Los Angeles is facing severe wildfire conditions with at least three active fires still raging. The death toll stands at 24, and dangerous weather is forecasted with wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour. Low humidity and low moisture levels are expected to exacerbate the threat, which extends north to Ventura County. The severe weather conditions are predicted to continue through Wednesday.
President Biden announced that the federal government will cover 100% of the costs for the next 180 days for expenses such as firefighter overtime pay, debris removal, and temporary shelters. The total cost is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars, with insured losses alone potentially exceeding $30 billion.
The DOJ report by special counsel Jack Smith details Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to reject congressional certification and his refusal to help stop the January 6th Capitol riot. The report, which spans 137 pages, highlights these actions as evidence of Trump's guilt, though Trump and his allies have dismissed the findings as a baseless political attack.
Israel and Hamas are finalizing terms on a ceasefire deal that could be announced soon. The proposed deal includes a 42-day truce, with Hamas releasing 33 hostages in the first phase and Palestinian prisoners being released from Israeli jails. However, both sides have warned that talks could still fall apart. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed optimism about reaching a deal before President Biden leaves office.
The wildfires could have a significant economic impact, with insured losses estimated at around $30 billion and overall costs potentially reaching $250 billion. The fires may also affect the jobless rate and GDP, particularly impacting sectors like the entertainment industry, which has seen production shutdowns. Home insurers are particularly exposed, and there are discussions about federal reimbursement, with President Biden proposing a bill in the tens of billions of dollars.
The DOJ report is unlikely to prevent Donald Trump from becoming president again, as the findings have already been factored into public opinion and Trump was elected despite the controversies. The report provides a detailed account of Trump's actions around the January 6th Capitol attack and his efforts to reverse the election results, but with universal Republican control of Congress, the political landscape remains favorable for Trump.
On today's podcast:
Fire-Scarred Los Angeles Braces for More Extreme Wind
DOJ Report Says Trump Would Have Been Convicted in Election Case
China Weighs Sale of TikTok US to Musk as a Possible Option
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