The devastating wildfires in California have exposed glaring deficiencies in public services while underscoring the effectiveness of private efforts. In Pacific Palisades, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, one striking exception remains: the upscale Palisades Village mall. Owned by billionaire Rick Caruso, the mall survived thanks to private firefighting teams and fire-resistant construction materials—measures unavailable to most residents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a "last-minute crisis" with Hamas is holding up the ceasefire agreement that would release hostages.
China’s 2025 Spring Festival travel rush, the world’s largest annual human migration, began Tuesday, with officials projecting a record 9 billion trips over the 40-day period known as chunyun. Centered on Lunar New Year, which falls on January 29, the season runs through February 12, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
Amid the wildfires devastating Los Angeles, nine individuals have been charged with looting in evacuation zones, adding another layer of hardship for residents struggling to recover. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges on Monday, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for those exploiting the crisis.
Homeland Security and Border Patrol agents discovered a sophisticated smuggling tunnel connecting Mexico to El Paso, Texas. The tunnel, equipped with electricity and ventilation, was found during a routine inspection of a storm drain.
