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The third large-scale wildfire this month in Los Angeles, the largest city in the western United States, is spreading for the second day on the 23rd, driven by strong winds. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the “Hughes Wildfire” that broke out near Lake Castaic in northern LA County at 10:53 a.m. the previous day had spread to 1,176 acres (41.2 km²) by 10:34 a.m. today. In just one day, the fire burned an area nearly 10 times the size of Yeouido (4.5 km²).

Hundreds of firefighters are working tirelessly to combat the blaze, but as of now, the fire is only 14% contained. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for 31,000 residents near the fire area and have warned another 23,000 people who are at risk to prepare to evacuate. According to CNN and others, some of the county jail facilities are in the evacuation zone, and about 470 inmates have been relocated to other facilities. Authorities have stated that there have been no reports of damage to buildings or any casualties or injuries from the fire.

Meanwhile, another wildfire, known as the Sepulveda fire, broke out near the Bel-Air area close to the Getty Museum after midnight, putting residents on high alert. Authorities reported that about 250 firefighters responded quickly, and the fire was extinguished after burning 0.16 km². The previous day, wind gusts of up to 67 km/h blew across the northwest of LA, fanning the flames. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted that extremely dry and windy weather will persist until the 24th. Afterward, fire departments and residents are hopeful for the long-awaited rain, expected over the weekend.

According to the NWS, 12.7 to 19.1 mm of rain is expected in the LA area on the weekend of the 25th and 26th. While not a large amount, this rain could be a much-needed relief for the area, which has been suffering from drought for over three months. However, experts have warned that even this modest amount of rain could trigger landslides, and debris flows in the vulnerable fire zones, so authorities are preparing for potential risks.

In addition, two large wildfires have been ongoing in LA since the 7th. The Palisades wildfire on the west coast has burned 94.9 km², and the Eaton wildfire on the eastern inland has consumed 56.7 km². As of today, the suppression rates for these fires are 72% and 95%, respectively. Though strong winds continue to affect these fires, authorities report that they are no longer spreading, thanks to defence lines set up by firefighters. Tragically, these two fires have claimed at least 28 lives, and an estimated 16,000 buildings have been destroyed.

According to Reuters and other news outlets, disaster management service provider KCC has estimated that the insured losses from these fires could amount to approximately $28 billion (around 40.2 trillion won). In response to the ongoing crisis, the California State Assembly passed a bill on the same day to allocate $2.5 billion (around 3.6 trillion won) from the state budget to support wildfire victims and assist in the restoration of local infrastructure.

On January 19th (local time), Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba commented on the arrest of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, stating that regardless of any potential changes in the South Korean government, the importance of South Korea-Japan relations would remain unchanged. Speaking on an NHK program, Ishiba highlighted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. He expressed his intention to continue efforts to maintain and strengthen the positive relationship between the two countries, which had significantly improved during President Yoon’s term.

Prime Minister Ishiba also revealed that he is in the process of coordinating schedules for his first summit with President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on January 20th. Although the specific date for the summit has not been finalized, Ishiba mentioned that discussions are ongoing, with the meeting expected to take place “around this time.” He emphasized the importance of the summit, stating that it would provide an opportunity for both countries to engage in proactive discussions on foreign policy matters, including security, economic issues, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

In addition, Prime Minister Ishiba addressed the issue of U.S. President Joe Biden’s order blocking Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, expressing his intention to seek President-elect Trump’s understanding on the matter. Ishiba conveyed that he would explain how the acquisition would contribute to job creation in both countries, hoping to gain support for the deal from the incoming Trump administration.

Local media, including the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, have recently reported that Prime Minister Ishiba and President-elect Trump are coordinating to hold their summit in early February. On the domestic front, Ishiba discussed the upcoming House of Councillors (Upper House) elections in Japan, scheduled for July. He set the benchmark for success as securing a majority for the entire ruling party, calling it the “minimum line” for victory.

Finally, regarding the possibility of the opposition party submitting a motion of no confidence in the cabinet during the regular session scheduled to take place from January 24th to June 22nd, Ishiba hinted that such a move could lead to the dissolution of the House of Representatives. He noted that the purpose of the Constitution is to seek the people’s trust, suggesting that he might take such a drastic step to maintain stability and confidence in the government.

President-elect Donald Trump, who has placed “America First” at the forefront of his political agenda, is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20th. Despite continuing to deny his defeat in the 2020 presidential election and the significant legal risks stemming from the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, Trump has managed to reclaim power in a historic “tightrope walk” after four years. This marks the beginning of Trump 2.0, a new chapter in American leadership that promises to reshape global security and the international trade order. His administration, which centres on American interests and draws little distinction between allies and adversaries, is expected to bring transformative changes to the world stage, particularly in regions like the Korean Peninsula.

The second Trump administration is already showing signs of an even more aggressive approach than his first term, as evidenced by his territorial expansion policies and the emergence of the so-called ‘Donro doctrine’—a mix of Trump’s ideas and the Monroe Doctrine. This signifies a shift toward a more assertive “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) vision, which has set the world on high alert. With strategic challenges from countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, which are increasingly cooperating to undermine the U.S.-led world order, Trump’s return to the White House is expected to hasten changes in the post-war international order, previously structured around democratic values and free trade.

Trump’s inauguration will take place at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on the afternoon of January 20th. He will take the oath of office before Chief Justice John Roberts, deliver his inaugural address, and outline his vision for the next four years. His term officially begins at noon, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution. After the ceremony, Trump is expected to head to the White House, where he will attend a congressional luncheon and review military operations. Known for his bold promises during the campaign, Trump is expected to take immediate action on issues such as the economy, trade, immigration, energy, and foreign policy through around 100 executive orders. One of the most closely watched aspects will be whether he follows through on his pledge to impose high tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, which he promised during his election campaign in response to issues like illegal immigration and drug inflow.

Trump has already signalled his intention to impose additional tariffs on these nations—25% on Mexico and Canada, and 10% on China—on the day of his inauguration. These tariffs are intended to pressure foreign manufacturers to move production to the U.S. by making it financially unappealing to produce goods overseas. If Trump moves forward with this plan, it could spark a global trade war, with retaliatory measures already being prepared by Canada and Mexico. The World Bank has warned that such tariffs could significantly reduce global economic growth. As international tensions rise, Trump’s stance on global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine will also be of significant interest. While he has pledged to end the conflict, he has acknowledged that it is a complex issue. Trump’s potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin could be pivotal in determining the direction of the war, and the outcome of any negotiations could reshape security alliances in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

In addition to foreign policy challenges, Trump is expected to focus on domestic issues. He has vowed to address North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and emphasized his personal relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. On the domestic front, Trump is anticipated to press South Korea to increase its defence cost-sharing, a position he has held since his first term. He has also indicated plans to push for the return of the Panama Canal, as well as incorporate Greenland and Canada into the U.S., using both military force and economic leverage if necessary.

Economically, Trump plans to roll back certain policies, such as the “electric vehicle mandate,” and may take a hardline stance on investments in sectors like semiconductors, challenging the status quo under the Biden administration. His plans to address issues like illegal immigration, with large-scale deportations and changes to birthright citizenship, could have significant social and economic implications. The second Trump administration will likely be characterized by a cabinet composed entirely of his loyalists, and with the Republican Party controlling both the Senate and House of Representatives, Trump will have significant leverage to push his policies. However, the lack of a firm majority in Congress and internal GOP disagreements over spending could complicate the execution of his agenda.

Despite his control over the executive branch, the inflationary impact of his trade policies and the challenges of balancing American power abroad without direct intervention are potential stumbling blocks. The Stimson Centre, a think tank, has raised concerns that Trump’s second term could create confusion and global risks due to contradictory goals, making the international landscape even more complex and dangerous than during his first term. As President-elect Trump takes office, the world will be watching closely as his policies unfold and reshape both domestic and international dynamics.

Vice President-elect JD Vance has stated that those who engaged in violence during the January 6 Capitol riot should not be pardoned. In an interview with Fox News on January 12, Vance clarified his stance on the potential pardoning of individuals involved in the storming of the Capitol by radical supporters of then-President Donald Trump. Vance asserted that individuals who peacefully protested on that day and were unjustly treated by the Justice Department under Attorney General Merrick Garland should be pardoned. However, he emphasized that those who committed violent acts should not receive a pardon. Vance acknowledged a “grey area” between the violent and non-violent protesters but reiterated his commitment to equal enforcement of the law, expressing concern over what he perceived as wrongful prosecutions following the events of January 6.

Vance’s comments on pardoning those involved in the January 6 riot starkly contrast with those made by Donald Trump. In a recent interview with Time magazine, Trump was asked about pardoning all defendants involved in the Capitol breach, to which he initially responded, “Yes,” before backtracking and stating that pardons would be issued on a case-by-case basis. When asked if violent offenders would be included in such pardons, Trump avoided giving a clear answer, instead stating that he would “look at each case” and make decisions “very quickly.”

In addition to his remarks on the January 6 incident, Vance commented on Greenland, which has been a point of interest for President-elect Trump. Vance highlighted the potential for the U.S. to show leadership in protecting national security and developing Greenland’s natural resources. Referring to Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., Vance noted that during a recent visit to Greenland, local officials expressed interest in granting development rights for their natural resources. Vance emphasized the need to ensure that Greenland is managed with American security interests in mind. While he acknowledged Trump’s earlier statement that he would not rule out the use of force to secure control of Greenland, Vance clarified that this did not imply an intention to annex the territory militarily. He also noted that there is no current need for military action in Greenland, given that the U.S. military is already stationed there.

Tensions are rising in Los Angeles, the largest city in the West, as multiple wildfires continue to spread and strong winds are forecast. Fire authorities are working tirelessly to extinguish the blazes before the winds arrive, deploying over 1,000 fire trucks and more than 10,000 personnel.

The National Weather Service issued a red alert for the fire situation until January 15 and predicted strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) and gusts up to 70 miles per hour (113 km/h) in the mountains. Meteorologist Rich Thompson of the National Weather Service warned that January 14 would be the most dangerous day, as very strong gusts, dry air, and dry brush would create perilous fire conditions.

In response, over 14,000 personnel, including firefighters and support crews from California, nine other U.S. states, and Mexico, have been mobilized to combat the fires. A total of 1,354 fire trucks and 84 aircraft have been deployed.

As of the morning of January 12, four wildfires in LA County, including the Palisades Fire in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, have burned through 160 square kilometres (60 square miles), an area larger than San Francisco. The largest wildfire, the Palisades Fire, is about 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire, near a major Korean community in Altadena, is 27% contained. The fire in Mandeville Canyon, near Pacific Palisades, was extinguished on January 11.

As the wildfires continue, the damage has escalated, with the death toll at 16 and the number of missing people also at 16. Over 12,000 buildings have been destroyed, including more than 7,000 structures in the Eaton Fire alone. While most evacuation orders have been lifted, the economic losses from the fires, which were estimated at between $135 billion and $150 billion, are expected to rise as the fires remain active. During the crisis, looting has surged, with 29 people arrested for breaking into empty houses or stores.

As the 2024 re-election campaign of former President Donald Trump approaches, concerns are mounting about the potential risks associated with submitting the Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA). Students, particularly those whose parents are undocumented immigrants, are increasingly anxious about the possibility that their families’ immigration status could be exposed through the FAFSA process. This growing uncertainty comes amid fears that information shared on the application could be used by government agencies in ways that were previously not considered.

The FAFSA is a crucial document for students applying for financial aid for college or graduate school. It requires detailed information, including parents’ Social Security Numbers (SSNs). In cases where parents do not have SSNs, applicants are instructed to enter ‘0’ instead. This is where potential issues arise. Without proper safeguards, the entry of a ‘0’ could inadvertently reveal the immigration status of the student’s parents, exposing them as undocumented.

While the U.S. Department of Education assures that it does not share FAFSA information with agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the apprehension persists. Students and advocates are particularly concerned that under the Trump administration, which has previously emphasized mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, FAFSA data could be repurposed to target undocumented families if Trump is re-elected.

The growing anxiety has prompted student advocacy groups, such as the National College Access Network (NCAN), to voice their concerns. NCAN has pointed out that while the Higher Education Act protects FAFSA information from being used for anything other than determining federal financial aid eligibility, there is no guarantee that this will remain the case under a future administration. The organization has raised alarms about the potential erosion of these protections and the broader implications for students and families.

Similarly, the National Association of College Admission Counsellors (NACAC) acknowledged that concerns about the exposure of immigration status through FAFSA submissions are not new. However, there is a notable increase in worry that the next administration may exploit FAFSA data for purposes beyond financial aid, such as immigration enforcement. Despite these concerns, NACAC also emphasized that there is currently no evidence to suggest that FAFSA information is being used for anything other than its intended purpose.

The uncertainty surrounding the FAFSA process is affecting students’ decisions on whether to submit their applications. High school guidance counsellors in areas with large immigrant populations, such as Los Angeles, have reported that some students are hesitating to complete their FAFSA forms out of fear that their families’ undocumented status may be exposed. This growing hesitation is not just about financial aid, but also the broader implications for families living in fear of potential deportation.

As the debate continues, it remains unclear how the Trump administration, if re-elected, might handle the privacy protections currently in place for FAFSA submissions. What is certain is that the growing anxiety surrounding this issue is putting additional stress on immigrant families and their children, who are simply trying to access higher education and build a better future.

According to CNN and TechCrunch, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, led by Elon Musk, is making significant strides in expanding its reach. As of January 5th, Starlink is set to be integrated into United Airlines, one of the major U.S. carriers. This marks a major step in SpaceX’s expansion of its satellite internet technology into the commercial aviation industry.

United Airlines to Begin In-Flight Testing

United Airlines initially announced plans to introduce Starlink’s internet service in September of last year. However, the airline revealed that it would begin in-flight testing next month, ahead of its original schedule. The full-scale rollout of the service will be launched on some regional aircraft starting this spring. The airline has ambitious plans to expand the Starlink service to its major routes by the end of 2025. Additionally, members of United’s ‘Mileage Plus’ program will be able to access Starlink’s satellite internet for free during their flights.

Growing Influence of Musk’s Starlink

CNN highlighted that the inclusion of Starlink by United Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the U.S., underscores Elon Musk’s growing influence across various industries in the American economy. The satellite internet service is not limited to United Airlines, as Hawaiian Airlines has also adopted Starlink for some of its flights. Furthermore, the charter company JSX is offering Starlink Wi-Fi on 46 of its aircraft, demonstrating the expanding reach of SpaceX’s internet service within the aviation sector.

As the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections has been rapidly increasing in the New York and New Jersey areas, New York City has recommended wearing masks as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus. On December 24, the New York City Department of Health advised residents to wear masks when using public transportation, such as subways and buses, or in crowded indoor spaces. The department reported that by December 14, approximately 5,000 cases of RSV infection had been confirmed in the city.

The Department of Health explained that RSV spreads through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. To reduce the risk of transmission, the department emphasized the importance of preventive measures, such as wearing masks and washing hands. Although the mask recommendation is not mandatory, it is part of a broader effort to curb the spread of the virus. The city is also encouraging vaccination for adults over 60, pregnant women, infants, and other vulnerable populations to protect them from RSV infection.

In addition to the RSV surge, New York City had previously issued a flu warning the week before due to a rise in flu cases.

The Carter Foundation confirmed his death in a statement, announcing that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that he died at 3:45 p.m. Carter had battled cancer in the past and faced various health issues since then. In February of the previous year, he publicly shared that he had ceased life-sustaining treatments and was receiving hospice and palliative care at home.

Carter celebrated his 98th birthday in October 2022, making him the longest-living U.S. president. Despite facing challenges both domestically and abroad during his presidency, and ultimately failing to secure re-election, he was later recognized as the “greatest former U.S. president” for his post-presidential efforts as a peacemaker. Notably, he received the Nobel Peace Prize and developed a long-standing relationship with the Korean Peninsula. His political career began in 1962 when he won a seat in the Georgia Senate after his rival lost due to election fraud. He later served as governor of Georgia and gained national recognition in the 1976 presidential election, defeating incumbent President Gerald Ford.

One of Carter’s most significant achievements as president was the successful mediation of the Camp David Accords in September 1978. He brought Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to Camp David, where they signed an agreement that led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. This agreement is credited with preventing decades of conflict in the Middle East. However, Carter’s presidency was also marked by criticisms, including the failure to address stagflation and the diplomatic failure during the 1979 Iranian Revolution when American embassy staff were held hostage for 444 days. These events caused his approval ratings to plummet. He was ultimately defeated by Republican candidate Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.

After leaving office, Carter went on to achieve even greater recognition through the Carter Centre, an organization he founded to promote peace, democracy, and human rights, as well as to fight diseases. He also became involved in the Habitat for Humanity project, helping to build homes for people in need. His post-presidential life was marked by a dedication to humanitarian causes, and he became known as one of America’s greatest former presidents.

Carter is also remembered for his significant engagement with the Korean Peninsula. He raised concerns about human rights in South Korea and clashed with the regime of Park Chung-hee over the U.S. troop presence. In his memoir, Carter reflected on his tense meeting with President Park in 1979, which he described as one of the most unpleasant discussions he had ever had with an ally. Carter’s efforts to promote peace extended to North Korea as well, where he visited multiple times, including during the 1994 North Korean nuclear crisis, and worked to open dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea.

Carter faced numerous health challenges in his later years, including a diagnosis of melanoma in 2015, which had metastasized to his liver and brain. However, he was declared cured later that year. He continued to experience health issues, undergoing brain surgery in 2019 after a fall. He married Rosalynn Carter in 1946, and they enjoyed a loving partnership for 77 years. She passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. Carter had expressed a desire to be buried in Washington, D.C., or Plains, Georgia, and his funeral will be held publicly in Washington and Atlanta. Specific details about the funeral and procession will be announced later.

President Joe Biden confirmed that he had been asked to deliver a eulogy at Carter’s funeral. Former President Donald Trump and President Bill Clinton also issued statements honouring Carter. Trump acknowledged the challenges Carter faced and praised his efforts to improve the lives of Americans. Clinton praised Carter for his achievements in civil rights, environmental protection, Middle East peace efforts, and his role in returning the Panama Canal to Panama, describing him as someone who worked tirelessly for a better world.

Some public transportation routes in New York City will change during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), subways in New York City will operate on the Sunday schedule on December 25th. On New Year’s Eve, December 31st, trains, including the 7 train, will increase evening and late-night service. On New Year’s Day, January 1st, the Sunday schedule will be in effect.

In addition, some New York City bus routes, except for those in Queens, will operate on a shortened schedule on December 24th and 31st. On December 25th and January 1st, buses will follow the Sunday schedule.

The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) will operate on its regular schedule on December 24th and the Sunday schedule on December 25th. It will increase service in the afternoon on December 31st toward Manhattan and from midnight on January 1st toward Long Island.

Meanwhile, construction work on bridges and tunnels in New York City will be completely suspended from 3 p.m. on December 23rd to December 26th, and from 1 p.m. on December 31st to January 2nd of the following year.