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At least 11 people have died and over 100,000 have been ordered to evacuate as wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, California. The fires have spread across more than 20,000 acres, particularly affecting the Pacific Palisades area. Amid the crisis, some conservative figures, including billionaires Elon Musk and Bill Ackman, have controversially blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Los Angeles Fire Department for the spread of the flames. Musk claimed that "DEI means people DIE," while Ackman called for a return to merit-based hiring. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has directed criticism at California Governor Gavin Newsom, attributing the fires to environmental policies protecting the Delta smelt, a small fish. Experts note that while wildfires are natural, climate change exacerbates their frequency and intensity, with recent dry conditions providing ample fuel for the blazes. 
Published: Jan 11 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe Pacific Palisades home of the late actor Matthew Perry has been spared from the recent wildfires threatening Los Angeles, according to its new owner, Anita Verma-Lallian. In an Instagram post, she expressed gratitude to firefighters and the local community for their support during this challenging time. Verma-Lallian, who purchased the property in an off-market deal a year after Perry's death, thanked realtor Brooke Elliott Laurinkus for monitoring the home and offering assistance to those affected by the fires. She urged followers to donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, emphasizing solidarity with those impacted by the disaster. Verma-Lallian plans to use the house as a vacation home and pledged to honor Perry's legacy, stating that her decision to buy was rooted in a love for the property rather than its former owner.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a tragic incident, the black boxes from the Jeju Air flight that crashed on December 29, resulting in 179 fatalities, ceased recording data four minutes before the accident, according to South Korea's transport ministry. The Boeing 737-800, en route from Thailand to Muan, belly-landed at the airport and exploded after hitting a concrete barrier. The ministry noted that neither the cockpit voice recorder nor the flight data recorder captured crucial moments leading up to the collision with the localiser, which is designed to assist landings. Investigators, including teams from South Korea and the US, are examining potential causes such as a bird strike, malfunctioning landing gear, and the runway barrier's role in the crash. The pilot had reported a bird strike prior to the first landing attempt, which was aborted, leading to the fatal second attempt. Memorials have been established nationwide in response to the tragedy.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inOutgoing US President Joe Biden has confirmed he will remain active in public life after handing over the presidency to Donald Trump on January 20. Responding to questions about his post-presidency plans, the 82-year-old Biden stated, "I'm not going to be out of sight - out of mind," indicating he intends to continue speaking out on issues. This marks a departure from the traditional approach taken by many former presidents, who often retreat from the public eye. Biden's comments come as Trump, 78, prepares to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. While Biden did not specify his future activities, his decision contrasts sharply with that of his predecessor, Barack Obama, who has largely remained out of the spotlight since leaving office in 2016.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe online media landscape faces a significant challenge with the rise of disinformation, particularly on social media platforms. In response to this issue, many sites have implemented tools to combat false information. However, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, has announced it will discontinue its fact-checking program in the US, shifting to a crowdsourced model that prioritizes "free expression." This change means users will no longer receive warnings about flagged posts. To navigate this new environment, experts advise users to critically assess emotionally charged content, avoid relying solely on social media for accurate information, and seek original sources. They recommend using established fact-checking websites, steering clear of algorithm-driven feeds, and employing reverse image search tools to verify the authenticity of images. As misinformation proliferates, users must take proactive steps to discern fact from fiction.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inCalifornians are demanding accountability for the devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed thousands of homes in Los Angeles, as a strict curfew is implemented to curb looting. The fires, which have ravaged over 37,000 acres, prompted President Joe Biden to describe the scene as reminiscent of war. Anger is mounting over officials' preparedness, particularly after false evacuation alerts and water shortages hindered firefighting efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent review of utility services, expressing concern over the lack of water during critical moments. As fears of looting rise, the LAPD has made arrests and issued warnings, while the National Guard supports law enforcement. Emergency managers have apologized for the false alerts, and officials are grappling with the impact of climate change on fire dynamics. With winds expected to intensify again, the situation remains precarious.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inScientists have identified the cause behind the Sun's unusual blue appearance in Earth's atmosphere nearly 200 years ago, linking it to a massive volcanic eruption from the Zavaritskii volcano on the uninhabited Simushir Island in 1831. This eruption expelled significant plumes of sulfur dioxide, resulting in global cooling and bizarre climatic conditions that year. A study published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* utilized ice core records to confirm the eruption's timing and explosive nature. Co-author Will Hutchison described the moment of analysis as a "genuine eureka moment," despite the lack of contemporary written records due to the island's remoteness. The research highlights the challenges of predicting future volcanic eruptions, with scientists estimating a one-in-six chance of a similar event occurring this century, which could have devastating economic impacts and temporarily disrupt climate patterns amidst ongoing global warming.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inNigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, has reaffirmed his friendship with Elon Musk despite recent criticisms from the Tesla CEO, who suggested Farage lacks the capability to lead his party. Speaking to Sky News, Farage acknowledged their relationship, stating, "Of course we're friends," and noted that Musk expresses his thoughts candidly. Farage revealed he has been in contact with Musk but declined to disclose the specifics of their discussions. The tensions between the two escalated after Musk voiced support for jailed extremist Tommy Robinson, prompting Farage to disagree publicly, asserting that Robinson is not suitable for his party. This disagreement comes amid Farage's talks with Musk about a potential significant donation to Reform UK, which has been implicated in splitting the right-wing vote and aiding the Labour Party's return to power in the recent general election.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inAs wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, firefighters faced a critical challenge with fire hydrants running dry and low water pressure hampering containment efforts. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) reported that its water systems were ill-equipped for such large-scale firefighting demands, with water usage surging to four times the normal rate. Areas like Pacific Palisades experienced severe shortages, particularly due to gravity-fed storage tanks being rapidly depleted, compounded by a nearby reservoir undergoing maintenance. Similar issues plagued Altadena and Pasadena, where power outages hindered pump operations, further complicating water distribution. The Palisades Fire alone destroyed over 5,000 structures, prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to order an investigation into the water supply failures. City leaders face scrutiny over budget cuts to fire resources, while experts recommend enhancing water storage and infrastructure to better prepare for future emergencies.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly met with US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Friday, according to Semafor. Neither Meta nor Trump's transition team responded to requests for comment from Reuters. In a significant shift, Meta announced the termination of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which encompassed hiring, training, and supplier selection, in a memo to staff. This decision follows the company's earlier move to abolish its US fact-checking program and to ease restrictions on discussions surrounding contentious issues like immigration and gender identity. These changes come as Trump prepares for his second term in office and reflect Meta's response to mounting criticism from conservative groups.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 8 ameznews.inA Malaysian High Court has ordered two doctors to pay 6 million ringgit (approximately Rs 11.42 crore) to the family of Punitha Mohan, who died from severe bleeding after childbirth in 2019. The court found that Dr. Muniandi Shanmugam and Dr. Akambaram Ravi, along with three nurses, were negligent in their care at the Shan Clinic and Birth Centre in Klang. Justice Norliza Othman stated that the doctors failed to monitor Mohan's condition adequately after her placenta was removed, with Dr. Ravi leaving the hospital to buy a drink during a critical moment. The damages awarded include compensation for the woman's pain and suffering, as well as for her two children and parents. The judge emphasized that this tragic incident could have been prevented with timely action and proper monitoring, highlighting the doctors' neglect in addressing common childbirth complications.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 8 am
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