Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced sharp criticism for her handling of devastating wildfires that have claimed five lives and consumed 31,000 acres, as President-elect Donald Trump blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the disaster. The fires, intensified by dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, mark one of California's largest natural calamities.
Bass, on an official trip to Ghana when the fires erupted, drew scrutiny for her absence despite prior warnings of extreme fire weather. At a briefing, she defended her priorities, stating, “We have to protect lives and homes. Once safe, we’ll evaluate what worked and what didn’t.”
The response was further hindered by water shortages in affluent areas like Pacific Palisades, with fire officials noting hydrants weren’t designed for such unprecedented conditions.
Trump amplified criticism on social media, accusing Bass and Newsom of "gross incompetence" in managing the crisis. Calling for Newsom’s resignation, he reiterated past criticisms of California's forest and water management policies, which state officials dismissed as misleading.
Elon Musk joined Trump in attacking Democratic leadership, accusing officials of prioritizing diversity programs over emergency responses. However, no evidence supports claims linking such programs to firefighting inefficiencies. Newsom's spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, emphasized the state’s focus on resource allocation and dismissed political distractions.
The political clash underscores growing tensions as leaders respond to California’s worsening wildfire seasons. Meanwhile, residents and firefighters continue battling the flames, hoping for swift containment and relief.


Thousands of satellites are due to burn up in the atmosphere every year – damaging the ozone layer and changing the climate
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans
UAE Plans Temporary Housing Complex for Displaced Palestinians in Southern Gaza
Parasites are ecological dark matter – and they need protecting
We combed through old botanical surveys to track how plants on Australia’s islands are changing
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms
Norway Opens Corruption Probe Into Former PM and Nobel Committee Chair Thorbjoern Jagland Over Epstein Links
TrumpRx Website Launches to Offer Discounted Prescription Drugs for Cash-Paying Americans
Ukraine minerals deal: the idea that natural resource extraction can build peace has been around for decades
U.S. Sanctions on Russia Could Expand as Ukraine Peace Talks Continue, Says Treasury Secretary Bessent
Lake beds are rich environmental records — studying them reveals much about a place’s history
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions
Marco Rubio Steps Down as Acting U.S. Archivist Amid Federal Law Limits
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 



