World

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection released updated fire-hazard severity-zone maps for Los Angeles County, adding over 440,000 acres to the hazard zones, including a 30% increase in the highest severity rating. L.A. city and county now have five months to receive public input, make adjustments, and enforce heightened fire-safety regulations in the new zones. The new maps include "moderate" and "high" zones, requiring homeowners in these areas to follow fire-safe building codes and maintain defensible space around their properties. Full Article

On Friday, the closure of Heathrow Airport due to a nearby fire led to over 1,300 cancelled flights and 240,000 disrupted passengers, with airlines facing an estimated £100m in losses. The first flight out after reopening was a British Airways trip to Riyadh, while over 100 flights were cancelled the next day as airlines struggled to retrieve their aircraft. The economic impact is immeasurable, with inbound tourism and the UK's appeal suffering in both the short and long term, alongside the emotional toll on passengers whose travel plans were ruined. Full Article

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the importance of adaptability, transformation, and seizing emerging opportunities for survival in the contemporary battlespace, while addressing future strategic leaders at the College of Defence Management. He underscored the need for visionary leadership, resilience, and a whole-of-nation approach to effectively navigate the complex security landscape characterized by rapid global power shifts, non-traditional threats, and technological advancements. Gen Chauhan also discussed the role of the Indian armed forces in shaping the national security strategy and highlighted the Department of Military Affairs' efforts towards fostering jointness, integration, and synergy within the armed forces, especially...

Jessica Hoff, 47, is facing charges after over 50 of her dogs attacked and killed her 76-year-old mother, LaVonne Hoff, who had dementia and needed constant care. Authorities found LaVonne unconscious at her home in Colorado City, where Jessica had left her alone while she ran errands. Deputies discovered a total of 54 dogs, some in poor health, along with birds in unsanitary conditions, leading to their seizure by animal control. Full Article

President Trump has built lavish clubs and gold-encrusted skyscrapers, won the White House twice, and sought a Nobel Peace Prize that has eluded him. Despite numerous nominations and efforts to secure peace deals in Ukraine and the Middle East, critics argue that his actions align him with aggressors. Trump's focus on accolades and desire to best his predecessors drive his pursuit of the prestigious award, even as he faces backlash for his approach to international conflicts. Full Article

Emma Raducanu advanced to her first WTA 1,000 quarter-final with a dominant straight-set win over Amanda Anisimova in Miami, winning 6-1 6-3. The British player, who won the US Open in 2021, displayed impressive returning skills and resilience throughout the match. Raducanu will face either Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals. Full Article

Heathrow Airport remained open on Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation caused it to close down temporarily. National Grid CEO John Pettigrew confirmed that despite damage to one substation, two others were able to supply enough power to keep the airport running. National Grid, the owner of the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, assured that there was no lack of capacity to provide power to Heathrow. Full Article

The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted a portrait he commissioned of Donald Trump to the U.S. president's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during a meeting in Moscow. The gift was first mentioned by Witkoff in an interview with Tucker Carlson, where he described Trump's reaction as "touched." This isn't the first time Putin has gifted a U.S. leader, having previously given Joe Biden a writing box and pen, and Barack Obama porcelain plates and espresso cups. Full Article

The United Nations is facing scrutiny for attributing an attack on its Gaza compound to Israel, prompting a reduction in its presence in the region despite escalating humanitarian needs. The IDF denied responsibility for the strike, highlighting the ongoing conflict with Hamas and other extremist groups. Amidst tensions, the IDF's killing of a Hamas member in a hospital underscores the complex dynamics at play in Gaza. Full Article

In the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, many women are employed in manufacturing, particularly at FoxConn, which manufactures iPhones for Apple. The women's wages are life-changing, providing opportunities for financial support for their families. India hopes to attract more labor-intensive manufacturing as U.S.-China relations deteriorate and the Trump administration's tariff policies make it more expensive to do business in China. Full Article