Displaying items by tag: USA

Winds in Los Angeles, which have exacerbated wildfires, were expected to intensify again on 15 January, but in fact weakened to much lighter gusts. At least 25 people have been killed and more than 12,000 structures destroyed in some of the worst fires in memory to engulf America's second biggest city. The two largest fires, Eaton and Palisades, are still burning after more than a week - and firefighting help has been sought from Mexico and Canada. Officials said there has been little to no fire growth in the last 24 hours, but stressed that unburned, dry fuel combined with low humidity could pose threats despite the decreased winds. While first responders are making progress putting out flames, evacuated residents will not be able to return to their neighborhoods for at least one more week, even for areas deemed safe. Around 82,400 Californians are under evacuation orders, according to Sheriff Robert Luna. He also said there have been 47 arrests related to looting and violations of evacuation orders.

As Joe Biden nears the end of his term, he is set to remove Cuba’s designation as a ‘state sponsor of terrorism’. This decision comes after an assessment found no evidence supporting Cuba’s continued listing. However, with Donald Trump soon to take office, the move may be symbolic and subject to reversal. Cuban officials welcomed the ‘overdue’ action, pointing out the harm which the designation caused to their economy and population. The designation, originally made in 1982 under Ronald Reagan, has been rescinded and reinstated several times. While some Republicans plan to challenge the move, the change could allow US humanitarian organisations to provide aid to Cuba without facing sanctions. In response, Cuba announced the release of 553 prisoners, including some linked to the anti-government protests in 2021.

Wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have reached the Hollywood Hills, forcing over 100,000 people to evacuate. Six different fires, fuelled by dry hurricane-force winds, have killed at least five people, burned thousands of acres, and destroyed hundreds of homes. The Sunset fire in Hollywood Hills, while relatively small at fifty acres, has disrupted the entertainment industry, threatening iconic landmarks like Sunset Boulevard. On the west side, the Palisades fire has consumed over 15,000 acres and devastated neighbourhoods. To the east, the Eaton fire has scorched over 10,000 acres and destroyed 1,000 structures. Economic losses to date are estimated at $50 billion. Firefighters are stretched thin; they have been reinforced by teams from other areas, and even by prison inmates. See

An army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, carried out a New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, killing fifteen people and injuring thirty more by driving a truck into a crowd. Jabbar, a former soldier with ties to Texas, displayed an IS flag and posted videos expressing admiration for the group shortly before the attack. Police killed him in a shootout and are investigating his associates for potential involvement. Explosive devices were found and neutralized, prompting heightened security measures. Joe Biden condemned the act as terrorism, noting Jabbar’s social media activity and disturbed state following a divorce. New Orleans had implemented temporary security barriers against such attacks, but they proved ineffective against Jabbar’s actions. In another attack, probably unrelated, a truck full of fireworks and gas cylinders exploded outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven others: see

On 31 December Panama celebrated the 25th anniversary of reclaiming the Panama Canal from US control. President José Raúl Mulino has rejected recent comments by Donald Trump suggesting that the USA might try to reclaim it; he commented, ‘(It) will stay in our hands for ever’. The transfer of the canal in 1999, ending 85 years of US administration, was hailed as a landmark moment in Panamanian sovereignty. The canal, which remains a crucial global shipping route, is vital to the country’s economy, accounting for about 20% of its annual revenue. Challenges emerged in 2023 as droughts reduced transit capacity, forcing higher shipping fees. Although operations have normalised since then, price increases are anticipated next year.

Former US president Jimmy Carter has died peacefully at his Georgia home at age 100, surrounded by family. Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, will be remembered for his dedication to peace, human rights, and public service. One of his most memorable achievements was bringing about the Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt. However, as president he faced numerous challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis; the hostages were released the day he left office, showing that he had continued negotiations behind the scenes even after his election defeat. Thereafter, he earned admiration for his humanitarian work, including diplomatic missions and building homes for the poor. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to minimise or avert conflict globally.  He once said, 'My faith demands that I do whatever I can... to make a difference’. He will be given a state funeral on 9 January.

Barry Black, a 76-year-old retired Navy rear admiral and the first black and Seventh-Day Adventist Senate chaplain, recently experienced a life-threatening brain bleed. Swiftly cared for by Capitol physician Brian Monahan, Black is now on a hopeful and steady path to recovery. Black deeply credits God’s extraordinary intervention for sparing him from a potentially dire outcome: Monahan’s urgent decision to call him and advise immediate medical care was seen as divinely inspired, averting more serious complications. As Christmas approaches, Black is expected to reunite with his family, further showcasing God’s compassionate and providential care. Let us pray for his continued healing, and for his family to feel God’s comforting presence.

Phil Cohn, a passionate evangelist and president of Saturate USA, leads an ambitious project to distribute the Jesus Film and salvation pamphlets to every home in America by 2027. This initiative equips local churches with free resources, enabling members to engage neighbourhoods through door-to-door outreach or door-handle delivery. With an aim to reach 120 million households, Saturate USA has already covered 38.4 million homes across all 50 states. Phil has felt compelled to share the gospel globally since the age of 19. His vision expanded to using the Jesus Film, which has sparked revival worldwide, including starting over a million churches. From Muslim families in America to residents under Taliban rule, countless lives have been transformed. Despite challenges, Phil continues to trust God for miracles, passionately focused on saturating America with the message of Christ. His vision reflects his unwavering belief in God’s power to save.

Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) has won a significant legal victory, securing a permanent statewide injunction allowing Good News clubs to operate in all public school districts across Hawaii. These weekly gatherings teach children aged 5-12 about the Bible, memory verses, and praise songs, while also fostering fellowship and fun. Represented by Liberty Counsel, CEF filed a lawsuit against Hawaii education officials after several school districts blocked the clubs from using public school facilities, while permitting secular groups access. The courts ruled that such actions violated the first and 14th amendments of the US constitution, ensuring religious organizations have equal access to public spaces. Fred Pry of CEF welcomed the ruling as a triumph for religious freedom and free speech. Liberty Counsel continues to defend Christian clubs in other states, with plans to challenge similar restrictions in California. This victory highlights the enduring importance of protecting constitutional rights for faith-based organizations in public settings.

Joe Biden has granted a full pardon to his son Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing for gun charges and federal tax evasion. Hunter had been convicted of lying on a federal gun purchase form in 2018 by denying his drug addiction and had pleaded guilty to failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes, which he later repaid with interest and penalties. The pardon, ahead of Hunter’s scheduled sentencing dates, cancels both convictions. Biden described the charges as politically motivated and unfair, arguing that similar offences often result in non-criminal resolutions. He condemned the justice department’s pursuit of his son, attributing it to congressional opponents' pressure. Hunter’s legal troubles, including struggles with addiction, have been a focus of considerable scrutiny over the past five years. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who granted a total of 144 pardons in his first term of office, has appointed one of those who were pardoned (his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner) to be US ambassador to France: see