On January 06, 2025, the areas of Los Angeles and Oxnard were placed under a red flag warning by the National Weather Service of Los Angeles. A red flag warning indicates a period of low humidity and strong winds, weather conditions which could lead to rapid spread of wildfires. In the area, winds were expected to reach approximately 50-80 miles per hour, or 80-128 kilometres per hour. It's not fire season in California. Drought and supersized winds create the perfect environment for wildfire to spread.
On the morning of January 07, 2025, a twenty acre brush fire was reported in the mountains north of Pacific Palisades, an affluent neighbourhood in Western Los Angeles. Within a few hours, the fire had grown to more than seven hundred acres. A state of emergency was declared within the county, as the fire grew quickly due to the windy conditions and mountain landscape. By nightfall on January 07, more than three hundred thousand citizens had been placed under evacuation orders, and thousands of people remained without electricity. Destroying more than five thousand structures and killing eight people, Palisades fire has been named the most destructive fire in the history of Los Angeles.
By morning of January 08, the deadliest of the fires had broken out in Eaton Canyon, Los Angeles County. As of January 12, Eaton fire is responsible for sixteen of the known twenty four deaths, making it the fifth deadliest fire in California's history. Eaton fire broke out in proximity to electrical towers above the canyon, spreading quickly and destroying more than seven thousand structures in the Altadena and Pasadena areas.
As of January 13, the fires in California show no plans of slowing. In Los Angeles County, at least sixty eight arrests have been made for burglary, possession of burglary tools, and failing to obey curfew. At least two dozen people have been killed, and dozens more remain missing in the midst of this devastating disaster. As firefighters battle the blazes, the windy conditions in Los Angeles threaten fire growth, and a red flag warning remains in place.
Known Victims
Annette Rossilli, 85
Annette Rossilli was found deceased in her car on January 08 after ignoring suggestions to evacuate her home. She had stayed behind to protect her pets: Greetly the dog, Pepper the canary, two parrots, and a turtle.
Anthony Mitchell, 68, and Justin Mitchell, 30s
Anthony Mitchell was an amputee and a grandfather of ten who resided in Altadena, California. At the time of the fire, he was at home with one of his sons: Justin, who lived with cerebral palsy. Anthony was a family man, refusing to leave Justin behind in the blaze. Both sadly died while waiting for help to arrive.
Arthur Simoneau, 69
Arthur Simoneau was known for his love of thrill and hang-gliding, which he did often. He had travelled the country to hang-glide with friends, and seemed to impress everyone he met. Arthur died attempting to save his home during the Palisades fire.
Dalyce Curry, 95
Dalyce Curry was a grandmother and actress, reported missing on January 07 from her home in Altadena. It was reported by the grandddaughter of Dalyce that she had undergone medical testing the day she went missing. Dalyce was unfortunately found deceased near her home on January 11 or 12.
Erliene Kelly, 83
Erliene Kelly was known as the neighbourhood grandmother: a stern but kind woman who was known and loved by everyone in her neighbourhood. It was reported by Erliene's granddaughter that she was killed by the flames engulfing her Altadena home: a home Erliene was reluctant to leave, having lived in it for more than forty years.
Randall Miod, 55
Randall Miod had a love of surfing and skateboarding. He lived in Malibu, where he was well-known and respected. According to Randall's mother, he was known in the community for his generosity, encouragement, and kindness. He was found outside his home, where he is believed to have succumbed to heat stroke while attempting to save his home.
Rodney Nickerson, 82
Rodney Nickerson was a retired aerospace engineer and an active deacon in Altadena. He enjoyed fishing and loved his home, a home where all of his children had grown up. After being urged by loved ones to evacuate his home, Rodney assured his family that he would be fine, and that he would be there when they came back. His bones were later discovered in his bed by his daughter, Kimiko.
Rory Sykes, 32
Rory Sykes was an Australian philanthropist, gamer, and child actor who lived with cerebral palsy. He was also blind. At the time of the fires, Rory lived in his family's Malibu cottage, from which he reportedly refused to evacuate. Rory's mother Shelley stated that she had attempted to extinguish the flames that overtook his cottage, but both she and the fire department lacked water. Rory sadly died after his cottage burned to the ground.
Victor Shaw, 66
Victor Shaw had lived in the same home for over fifty years, and had grown very attached to it. He shared the home with his sister Sheri, who urged him to leave when smoke and flames began to approach the home. He refused, insisting on looking after the home, as his late father had done for decades before him. After the fire, Victor was found deceased outside his home, holding a garden hose in his hand.
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Sources & Further Reading
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palisades_Fire_(2025)#Progression
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-wildfires-victims-rcna186989
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/09/us/california-fires-victims.html
https://www.gofundme.com/en-gb/c/act/donate-to-california-wildfires-and-help-those-in-need
About the Creator
choreomania
i'm a queer, transmasc writer, poet, cat lover, and author. i'm passionate about psychology, human rights, and creating places where lgbt+ youth and young adults feel safe, represented, and supported.
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Trump’s Plan to Own the Western Hemisphere and Greenland Is Not What Americans Want
Donald Trump’s foreign policy ambitions have always made headlines, but in early 2026, the conversation took a new turn — one that’s making Americans sit up and take notice. From proposals to dominate the Western Hemisphere to floating ideas about acquiring Greenland, Trump’s rhetoric has been bold, controversial, and, for many, out of step with what the public actually wants. While these ideas might energize parts of the political base, polls and public opinion suggest most Americans are skeptical, even alarmed, about using the military or U.S. influence to expand territory. Let’s break down what’s happening and why the majority of Americans are not on board. The “Don‑roe Doctrine” and a Bold Vision Trump’s team has revived the Monroe Doctrine — the 19th-century policy that told European powers to stay out of the Western Hemisphere — but with a modern twist. Some have jokingly dubbed it the “Don‑roe Doctrine”, emphasizing America’s supposed right to dominate the region and block rivals like China and Russia from gaining influence. In recent statements, Trump and his advisers have stressed that the Western Hemisphere should be under U.S. control, signaling a willingness to increase American power in Latin America. While rooted in history, this rhetoric goes far beyond traditional diplomacy, suggesting active intervention or oversight in neighboring countries’ affairs. Greenland: The Arctic Gambit If dominating the hemisphere wasn’t ambitious enough, Trump has also made headlines with Greenland, the world’s largest island and an autonomous territory of Denmark. Trump has suggested that the U.S. should explore acquiring Greenland, citing strategic national security reasons. The White House went even further, confirming that “a range of options” is on the table — including military involvement if negotiations fail. This statement made global headlines, sparking criticism not just from Denmark but from European leaders across the board. It’s an idea that would have seemed unthinkable a decade ago, and it raises serious questions about international law, diplomacy, and the U.S.’s reputation abroad. Why Americans Aren’t Buying It You might assume bold expansionist rhetoric would excite a nationalist base, but surveys and polls tell a different story. Only about 11% of Americans support purchasing or annexing Greenland. A majority of respondents oppose it outright, including many Republicans. Most Americans prefer a focus on diplomacy, domestic issues, and practical governance, rather than acquiring distant lands. There’s also a strong sense of military fatigue. After decades of overseas interventions, many Americans are wary of costly and risky military actions that may not directly protect U.S. interests. International Pushback Trump’s Greenland idea hasn’t just been controversial domestically — it’s caused outrage abroad. Denmark, the sovereign nation over Greenland, made it clear that the island is not for sale. European leaders have voiced strong support for Greenland’s autonomy and warned that any U.S. attempt to take control could strain alliances, including NATO. Even countries in the Western Hemisphere are cautious. Many Latin American leaders view heavy-handed U.S. influence as unwelcome, highlighting the risks of a foreign policy focused on territorial dominance. The Public Sentiment Gap The contrast between Trump’s ambitions and American public opinion is stark: Sovereignty matters: Most Americans recognize that countries, including Greenland, have the right to self-govern. Military intervention fatigue: There’s little appetite for new foreign conflicts, especially for reasons seen as symbolic or expansionist. Focus on domestic priorities: Healthcare, the economy, education, and infrastructure consistently outrank foreign conquest in Americans’ list of priorities. In short, the public is telling leaders that the future of U.S. influence lies in cooperation, not domination. Why This Matters Trump’s rhetoric has drawn global attention, strained alliances, and created diplomatic tensions. But beyond the headlines, it’s also a reminder of the limits of foreign policy that ignores public opinion. Americans want their leaders focused on practical issues — and most see territorial expansion or hemispheric control as a distraction at best, a liability at worst. The Greenland debate, in particular, highlights the potential clash between ambitious political theater and real-world consequences. While Trump’s ideas make for sensational headlines, they don’t reflect the priorities of everyday Americans. Final Thoughts Donald Trump’s vision of owning the Western Hemisphere and potentially acquiring Greenland is bold — some might even call it audacious. But boldness alone doesn’t win hearts and minds. In fact, Americans are largely rejecting expansionist rhetoric, favoring diplomacy, alliances, and domestic problem-solving over territorial ambition. In a world that is interconnected and wary of unilateral power grabs, the public seems to be sending a clear message: power is important, but consent, cooperation, and practicality matter even more. As Trump continues to push these ideas, he faces the reality that public opinion, international norms, and global diplomacy may be the real limits on his ambitions — not headlines or political theatrics.
By Muhammad Hassan4 days ago in Earth
BRICS Wargames: Why They Matter — And Why India Chose to Sit Out
BRICS — the economic and political bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — has long been seen as a counterweight to Western-dominated global institutions. Over the years, it has expanded its influence in finance, trade, and diplomacy. Yet, in recent times, BRICS has begun exploring another domain that grabs headlines and sparks speculation: military cooperation, including large-scale wargames. These exercises are designed to simulate joint operations, test interoperability, and send a signal of strength. For members like Russia and China, wargames serve as both a show of force and a tool to deepen military collaboration within the bloc. However, India’s decision to opt out of recent BRICS wargames has raised questions: why does this matter, and why is India taking a different path from its BRICS partners? The Rise of BRICS Military Exercises Historically, BRICS has been portrayed as primarily economic, focused on initiatives like the New Development Bank (NDB) and trade agreements aimed at reducing Western dominance. But recent years have seen an evolution. Military drills among BRICS members are increasingly prominent, especially in the context of global tension and regional conflicts. These wargames are about more than just tactical drills. They serve multiple purposes: Strategic signaling: By conducting joint exercises, BRICS countries demonstrate unity and military capability to the rest of the world. Operational readiness: Countries test their ability to coordinate in complex scenarios, from humanitarian missions to potential combat operations. Diplomatic leverage: The exercises send subtle messages to other global powers, indicating that BRICS members can collaborate beyond economic forums. For nations like Russia, recently facing sanctions and international scrutiny, these exercises are particularly important. They showcase the ability to maintain partnerships and project power despite global isolation. For China, it is a way to cement strategic influence in Asia and beyond. Why BRICS Wargames Matter Globally The significance of these exercises extends beyond the bloc itself. Analysts note several key implications: Challenge to NATO and U.S. influence: BRICS wargames signal that alternative power centers exist outside Western-led military alliances. Regional security dynamics: Countries bordering BRICS members, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, must monitor these developments carefully. Economic-military linkages: Military coordination among major emerging economies could shape security considerations in trade corridors, energy supply routes, and resource-rich regions. In essence, BRICS wargames are not just about soldiers and tanks, but about the broader geopolitical landscape: signaling, strategy, and shaping perceptions of influence. India’s Calculated Decision to Opt Out While Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa have shown interest in participating actively, India has strategically chosen to abstain from the most recent wargames. This decision may appear surprising, given India’s economic and political stake in BRICS, but several factors explain it. Geopolitical balancing: India maintains complex relations with both China and Russia. While it has defense and historical ties with Russia, its relationship with China has grown tense due to border disputes and regional competition. Joining a wargame with China could be politically and militarily sensitive. Alignment with Western partnerships: India has strengthened ties with Western-led coalitions, including the Quad (U.S., Japan, Australia, India). Participating in BRICS military drills could conflict with these alliances, potentially sending mixed signals. Strategic autonomy: India has long emphasized a policy of strategic autonomy — making decisions based on national interest rather than bloc pressure. Opting out allows India to maintain flexibility in foreign policy and avoid entanglement in exercises that may not align with its regional objectives. Domestic perception: Indian public opinion and political narratives favor cautious engagement with China and Russia on military matters. Skipping the wargames minimizes domestic criticism of appearing too closely aligned with either of the more assertive BRICS powers. What India Gains by Sitting Out Choosing not to participate does not mean India is disengaged from BRICS. Economically and diplomatically, it remains a key player in the bloc. By skipping the wargames, India can: Maintain regional credibility in South Asia while avoiding the perception of aligning militarily with China. Signal strategic independence, reinforcing its image as a nation that prioritizes national security over bloc politics. Focus on bilateral and multilateral exercises elsewhere, such as those with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, which are more aligned with India’s current security priorities. In short, opting out allows India to navigate the delicate balance between its BRICS commitments and broader global strategic interests. Implications for BRICS and Global Security India’s abstention also reflects broader trends within BRICS: the bloc is not monolithic. While economic cooperation is often strong, military integration faces political and strategic limits. Differing national interests, historical rivalries, and regional tensions prevent uniform alignment. For global observers, this is crucial. It shows that while BRICS wargames are important, they are not necessarily indicative of a fully unified military bloc. The exercises are as much about optics as operations, and India’s absence underscores the challenges of aligning countries with divergent security priorities. Conclusion BRICS wargames matter because they are a window into the bloc’s evolving strategic ambitions. They signal power, test cooperation, and demonstrate emerging global influence. Yet India’s decision to opt out highlights that even within this growing coalition, national interests remain paramount. For India, the choice reflects a calculated approach: engage where it benefits national interest, avoid where risks outweigh gains, and maintain strategic flexibility. For the rest of the world, it is a reminder that BRICS, while increasingly important, is not a military monolith. Ultimately, BRICS wargames are as much about geopolitics and signaling as they are about military maneuvers — and India’s careful stance illustrates how emerging powers navigate this complex global chessboard.Start writing...
By Muhammad Hassanabout 7 hours ago in Earth
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