also injured.
A black ISIS flag was flying from the pickup truck, leading FBI officials to label the attack an act of terrorism. The man driving the vehicle was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former Army veteran from Texas.
An AR-15-style weapon, a handgun, and two explosive devices were found inside the vehicle, according to officials. The FBI continues to investigate as the community mourns these losses.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces resignation
Justin Trudeau announced Monday that he intends to step down as Canada’s prime minister, leaving office once a new leader is chosen. The country’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 while a new Liberal Party leader is selected.
Trudeau was the leader of the Liberal Party for 11 years and prime minister for nine. His resignation comes after facing numerous problems, such as tariff threats from Donald Trump and the resignations of key allies. Reacting to Trudeau’s resignation Monday, President-elect Trump doubled down on the idea that Canada and the U.S. should merge.
Possible replacements include the former governor of the Bank of Canada, Mark Carney, foreign minister Mélanie Joly, and former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland.
