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The death toll due to the ravaging wildfires in Los Angeles (LA) has climbed to 16, and more fatalities are expected.
According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Sunday (Jan 12), firefighting crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds returned that could push the flames toward some of the city&rsquo;s&nbsp;most famous landmarks.
Of the 16 deaths reported, five were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire.
Here's a look at the latest updates from the calamity:
&gt; According to reports, international firefighting crews arrived in Los Angeles to battle the blaze.&nbsp;
&gt;&nbsp;The National Weather Service said on Sunday that the next few days would prove critical to the firefighting effort, with dry weather and strong winds expected to continue before temperatures would cool toward the end of the week starting Monday.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-california-politicians-incompetent-over-la-wildfires-response-8612664" rel="dofollow">'Fires are still raging': Trump calls California politicians 'incompetent' over LA wildfires response</a>
&gt;&nbsp;A Red Flag Warning was in place in the Los Angeles and Ventura countries. The warning is also in place in place for other parts of Southern California, including inland Orange County and the Inland Empire, the areas just south and east of Los Angeles.
&gt; According to a report by CNN, there was a chance of light rain next weekend.
&gt; Around 35,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles were without electricity as of Sunday morning.
&gt; United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump lashed out at California-based politicians over their response in handling the wildfires.
&gt; In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote,&nbsp;"The fires are still raging in LA. The incompetent pols (politicians) have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and&nbsp;many more will soon be lost."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfires-lottery-winner-loses-entire-mansion-worth-38-million-in-blaze-8612503" rel="dofollow">LA wildfires: Lottery winner loses entire mansion worth $3.8 million in blaze</a>
&gt; Trump's remarks came after California Governor Gavin Newsom deflected the blame when&nbsp;he was&nbsp;asked about the public anger over his&nbsp;administration's&nbsp;response to controlling the wildfires, citing he was not getting straight answers.
&gt; During a recent podcast, Governor Newsom said that local leaders and his team failed to provide him with a clear picture of the situation.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending: Around 35,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles were without electricity as of Sunday morning. Authorities have issued a Red Flag warning for several areas. 

The death toll due to the ravaging wildfires in Los Angeles (LA) has climbed to 16, and more fatalities are expected. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Sunday (Jan 12), firefighting crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds returned that could push the flames toward some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Of the 16 deaths reported, five were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire. Here's a look at the latest updates from the calamity: > According to reports, international firefighting crews arrived in Los Angeles to battle the blaze. > The National Weather Service said on Sunday that the next few days would prove critical to the firefighting effort, with dry weather and strong winds expected to continue before temperatures would cool toward the end of the week starting Monday. Also read | 'Fires are still raging': Trump calls California politicians 'incompetent' over LA wildfires response > A Red Flag Warning was in place in the Los Angeles and Ventura countries. The warning is also in place in place for other parts of Southern California, including inland Orange County and the Inland Empire, the areas just south and east of Los Angeles. > According to a report by CNN, there was a chance of light rain next weekend. > Around 35,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles were without electricity as of Sunday morning. > United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump lashed out at California-based politicians over their response in handling the wildfires. > In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "The fires are still raging in LA. The incompetent pols (politicians) have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost." Also read | LA wildfires: Lottery winner loses entire mansion worth $3.8 million in blaze > Trump's remarks came after California Governor Gavin Newsom deflected the blame when he was asked about the public anger over his administration's response to controlling the wildfires, citing he was not getting straight answers. > During a recent podcast, Governor Newsom said that local leaders and his team failed to provide him with a clear picture of the situation. (With inputs from agencies)

LA wildfires update: International crews arrive to battle blaze; death toll at 16

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The death toll from the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area has risen to 16 as crews battle to cut off the spreading blazes. Watch this report for more details!

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Anita Anand has bowed out of Canada's prime ministerial race and announced that she won't seek re-election to parliament either.
Transport Minister Anand said on Saturday afternoon that she was following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's example and will start her career's next chapter by returning to academia.
With the Liberal Party leadership and the prime ministership heading to a dead end in an election that favours the opposition Conservative Party and its leader Pierre Marcel Poilievre, two other prominent politicians, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, have also quit the race to succeed Trudeau who last week announced his decision to resign.
In the announcement on X, Anand, who has previously held the powerful defence portfolio, said, &ldquo;Now that the Prime Minister has made his decision to move to his next chapter, I have determined the time is right for me to do the same, and to return to my prior professional life of teaching, research, and public policy analyses.&rdquo;
An expert in business and finance law, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Toronto. She did stints as a visiting lecturer at Yale University in the US before plunging into politics and becoming the MP from Oakville in Ontario in 2019.
Speaking of her origin, she said, &ldquo;During my first campaign, many people told me that a woman of Indian descent would not get elected in Oakville, Ontario. Yet, Oakville rallied behind me not once but twice since 2019, an honour that I will hold in my heart forever.&rdquo;
Her father, S.V. Anand, was the son of a freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu, V.A. Sundaram, and her mother, Saroj Ram, was from Punjab, and both were doctors who immigrated to Canada.
<h2>Early life</h2>
Joining the Trudeau cabinet in 2019 as the public services and procurement minister, she made her mark ensuring Canada had enough medical equipment and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, she received the high-profile defence portfolio and moved in a cabinet reshuffle to be the president of the Treasury Board, a ministerial-level post, overseeing government operations broadly.
Last year, she became the transport minister and added the internal trade portfolio.
Taking stock of her rapid rise in government, she wrote, &ldquo;Back in 2019, I could never have imagined that such work would mean navigating supply chains to overcome a global pandemic, addressing sexual assault in the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring military aid reached Ukraine, overseeing the Treasury Board Secretariat or reinforcing Canada's Transportation systems."
With his popularity cratering, Trudeau has said that he will quit when a new Liberal Party leader, who will automatically become the prime minister, is elected under the supervision of party President Sachit Mehra.
The party said the election will be completed by March 9, ahead of parliament resuming its sessions on March 24.
Opposition parties have threatened an immediate vote of non-confidence, which would lead to elections sooner than October when the House of Commons term runs out.
An Abacus poll after Trudeau's announcement showed the opposition Conservative Party with a massive 27 per cent lead, with 47 per cent voter support compared to the Liberal's 20 per cent.
With less than weeks or months to try to turn the Liberal Party's fortunes around, leaders are reluctant to take on the mantle of prime ministership for a short time, only to lead the party to almost certain defeat in the parliamentary election.
US President-elect Trump's threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports if Ottawa did not crack down on illegal migration to the US has rattled Canadian politics.
Both Joly and LeBlanc, who hold portfolios directly dealing with the Trump threat, said they are quitting the race to focus on it.
Of the likely front-runners, Chrystia Freeland, who was forced out as deputy prime minister by Trudeau, and economist and banker Mark Carney, who has the unique distinction of having been the governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada, are now left in the race.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | An expert in business and finance law, Anita Anand was a tenured law professor at the University of Toronto. She did stints as a visiting lecturer at Yale University.

Anita Anand has bowed out of Canada's prime ministerial race and announced that she won't seek re-election to parliament either. Transport Minister Anand said on Saturday afternoon that she was following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's example and will start her career's next chapter by returning to academia. With the Liberal Party leadership and the prime ministership heading to a dead end in an election that favours the opposition Conservative Party and its leader Pierre Marcel Poilievre, two other prominent politicians, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, have also quit the race to succeed Trudeau who last week announced his decision to resign. In the announcement on X, Anand, who has previously held the powerful defence portfolio, said, “Now that the Prime Minister has made his decision to move to his next chapter, I have determined the time is right for me to do the same, and to return to my prior professional life of teaching, research, and public policy analyses.” An expert in business and finance law, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Toronto. She did stints as a visiting lecturer at Yale University in the US before plunging into politics and becoming the MP from Oakville in Ontario in 2019. Speaking of her origin, she said, “During my first campaign, many people told me that a woman of Indian descent would not get elected in Oakville, Ontario. Yet, Oakville rallied behind me not once but twice since 2019, an honour that I will hold in my heart forever.” Her father, S.V. Anand, was the son of a freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu, V.A. Sundaram, and her mother, Saroj Ram, was from Punjab, and both were doctors who immigrated to Canada. Early life Joining the Trudeau cabinet in 2019 as the public services and procurement minister, she made her mark ensuring Canada had enough medical equipment and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, she received the high-profile defence portfolio and moved in a cabinet reshuffle to be the president of the Treasury Board, a ministerial-level post, overseeing government operations broadly. Last year, she became the transport minister and added the internal trade portfolio. Taking stock of her rapid rise in government, she wrote, “Back in 2019, I could never have imagined that such work would mean navigating supply chains to overcome a global pandemic, addressing sexual assault in the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring military aid reached Ukraine, overseeing the Treasury Board Secretariat or reinforcing Canada's Transportation systems." With his popularity cratering, Trudeau has said that he will quit when a new Liberal Party leader, who will automatically become the prime minister, is elected under the supervision of party President Sachit Mehra. The party said the election will be completed by March 9, ahead of parliament resuming its sessions on March 24. Opposition parties have threatened an immediate vote of non-confidence, which would lead to elections sooner than October when the House of Commons term runs out. An Abacus poll after Trudeau's announcement showed the opposition Conservative Party with a massive 27 per cent lead, with 47 per cent voter support compared to the Liberal's 20 per cent. With less than weeks or months to try to turn the Liberal Party's fortunes around, leaders are reluctant to take on the mantle of prime ministership for a short time, only to lead the party to almost certain defeat in the parliamentary election. US President-elect Trump's threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports if Ottawa did not crack down on illegal migration to the US has rattled Canadian politics. Both Joly and LeBlanc, who hold portfolios directly dealing with the Trump threat, said they are quitting the race to focus on it. Of the likely front-runners, Chrystia Freeland, who was forced out as deputy prime minister by Trudeau, and economist and banker Mark Carney, who has the unique distinction of having been the governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada, are now left in the race. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Anita Anand, Indian-origin lawmaker, drops out of Canada PM race

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The quiet town of Thiberville in Normandy, France, was left stunned when it inherited an astonishing fortune of $10.2 million from a man who had never set foot in the town.&nbsp;
Roger Thiberville, a Paris-based meteorologist, left behind the vast sum after his passing in August at the age of 91. Besides sharing a name with the town, there was no apparent connection between the benefactor and the community of 1,773 residents, as reported by&nbsp;The Guardian. &nbsp;
<h2>Strategic plans for the money </h2>
Officials are already discussing ways to make the best use of the funds. A top priority is paying off around $ 410193.30 loan used to construct a new primary school. The inheritance also comes with an added advantage&mdash;since Thiberville is a public body, the town is exempt from paying any inheritance tax. This means the entire sum will directly benefit the community.&nbsp;
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Roger Thiberville lived a quiet and modest life in Paris, where he owned four apartments in the city&rsquo;s southwest 15th arrondissement. Known for his reserved nature, no photographs of him have been found, adding to the mystery surrounding his generous act.&nbsp;
The unexpected inheritance amounts to five times the town&rsquo;s annual budget, leaving officials and residents in disbelief. Mayor Guy Paris described the windfall as &ldquo;exceptional&rdquo; and shared that the town would manage the money carefully.
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&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not going to spend it all. We&rsquo;re going to manage this dowry as we&rsquo;ve always done with our municipal budget &ndash; with prudence and responsibility,&rdquo; Paris told a local radio station, France Bleu.&nbsp;
His only wish was for his ashes to be placed in the town&rsquo;s cemetery, a request the mayor has vowed to fulfil, saying, &ldquo;Monsieur Thiberville did not demand anything in return for his legacy, but we owe him at least that.&rdquo;world

World | Trending: Roger Thiberville, a Paris-based meteorologist, left behind the vast sum after his passing in August at the age of 91. Besides sharing a name with the town, there was no apparent connection between them. 

The quiet town of Thiberville in Normandy, France, was left stunned when it inherited an astonishing fortune of $10.2 million from a man who had never set foot in the town. Roger Thiberville, a Paris-based meteorologist, left behind the vast sum after his passing in August at the age of 91. Besides sharing a name with the town, there was no apparent connection between the benefactor and the community of 1,773 residents, as reported by The Guardian. Strategic plans for the money Officials are already discussing ways to make the best use of the funds. A top priority is paying off around $ 410193.30 loan used to construct a new primary school. The inheritance also comes with an added advantage—since Thiberville is a public body, the town is exempt from paying any inheritance tax. This means the entire sum will directly benefit the community. Also Read | Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from men's bathrooms sparks backlash Roger Thiberville lived a quiet and modest life in Paris, where he owned four apartments in the city’s southwest 15th arrondissement. Known for his reserved nature, no photographs of him have been found, adding to the mystery surrounding his generous act. The unexpected inheritance amounts to five times the town’s annual budget, leaving officials and residents in disbelief. Mayor Guy Paris described the windfall as “exceptional” and shared that the town would manage the money carefully. Also Read | ‘Give your head a shake!’; Canada’s former PM Chretien offers blunt advice to Trump “We’re not going to spend it all. We’re going to manage this dowry as we’ve always done with our municipal budget – with prudence and responsibility,” Paris told a local radio station, France Bleu. His only wish was for his ashes to be placed in the town’s cemetery, a request the mayor has vowed to fulfil, saying, “Monsieur Thiberville did not demand anything in return for his legacy, but we owe him at least that.”world

Small French town in Normandy inherits $10.2mn from unknown benefactor

Former United States (US) vice president Mike Pence met his former boss Donald Trump at the funeral of the country's 39th president Jimmy Carter on January 9.
Pence, who was part of the first Trump administration, hadn't seen Trump since leaving the White House. A day after Carter's funeral, Pence talked about his meeting with his former boss.
Donald Trump will be sworn in as the president on January 20.
<h2>'Opportunity to speak to Trump...'</h2>
Speaking to Christianity Today, Pence said on Friday that his opportunity to speak to Trump was "something that I appreciated, I welcomed.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-obamas-lighthearted-moment-at-carters-funeral-lip-reader-reveals-what-the-duo-was-discussing-8612165" rel="dofollow">Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral: Lip reader shares what they may have discussed</a>
&ldquo;He greeted me when he came down the aisle. I stood up, extended my hand. He shook my hand. I said, &lsquo;Congratulations, Mr. President,&rsquo; and he said, &lsquo;Thanks, Mike,&rsquo;&rdquo; Pence added.
Reporters at Carter's funeral captured Pence shaking hands with Trump and his family.
<h2>The first meeting in nearly four years</h2>
This was the first meeting between Mike Pence and Donald Trump in nearly four years. Both leaders have applauded their work together in the White House.
However, they split political paths in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lara-trump-calls-elon-musk-first-buddy-of-donald-trump-for-his-frequent-mar-a-lago-visits-8613089" rel="dofollow">Lara Trump calls Elon Musk 'First Buddy&rsquo; of Donald Trump for his frequent Mar-a-Lago visits</a>
In 2023, Pence entered the presidential race for the November 5, 2024, election but soon dropped out of it. He also did not endorse Trump for the top post.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending: Speaking to Christianity Today, Pence said on January 10 that his opportunity to speak to Trump was "something that I appreciated, I welcomed.”

Former United States (US) vice president Mike Pence met his former boss Donald Trump at the funeral of the country's 39th president Jimmy Carter on January 9. Pence, who was part of the first Trump administration, hadn't seen Trump since leaving the White House. A day after Carter's funeral, Pence talked about his meeting with his former boss. Donald Trump will be sworn in as the president on January 20. 'Opportunity to speak to Trump...' Speaking to Christianity Today, Pence said on Friday that his opportunity to speak to Trump was "something that I appreciated, I welcomed.” Also read | Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral: Lip reader shares what they may have discussed “He greeted me when he came down the aisle. I stood up, extended my hand. He shook my hand. I said, ‘Congratulations, Mr. President,’ and he said, ‘Thanks, Mike,’” Pence added. Reporters at Carter's funeral captured Pence shaking hands with Trump and his family. The first meeting in nearly four years This was the first meeting between Mike Pence and Donald Trump in nearly four years. Both leaders have applauded their work together in the White House. However, they split political paths in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Also read | Lara Trump calls Elon Musk 'First Buddy’ of Donald Trump for his frequent Mar-a-Lago visits In 2023, Pence entered the presidential race for the November 5, 2024, election but soon dropped out of it. He also did not endorse Trump for the top post. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-US vice prez Mike Pence said THIS about his meeting with former boss Donald Trump

In another sign of US billionaire Elon Musk&rsquo;s growing political interference in Europe, the Tesla boss urged all German citizens to &ldquo;say no" to Chancellor Olaf Scholz ahead of crucial snap legislative polls. The polls are slated to be held on February 23, and Scholz was declared as the candidate by his Social Democrats (SPD) party on Saturday (Jan 11).
The X boss was responding to a post about Scholz&rsquo;s nomination as the official party candidate. Musk wrote, &ldquo;Sag Nein zu Scholz!," alongside a screenshot of a news report about a woman convicted of &ldquo;offending" migrant gang rapists, who was given a longer sentence than the rapists themselves.
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Musk&rsquo;s message in German language translates in English to: &ldquo;Say No to Scholz".
Germany is going to snap elections after Scholz lost a no-confidence vote in December last year.
<h2>Musk&rsquo;s open support to right-wing AfD party</h2>
Over the past few months, the American billionaire and a key ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, has made several posts criticising Scholz&rsquo;s government and instead thrown his weight behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
During a recent X space session along with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, Musk said, &ldquo;Only AfD can save Germany, end of story, and people really need to get behind AfD, and otherwise things are going to get very, very much worse in Germany."
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Musk also drew a parallel between political environments in Germany and the US, arguing that people were not happy and were longing for a change. Weidel, meanwhile, criticised the Scholz administration for mistreating Trump during his election campaign and said it caused her &ldquo;physical pain" to see the Republican leader &ldquo;disparaged."
Scholz has slammed Musk for what he sees as &lsquo;meddling&rsquo; in the German elections, saying he won&rsquo;t allow &ldquo;owners of social media channels" to decide the poll results.
Leaders from the ruling SPD party and opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) have also condemned Musk for his brazen comments. &ldquo;It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statements," said government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending: Over the past few months, Musk has made several posts criticising Scholz’s government and supporting the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

In another sign of US billionaire Elon Musk’s growing political interference in Europe, the Tesla boss urged all German citizens to “say no" to Chancellor Olaf Scholz ahead of crucial snap legislative polls. The polls are slated to be held on February 23, and Scholz was declared as the candidate by his Social Democrats (SPD) party on Saturday (Jan 11). The X boss was responding to a post about Scholz’s nomination as the official party candidate. Musk wrote, “Sag Nein zu Scholz!," alongside a screenshot of a news report about a woman convicted of “offending" migrant gang rapists, who was given a longer sentence than the rapists themselves. Also read: France urges European Commission to take tough stance against Elon Musk’s interference, Spanish PM says Musk 'stirs up hatred' Musk’s message in German language translates in English to: “Say No to Scholz". Germany is going to snap elections after Scholz lost a no-confidence vote in December last year. Musk’s open support to right-wing AfD party Over the past few months, the American billionaire and a key ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, has made several posts criticising Scholz’s government and instead thrown his weight behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. During a recent X space session along with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, Musk said, “Only AfD can save Germany, end of story, and people really need to get behind AfD, and otherwise things are going to get very, very much worse in Germany." Also read: German far-right leader Alice Weidel joins Elon Musk for discussion on X amid fears he's interfering Musk also drew a parallel between political environments in Germany and the US, arguing that people were not happy and were longing for a change. Weidel, meanwhile, criticised the Scholz administration for mistreating Trump during his election campaign and said it caused her “physical pain" to see the Republican leader “disparaged." Scholz has slammed Musk for what he sees as ‘meddling’ in the German elections, saying he won’t allow “owners of social media channels" to decide the poll results. Leaders from the ruling SPD party and opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) have also condemned Musk for his brazen comments. “It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statements," said government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Say NO to Scholz,’ Musk declares as Germany decries election meddling

Elon Musk&rsquo;s friendship with Donald Trump has been in the limelight for some time. The recent statement by Lara Trump, the president-elect&rsquo;s daughter-in-law, has suggested the strong influence of the tech mogul within Trump&rsquo;s inner circle.
<h2>&lsquo;First buddy&rsquo;</h2>
In an interview with the New York Post, Lara revealed that Musk is often seen at Mar-a-Lago, a resort owned by Trump, where he often meets with his close aides.
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&ldquo;Every time I go to Mar-a-Lago, he&rsquo;s there. And it&rsquo;s a bit of a joke, but he&rsquo;s in on the joke. He&rsquo;s great. Who wouldn&rsquo;t want one of the brightest minds of our time in the circle of people doing the right thing for this country? It really seems to be that he wants his legacy to be that he was able to achieve the unachievable,&rdquo; said Lara.
She added, &ldquo;And the great news is we get to reap the benefits of that. So I love him being First Buddy.&rdquo;
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Being the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, and owner of X, Musk has positioned himself as the world&rsquo;s richest man. The billionaire has also been actively involved in supporting Trump&rsquo;s political campaign, investing over $200 million.
Musk has also helped boost Trump through his America PAC and social media platform, with him often seen as a key figure in the president-elect&rsquo;s inner circle and having deep ties.
<h2>Analyst predicts Trump and Musk clash</h2>
Despite the bromance between Trump and Musk, a CNN analyst has predicted a clash of egos between the two once their post-campaign honeymoon period is over because of their dominant personalities. In their tussle for power, Trump will emerge victorious, tech journalist Kara Swisher said on The Chris Wallace Show.
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&ldquo;I&rsquo;m gonna repeat my assertion about Elon Musk and Donald Trump. One of my favourite movies is &lsquo;Highlander,&rsquo; and &lsquo;there can be only one.&rsquo; And that&lsquo;s gonna be Donald Trump. And I think we&rsquo;ll see what happens in the wake of that,&rdquo; said Swisher.
She added that many tech CEOs congratulated Trump for his win in the elections &ldquo;largely because they&rsquo;re scared of Elon&rsquo;s influence and they want to have influence of their own,&rdquo; reported The New York Post.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-obamas-lighthearted-moment-at-carters-funeral-lip-reader-reveals-what-the-duo-was-discussing-8612165" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral: Lip reader shares what they may have discussed</a>
However, according to Swisher, Trump &ldquo;does not like to share the spotlight,&rdquo; saying that their fallout would not come because of differences in political views but rather their need for attention.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | Lara revealed that Musk is often seen at Mar-a-Lago, where he often meets with his close aides, suggesting the strong influence of the tech mogul within Trump’s inner circle.

Elon Musk’s friendship with Donald Trump has been in the limelight for some time. The recent statement by Lara Trump, the president-elect’s daughter-in-law, has suggested the strong influence of the tech mogul within Trump’s inner circle. ‘First buddy’ In an interview with the New York Post, Lara revealed that Musk is often seen at Mar-a-Lago, a resort owned by Trump, where he often meets with his close aides. Also read | 'Girl, you’re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch “Every time I go to Mar-a-Lago, he’s there. And it’s a bit of a joke, but he’s in on the joke. He’s great. Who wouldn’t want one of the brightest minds of our time in the circle of people doing the right thing for this country? It really seems to be that he wants his legacy to be that he was able to achieve the unachievable,” said Lara. She added, “And the great news is we get to reap the benefits of that. So I love him being First Buddy.” Also read | Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'has right to express his views' Being the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, and owner of X, Musk has positioned himself as the world’s richest man. The billionaire has also been actively involved in supporting Trump’s political campaign, investing over $200 million. Musk has also helped boost Trump through his America PAC and social media platform, with him often seen as a key figure in the president-elect’s inner circle and having deep ties. Analyst predicts Trump and Musk clash Despite the bromance between Trump and Musk, a CNN analyst has predicted a clash of egos between the two once their post-campaign honeymoon period is over because of their dominant personalities. In their tussle for power, Trump will emerge victorious, tech journalist Kara Swisher said on The Chris Wallace Show. Also read | 'Fires are still raging': Trump calls California politicians 'incompetent' over LA wildfires response “I’m gonna repeat my assertion about Elon Musk and Donald Trump. One of my favourite movies is ‘Highlander,’ and ‘there can be only one.’ And that‘s gonna be Donald Trump. And I think we’ll see what happens in the wake of that,” said Swisher. She added that many tech CEOs congratulated Trump for his win in the elections “largely because they’re scared of Elon’s influence and they want to have influence of their own,” reported The New York Post. Also read | Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral: Lip reader shares what they may have discussed However, according to Swisher, Trump “does not like to share the spotlight,” saying that their fallout would not come because of differences in political views but rather their need for attention. (With inputs from agencies)

Lara Trump calls Elon Musk 'First Buddy’ of Donald Trump for his frequent Mar-a-Lago visits

Russia on Saturday said its forces captured the settlement of Shevchenko in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia claims control of Shevchenko in Donetsk region

Social media tried to decode the Trump-Obama chat during Carter's funeral. Watch this report for more details!

Social media tries to decode Trump-Obama chat during carter funeral

A study has found that the English Springer breed can detect mealybugs and leafrolls, which can decimate grape harvests and produce some of the finest wines. Watch this report for more details!

New study proves dog breed could detect diseases in Vineyards

President-elect Donald Trump's remarks that Canada should become the US' 51st state sparked outrage worldwide, prompting a vigorous response from a former Canadian Prime Minister on Saturday (Jan 11).
Throwing his weight behind other officials who believed that Trump's comments were no longer "funny" and "humiliating", former Prime Minister Jean Chretien said, "Give your head a shake!"
Echoing this sentiment, Chretien wrote in an article published in The Globe and Mail newspaper that Canada would never consent to becoming part of the United States.&nbsp;
He further lauded his country's love of independence and said that Trump's remarks were "totally unacceptable insults and unprecedented threats" to Canadian sovereignty.
"To Donald Trump, from one old guy to another, give your head a shake!" Chretien said.
"What could make you think that Canadians would ever give up the best country in the world &mdash; and make no mistake that is what we are &mdash; to join the United States?," he questioned further.
"If you think that threatening and insulting us is going to win us over, you really don't know a thing about us," Chretien wrote in the article. "We may look easy-going, mild-mannered. But make no mistake, we have spine and toughness."&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-obamas-lighthearted-moment-at-carters-funeral-lip-reader-reveals-what-the-duo-was-discussing-8612165">Also read: Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral: Lip reader shares what they may have discussed</a>
<h2>Trump shares map of US which shows Canada as part of America</h2>
Trump on Wednesday (Jan 8) shared a distorted map of the United States that showed Canada as part of America.
Sharing the post on his official social media platform, Truth Social, he captioned it as "Oh Canada!&rdquo;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113789874318969723/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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His post came hours after he threatened to use "economic force" to merge Canada with the US.&nbsp;
While delivering his remarks at Mar-a-Lago, on Tuesday (Jan 7), Trump said, &ldquo;Economic force, because Canada and the United States, that would really be something. You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. And it would also be much better for national security. You don't forget, we basically protect Canada."
"We don't need anything they have. We don't need their dairy products, we have more than they have. We don't need anything, so why are we losing $200 billion a year and more to protect Canada? And I said that to, as I called him, Governor Trudeau. I said, listen, what would happen if we didn't subsidize you if we didn't? Because we give them a lot of money, we help them," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending: Echoing this sentiment, Jean Chretien wrote in an article published in The Globe and Mail newspaper that Canada would never consent to becoming part of the United States.  

President-elect Donald Trump's remarks that Canada should become the US' 51st state sparked outrage worldwide, prompting a vigorous response from a former Canadian Prime Minister on Saturday (Jan 11). Throwing his weight behind other officials who believed that Trump's comments were no longer "funny" and "humiliating", former Prime Minister Jean Chretien said, "Give your head a shake!" Echoing this sentiment, Chretien wrote in an article published in The Globe and Mail newspaper that Canada would never consent to becoming part of the United States. He further lauded his country's love of independence and said that Trump's remarks were "totally unacceptable insults and unprecedented threats" to Canadian sovereignty. "To Donald Trump, from one old guy to another, give your head a shake!" Chretien said. "What could make you think that Canadians would ever give up the best country in the world — and make no mistake that is what we are — to join the United States?," he questioned further. "If you think that threatening and insulting us is going to win us over, you really don't know a thing about us," Chretien wrote in the article. "We may look easy-going, mild-mannered. But make no mistake, we have spine and toughness." Also read: Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral: Lip reader shares what they may have discussed Trump shares map of US which shows Canada as part of America Trump on Wednesday (Jan 8) shared a distorted map of the United States that showed Canada as part of America. Sharing the post on his official social media platform, Truth Social, he captioned it as "Oh Canada!” His post came hours after he threatened to use "economic force" to merge Canada with the US. While delivering his remarks at Mar-a-Lago, on Tuesday (Jan 7), Trump said, “Economic force, because Canada and the United States, that would really be something. You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. And it would also be much better for national security. You don't forget, we basically protect Canada." "We don't need anything they have. We don't need their dairy products, we have more than they have. We don't need anything, so why are we losing $200 billion a year and more to protect Canada? And I said that to, as I called him, Governor Trudeau. I said, listen, what would happen if we didn't subsidize you if we didn't? Because we give them a lot of money, we help them," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Give your head a shake!’; Canada’s former PM Chretien offers blunt advice to Trump

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 12) called politicians in California "incompetent'' over their response to controlling the ravaging wildfires in Los Angeles (LA).&nbsp;
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "The fires are still raging in LA. The incompetent pols (politicians) have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost."
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"There is death all over the place. This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country. They just can&rsquo;t put out the fires. What&rsquo;s wrong with them?" he added.&nbsp;
<h2>Death toll in wildfires climbs to 16</h2>
Trump's remarks came as the death toll due to the wildfires climbed to 16 as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds returned that could push the flames towards some of the city&rsquo;s most famous landmarks.
Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County coroner&rsquo;s office said in a statement Saturday evening.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfires-lottery-winner-loses-entire-mansion-worth-38-million-in-blaze-8612503" rel="dofollow">LA wildfires: Lottery winner loses entire mansion worth $3.8 million in blaze</a>
There were fears that winds could move the fires towards the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles, while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.&nbsp;
<h2>California Guv Newsom deflects blame over response</h2>
California Governor Gavin Newsom deflected the blame when he was asked about the public anger over his administration's response to controlling the wildfires, citing he was not getting straight answers.
During a recent podcast, Governor Newsom said that local leaders and his team failed to provide him with a clear picture of the situation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-governor-newsom-deflects-blame-as-wildfires-claims-16-lives-8611706" rel="dofollow">California Governor Newsom deflects blame as wildfires claim 16 lives</a>
&ldquo;So, I&rsquo;m the governor of California and wanna know the answer. I&rsquo;ve got that question, I can&rsquo;t tell you, by how many people, &lsquo;What happened?&rsquo; &ndash; on my own team, &lsquo;What happened?&rsquo;&hellip; I&rsquo;ll be candid with you, I wasn&rsquo;t getting straight answers,&rdquo; Newsom added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Earlier, California Governor Gavin Newsom deflected the blame when he was asked about the public anger over his administration's response to controlling the wildfires. 

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 12) called politicians in California "incompetent'' over their response to controlling the ravaging wildfires in Los Angeles (LA). In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "The fires are still raging in LA. The incompetent pols (politicians) have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost." "There is death all over the place. This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country. They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?" he added. Death toll in wildfires climbs to 16 Trump's remarks came as the death toll due to the wildfires climbed to 16 as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds returned that could push the flames towards some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said in a statement Saturday evening. Also read | LA wildfires: Lottery winner loses entire mansion worth $3.8 million in blaze There were fears that winds could move the fires towards the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles, while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. California Guv Newsom deflects blame over response California Governor Gavin Newsom deflected the blame when he was asked about the public anger over his administration's response to controlling the wildfires, citing he was not getting straight answers. During a recent podcast, Governor Newsom said that local leaders and his team failed to provide him with a clear picture of the situation. Also read | California Governor Newsom deflects blame as wildfires claim 16 lives “So, I’m the governor of California and wanna know the answer. I’ve got that question, I can’t tell you, by how many people, ‘What happened?’ – on my own team, ‘What happened?’… I’ll be candid with you, I wasn’t getting straight answers,” Newsom added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Fires are still raging': Trump calls California politicians 'incompetent' over LA wildfires response

Switzerland has reportedly shown its willingness to host potential talks between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin if any such request emerges. According to a report by the Swiss daily Le Temps, Bern has conveyed its readiness to support Ukraine peace efforts to all stakeholders.
"Following the Burgenstock summit, Ukraine, Russia and the United States were regularly informed of our readiness to support any diplomatic efforts regarding the peace settlement," said Nicolas Bideau, a spokesman for the Swiss Foreign Ministry.
However, the Swiss authorities have made clear they won&rsquo;t be taking any initiative regarding hosting the event.
This comes after Trump announced Friday (Jan 10) that preparations were underway to set up a meeting between himself and Putin. The incoming US president added talking to Putin was necessary in order to end the conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin also responded positively, saying Putin was also willing to meet Trump without any precondition.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-us-energy-sanctions-joe-biden-leaving-scorched-earth-for-donald-trump-8611337">Russia slams 'hostile' US energy sanctions, says Biden leaving 'scorched earth' for Trump</a>
"We need a mutual desire and political willingness to engage in a dialogue," Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, said. "We see that Mr Trump also declares his readiness to solve issues via dialogue. We welcome that.&rdquo;
<h2>What is Burgenstock Forum?</h2>
The forum was established under Kyiv&rsquo;s initiative to bring major nations together to support an end to the war. The forum facilitated Switzerland-led peace talks, in which around 90 UN nations participated. However, around 70 nations that were invited by Ukraine didn&rsquo;t join the forum.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-putin-in-tough-shape-as-us-and-uk-impose-sanctions-on-russia-ukraine-war-8609103">Biden says Putin in &lsquo;tough shape&rsquo; as US and UK impose sanctions on Russia</a>
Armenia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, the Holy See, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Mexico, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates didn&rsquo;t even sign the summit communiqu&eacute;. India refused to join the summit citing the absence of Russia. Moscow had dismissed the summit as a total &lsquo;failure&rsquo; and instead dubbed it as a mere "get-together".
(With inputs from agencies)

World | This comes after Trump announced Friday (Jan 10) that preparations were underway to set up a meeting between himself and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Switzerland has reportedly shown its willingness to host potential talks between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin if any such request emerges. According to a report by the Swiss daily Le Temps, Bern has conveyed its readiness to support Ukraine peace efforts to all stakeholders. "Following the Burgenstock summit, Ukraine, Russia and the United States were regularly informed of our readiness to support any diplomatic efforts regarding the peace settlement," said Nicolas Bideau, a spokesman for the Swiss Foreign Ministry. However, the Swiss authorities have made clear they won’t be taking any initiative regarding hosting the event. This comes after Trump announced Friday (Jan 10) that preparations were underway to set up a meeting between himself and Putin. The incoming US president added talking to Putin was necessary in order to end the conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin also responded positively, saying Putin was also willing to meet Trump without any precondition. Also read: Russia slams 'hostile' US energy sanctions, says Biden leaving 'scorched earth' for Trump "We need a mutual desire and political willingness to engage in a dialogue," Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, said. "We see that Mr Trump also declares his readiness to solve issues via dialogue. We welcome that.” What is Burgenstock Forum? The forum was established under Kyiv’s initiative to bring major nations together to support an end to the war. The forum facilitated Switzerland-led peace talks, in which around 90 UN nations participated. However, around 70 nations that were invited by Ukraine didn’t join the forum. Also read: Biden says Putin in ‘tough shape’ as US and UK impose sanctions on Russia Armenia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, the Holy See, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Mexico, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates didn’t even sign the summit communiqué. India refused to join the summit citing the absence of Russia. Moscow had dismissed the summit as a total ‘failure’ and instead dubbed it as a mere "get-together". (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland willing to host potential Trump-Putin peace talks: Reports

Howie Buffett, the son of renowned investor Warren Buffett, is readying himself to assume a prominent role as the non-executive chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. Watch this report for more details!

Warren Buffett's middle child Howie Buffett steps into spotlight

A winner of the American lottery Powerball lost his mansion in Los Angeles to the ravaging wildfires. According to media reports on Friday (January 10), Powerball winner Edwin Castro purchased the mansion in 2023 for $3.8 million.
Now all that remains of the mansion is smoldering ash. This was the third property that he bought months after winning the lottery prize of $2.04 billion in 2022, according to a report by The Sun.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-governor-newsom-deflects-blame-as-wildfires-claims-16-lives-8611706" rel="dofollow">California Governor Newsom deflects blame as wildfires claim 16 lives</a>
He is America's largest-ever lottery winner.
<h2>Mansion purchased under a mystery company</h2>
American media previously reported that Castro bought the Malibu mansion under a mystery company and that he had used his wealth to beef up his security team.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A man named Edwin Castro, who won the $2.04 billion (&pound; 1.67 billion) lottery, has had his Luxurious home completely destroyed in the LA wildfires. <a href="https://t.co/U92phHv0Vt">pic.twitter.com/U92phHv0Vt</a>
&mdash; Naija (@Naija_PR) <a href="https://twitter.com/Naija_PR/status/1878006434668970266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Footage from The Sun showed waves lapping up against the beach where the mansion was situated. All that could be seen now were the foundations (of the structure) and possibly planks of wood.
<h2>LA wildfires death toll rises to 16</h2>
In the latest news from the calamity, the death toll has gone up to at least 16&nbsp;as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward some of the city&rsquo;s most famous landmarks.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfires-what-caused-the-inferno-that-has-already-destroyed-10000-properties-8609970" rel="dofollow">LA wildfires: What caused the inferno that has already destroyed 10,000 properties?</a>
Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County coroner&rsquo;s office said in a statement Saturday evening.
There were fears that winds could move the fires towards the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles, while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge.
(With inputs from agencies)

LA wildfires: Edwin Castro bought the mansion in Malibu in 2023 under a mystery company. Castro had used his wealth to beef up his security team.

A winner of the American lottery Powerball lost his mansion in Los Angeles to the ravaging wildfires. According to media reports on Friday (January 10), Powerball winner Edwin Castro purchased the mansion in 2023 for $3.8 million. Now all that remains of the mansion is smoldering ash. This was the third property that he bought months after winning the lottery prize of $2.04 billion in 2022, according to a report by The Sun. Also read | California Governor Newsom deflects blame as wildfires claim 16 lives He is America's largest-ever lottery winner. Mansion purchased under a mystery company American media previously reported that Castro bought the Malibu mansion under a mystery company and that he had used his wealth to beef up his security team. A man named Edwin Castro, who won the $2.04 billion (£ 1.67 billion) lottery, has had his Luxurious home completely destroyed in the LA wildfires. pic.twitter.com/U92phHv0Vt — Naija (@Naija_PR) January 11, 2025 Footage from The Sun showed waves lapping up against the beach where the mansion was situated. All that could be seen now were the foundations (of the structure) and possibly planks of wood. LA wildfires death toll rises to 16 In the latest news from the calamity, the death toll has gone up to at least 16 as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Also read | LA wildfires: What caused the inferno that has already destroyed 10,000 properties? Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said in a statement Saturday evening. There were fears that winds could move the fires towards the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles, while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge. (With inputs from agencies)

LA wildfires: Lottery winner loses entire mansion worth $3.8 million in blaze

For over a century, English Springer Spaniels have been trusted by hunters for their sharp noses to find and flush out game. But now these skilled dogs are being trained for a new mission: protecting the world&rsquo;s vineyards from harmful pests and viruses.&nbsp;
Their exceptional sense of smell is being used to detect mealybugs and the Leafroll 3 virus, which can damage grape harvests.&nbsp;
A recent study in California has found that these dogs are not only very effective but also the most affordable method to search large vineyards for pests. In the pilot project programme, two English Springer Spaniels, Sauvi B and Zinny, showed great results with their canine partners.
<h2 dir="ltr">Detecting dangerous pests</h2>
Sauvi B, working alongside a German Shorthaired Pointer named Cab, was able to detect the presence of vine mealybugs with 97.3 per cent accuracy. In what was even more impressive, Sauvi B could confirm the absence of the pests 100 per cent of the time. Zinny, paired with a black Labrador named Malbec, detected the Leafroll 3 virus with 93.4 per cent accuracy. These findings highlight the promising potential of using dogs to help protect vineyards from devastating blight.
&ldquo;Winery dogs,&rdquo; such as Sauvi B and Zinny, may soon become a common sight in vineyards, used to identify pests that can devastate the quality and quantity of grape crops. Stephanie Bolton, the Grower Research and Education Director at Lodi Winegrape Commission, who led the trials, believes that these dogs could become an essential tool in sustainable vineyard management. &ldquo;Their keen sense of smell contributes to integrated pest management in a way that&rsquo;s both economically viable and scalable,&rdquo; Bolton said.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Representative image of pest " src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/12/je5l3palEEsXf4CdMywq.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Representative image of pest Photograph: (Pexels: Erik Karits )</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">The mealybug menace</h2>
The vine mealybug, scientifically known as Planococcus ficus, carries the Leafroll 3 virus that has a decaying effect on the vines, which in turn is detrimental to the yield of the harvested crop. These pests reproduce rapidly, and their spread is often accelerated by birds, pruning shears, or harvesting equipment. With dogs on the case, vineyards can spot infestations early and prevent them from spreading.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Representative image of mealybug " src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/12/y72Aj2GORGbEgA75r8zH.jpg" style="width: 1280px;"><qb-highlighter contenteditable="false" style="display: none;"><qb-div spellcheck="false" class="qb-highlighter__wrapper" style="width: 1280px !important; height: 22.3889px !important; transform: none !important; transform-origin: 640px 11.1944px !important; zoom: 1 !important; margin-top: 730.389px !important;"><qb-div class="qb-highlighter__scroll-element" style="top: 0px !important; left: 0px !important; width: 1280px !important; height: 22px !important;"></qb-div></qb-div></qb-highlighter>
<figcaption data-qb-tmp-id="lt-252109" spellcheck="false" data-gramm="false">Representative image of mealybug Photograph: (Pexels: Ravi Kant )</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/millionaire-bryan-johnson-says-longevity-pill-saved-dogs-life-human-trials-next-751647" rel="dofollow">Also Read: Millionaire Bryan Johnson says &lsquo;longevity pill&rsquo; saved dog&rsquo;s life, &lsquo;human trials next&rsquo;</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Reducing pesticide use</h2>
This method not only provides an efficient way to detect pests but also has the potential to reduce the vineyard industry&rsquo;s reliance on pesticides. By identifying infestations early, dogs help to avoid the use of excessive chemicals, which can harm the environment and human health. Moreover, dogs are also being trained to recognise other invasive species such as powdery mildew, which further supports the move towards more sustainable farming practices.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Representative image of pesticide use " src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/12/OOxwmPJAw4UBNFHXTYFA.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Representative image of pesticide use Photograph: (Pexels: Orhan Akbaba)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Canine training and results</h2>
The trial, funded with a $428,000 grant from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, has shown that dogs trained in detecting pests are a viable option for vineyards. The dogs were trained at Lisa Finke&rsquo;s Canine Detection Services in Fresno, California, and were specifically selected from Hungary and Canada. The results of this study are encouraging, with dogs detecting pests and viruses in large vineyards efficiently.
<h2 dir="ltr">The future of vineyards and canine detectives</h2>
As the study progresses, there is a growing interest in rolling out a &ldquo;canine detector programme&rdquo; across vineyards globally. The programme promises to be both effective and scalable, offering a sustainable solution to the problem of pest and virus detection.
As vineyards face mounting challenges from invasive pests and viruses, English Springer Spaniels are proving that their noses can make a world of difference. Not only are they helping to protect crops, but they are also promoting more eco-friendly farming practices by reducing the need for pesticides. 
<figure class="image"><img alt="Representative image of vineyard " src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/12/TnmSlc2TKYUKjz9UjBuL.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Representative image of vineyard Photograph: (Pexels: Pixabay)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
Dogs could be the saviour of global wine production threatened by disease
(With inputs from agencies)
 
&nbsp;

World | Trending: The vine mealybug, scientifically known as Planococcus ficus, spreads the Leafroll 3 virus, which weakens vines and reduces the crop yield.

For over a century, English Springer Spaniels have been trusted by hunters for their sharp noses to find and flush out game. But now these skilled dogs are being trained for a new mission: protecting the world’s vineyards from harmful pests and viruses. Their exceptional sense of smell is being used to detect mealybugs and the Leafroll 3 virus, which can damage grape harvests. A recent study in California has found that these dogs are not only very effective but also the most affordable method to search large vineyards for pests. In the pilot project programme, two English Springer Spaniels, Sauvi B and Zinny, showed great results with their canine partners. Detecting dangerous pests Sauvi B, working alongside a German Shorthaired Pointer named Cab, was able to detect the presence of vine mealybugs with 97.3 per cent accuracy. In what was even more impressive, Sauvi B could confirm the absence of the pests 100 per cent of the time. Zinny, paired with a black Labrador named Malbec, detected the Leafroll 3 virus with 93.4 per cent accuracy. These findings highlight the promising potential of using dogs to help protect vineyards from devastating blight. “Winery dogs,” such as Sauvi B and Zinny, may soon become a common sight in vineyards, used to identify pests that can devastate the quality and quantity of grape crops. Stephanie Bolton, the Grower Research and Education Director at Lodi Winegrape Commission, who led the trials, believes that these dogs could become an essential tool in sustainable vineyard management. “Their keen sense of smell contributes to integrated pest management in a way that’s both economically viable and scalable,” Bolton said. Representative image of pest Photograph: (Pexels: Erik Karits ) The mealybug menace The vine mealybug, scientifically known as Planococcus ficus, carries the Leafroll 3 virus that has a decaying effect on the vines, which in turn is detrimental to the yield of the harvested crop. These pests reproduce rapidly, and their spread is often accelerated by birds, pruning shears, or harvesting equipment. With dogs on the case, vineyards can spot infestations early and prevent them from spreading. Representative image of mealybug Photograph: (Pexels: Ravi Kant ) Also Read: Millionaire Bryan Johnson says ‘longevity pill’ saved dog’s life, ‘human trials next’ Reducing pesticide use This method not only provides an efficient way to detect pests but also has the potential to reduce the vineyard industry’s reliance on pesticides. By identifying infestations early, dogs help to avoid the use of excessive chemicals, which can harm the environment and human health. Moreover, dogs are also being trained to recognise other invasive species such as powdery mildew, which further supports the move towards more sustainable farming practices. Representative image of pesticide use Photograph: (Pexels: Orhan Akbaba) Canine training and results The trial, funded with a $428,000 grant from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, has shown that dogs trained in detecting pests are a viable option for vineyards. The dogs were trained at Lisa Finke’s Canine Detection Services in Fresno, California, and were specifically selected from Hungary and Canada. The results of this study are encouraging, with dogs detecting pests and viruses in large vineyards efficiently. The future of vineyards and canine detectives As the study progresses, there is a growing interest in rolling out a “canine detector programme” across vineyards globally. The programme promises to be both effective and scalable, offering a sustainable solution to the problem of pest and virus detection. As vineyards face mounting challenges from invasive pests and viruses, English Springer Spaniels are proving that their noses can make a world of difference. Not only are they helping to protect crops, but they are also promoting more eco-friendly farming practices by reducing the need for pesticides. Representative image of vineyard Photograph: (Pexels: Pixabay) Dogs could be the saviour of global wine production threatened by disease (With inputs from agencies)

Canine heroes: How dogs are protecting world's vineyards from threats

US President Joe Biden spoke with Pope Francis on Saturday and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation's highest civilian honour, the White House said.
It was the first time during his four years in office that Biden awarded the medal "with distinction," it said.
Biden, 82, leaves office on Jan. 20. To oversee the federal response to the fires in California, he cancelled a trip to Rome this week, where he was due to meet Pope Francis in person.
A lifelong Catholic who has met the pope several times, Biden told reporters on Friday that he was disappointed to cancel the trip but felt it was more important to stay in Washington.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-award-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-hillary-clinton-george-soros-and-lionel-messi-among-16-others-8591521" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Biden to award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and Lionel Messi among 16 others</a>
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the US, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.
One week ago, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres, and conservationist Jane Goodall, among others.
The White House said Biden spoke by phone with Francis on Saturday and expressed his deep regret that he was unable to visit Rome and Vatican City. The two leaders discussed efforts to advance peace around the world, including Francis&rsquo; work to alleviate suffering for vulnerable communities, it said.
In his citation for Francis, who was born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Biden lauded the religious leader's life of service to "the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina" and his lifetime of service to the poor.
"A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children's questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet," Biden wrote.
"The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis, is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People's Pope&mdash;a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."
Both Biden and Francis have been weakened by global events, said Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic and professor at Villanova University who follows the papacy.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-silences-media-during-california-wildfires-briefing-grabs-attention-by-whistling-loudly-8611643#google_vignette" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Biden silences media during California wildfires briefing by whistling loudly</a>
"That is really hard to underestimate how tragic this moment is for both men in different ways," he said. "Because what could go wrong did go wrong in these few years."
Francis has pushed for an end to Russia's war with Ukraine and has been critical of Israel's military campaign against Palestinian militant group Hamas. Both conflicts are ongoing.
Biden, 82, a regular attender of Mass, departed from church doctrine later in life with his support for abortion rights. In 2021, he said Francis had defended him from criticism by some US Catholics over the issue, including many bishops.
Francis, 88, has pushed to open the Church to the modern world since he took the helm in 2013. He has drawn criticism from some US Catholics who view him as too liberal.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Trending: The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the US, world peace, or other significant endeavours.

US President Joe Biden spoke with Pope Francis on Saturday and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation's highest civilian honour, the White House said. It was the first time during his four years in office that Biden awarded the medal "with distinction," it said. Biden, 82, leaves office on Jan. 20. To oversee the federal response to the fires in California, he cancelled a trip to Rome this week, where he was due to meet Pope Francis in person. A lifelong Catholic who has met the pope several times, Biden told reporters on Friday that he was disappointed to cancel the trip but felt it was more important to stay in Washington. Also read | Biden to award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and Lionel Messi among 16 others The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the US, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors. One week ago, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres, and conservationist Jane Goodall, among others. The White House said Biden spoke by phone with Francis on Saturday and expressed his deep regret that he was unable to visit Rome and Vatican City. The two leaders discussed efforts to advance peace around the world, including Francis’ work to alleviate suffering for vulnerable communities, it said. In his citation for Francis, who was born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Biden lauded the religious leader's life of service to "the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina" and his lifetime of service to the poor. "A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children's questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet," Biden wrote. "The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis, is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People's Pope—a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world." Both Biden and Francis have been weakened by global events, said Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic and professor at Villanova University who follows the papacy. Also read | Biden silences media during California wildfires briefing by whistling loudly "That is really hard to underestimate how tragic this moment is for both men in different ways," he said. "Because what could go wrong did go wrong in these few years." Francis has pushed for an end to Russia's war with Ukraine and has been critical of Israel's military campaign against Palestinian militant group Hamas. Both conflicts are ongoing. Biden, 82, a regular attender of Mass, departed from church doctrine later in life with his support for abortion rights. In 2021, he said Francis had defended him from criticism by some US Catholics over the issue, including many bishops. Francis, 88, has pushed to open the Church to the modern world since he took the helm in 2013. He has drawn criticism from some US Catholics who view him as too liberal. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Joe Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Pope Francis

China has introduced "Yaoguang," a revolutionary software designed to expedite the development of electronic warfare systems.

China's Game-changer Software: Superfast Yaoguang

South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, will not attend the first hearing of the trial to determine whether he is removed him from office or reinstated, due to concerns about his safety, Yonhap News reported on Sunday, citing his lawyer. &ldquo;The officials in the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and the police are trying to execute illegal and invalid arrest warrants through illegal methods, raising concerns about personal safety and mishaps,&rdquo; lawyer Yoon Kab-keun was quoted as saying.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-political-crisis-impeached-president-yoons-security-chief-resigns-amid-martial-law-probe-8607748" rel="dofollow">South Korea political crisis: Impeached President Yoon's security chief resigns amid martial law probe</a>
"In order for the president to appear for the trial, the issue of personal safety and security must be resolved." The Constitutional Court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. The anti-graft office plans a second attempt to arrest Yoon in a criminal probe over his failed attempt to impose martial law in early December. An arrest effort on Jan. 3 failed after a six-hour standoff with security personnel at Yoon's fortified compound in central Seoul.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-crisis-impeached-prez-yoons-legal-team-says-willing-to-comply-with-warrant-only-if-8602752" rel="dofollow">South Korea: Impeached Prez Yoon&rsquo;s legal team says willing to comply with warrant &lsquo;only if...&rsquo;</a>
Yoon's lawyer did not respond to Reuters calls seeking comment.The CIO said in a text message that Yoon's attorneys submitted notice of appointment of lawyers on Sunday afternoon, without elaborating.The president's move to impose martial law plunged South Korea into its biggest political crisis in decades and hit growth expectations for Asia's fourth-largest economy.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

World | Trending: The anti-graft office plans a second attempt to arrest Yoon in a criminal probe over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. An arrest effort on Jan. 3 failed.

South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, will not attend the first hearing of the trial to determine whether he is removed him from office or reinstated, due to concerns about his safety, Yonhap News reported on Sunday, citing his lawyer. “The officials in the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and the police are trying to execute illegal and invalid arrest warrants through illegal methods, raising concerns about personal safety and mishaps,” lawyer Yoon Kab-keun was quoted as saying. Also Read: South Korea political crisis: Impeached President Yoon's security chief resigns amid martial law probe "In order for the president to appear for the trial, the issue of personal safety and security must be resolved." The Constitutional Court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. The anti-graft office plans a second attempt to arrest Yoon in a criminal probe over his failed attempt to impose martial law in early December. An arrest effort on Jan. 3 failed after a six-hour standoff with security personnel at Yoon's fortified compound in central Seoul. Also Read: South Korea: Impeached Prez Yoon’s legal team says willing to comply with warrant ‘only if...’ Yoon's lawyer did not respond to Reuters calls seeking comment.The CIO said in a text message that Yoon's attorneys submitted notice of appointment of lawyers on Sunday afternoon, without elaborating.The president's move to impose martial law plunged South Korea into its biggest political crisis in decades and hit growth expectations for Asia's fourth-largest economy. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

South Korea's Yoon to skip first impeachment trial hearing, lawyer confirms

Greenland's leader Múte Egede expressed on Friday his openness to discussions with US president-elect Donald Trump about the country's future, but emphasized that he was not interested in the territory becoming part of the United States, according to the New York Post.

Greenland's leader agrees to negotiations with US President Donald Trump

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of specially trained dogs in safeguarding global wine production from diseases and pests.

Dogs may save global wine production from disease threats

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