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L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth has attributed the recent Palisades Fire and other devastating wildfires in Los Angeles to climate change, framing the issue as a result of fossil fuel dependence and global warming. In his column titled “Los Angeles is a climate disaster. The fires will change nothing,” Roth called for systemic changes, such as reducing fossil fuel use, supporting green businesses, and prioritizing climate action in public policy and personal decisions.

An alleged intruder in Fairfax, Virginia, is in critical condition after being shot by a homeowner during an attempted break-in early Wednesday morning. According to police, the homeowner called 911 at approximately 2:30 a.m. to report the intruder’s attempt to force entry into the home. The homeowner remained on the line with emergency services as the situation unfolded.

Scott Bessent, nominee for Treasury Secretary under the incoming Trump administration, is set to outline a bold economic agenda during his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday. According to prepared remarks, Bessent will emphasize the need to permanently extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while advancing new policies to reduce the tax burden on manufacturers, service workers, and seniors.

The Vatican City State has enacted stricter penalties for unauthorized entry and violations of its security regulations, threatening offenders with steep fines and prison sentences. The updated rules were announced through a decree signed by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, and aim to enhance security within the world’s smallest sovereign state.

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow shared her reaction to President Joe Biden’s farewell address on Wednesday, describing the president’s stark warning about the state of American democracy as chilling. Maddow highlighted Biden’s focus on the dangers of concentrated power, misinformation, and attacks on the press, noting the gravity of his message as a significant departure from traditional farewell speeches.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Thursday, where he announced a landmark 100-year military and economic alliance with Ukraine. Starmer described the agreement as a symbol of the “unbreakable bond” between the two nations, aimed at fostering long-term support for Ukraine and enhancing bilateral cooperation in defense, trade, and cultural initiatives.

Holly K. Talley, a former colleague of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, criticized Senate Democrats for perpetuating false allegations during Hegseth's confirmation hearing. Talley, who worked with Hegseth at Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) from 2013 to 2015, directly refuted claims that Hegseth engaged in inappropriate conduct during a trip to Louisiana.

Ayman Mohyeldin of MSNBC has raised concerns over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s motivations in securing a recent ceasefire and hostage release agreement. On the network’s “Alex Wagner Tonight,” Mohyeldin suggested that Netanyahu may have delayed the deal intentionally, positioning it for strategic leverage with the Trump administration, rather than aiding U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in building political momentum during an election year.

New York Mayor Eric Adams is facing backlash after announcing a 2,000-bed migrant shelter in the South Bronx.

Two voting advocacy groups founded by Democrat Stacey Abrams were hit with a record $300,000 fine by the Georgia Ethics Commission for violating campaign finance laws during Abrams’ 2018 gubernatorial campaign.