Category: World

LOS ANGELES: Local authorities have issued orders for thousands of people to evacuate after a new wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, as the fire quickly spread to other areas in a region already struggling with the devastation caused by previous large fires. Ferocious flames were devouring hillsides near Castaic Lake, spreading rapidly to cover 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) in just over two hours. The fire was being fanned by strong, dry Santa Ana winds that were racing through the area, pushing a vast pall of smoke and…

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WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has sacked Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, the first woman to lead a branch of the US armed forces, citing leadership and operational shortcomings, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Former President Joe Biden nominated Fagan to lead the Coast Guard, which is responsible for maritime security, in 2021. She became the first female uniformed leader of a branch of the US Armed Forces. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman, in a message posted on the Coast Guard’s website, confirmed Fagan had been relieved of her duties…

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Experts suggest that US President Donald Trump’s threat to seize the Panama Canal over suspected Chinese influence may be more about curbing Beijing’s expanding diplomatic and economic presence in Latin America, according to AFP. They agree, however, that using force to take control of the crucial waterway, which handles five percent of global maritime trade and 40 percent of US container traffic, seems highly unlikely. Here’s what we know: Who owns the canal? Constructed by the United States mainly with Afro-Caribbean labour and opened in 1914, the canal was administered by…

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WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has told US prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who refuse to follow federal immigration rules, stepping up its tough stance on immigration control launched by President Trump on the first day in office. In a memo to Justice Department staff seen by Reuters, Trump’s acting deputy attorney general, Emil Bove, wrote, “Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing or otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests.” The policy was issued as the new Republican administration prepares to step…

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WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that ending Russia’s war in Ukraine will be a key priority for the United States under President Donald Trump, as part of efforts to promote peace globally. Former US Senator Rubio, a China hawk and staunch backer of Israel, was the first of Trump’s cabinet nominees to be sworn into office on Tuesday, after the US Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination on Monday evening. Additional votes on other Trump nominees were expected this week. During his confirmation hearing last week, the…

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WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a major investment to build infrastructure for artificial intelligence led by Japanese giant Softbank, Oracle and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. The venture, called Stargate, “will invest $500 billion, at least, in AI infrastructure in the United States,” Trump said in remarks at the White House. “This monumental undertaking is a resounding declaration of confidence in America’s potential under a new president,” he said, a day after his swearing in for a second term. OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman, SoftBank’s chief Masayoshi Son and Oracle founder…

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WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would impose sanctions on Russia if its president, Vladimir Putin, refuses to negotiate about ending the war in Ukraine. Trump gave no details on possible additional sanctions. The United States has already sanctioned Russia heavily for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump said his administration was also looking at the issue of sending weapons to Ukraine, adding his view that the European Union should be doing more to support Ukraine. “We’re talking to (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskiy, we’re going…

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WASHINGTON: Sweeping pardons of Capitol rioters by US President Donald Trump drew starkly contrasting reactions on Tuesday, largely embraced by his Republican supporters and vehemently condemned by Democrats. Former Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi denounced as “shameful” Trump’s pardons of participants in the January 6, 2021 attack on the congressional session held to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. “The president’s actions are an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who suffered physical scars and emotional trauma as they protected the Capitol, the Congress and the Constitution,”…

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WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump granted pardons on Monday to more than 1,500 of his supporters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a bid to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Trump, just hours after taking office, also ordered that all pending criminal cases against Capitol riot defendants be dropped. Among those receiving a pardon was Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for directing a military-style assault on the Capitol. Stewart Rhodes, the leader…

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President Donald thanked his wife Melania for sticking by his side while facing the challenges of extreme cold and windy weather while blending his tribute with humour. Addressing the crowd at Emancipation Hall, he said he was grateful to his wife Melania for putting up with the day. After his swearing-in ceremony he joked about her discomfort from wearing high heels all day.   “I have a first lady who has been incredible. I shouldn’t say this. I’m going to get hell when I say this, but her feet are…

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