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.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized reporters for their perceived double standard in covering California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass amid the recent wildfires devastating the Los Angeles area. The fires, which have spread rapidly through Pasadena and other regions, have claimed at least five lives, destroyed hundreds of buildings, and displaced thousands of residents.
Hollywood icon Barbra Streisand took to social media on Thursday to blame the fierce winds fueling Los Angeles wildfires on climate change, demanding that the government take immediate action. "These horrible winds I think are the strongest we’ve ever experienced and a lot of that is due to climate change, which this coming government better address!" Streisand wrote on Bluesky, a left-leaning social platform.
As devastating wildfires ravage California, some liberal voices have taken to social media to blame former President Donald Trump for the crisis. Sam Stein, managing editor at The Bulwark, claimed on Twitter that Trump’s past remarks about withholding federal wildfire aid were relevant to the state’s current struggles. Stein tweeted that Trump’s threats to cut wildfire relief funds “dawned on him” as fires consumed thousands of acres in Los Angeles, destroying homes and forcing evacuations.
In 2026, America is set to commemorate its 250th birthday, a milestone few nations reach with the vibrancy and influence that the United States has historically wielded.
Pope Francis ushered in the New Year with a powerful message emphasizing the sanctity of life, calling for a "firm commitment" to respect and protect human life from conception to natural death. During a New Year's Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 1, 2024, the pope dedicated his homily to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and prayed for a greater societal awareness to care for all forms of life.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS) have approved a plan to prohibit commercial air tours over Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona.
Russia unleashed a large-scale aerial bombardment on Ukraine early Friday, targeting critical energy and transportation infrastructure in what Moscow described as retaliation for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles on a Russian air base earlier this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the assault one of the heaviest since the war began nearly three years ago.
Alaska Airlines experienced a significant technology issue on Monday, temporarily grounding flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and causing disruptions for passengers throughout the day.
Top House Republicans are putting ActBlue, the Democratic fundraising powerhouse, under the microscope, questioning its donor verification practices and raising concerns over potential foreign influence in U.S. elections. On Tuesday, Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), Chair of the House Administration Committee, issued a subpoena to ActBlue demanding documents that could reveal whether donations are being properly vetted for foreign involvement. This inquiry follows allegations that the platform’s lack of robust security measures could make it easier for foreign actors to funnel money into U.S. political campaigns, a serious breach of federal election laws.
