Friday Briefing: Racing to Control Los Angeles Fires

Across the US South, extreme weather has brought record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures, leading residents from Florida to Texas to seek refuge in warming centers and causing chaos on roads and runways. The region experienced its worst snowstorm in 130 years, with up to 25cm of snow in New Orleans and similar accumulations in Pensacola and Houston. Airports struggled with over 1,800 flight cancellations, with Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport cancelling 37% of outbound flights...

In response to Trump's economic warfare declaration, the world is unlikely to remain passive, with potential retaliation not necessarily escalating trade war risks. Dumping US Treasuries could impact the economy, prompting higher rates and inflation, potentially leading to recession. Trump's prioritization of punishing allies like Canada and Mexico, coupled with imperialistic rhetoric regarding Greenland, Panama Canal, and South America, signals a shift in US foreign policy focus away from traditional allies towards China and Russia....

The company has not added any funding information yet, allowing users to input their investment details for rounds such as stage, size, and date. Users can indicate their participation in the round by selecting "Yes" or "No" and choosing to be added to the investment. The platform remains open for users to contribute their investment data to enhance the company's funding information. Full Article

Wildlife trade is a major driver of global biodiversity loss, spreading invasive species and pathogens that endanger wild populations. Limited monitoring hinders a comprehensive understanding of the global wildlife trade, with exceptions like the US, where comprehensive data from LEMIS highlights the massive scale of the trade. Researchers suggest measures like a reverse listing approach and standardized data collection to improve sustainability assessments ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference in February 2025. Full Article

Bimla Bissell, a well-connected social secretary to four American ambassadors to India, passed away at 92 due to complications of diabetes. She played a crucial role in organizing diplomatic events, including Jacqueline Kennedy's visit to India, and was known for her vast social network and political astuteness. Bissell's influence extended beyond diplomacy, as she also founded Delhi's first progressive preschool, leaving behind a legacy as a guiding light for newcomers and a unique citizen-diplomat for...

Malaysia's attorney-general has requested a gag order to prevent public discussion of former Prime Minister Najib Razak's claim that he has a document allowing him to serve his remaining prison sentence at home. Najib, convicted of corruption in the 1MDB scandal, is seeking to convert his prison term to house arrest based on an alleged "addendum order" issued by the former king. The government's move to restrict discussion on the case reflects the sensitive political...