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Ukraine&rsquo;s highest-profile combat unit, the Azov Brigade, is looking to recruit English-speaking soldiers as the country heads into its fourth year of war against Russia.&nbsp;
The unit, known for its nationalist origins, is hoping to form an international battalion to bolster its numbers, especially with growing concerns that US military aid could decline if Donald Trump returns to the presidency, as reported by the Guardian.
<h2>Azov&rsquo;s need for experienced recruits</h2>
Azov&rsquo;s commander, known as &ldquo;Karl,&rdquo; explained that the brigade was particularly seeking recruits with military experience.&nbsp;
He stressed that Ukraine&rsquo;s smaller size compared to Russia means it needs all the help it can get. &ldquo;We are fighting to not let Russia become closer to Europe,&rdquo; he said, adding that if Ukraine falls, Russia could threaten other nations like Poland and the Baltic states.
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plane-crash-black-boxes-mysteriously-stopped-working-minutes-before-crash-claims-govt-8610060"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plane-crash-black-boxes-mysteriously-stopped-working-minutes-before-crash-claims-govt-8610060">South Korea plane crash: Black boxes mysteriously stopped working minutes before crash, claims govt</a>
Since the start of Russia&rsquo;s full-scale invasion, 15 Britons have been killed while fighting for Ukraine, including two this month: Jordan Maclachlan, 26, a medic, and Jake Waddington, 34, a former British Army soldier.&nbsp;
While it is not illegal for foreign nationals to join Ukraine&rsquo;s forces, the UK government has warned that those without military training would be of limited use.
<h2>Joining Azov: Recruitment and training</h2>
To join Azov, non-Ukrainians must undergo a recruitment process, including interviews and psychological assessments, as well as a polygraph test to ensure they are not working for Russian special forces. Initial training lasts two to three months, even for those with military experience. After training, recruits are placed in infantry assault units.
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-protections-for-nearly-1-million-migrants-just-days-before-donald-trumps-inauguration-8609118"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-protections-for-nearly-1-million-migrants-just-days-before-donald-trumps-inauguration-8609118">Biden extends protections for nearly 1 million migrants, just days before Trump&rsquo;s inauguration</a>
<h2>Azov on the frontlines</h2>
Azov is currently operating near Toretsk in eastern Ukraine, a town split between Russian and Ukrainian forces. With the situation expected to worsen, the need for international recruits may become more critical as the war continues.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The unit, known for its nationalist origins, is hoping to form an international battalion to bolster its numbers, especially with growing concerns that US military aid could decline if Donald Trump returns to the presidency.

Ukraine’s highest-profile combat unit, the Azov Brigade, is looking to recruit English-speaking soldiers as the country heads into its fourth year of war against Russia. The unit, known for its nationalist origins, is hoping to form an international battalion to bolster its numbers, especially with growing concerns that US military aid could decline if Donald Trump returns to the presidency, as reported by the Guardian. Azov’s need for experienced recruits Azov’s commander, known as “Karl,” explained that the brigade was particularly seeking recruits with military experience. He stressed that Ukraine’s smaller size compared to Russia means it needs all the help it can get. “We are fighting to not let Russia become closer to Europe,” he said, adding that if Ukraine falls, Russia could threaten other nations like Poland and the Baltic states. Also Read | South Korea plane crash: Black boxes mysteriously stopped working minutes before crash, claims govt Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 15 Britons have been killed while fighting for Ukraine, including two this month: Jordan Maclachlan, 26, a medic, and Jake Waddington, 34, a former British Army soldier. While it is not illegal for foreign nationals to join Ukraine’s forces, the UK government has warned that those without military training would be of limited use. Joining Azov: Recruitment and training To join Azov, non-Ukrainians must undergo a recruitment process, including interviews and psychological assessments, as well as a polygraph test to ensure they are not working for Russian special forces. Initial training lasts two to three months, even for those with military experience. After training, recruits are placed in infantry assault units. Also Read | Biden extends protections for nearly 1 million migrants, just days before Trump’s inauguration Azov on the frontlines Azov is currently operating near Toretsk in eastern Ukraine, a town split between Russian and Ukrainian forces. With the situation expected to worsen, the need for international recruits may become more critical as the war continues. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv is seeking English-speaking soldiers

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South Korean government Saturday (Jan 11) said in a statement that critical data was missing from black boxes of the Jeju Air plane that crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29, leading to the loss of 179 lives. The transport Ministry said that flight data and voice recorders mysteriously stopped working just four minutes prior to the crash that has been blamed on a bird strike.
According to media reports, the pilots had told air traffic control about the alleged bird hit four minutes before the crash. The transport ministry said the black boxes were initially examined in South Korea but were later transferred to a US National Transportation Safety Board laboratory when investigators found the data missing.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ry7vjc-qpxbxuj3-5lokjl4n">
Jeju Air Flight 2216, which crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, had its black boxes stop recording four minutes prior to the incident. <a href="https://t.co/ppXkdoklc6">pic.twitter.com/ppXkdoklc6</a>
&mdash; Global Defense Insight (@Defense_Talks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Defense_Talks/status/1877989920783884733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
The aircraft, which departed Thai capital Bangkok for Muan, belly-landed without landing gear deployed, and slammed into a concrete embankment, turning into a giant fireball.
<h2>Rare and surprising</h2>
Reuters news agency quoted Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry accident investigator, as saying that it was indeed surprising that the crucial data was missing from the black boxes. The expert noted that it indicates all power including backup may have been cut on the plane, which is &lsquo;rare&rsquo;.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-transport-minister-to-resign-over-deadly-plane-crash-incident-8599973">South Korea's transport minister to resign over deadly plane crash</a>
The government has assured that a transparent probe would be conducted into the crash using all information available, and the same would be shared with the victims&rsquo; families.
It comes as several families have cast doubts over the investigation, who argued that the probe should be led by independent experts and not the government machinery.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeju-air-ceo-banned-from-leaving-south-korea-after-fatal-crash-say-police-8585056">Jeju Air CEO banned from leaving South Korea after fatal crash, say police</a>
Amid chaos, transport minister Park Sang-woo offered his resignation earlier this week, saying he felt &ldquo;a heavy sense of responsibility regarding this tragedy&rdquo;.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | South Korea plane crash: The government said black boxes were initially examined in South Korea but were later transferred to a US National Transportation Safety Board laboratory.

South Korean government Saturday (Jan 11) said in a statement that critical data was missing from black boxes of the Jeju Air plane that crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29, leading to the loss of 179 lives. The transport Ministry said that flight data and voice recorders mysteriously stopped working just four minutes prior to the crash that has been blamed on a bird strike. According to media reports, the pilots had told air traffic control about the alleged bird hit four minutes before the crash. The transport ministry said the black boxes were initially examined in South Korea but were later transferred to a US National Transportation Safety Board laboratory when investigators found the data missing. Jeju Air Flight 2216, which crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, had its black boxes stop recording four minutes prior to the incident. pic.twitter.com/ppXkdoklc6 — Global Defense Insight (@Defense_Talks) January 11, 2025 The aircraft, which departed Thai capital Bangkok for Muan, belly-landed without landing gear deployed, and slammed into a concrete embankment, turning into a giant fireball. Rare and surprising Reuters news agency quoted Sim Jai-dong, a former transport ministry accident investigator, as saying that it was indeed surprising that the crucial data was missing from the black boxes. The expert noted that it indicates all power including backup may have been cut on the plane, which is ‘rare’. Also read: South Korea's transport minister to resign over deadly plane crash The government has assured that a transparent probe would be conducted into the crash using all information available, and the same would be shared with the victims’ families. It comes as several families have cast doubts over the investigation, who argued that the probe should be led by independent experts and not the government machinery. Also read: Jeju Air CEO banned from leaving South Korea after fatal crash, say police Amid chaos, transport minister Park Sang-woo offered his resignation earlier this week, saying he felt “a heavy sense of responsibility regarding this tragedy”. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea plane crash: Black boxes mysteriously stopped working minutes before crash, claims govt

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THe top official of Panama Canal has rubbished US President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s acquisition bid, saying the critical trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans will remain under Panamanian sovereignty and continue operating neutrally for global commerce.
Ricaurte V&aacute;squez, the canal's administrator, also rejected Trump&rsquo;s claims that China was virtually controlling the canal, saying the operators at both ends are linked to a Hong-Kong based consortium which won the bidding process in 1997. V&aacute;squez said US and Taiwanese companies also managed other ports along the canal, reflecting diversity in its operational structure.
<h2>Trump's threat on Panama Canal</h2>
Earlier this month, Trump refused to rule out using military force to take US control of the Panama Canal, saying it was &ldquo;vital to our country.&rdquo;
Trump also said charging transit fees for crossing the canal was &ldquo;ridiculous&rdquo;. In response, V&aacute;squez said a system that granted exceptions sought by Trump for US-flagged ships would in fact lead to &ldquo;chaos.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finance-minister-refuses-to-condemn-trumps-bid-to-acquire-greenland-says-its-not-gonna-happen-8605869">UK finance minister joins Italy's Meloni, refuses to condemn Trump's bid to acquire Greenland despite EU's criticism</a>
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no discrimination in the fees,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The price rules are uniform for absolutely all those who transit the canal and clearly defined.&rdquo; However, the administrator added that exceptions would only be granted to American warships, which would receive expedited passage.
<h2>Significance of Panama Canal</h2>
The canal, 51-mile long and built by the US in early 20th century, was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed by then-President Jimmy Carter in 1977. The route is vital for American trade, with more than 70 per cent of the canal&rsquo;s traffic going to or coming from American ports. The route allows ships to ditch the longer and costlier trip around Cape Horn at the tip of South America.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-doubts-donald-trump-can-resolve-ukraine-russia-war-calls-greenland-canada-plans-wild-speculations-8605233">Russia doubts Trump can resolve Ukraine war swiftly; calls Greenland and Canada plans &lsquo;wild speculations&rsquo;</a>
Earlier, Panama President Jos&eacute; Ra&uacute;l Mulino also declared that the canal would remain in Panamanian hands.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Earlier this month, Trump refused to rule out using military force to take back control of the Panama Canal, saying it was “vital to our country.”

THe top official of Panama Canal has rubbished US President-elect Donald Trump’s acquisition bid, saying the critical trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans will remain under Panamanian sovereignty and continue operating neutrally for global commerce. Ricaurte Vásquez, the canal's administrator, also rejected Trump’s claims that China was virtually controlling the canal, saying the operators at both ends are linked to a Hong-Kong based consortium which won the bidding process in 1997. Vásquez said US and Taiwanese companies also managed other ports along the canal, reflecting diversity in its operational structure. Trump's threat on Panama Canal Earlier this month, Trump refused to rule out using military force to take US control of the Panama Canal, saying it was “vital to our country.” Trump also said charging transit fees for crossing the canal was “ridiculous”. In response, Vásquez said a system that granted exceptions sought by Trump for US-flagged ships would in fact lead to “chaos.” Also read: UK finance minister joins Italy's Meloni, refuses to condemn Trump's bid to acquire Greenland despite EU's criticism “There’s no discrimination in the fees,” he said. “The price rules are uniform for absolutely all those who transit the canal and clearly defined.” However, the administrator added that exceptions would only be granted to American warships, which would receive expedited passage. Significance of Panama Canal The canal, 51-mile long and built by the US in early 20th century, was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed by then-President Jimmy Carter in 1977. The route is vital for American trade, with more than 70 per cent of the canal’s traffic going to or coming from American ports. The route allows ships to ditch the longer and costlier trip around Cape Horn at the tip of South America. Also read: Russia doubts Trump can resolve Ukraine war swiftly; calls Greenland and Canada plans ‘wild speculations’ Earlier, Panama President José Raúl Mulino also declared that the canal would remain in Panamanian hands. (With inputs from agencies)

Panama Canal official fights back, says bowing to Trump’s demands would lead to ‘chaos’

In Los Angeles, multiple wildfires have been burning for days, with firefighters fighting a helpless battle as winds hitting 100 miles (160 kilometres) an hour flung fireballs from house to house, reducing whole streets to ashes. The disastrous inferno has already claimed the lives of 11 people and has destroyed around 10,000 buildings. But what caused it?
<h2>Are LA wildfires caused by arson?</h2>
Investigators as per reports are considering an array of possible things including arson that could've ignited the huge fires.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfires-lapd-detains-homeless-man-suspected-of-starting-kenneth-fire-as-death-toll-reaches-10-arson-arson-suspect-8607143" aria-label="LA wildfires: Police detain 'homeless suspect' for starting Kenneth fire">LA wildfires: Police detain 'homeless suspect' for starting Kenneth fire</a>
On Thursday (Jan 9), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took into custody a homeless man on suspicion of arson. The man, as per reports, is believed to have intentionally lighted the Kenneth fire which is tearing through Los Angeles' West Hills at a rapid rate. He was arrested after residents reported seeing a man attempting to start a fire.
However, police are yet to confirm if he is in fact behind the fire.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-swimmer-gary-hall-olympics-gold-medals-burned-in-la-wildfire-8609532">LA wildfires: Ex-Olympian Gary Hall's gold medals lost in inferno</a>
<h2>What else could have caused the wildfires in LA?</h2>
In Los Angeles, there are at least five wildfires raging in different areas, of which the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire are the largest.
As per the National Fire Protection Association, lightning is the most common source of forest fires in the US. However, this was quickly ruled out by investigators as there was no report of lighting in the Palisades or the terrain around Eaton, reported AP news agency.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfires-bloodbath-in-insurers-stocks-as-losses-top-20-billion-8609891">LA wildfires: Bloodbath in insurers stocks as losses top $20 billion</a>
Fires sparked by utility lines apart from blazes set intentionally are the next probable reason. As per AP, utility fires are yet to be identified as the reason behind the massive wildfires.
Terrie Prosper, communications director of California Public Utilities Commission, told AP that utilities are required to report any &ldquo;electric incidents potentially associated with a wildfire&rdquo;.&nbsp;
South California Edison, which serves the Eaton area, in a report filed with the CPUC on Fridays, said that it has not registered any interruptions to its service.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/los-angeles-wildfires-paris-hilton-donates-100000-launches-emergency-fund-for-victims-8609462">Paris Hilton donates $100,000, launches emergency fund for victims of LA wildfires</a>
&ldquo;Preliminary analysis by SCE of electrical circuit information for the energized transmission lines going through the area for 12 hours prior to the reported start time of the fire shows no interruptions or electrical or operational anomalies until more than one hour after the reported start time of the fire,&rdquo; it said.
<h2>What else could have caused the fires?</h2>
Accidental fires caused by debris burning or fireworks could also be behind the disastrous wildfires.
However, investigators are yet to establish what exactly caused the LA wildfires.
According to scientists, human-caused climate change is behind the altering weather patterns that are&nbsp;exacerbating the disaster.&nbsp;
Years of drought, followed by unusually wet seasons that spurred rampant vegetation growth, have left the region primed to burn.
Meteorologist Daniel Swain noted the unprecedented dryness over recent months, combined with extreme winds, is a key driver of the fires.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The winds are the driver, but the real catalyst&hellip; is this incredible antecedent dryness,&rdquo; Swain explained.
&ldquo;The lack of rain and the anomalous warmth and dryness that we've seen the past six months. That's something that we haven't seen in records going back to the 1800s.&rdquo;&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Investigators explore the causes behind the LA wildfires, which have destroyed around 10,000 properties. They are considering arson and other things as potential sources.

In Los Angeles, multiple wildfires have been burning for days, with firefighters fighting a helpless battle as winds hitting 100 miles (160 kilometres) an hour flung fireballs from house to house, reducing whole streets to ashes. The disastrous inferno has already claimed the lives of 11 people and has destroyed around 10,000 buildings. But what caused it? Are LA wildfires caused by arson? Investigators as per reports are considering an array of possible things including arson that could've ignited the huge fires. Also read | LA wildfires: Police detain 'homeless suspect' for starting Kenneth fire On Thursday (Jan 9), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took into custody a homeless man on suspicion of arson. The man, as per reports, is believed to have intentionally lighted the Kenneth fire which is tearing through Los Angeles' West Hills at a rapid rate. He was arrested after residents reported seeing a man attempting to start a fire. However, police are yet to confirm if he is in fact behind the fire. Also read | LA wildfires: Ex-Olympian Gary Hall's gold medals lost in inferno What else could have caused the wildfires in LA? In Los Angeles, there are at least five wildfires raging in different areas, of which the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire are the largest. As per the National Fire Protection Association, lightning is the most common source of forest fires in the US. However, this was quickly ruled out by investigators as there was no report of lighting in the Palisades or the terrain around Eaton, reported AP news agency. Also read | LA wildfires: Bloodbath in insurers stocks as losses top $20 billion Fires sparked by utility lines apart from blazes set intentionally are the next probable reason. As per AP, utility fires are yet to be identified as the reason behind the massive wildfires. Terrie Prosper, communications director of California Public Utilities Commission, told AP that utilities are required to report any “electric incidents potentially associated with a wildfire”. South California Edison, which serves the Eaton area, in a report filed with the CPUC on Fridays, said that it has not registered any interruptions to its service. Also read | Paris Hilton donates $100,000, launches emergency fund for victims of LA wildfires “Preliminary analysis by SCE of electrical circuit information for the energized transmission lines going through the area for 12 hours prior to the reported start time of the fire shows no interruptions or electrical or operational anomalies until more than one hour after the reported start time of the fire,” it said. What else could have caused the fires? Accidental fires caused by debris burning or fireworks could also be behind the disastrous wildfires. However, investigators are yet to establish what exactly caused the LA wildfires. According to scientists, human-caused climate change is behind the altering weather patterns that are exacerbating the disaster. Years of drought, followed by unusually wet seasons that spurred rampant vegetation growth, have left the region primed to burn. Meteorologist Daniel Swain noted the unprecedented dryness over recent months, combined with extreme winds, is a key driver of the fires. “The winds are the driver, but the real catalyst… is this incredible antecedent dryness,” Swain explained. “The lack of rain and the anomalous warmth and dryness that we've seen the past six months. That's something that we haven't seen in records going back to the 1800s.” (With inputs from agencies)

LA wildfires: What caused the inferno that has already destroyed 10,000 properties?

President-elect Donald Trump's company is in negotiations to repurchase the lease on a hotel in Washington D.C. it used to own, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The Trump Organization had sold the lease on the hotel, which is blocks away from the White House in the historic Old Post Office Building, for $375 million in 2022. The hotel was leased to the Trumps in 2013 by the federal government, which owns the building.
Eric Trump, executive vice president at the company and Trump's son, discussed purchasing the lease with merchant bank BDT &amp; MSD Partners - which controls the long-term lease on the hotel, the report said.
Talks are still in the preliminary stages and may not lead to a sale of the property's lease, the report added. The hotel currently operates under a brand owned by Hilton Worldwide.
During Trump's first term, Democrats had criticized the lease as a conflict of interest, after which his son, Donald Trump Jr, took the reins at the hotel.
The Trump Organization, Hilton and BDT &amp; MSD Partners did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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 | Eric Trump, executive vice president at the company and Trump's son, discussed purchasing the lease with merchant bank BDT & MSD Partners.

President-elect Donald Trump's company is in negotiations to repurchase the lease on a hotel in Washington D.C. it used to own, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. The Trump Organization had sold the lease on the hotel, which is blocks away from the White House in the historic Old Post Office Building, for $375 million in 2022. The hotel was leased to the Trumps in 2013 by the federal government, which owns the building. Eric Trump, executive vice president at the company and Trump's son, discussed purchasing the lease with merchant bank BDT & MSD Partners - which controls the long-term lease on the hotel, the report said. Talks are still in the preliminary stages and may not lead to a sale of the property's lease, the report added. The hotel currently operates under a brand owned by Hilton Worldwide. During Trump's first term, Democrats had criticized the lease as a conflict of interest, after which his son, Donald Trump Jr, took the reins at the hotel. The Trump Organization, Hilton and BDT & MSD Partners did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 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.

Trump Organization planning repurchasing Washington DC hotel lease: Report

Four people suffered minor injuries after a Delta Airlines plane executed an aborted takeoff Friday morning at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Delta Airlines plane aborts takeoff in Atlanta

Tencent and NetEase, China’s largest video game companies, confirmed their compliance with existing regulations during the winter school break.

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US insurance stocks slid on Friday as analysts estimated insured losses from the wildfires menacing Los Angeles could reach as high as $20 billion, potentially making it the costliest disaster in California's history.
A pause in the fierce winds that super-charged the ring of wildfires that devastated Los Angeles this week helped crews make progress in bringing the infernos under control but forecasters said strong gusts could return over the weekend.
Analysts are evaluating the financial impact of the disaster, with JP Morgan doubling its forecast of insured losses to over $20 billion. Wells Fargo also expects similar insured losses and said the total economic hit from the disaster could be well above $60 billion.
To help provide critical stability amid the devastation caused by the fires, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara invoked moratorium powers to suspend all policy non-renewals and cancellations from insurance companies for one year.
Lara also urged insurance companies to halt any pending non-renewals and cancellations issued to homeowners before the fires began.
"My primary concern at this very moment is to ensure that wildfire survivors receive the insurance benefits to which they are entitled to as soon as possible," Lara said at a press briefing.
The Pacific Palisades area is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the U.S., home to Hollywood A-Listers and multimillion dollar mansions. Ahead of this week's disaster, its insurance costs were among the most affordable in the country, according to a Reuters analysis.
But that is likely to change after the scale of losses anticipated in the wildfires now ringing Los Angeles, as well as regulatory changes enacted late last year.
"While leading U.S. property insurers are in good financial condition, the California property insurance market has been challenging... leading many insurers to re-think their product offering, including an outright exit from the market," Morningstar DBRS wrote in a client note.
The S&amp;P Insurance Select Industry (.SPSIINS), opens new tab index was last down 3.2% on Friday.
<h2>Mounting losses</h2>
The fires, engulfing iconic Los Angeles neighborhoods and tearing through the Hollywood Hills, have so far killed 10 people and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures.
Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated the damage and economic loss at $135 billion to $150 billion, portending an arduous recovery and a surge in homeowners' insurance costs.
"It will take weeks or months to determine the magnitude of the insured damages, but the Los Angeles wildfires are likely among the most costly wildfires in the state's history," Moody's Ratings said in a note.
Raymond James sees insured losses in the range of $11 billion to $17.5 billion and said the disaster could become the costliest wildfire in United States history. Analysts at Morningstar DBRS pegged insured losses in excess of $8 billion, based on preliminary estimates.
"The largest U.S. primary insurers have meaningfully reduced exposure to California due to costly and unquantifiable wildfire risk, combined with the state's strict pricing controls," analysts at Jefferies wrote in a note.
Catastrophe losses have intensified over the past few years and have significantly hurt profits due to substantial payouts tied to widespread property damage, business interruptions and liability claims.
Severe and frequent natural disasters have hastened the industry's retreat from high-risk areas, particularly Florida and California.
Among individual stocks, sector bellwether Travelers (TRV.N), opens new tab fell 4% in afternoon trading. Los Angeles-based multi-line insurer Mercury General (MCY.N), opens new tab slumped 22%, while Allstate (ALL.N), opens new tab dropped 7%.
Chubb and AIG (AIG.N), opens new tab dropped 4% and 1.3%, respectively.
Mercury General said on Friday it will take some time before the company has an estimate of the total losses. As the wildfires continue to burn, it expects the losses to exceed its reinsurance retention level of $150 million.
European insurers, including Beazley (BEZG.L), opens new tab, Lancashire (LRE.L), opens new tab and Hiscox (HSX.L), opens new tab, also closed between 3% and 5.7% lower.
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 | Analysts are evaluating the financial impact of the disaster, with JP Morgan doubling its forecast of insured losses to over $20 billion.

US insurance stocks slid on Friday as analysts estimated insured losses from the wildfires menacing Los Angeles could reach as high as $20 billion, potentially making it the costliest disaster in California's history. A pause in the fierce winds that super-charged the ring of wildfires that devastated Los Angeles this week helped crews make progress in bringing the infernos under control but forecasters said strong gusts could return over the weekend. Analysts are evaluating the financial impact of the disaster, with JP Morgan doubling its forecast of insured losses to over $20 billion. Wells Fargo also expects similar insured losses and said the total economic hit from the disaster could be well above $60 billion. To help provide critical stability amid the devastation caused by the fires, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara invoked moratorium powers to suspend all policy non-renewals and cancellations from insurance companies for one year. Lara also urged insurance companies to halt any pending non-renewals and cancellations issued to homeowners before the fires began. "My primary concern at this very moment is to ensure that wildfire survivors receive the insurance benefits to which they are entitled to as soon as possible," Lara said at a press briefing. The Pacific Palisades area is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the U.S., home to Hollywood A-Listers and multimillion dollar mansions. Ahead of this week's disaster, its insurance costs were among the most affordable in the country, according to a Reuters analysis. But that is likely to change after the scale of losses anticipated in the wildfires now ringing Los Angeles, as well as regulatory changes enacted late last year. "While leading U.S. property insurers are in good financial condition, the California property insurance market has been challenging... leading many insurers to re-think their product offering, including an outright exit from the market," Morningstar DBRS wrote in a client note. The S&P Insurance Select Industry (.SPSIINS), opens new tab index was last down 3.2% on Friday. Mounting losses The fires, engulfing iconic Los Angeles neighborhoods and tearing through the Hollywood Hills, have so far killed 10 people and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures. Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated the damage and economic loss at $135 billion to $150 billion, portending an arduous recovery and a surge in homeowners' insurance costs. "It will take weeks or months to determine the magnitude of the insured damages, but the Los Angeles wildfires are likely among the most costly wildfires in the state's history," Moody's Ratings said in a note. Raymond James sees insured losses in the range of $11 billion to $17.5 billion and said the disaster could become the costliest wildfire in United States history. Analysts at Morningstar DBRS pegged insured losses in excess of $8 billion, based on preliminary estimates. "The largest U.S. primary insurers have meaningfully reduced exposure to California due to costly and unquantifiable wildfire risk, combined with the state's strict pricing controls," analysts at Jefferies wrote in a note. Catastrophe losses have intensified over the past few years and have significantly hurt profits due to substantial payouts tied to widespread property damage, business interruptions and liability claims. Severe and frequent natural disasters have hastened the industry's retreat from high-risk areas, particularly Florida and California. Among individual stocks, sector bellwether Travelers (TRV.N), opens new tab fell 4% in afternoon trading. Los Angeles-based multi-line insurer Mercury General (MCY.N), opens new tab slumped 22%, while Allstate (ALL.N), opens new tab dropped 7%. Chubb and AIG (AIG.N), opens new tab dropped 4% and 1.3%, respectively. Mercury General said on Friday it will take some time before the company has an estimate of the total losses. As the wildfires continue to burn, it expects the losses to exceed its reinsurance retention level of $150 million. European insurers, including Beazley (BEZG.L), opens new tab, Lancashire (LRE.L), opens new tab and Hiscox (HSX.L), opens new tab, also closed between 3% and 5.7% lower. 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.

LA wildfires: Bloodbath in insurers stocks as losses top $20 billion

Israeli warplanes bombed a power station and two ports in Houthi-controlled Yemen on Friday in retaliation for Houthi drone and missile strikes against Israel, and pro-Houthi media said at least one person had been killed and nine wounded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Iran-backed Houthi militia were "paying and will continue to pay a heavy price for their aggression against us".
The strikes hit the Red Sea port of Ras Issa and the major port of Hodeidah and the Hezyaz central power station in Yemen's capital Sanaa, and Harf Sufyan District in Amran province also came under air attack, said Al Masirah TV, the main news outlet run by the Houthis.
An employee at the Ras Issa port was killed and six others were injured, while three people, including a worker, were wounded in the strikes on Hezyaz, the outlet said.
The Israeli military said more than 20 aircraft took part in the attack, dropping around 50 bombs and missiles in an operation which required airborne refuelling during the 2,000-km (1,240-mile) flight.
Earlier, British security firm Ambrey said airstrikes on the Ras Issa port targeted oil storage facilities in the vicinity of shipping berths, though no merchant vessels were reported to have been damaged.
The supply of petroleum derivatives is stable, the Houthi government spokesperson Hashem Sharaf Eddine said after the attack.
An Israeli military statement confirmed the targets, saying the power station served as a "central source of energy for the Houthi terrorist regime in its military activities". It added that the targets struck were examples of the "Houthis' exploitation of civilian infrastructure".
Within the past 48 hours, the Houthis have fired three drones at Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv and more drones and missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said.
The Houthis have targeted Israel, hundreds of kilometres to the north as well as international shipping in waters near Yemen since November 2023 in support of Palestinian militants at war with Israel in Gaza.
Israel has responded with airstrikes in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, as have British and U.S. forces in the region.
Netanyahu said last month Israel was only at the beginning of its campaign against the Houthis.
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 | IDF said more than 20 aircraft took part in the attack, dropping around 50 bombs and missiles in an operation which required airborne refuelling during the 2,000-km flight.

Israeli warplanes bombed a power station and two ports in Houthi-controlled Yemen on Friday in retaliation for Houthi drone and missile strikes against Israel, and pro-Houthi media said at least one person had been killed and nine wounded. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Iran-backed Houthi militia were "paying and will continue to pay a heavy price for their aggression against us". The strikes hit the Red Sea port of Ras Issa and the major port of Hodeidah and the Hezyaz central power station in Yemen's capital Sanaa, and Harf Sufyan District in Amran province also came under air attack, said Al Masirah TV, the main news outlet run by the Houthis. An employee at the Ras Issa port was killed and six others were injured, while three people, including a worker, were wounded in the strikes on Hezyaz, the outlet said. The Israeli military said more than 20 aircraft took part in the attack, dropping around 50 bombs and missiles in an operation which required airborne refuelling during the 2,000-km (1,240-mile) flight. Earlier, British security firm Ambrey said airstrikes on the Ras Issa port targeted oil storage facilities in the vicinity of shipping berths, though no merchant vessels were reported to have been damaged. The supply of petroleum derivatives is stable, the Houthi government spokesperson Hashem Sharaf Eddine said after the attack. An Israeli military statement confirmed the targets, saying the power station served as a "central source of energy for the Houthi terrorist regime in its military activities". It added that the targets struck were examples of the "Houthis' exploitation of civilian infrastructure". Within the past 48 hours, the Houthis have fired three drones at Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv and more drones and missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said. The Houthis have targeted Israel, hundreds of kilometres to the north as well as international shipping in waters near Yemen since November 2023 in support of Palestinian militants at war with Israel in Gaza. Israel has responded with airstrikes in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, as have British and U.S. forces in the region. Netanyahu said last month Israel was only at the beginning of its campaign against the Houthis. 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

Israeli jets pummel power station, two ports in Houthi-held Yemen

Clashes in Syria: Fighting intensifies in Syria's Manbij region. Watch to know more.

Clashes in Syria: Fighting intensifies in Syria's Manbij region

A top former aide to US President-elect Donald Trump has claimed that China hacked the GOP leader’s phone and stole data for six months. He also added that the communist nation was hoping to develop a first-strike nuclear capability against the US. The warning came from Trump’s national security adviser from 2017 to 2018, HR McMaster. While speaking at an event organised by the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank, McMaster argued the US needed to impose “very significant costs” on China for its “massive cyber intrusions”.

‘China hacked Trump’s phone, stole data for six months,’ Former aide claims

The United States and the United Kingdom imposed further sanctions on Russia's energy sector on Friday in an attempt to curb funding for Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

US, UK impose sanctions on Russia's energy sector

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under fire for reportedly rejecting a help offer from the New York Fire Department. Bass reportedly rejected the offer saying fighting wildfires is &ldquo;a whole different beast&rdquo; that required special training and was much different from putting out flames in buildings. 
In a significant largesse for immigrants, US President Joe Biden extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly one million migrants. His move, shortly before leaving office, marks a significant setback for his successor President-elect Donald Trump's tough immigration plans.&nbsp;
A Punjab lawmaker from the Aam Aadmi Party, which also governs the Indian national capital, was declared dead late Friday as he 'mistakenly' shot himself in the head.
Click on the headlines to read more.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfires-mayor-rejected-help-from-ny-fire-department-amid-crew-shortages-report-8609183" rel="dofollow">LA wildfires: Mayor rejected help from NY fire department amid crew shortages: Report</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/11/BAm6ehqK3BkeC9FENeNg.jpg" alt=" Fire crew battle raging wildfire in LA Photograph: (Reuters) ">
As raging wildfires burn down more than 10,000 homes and buildings in the Los Angeles area with no relief in sight, reports have emerged claiming the county mayor, Karen Bass, rejected a help offer from the New York Fire Department.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-protections-for-nearly-1-million-migrants-just-days-before-donald-trumps-inauguration-8609118" rel="dofollow">Biden extends protections for nearly 1 million migrants, just days before Trump&rsquo;s inauguration</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/11/RnMfSHXLQFGC63fn4bn0.png" alt=" Immigration has been a key election issue for Trump. During his election campaign and since, the president-elect has been known to vilify immigrants, calling them rapists, murderers, etc. and promising to launch a mass deportation.&nbsp; Photograph: (Combination created using images from AFP) ">
The Biden administration announced on Friday (Jan 10) the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly one million migrants from Sudan, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Venezuela.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-putin-in-tough-shape-as-us-and-uk-impose-sanctions-on-russia-ukraine-war-8609103" rel="dofollow">Biden says Putin in &lsquo;tough shape&rsquo; as US and UK impose sanctions on Russia</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/11/56oxdRkBDsCjM7EYUWDu.png" alt=" US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin Photograph: (Combination created using images from AFP) ">
US President Joe Biden remarked Friday (Jan 10) that Russian President Vladimir Putin was in a &ldquo;tough shape,&rdquo; as the United States and Britain imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow's energy sector over the warring nation's invasion of neighbour Ukraine.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-mla-gurpreet-gogi-found-dead-family-claims-accidental-shooting-8609150" rel="dofollow">AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi found dead, family claims accidental shooting</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/11/0x06WfG5OSYjs1XzXiQf.jpg" alt=" Photograph: (File Photo) ">
Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana West, was declared dead late Friday after sustaining bullet injuries. The police confirmed that he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Dayanand Medical College (DMC) Hospital in Ludhiana.
Watch | China: Death of a student, who fell from school dormitory, sparks violent protests.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ro8jvl-j0k6tah3-w09vpilz">
China: Death of a student, who fell from school dormitory, sparks violent protests Official statement mentions it as a case of suicide Officials did not allow parents to check for injuries: Reports<a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> brings you this report Watch more: <a href="https://t.co/dm7SyC01cG">https://t.co/dm7SyC01cG</a> <a href="https://t.co/1cR7g9q0a0">pic.twitter.com/1cR7g9q0a0</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1877927162059137242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

Good morning! Start your day with WION's daily news brief.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under fire for reportedly rejecting a help offer from the New York Fire Department. Bass reportedly rejected the offer saying fighting wildfires is “a whole different beast” that required special training and was much different from putting out flames in buildings. In a significant largesse for immigrants, US President Joe Biden extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly one million migrants. His move, shortly before leaving office, marks a significant setback for his successor President-elect Donald Trump's tough immigration plans. A Punjab lawmaker from the Aam Aadmi Party, which also governs the Indian national capital, was declared dead late Friday as he 'mistakenly' shot himself in the head. Click on the headlines to read more. LA wildfires: Mayor rejected help from NY fire department amid crew shortages: Report As raging wildfires burn down more than 10,000 homes and buildings in the Los Angeles area with no relief in sight, reports have emerged claiming the county mayor, Karen Bass, rejected a help offer from the New York Fire Department. Biden extends protections for nearly 1 million migrants, just days before Trump’s inauguration The Biden administration announced on Friday (Jan 10) the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly one million migrants from Sudan, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Venezuela. Biden says Putin in ‘tough shape’ as US and UK impose sanctions on Russia US President Joe Biden remarked Friday (Jan 10) that Russian President Vladimir Putin was in a “tough shape,” as the United States and Britain imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow's energy sector over the warring nation's invasion of neighbour Ukraine. AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi found dead, family claims accidental shooting Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana West, was declared dead late Friday after sustaining bullet injuries. The police confirmed that he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Dayanand Medical College (DMC) Hospital in Ludhiana. Watch | China: Death of a student, who fell from school dormitory, sparks violent protests. China: Death of a student, who fell from school dormitory, sparks violent protests Official statement mentions it as a case of suicide Officials did not allow parents to check for injuries: Reports@SaroyaHem brings you this report Watch more: https://t.co/dm7SyC01cG pic.twitter.com/1cR7g9q0a0 — WION (@WIONews) January 11, 2025

Morning news brief: Los Angeles wildfires updates; Biden's largesse to 1 mn migrants, and more

Iranian state TV on Friday showed the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps touring an underground missile base used in an attack against Israel, hours after fighters marched through Tehran.
The footage of the missile base at an undisclosed location &ldquo;in the mountains&rdquo; and the parade by paramilitary Basij volunteers come after the weakening of Iran's allies Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, during wars with Israel.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-fact-checking-meta-dismantles-diversity-programmes-is-mark-zuckerberg-trying-to-appease-president-elect-donald-trump-8609188">After fact-checking, Meta dismantles diversity programmes. Is Zuckerberg trying to appease Trump?</a>
They also come days before US President-elect Donald Trump is due to take office. During his first term, he oversaw the killing of Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq, and reinstated sanctions on Tehran after pulling out from a landmark nuclear deal.
State TV showed Guards chief Hossein Salami visiting the missile base, which the report said has &ldquo;dozens&rdquo; of different types of missiles and was used during Iran's second ever direct attack on regional foe Israel late last year.
Watch it here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
📰 News 🇮🇷 Iran🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> Unveils New Underground Missile Base 🇮🇷🚇Iran has revealed a new underground missile base, showcasing its military capabilities. The base features missiles displayed over a US flag, potentially causing controversy. This development has sparked&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/IgQiONiTar">pic.twitter.com/IgQiONiTar</a>
&mdash; Xnews_with_Grok (@Xnews_with_grok) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xnews_with_grok/status/1877840376436031649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

The Iranian missile attack on Israel in October was in stated retaliation for the killing of Tehran-aligned militant leaders in the region, along with a general in Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
On Friday, thousands of Basij fighters, which are linked to the Revolutionary Guards, paraded with heavy weapons and vehicles through the streets of Tehran, showing their readiness to face &ldquo;threats&rdquo;.
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Vehicles mounted with rocket launchers, artillery and naval commandos moved through the streets. Fighters in combat gear marched on foot with rocket launchers, and black-clad women carried rifles.
Some dragged coffins decorated with Israeli flags, as flags of Hezbollah flew along with Iranian and Palestinian banners.
A Guards commander, General Mohammadreza Naghdi, singled out Iran's enemies the United States and Israel during the gathering.
The United States, he said, was &ldquo;behind all the misfortune in the Muslim world&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/los-angeles-wildfires-disney-to-donate-15-million-to-relief-efforts-8609210">Los Angeles wildfires: Disney to donate $ 15 million to relief efforts</a>
As for Israel, &ldquo;if we are able to destroy the Zionist regime and withdraw the American bases in the region, one of our big problems will be resolved,&rdquo; he said.
The Guards' commander for the capital, General Hassan Hassanzadeh, told state television that one aim of the rally was to &ldquo;support the population of Gaza and Palestine&rdquo;.
Supporting the Palestinian cause has been a pillar of Iranian foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
&ldquo;We also want to show that the Basij are ready to confront all threats from enemies of the Islamic revolution,&rdquo; Hassanzadeh said.
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&nbsp;audience.

Iranian state TV on Friday showed the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps touring an underground missile base used in an attack against Israel, hours after fighters marched through Tehran.

Iranian state TV on Friday showed the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps touring an underground missile base used in an attack against Israel, hours after fighters marched through Tehran. The footage of the missile base at an undisclosed location “in the mountains” and the parade by paramilitary Basij volunteers come after the weakening of Iran's allies Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, during wars with Israel. Also read | After fact-checking, Meta dismantles diversity programmes. Is Zuckerberg trying to appease Trump? They also come days before US President-elect Donald Trump is due to take office. During his first term, he oversaw the killing of Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq, and reinstated sanctions on Tehran after pulling out from a landmark nuclear deal. State TV showed Guards chief Hossein Salami visiting the missile base, which the report said has “dozens” of different types of missiles and was used during Iran's second ever direct attack on regional foe Israel late last year. Watch it here: 📰 News 🇮🇷 Iran🚨 #Iran Unveils New Underground Missile Base 🇮🇷🚇Iran has revealed a new underground missile base, showcasing its military capabilities. The base features missiles displayed over a US flag, potentially causing controversy. This development has sparked… pic.twitter.com/IgQiONiTar — Xnews_with_Grok (@Xnews_with_grok) January 10, 2025 The Iranian missile attack on Israel in October was in stated retaliation for the killing of Tehran-aligned militant leaders in the region, along with a general in Iran's Revolutionary Guards. On Friday, thousands of Basij fighters, which are linked to the Revolutionary Guards, paraded with heavy weapons and vehicles through the streets of Tehran, showing their readiness to face “threats”. Also read | Watch: Confused Biden declares Harris ‘would’ve defeated Trump’ Vehicles mounted with rocket launchers, artillery and naval commandos moved through the streets. Fighters in combat gear marched on foot with rocket launchers, and black-clad women carried rifles. Some dragged coffins decorated with Israeli flags, as flags of Hezbollah flew along with Iranian and Palestinian banners. A Guards commander, General Mohammadreza Naghdi, singled out Iran's enemies the United States and Israel during the gathering. The United States, he said, was “behind all the misfortune in the Muslim world”. Also read | Los Angeles wildfires: Disney to donate $ 15 million to relief efforts As for Israel, “if we are able to destroy the Zionist regime and withdraw the American bases in the region, one of our big problems will be resolved,” he said. The Guards' commander for the capital, General Hassan Hassanzadeh, told state television that one aim of the rally was to “support the population of Gaza and Palestine”. Supporting the Palestinian cause has been a pillar of Iranian foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution. “We also want to show that the Basij are ready to confront all threats from enemies of the Islamic revolution,” Hassanzadeh said. 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.

Iran TV shows missile base after paramilitary march against 'threats'. Watch video

A US judge held former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court on Friday for continuing to defame two Georgia election workers.
Giuliani, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, was ordered by a federal jury in Washington in December 2023 to pay nearly $148 million to Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea &ldquo;Shaye&rdquo; Moss for repeatedly making false claims that they engaged in 2020 election fraud.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-fact-checking-meta-dismantles-diversity-programmes-is-mark-zuckerberg-trying-to-appease-president-elect-donald-trump-8609188">After fact-checking, Meta dismantles diversity programmes. Is Zuckerberg trying to appease Trump?</a>
At a court hearing in Washington on Friday, District Judge Beryl Howell found Giuliani in contempt and threatened him with potential fines if he continues to make defamatory remarks about the pair.
It was the second time this week the 80-year-old Giuliani was found in contempt of court.
A district judge in New York held him in contempt on Monday for failing to reveal information about assets he has been ordered to hand over to Freeman and Moss.
Giuliani attacked Howell following the hearing in Washington, calling her a &ldquo;mockery of a judge&rdquo; and saying she is &ldquo;dying to give me a prison sentence.&rdquo;
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&ldquo;I shouldn't be the one that's paying fines,&rdquo; he told reporters. &ldquo;I shouldn't be the one in contempt, she should be.&rdquo;
Giuliani was a key figure in Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. A former New York prosecutor, he has been disbarred over his false election claims.
Giuliani, who has filed for bankruptcy, has been ordered to surrender his $6 million New York apartment, a 1980 Mercedes Benz convertible, jewelry, luxury watches, and valuable collectible items including a jersey signed by baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.
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Giuliani was found guilty of defaming the two women as they took part in a vote count in the swing state of Georgia after the presidential election in 2020.
Using a video showing the two women passing an object -- later revealed to be a mint -- the former New York mayor claimed they were exchanging a USB drive &ldquo;like vials of heroin or cocaine&rdquo; to rig the results.
Freeman and Moss, who are Black, told the jury during the defamation trial that Giuliani's false accusations had upended their lives and made them the target of racist threats.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-confused-joe-biden-declares-kamala-harris-wouldve-defeated-donald-trump-8609222" aria-label="Watch: Confused Biden declares Harris &lsquo;would&rsquo;ve defeated Trump&rsquo;">Watch: Confused Biden declares Harris &lsquo;would&rsquo;ve defeated Trump&rsquo;</a>
An eight-person federal jury awarded Freeman and Moss more than $16 million each for defamation, $20 million each for emotional distress and $75 million in punitive damages.
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&nbsp;audience.

Rudy Giuliani, former Trump lawyer, found in contempt of court for defaming Georgia election workers.

A US judge held former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court on Friday for continuing to defame two Georgia election workers. Giuliani, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, was ordered by a federal jury in Washington in December 2023 to pay nearly $148 million to Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss for repeatedly making false claims that they engaged in 2020 election fraud. Also read | After fact-checking, Meta dismantles diversity programmes. Is Zuckerberg trying to appease Trump? At a court hearing in Washington on Friday, District Judge Beryl Howell found Giuliani in contempt and threatened him with potential fines if he continues to make defamatory remarks about the pair. It was the second time this week the 80-year-old Giuliani was found in contempt of court. A district judge in New York held him in contempt on Monday for failing to reveal information about assets he has been ordered to hand over to Freeman and Moss. Giuliani attacked Howell following the hearing in Washington, calling her a “mockery of a judge” and saying she is “dying to give me a prison sentence.” Also read | LA wildfires: Mayor rejected help from NY fire department amid crew shortages: Report “I shouldn't be the one that's paying fines,” he told reporters. “I shouldn't be the one in contempt, she should be.” Giuliani was a key figure in Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. A former New York prosecutor, he has been disbarred over his false election claims. Giuliani, who has filed for bankruptcy, has been ordered to surrender his $6 million New York apartment, a 1980 Mercedes Benz convertible, jewelry, luxury watches, and valuable collectible items including a jersey signed by baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. Also read | Los Angeles wildfires: Disney to donate $ 15 million to relief efforts Giuliani was found guilty of defaming the two women as they took part in a vote count in the swing state of Georgia after the presidential election in 2020. Using a video showing the two women passing an object -- later revealed to be a mint -- the former New York mayor claimed they were exchanging a USB drive “like vials of heroin or cocaine” to rig the results. Freeman and Moss, who are Black, told the jury during the defamation trial that Giuliani's false accusations had upended their lives and made them the target of racist threats. Also read | Watch: Confused Biden declares Harris ‘would’ve defeated Trump’ An eight-person federal jury awarded Freeman and Moss more than $16 million each for defamation, $20 million each for emotional distress and $75 million in punitive damages. 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.

Trump ex-lawyer Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court — again

US President Joe Biden Friday (Jan 10) asserted Vice President Kamala Harris &ldquo;could have and would have&rdquo; beaten Republican candidate Donald Trump, apparently overlooking the fact that she indeed did run against the GOP leader and suffered a massive loss. At a press conference, the 82-year-old leader was asked about his decision to drop out of the presidential race following an abysmal debate performance.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5rn3ffm-bpa7qcut-mc412ti4">
JUST IN: President Biden says he could have and would have won the 2024 election, says Kamala Harris could have and would have won too. Someone should tell him that Kamala did in fact run and did not win. "I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, and I think that&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/7oOWeSJ2hs">pic.twitter.com/7oOWeSJ2hs</a>
&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1877857173046440257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
&ldquo;I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, and I think that Kamala could have beaten Trump and would have been Trump,&rdquo; a confused Biden stressed.
Biden added that for him, unifying the party was the biggest priority and he was confident of Harris&rsquo;s win.
&ldquo;I thought it was better to unify the party. It was the greatest honour of my life to be President of the United States but I didn&rsquo;t want to be one who caused a party who wasn&rsquo;t unified to lose an election. That&rsquo;s why I stepped aside, but I was confident she could win,&rdquo; the Democratic leader said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-pledges-federal-aid-as-national-guard-called-in-to-battle-nightmare-los-angeles-wildfires-8606272">LA wildfires: Biden pledges federal aid as death toll rises to 10; National Guard called in to battle 'nightmare'</a>
Earlier on Sunday, Biden was asked whether he had any regrets about walking out of the race. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,&rdquo; he responded.
&ldquo;But I also wasn&rsquo;t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old &hellip;. Who the hell knows? So far, so good. But who knows what I&rsquo;m going to be when I&rsquo;m 86 years old?&rdquo;
<h2>Reactions on social media</h2>
Users on social media were quick to remind Biden that Kamala in fact did run against Trump following his Friday gaffe.
&ldquo;Someone should tell him that Kamala did in fact run and did not win,&rdquo; wrote one user.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-wildfires-mayor-rejected-help-from-ny-fire-department-amid-crew-shortages-report-8609183">LA wildfires: Mayor rejected help from NY fire department amid crew shortages: Report</a>
&ldquo;They are just setting the stage to make the case for dementia if he ever goes to trial,&rdquo; a second user added.
&ldquo;Kamala couldn't even win a primary now he's saying she could beat Trump?&rdquo; a third user commented.

World | At a press conference, the 82-year-old leader was asked about his decision to drop out of the presidential race following an abysmal debate performance.

US President Joe Biden Friday (Jan 10) asserted Vice President Kamala Harris “could have and would have” beaten Republican candidate Donald Trump, apparently overlooking the fact that she indeed did run against the GOP leader and suffered a massive loss. At a press conference, the 82-year-old leader was asked about his decision to drop out of the presidential race following an abysmal debate performance. JUST IN: President Biden says he could have and would have won the 2024 election, says Kamala Harris could have and would have won too. Someone should tell him that Kamala did in fact run and did not win. "I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, and I think that… pic.twitter.com/7oOWeSJ2hs — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 10, 2025 “I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, and I think that Kamala could have beaten Trump and would have been Trump,” a confused Biden stressed. Biden added that for him, unifying the party was the biggest priority and he was confident of Harris’s win. “I thought it was better to unify the party. It was the greatest honour of my life to be President of the United States but I didn’t want to be one who caused a party who wasn’t unified to lose an election. That’s why I stepped aside, but I was confident she could win,” the Democratic leader said. Also read: LA wildfires: Biden pledges federal aid as death toll rises to 10; National Guard called in to battle 'nightmare' Earlier on Sunday, Biden was asked whether he had any regrets about walking out of the race. “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,” he responded. “But I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old …. Who the hell knows? So far, so good. But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” Reactions on social media Users on social media were quick to remind Biden that Kamala in fact did run against Trump following his Friday gaffe. “Someone should tell him that Kamala did in fact run and did not win,” wrote one user. Also read: LA wildfires: Mayor rejected help from NY fire department amid crew shortages: Report “They are just setting the stage to make the case for dementia if he ever goes to trial,” a second user added. “Kamala couldn't even win a primary now he's saying she could beat Trump?” a third user commented.

Watch: Confused Biden declares Harris ‘would’ve defeated Trump’

The 18th edition of the Indo-Nepal joint military exercise, Surya Kiran, is underway in Nepal. The exercise provides an opportunity for both armies to exchange best practices and sharpen skills in counterterrorism operations in mountainous terrains.

Surya Kiran: India, Nepal foster military cooperation & mutual preparedness

The United States raised the reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to $25 million on Friday as he was sworn in.

US announces $25m reward for arrest of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro

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