The Significance of the 49-Day Journey After Death
The Significance of the 49-Day Journey After Death
Last November marked the 40-year anniversary since I first became an overseas minister. Since then, I have spent these past several months reflecting on my various experiences throughout my journey as a Buddhist priest in the United States. It led me to realize that while I have much more that I wish to tell to you about Buddhism, there are also many concepts that need further explanation. One example that comes to mind is the importance of the 49th day memorial service for the deceased, which is specific to Buddhist traditions. Its significance is often times downplayed or even forgotten, when compared to the notion of holding funeral services. I wish to elaborate on this topic by briefly taking you through the 49-day journey of the deceased.
When an individual passes away, it is said that 49 nails are hammered into their body and soul, restraining both the physical body and soul from moving. Every seven days, starting from the day of the individual’s passing, until the 49th day, we hold memorial services for the individual. Seven nails will be removed every seventh day, until all 49 of these nails are removed, to ultimately free the deceased’s soul. On the 49th day, there will be a trial or hearing held in front of the so-called ”judge”, who will be standing in front of six gates, bearing no signs.
However, we all know that each of these gates leads the individual to six possible realms of existence. These include hell, those of hungry spirits, animals, ashura, humans, or the heavenly beings. Everyone wants to either return as a human being, or enter the realm of heavenly beings. This judge in front of the six gates, will not guide this individual to the proper gate, but only instruct them to choose one. The individual will choose the gate based on what they may think is only instinct, yet this decision will also be guided by the actions that the individual took during their time on this earth.
While it may seem as if we take little part in the deceased individual’s 49-day journey, this is not the case. One way we can assist them, is by chanting ”Namu myo ho renge kyo”, which as you know, is the name of the Buddha nature that we all possess. We chant this odaimoku throughout the 49 days to call upon the deceased individual’s Buddha nature.
If you recall, the Buddha nature can be imagined as the inside of a seed, while the outer shell represents bad karma resulting primarily from previous actions. Whenever we chant the odaimoku, the Buddha nature slowly grows. While this is a slow process, the more we chant, the more the Buddha nature shows, until it finally appears by sprouting through the outer shell. If the Buddha nature does not appear at the end of the 49 days, the individual will not be able to reach Enlightenment.
While death signifies the end of an individual’s time in this world, it does not mark the ultimate endpoint of their spirit. Please remember that your Buddhist practice can serve an important purpose in providing happiness for not only yourself, but also others, including the deceased.
Ven. Kenjo lgarashi:
Killing prisoners for transplants: Forced organ harvesting in China
Killing prisoners for transplants: Forced organ harvesting in China
A limited supply of donor organs, paired with a massive demand for transplants, has fuelled the global organ trafficking industry, which exploits poor, underprivileged and persecuted members of society as a source of organs to be purchased by wealthy transplant tourists.
Organ transplantation is a life-saving therapy for millions of patients and one of the greatest successes of modern medicine. However, a limited supply of donor organs, paired with a massive demand for transplants, has fuelled the global organ trafficking industry which exploits poor, underprivileged and persecuted members of society as a source of organs to be purchased by wealthy transplant tourists.
Although this practice occurs in many countries, the situation in China is particularly concerning. China is the only country in the world to have an industrial-scale organ trafficking practice that harvests organs from executed prisoners of conscience. This practice is known as forced organ harvesting.
To understand forced organ harvesting, it is useful to consider a hypothetical scenario: a patient in Canada with end-stage heart disease is in need of a life-saving cardiac transplant.
Doctors in Canada tell the patient he needs to go on a waiting list until a compatible donor dies under suitable conditions. This process can take weeks, months or even years. The patient then finds a transplant program in China that can schedule a cardiac transplant from a compatible donor weeks in advance.
This raises several important questions. Cardiac transplant can only come from deceased donors, so how can the hospital match this patient with a potential “deceased” donor weeks in advance? How did the hospital find this donor? How do they know when that donor will die? Has the donor consented to have their organs harvested?
Human rights lawyer David Kilgour addresses Falun Gong practitioners demonstrating against forced organ harvesting in China outside Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra, Australia in November 2016. (AP Photo/Rod McGuirk)
Distressing facts
The answers to these questions are extremely distressing. China uses incarcerated prisoners of conscience as an organ donor pool to provide compatible transplants for patients. These prisoners or “donors” are executed and their organs harvested against their will, and used in a prolific and profitable transplant industry.
As transplant nephrologists and medical professionals, we aim to spread awareness about organ trafficking, particularly forced organ harvesting, to colleagues, institutions, patients and the public. We are involved with organizations like Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting and International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China, which have done considerable work in this area for over a decade.
China currently has the second-largest transplant program in the world. Transplant operations in China increased rapidly in the early 2000s without a corresponding rise in voluntary organ donors, which led to questions about the source of the organs.
During this period of rapid transplant growth, practitioners of the Buddhist Qi gong discipline known as Falun Gong, were being detained, persecuted and killed in large numbers by the Chinese government. Similarly, China in 2017 began a campaign of mass detention, surveillance, sterilization and forced labour against the Uyghur ethnic group of Xinjiang.
Human rights investigations
Concerns about forced organ harvesting began to surface in 2006-7 by the work of two international human rights lawyers, David Kilgour and David Matas, who were later nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for their work. The China Tribunal, led by human rights lawyer Sir Geoffrey Nice, was formed in 2019 to independently investigate the claims of forced organ harvesting.
The Tribunal examined multiple lines of evidence, including transplant numbers, medical testing of detained prisoners, recorded phone calls to transplant hospitals, as well as testimony from surgeons and prisoners. The final conclusion was issued in March of 2020 and “confirmed beyond reasonable doubt” that China had been using executed prisoners of conscience as a source of transplant organs for many years.
Despite Chinese transplant officials claiming significant transplant reform had taken place since 2015, recent evidence suggests that the barbaric practice of forced organ harvesting has continued. The American Journal of Transplantation, the world’s leading transplant journal, published a paper in April that found that brain death had not been declared in many organ retrievals in China, and that retrieval of the donor’s vital organs was the actual cause of death. In other words, these prisoners were being executed by removal of their organs for the purpose of transplantation.
The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation issued a policy statement in June that excludes submissions that are “related to transplantation and involving either organs or tissue from human donors in the People’s Republic of China.”
Raising awareness
Unfortunately, the use of unethical medical practices against marginalized groups is not new. The Nazis conducted horrific experiments on Jewish victims in concentration camps. Soviet psychiatrists created a term known as sluggish schizophrenia to label political dissidents, depriving them of civic rights, employment and credibility. American researchers studied the effects of untreated syphilis in African Americans in the Tuskegee study.
China has been executing prisoners of conscience and using their organs for transplantation for decades. Transplant physicians, medical professionals and the global community must raise awareness and pressure governments, institutions and hospitals to take action.
It is essential that we conduct due diligence and avoid collaborations where transparency regarding the source of organs cannot be guaranteed. We must protest the unjust and inhumane incarceration and oppression of Uyghurs and marginalized groups around the world.
We must encourage organ donor registration and support initiatives that increase donation to ultimately curb the demand for illegal organ trafficking.
Susie Hughes, executive director of End Transplant Abuse in China, co-authored this article.
Published: July 28, 2022 6.39pm BST: Reference:
Peru’s coastline battered by tsunami-like waves one day after country declares environmental emergency
User Rating: 5 / 5
Peru’s coastline battered by tsunami-like waves one day after country declares environmental emergency
The huge swell struck the coastline of Peru, Chile, and Ecuador one day after an environmental emergency was declared in the wake of an oil spill in the region
A deadly swell struck Peru’s northern coastline triggering tsunami-like waves that ravaged local communities and forced 75 percent of the nation’s ports to close, potentially devastating local economies.
The over 13-feet waves crashed onto the shores of Lobitos, Mancora, and Cabo Blanco – 700 miles north of Peru’s capital Lima – Friday from around midday, according to local reports.
The extreme weather phenomenon coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami which struck India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia, among other nations, in 2004 killing more than 230,000 people.
Two people were reported to have died in Ecuador's southwestern Manta region and a 30-year-old man was found dead at a beach in Chile – no deaths have been reported in Peru, according to AFP.
The extreme weather phenomenon came the day after Peru declared an environmental emergency following a shipment from state oil firm Petroperu on December 21 that sent 10,000 square meters of crude oil spilling into the sea, reported Reuters.
Madeline Sherratt: Monday 30 December 2024 15:25 GMT: The Independent:
Southern Japan hit by 6.6-magnitude quake near Nankai Trough, tsunami warnings lifted
User Rating: 5 / 5
Southern Japan hit by 6.6-magnitude quake near Nankai Trough, tsunami warnings lifted
Southern Japan has been hit by a strong earthquake that authorities say did not warrant the kind of megaquake warning that was triggered for the first time last year.
A quake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 struck the Kyushu region at 9:19pm, local time, on Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The earthquake was later revised to magnitude-6.6.
After an investigation, the JMA said the quake did not warrant special measures related to seismic activity in the Nankai Trough.
The Nankai Trough, where the Philippine Sea Plate is slipping under the Eurasia Plate at the bottom of the sea off the south-west coast of Japan, produces massive earthquakes about every 100-150 years.
Japan is frequently hit by earthquakes due to its location along the Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.
Experts at the meteorological agency met late Monday to gauge how the latest temblor may be related to the Nankai Trough quakes, but decided not to take any extraordinary measures for the time being.
A Nankai Trough quake off Shikoku in 1946 killed more than 1,300 people.
The area was hit by a magnitude-7.1 quake in August last year.
Strong quakes nearby are seen as a potential indication that a megaquake could be more likely.
The JMA in August issued a week-long advisory for a "relatively higher chance" of a megaquake as powerful as magnitude 9 after a magnitude-7.1 quake hit the country's south-west.
After Monday's quake, tsunami advisories for waves of a maximum height of one metre were issued for the southern prefectures of Miyazaki and Kochi.
A 20-centimetre tsunami was later recorded reaching Miyazaki city, public broadcaster NHK reported.
All tsunami advisories were lifted around noon.
There were no abnormalities reported at the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant in western Japan or the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima prefecture, NHK said, referring to the two plants nearest to where the quake occurred.
Reference: AbC.Net
California fires live updates: ‘Dangerous’ winds return as residents are warned over threat of new wildfires
User Rating: 5 / 5
California fires live updates: ‘Dangerous’ winds return as residents are warned over threat of new wildfires
LIVE – Updated at 16:37
Bruising Santa Ana winds have returned to Los Angeles County early Wednesday, as the death toll from the still-raging wildfires sits at 25.
Forecasters again declared a “particularly dangerous situation” – the most extreme advance warning also used when violent tornadoes are possible – with local wind gusts expected to reach up to 60mph in the mountains.
The Palisades and Eaton fires are now among the most destructive in Southern California’s history, and progress on containing the blazes has been slow in the windy weather.
The Palisades Fire has torn across nearly 24,000 acres and was 18 percent contained. The Eaton Fire is 45 percent contained after burning more than 14,000 acres.
While Wednesday is expected to be “the last really windy day,” Red Flag conditions continue until 6 p.m. PST due to very low humidity.
While tens of thousands still are unable to return to their homes, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order on Tuesday to start the rebuilding process.
“This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses and communities,” she said in a post on social media.
“We will do everything we can to get Angelenos back home,” Bass said.
Key Points
- ‘Most extreme' weather warning issued as bruising Santa Ana winds return
- LA fires death toll: At least 25 people killed in Palisades and Eaton blazes
- LAPD arrests at least 14 in connection with Palisades fire
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom calls on Trump to visit fire-ravaged regions
LA Mayor Karen Bass: ‘We will rebuild our city stronger'
16:37 , Julia MustoLos Angeles Mayor Karen Bass assured residents Wednesday that the city will do everything it can to expedite the rebuilding process following the region’s deadly wildfires.
“We will rebuild our city stronger,” she said.
Bass noted that the are is still “not quite out of the woods.”
“Please take the warnings seriously and the evacuation notices seriously,” Bass insisted. She advised that people in warning areas should “get prepared now.”
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna says evacuation warnings have gone up due to the wind event
16:31 , Julia MustoLos Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday that there were 82,400 residents under evacuation orders and some 90,400 under warnings due to the recent wind event.
A curfew for affected fire areas is still in effect.
Luna noted that more arrests had been made overnight, with 44 at the Sheriff’s Department. A second individual was arrested for impersonating a firefighter.
Luna also said that search and rescue efforts were still underway and around 78 percent completed in Altadena. Teams hope to be done there tomorrow. The same operations started yesterday in Pacific Palisades.
There are 26 active missing persons.
Luna left residents with a sobering message about returning to the area.
“There are things you can’t see that are underground. There are hazards,” he said.
Fire officials warns residents to stay alert as winds whip up
16:24 , Julia MustoLos Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told reporters Wednesday that while 70mph winds have yet to materialized in the area, the situation could change.
While there was little to no fire growth since Tuesday, Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley noted that there had been 30 to 40mph winds with low humidity around the Palisade Fire and numerous hot spots were burning within the fire footprint.
“I urge everyone to stay alert. The combination of low humidity and strong winds has further dried out the brush, increasing the risk of fire,” she said.
‘FireAid’ benefit concert to be held to raise funds wildfire victims
16:00 , James LiddellBenefit concert “FireAid” is set to be held latest this month in Los Angeles in a bid to raise funds for wildfire victims and southern California’s damaged infrastructure.
The conert, which is being organized by entertainment moguls Shelli and Irving Azoff, is due to be held at the Intuit Dome in LA on 30 January promising an “evening of music and solidarity”.
Proceeds gathered from the concert “will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure LA is better prepared for fire emergencies,” according to a statement released by Live Nation.
The lineup is yet to be announced.
Firefighters are facing challenging conditions and terrain, Todd Hall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Wednesday.
“To put it in perspective, these firefighters when they show up to these fires, they’re facing flame lengths that are about three- to five-story buildings,” he explained.
Firefighters will use bulldozers if they can get them up fire roads, but many crews must hike up to 4,000-foot elevations to build perimeters around wildfires, according to Hall.
“There will be some dicey situations here for some firefighters,” he said. “So we’ll have to monitor that and be in touch with them constantly as far as letting them know what the latest forecast is and when that transition is supposed to occur because that wind shift can essentially blow that fire back towards them when they’re building these lines.”
With reporting from The Associated Press
Vice President Kamala Harris hits insurance companies over their handling of wildfire risks
“They are canceling coverage, making it more difficult for young homeowners who are just buying their first home, not even insuring them,” Vice President Kamala Harris said, speaking Wednesday at an event hosted by the National Action Network.
Harris noted that climate change has exacerbated extreme weather events, disproportionately affecting communities of color.
LA’s Department of Water and Power sued by residents over water supply issues
15:40 , Julia MustoA group of residents impacted by the Palisades Fire is suing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
The complaint was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, according to ABC 7.
The plaintiffs allege the water supply system servicing the Pacific Palisades area “failed miserably” on the day of the fire.
“The Santa Ynez Reservoir, a 117- million-gallon water storage complex that is part of the Los Angeles water supply system was empty, and had been empty for nearly a year,” Roger Behle, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, said in a release.
The department said the loss of water pressure in the system had affected its ability to refill water tanks that supply the area.
“This impacted … a low percentage of hydrants in the area, mostly in the higher elevations,” the statement said. “As soon as LADWP identified the risk of losing water in the tanks and water pressure in the system, we immediately deployed potable water tankers to sustain support for firefighting efforts.”
The Independent’s request for comment from the department was not immediately returned.
Firefighters in California are facing a rare and dangerous phenomenon: swirling fire tornadoes.
High winds combined with severely dry conditions have created a “particularly dangerous situation” in which any new fire could explode in size, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorologist Todd Hall told the Associated Press that fire tornadoes could be created in such extreme conditions.
The National Wildfire Coordinating Group defines a fire whirl as a “spinning vortex column of ascending hot air and gases rising from a fire and carrying aloft smoke, debris and flame,” and says large whirls “have the intensity of a small tornado.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Eaton Fire evacuees return home: ‘It’s a bittersweet feeling'
15:27 , Julia Musto
Eaton Fire evacuees are beginning to return home as officials continue to inspect the area.
Jillian Pelentay, who lives in the Kinneloa Mesa community, told ABC 7 that the past week has been emotional, but she’s thankful that her childhood home remains.
“It is a bittersweet feeling,” she said. “It’s a mix of, you know, relief but also survivor’s guilt just because you know ... I’ve seen my family, friends and friends have lost everything.”
Photos show California Department of Corrections crew work to contain Palisades Fire
15:20 , Julia Musto
Eaton Fire inches closer to 50 percent containment
15:13 , Julia MustoA woman offered to buy an LA bride their wedding gown amid fires — then 200 people agreed to donate theirs
15:10 , James LiddellA kind-hearted woman on TikTok has inspired a movement to help brides impacted by the deadly and ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
Since the fires first sparked on January 7, more than 12,000 structures have been scorched and at least 153,000 people have been displaced, forced to leave their homes, memories, and possessions behind.
For Kelly Mosser, a marketing founder based in New York City, the devastating natural disaster left her with thoughts of how she would handle being suddenly placed under an evacuation order.
Between picture books, souvenirs, and boxes full of memorabilia, many people online have revealed the necessities and small valuables they gathered before they were forced out the door. But with the exception of Miles Teller’s wife Keleigh revealing she wasn’t able to salvage her wedding gown, Mosser noticed not many affected brides have spoken out to confirm whether they took their dresses with them.
A woman offered to buy an LA bride their wedding gown amid fires
More than 88,000 California customers have no power
15:02 , Julia MustoMore than 88,000 California customers remain without power early Wednesday morning, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.
And, over 33,000 of them are in Los Angeles County.
Kansas Republican says Trump should ‘absolutely' tell California to repeal climate rules to receive wildfire aid
14:59 , Julia MustoKansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall told Fox Business host Stuart Varney on Wednesday that president-elect Donald Trump should force California to repeal climate regulations in order to receive wildfire aid.
“Absolutely,” he said.
In pictures: Wildfire reduces Malibu home to ash
14:50 , James Liddell
Critical fire weather conditions driven by Santa Ana winds are possible again next week, forecasters say14:47 , Julia Musto
Winds expected to ease after Wednesday, forecasters say
14:40 , Julia MustoWhile Wednesday will be “noticeably windier than yesterday” in Los Angeles County, forecasters shared some good news in the early morning hours.
“The good news is that the winds through the Santa Monica mtns will be focused on the western third of the range far away from the Palisades Fire,” the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office wrote. “The upper reaches of the Eaton fire may see an increase in winds but this is not a for sure situation.”
The “really good news,” it said, is that Wednesday will be the “last really windy day,” with a decrease seen this afternoon. Advisory level gusts should conclude by 3 p.m. PST. Red Flag conditions will continue through the evening, with extra critical fire conditions continuing until winds subside.
The search for lost pets is underway, LA mayor says
14:05 , James LiddellLAFD had 1,000 firefighters in reserve when Palisades blaze broke out
13:20 , James LiddellSenior Los Angeles Fire Department officials allegedly decided not to assign 1,000 extra firefighters and dozens of fire engines for emergency deployment the day the wildfires broke out – despite reports of a looming fire weather days earlier.
Firefighting personnel were not ordered to remain on duty for a second shift as winds continued to build on January 7, according to records obtained by the Los Angeles Times. It would have doubled the number of firefighters on hand to battle the newly-developed Palisades blaze.
The LAFD is said to have only started readying firefighters and deploying additional fire engines after the fire broke out, burning ferociously, in the Pacific Palisades.
It came despite reports of a looming fire weather as early as January 3 – with the National Weather Service warning of potential “rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior” near the region if ignition occurred.
LAFD officials assert that the firefighting effort was hampered by budget cuts and low water levels for some fire hydrants.
Rory Sykes’s mother recounts her son’s miraculous life
12:54 , James LiddellThe mother of Rory Sykes, 32, a British-born former child actor who died tragically in the Los Angeles wildfires, has recounted the moment her son “took his first step” after watching Tom Hanks in Forest Gump.
Speaking with Australia’s Channel Nine Sunday, Shelley Sykes said she endured a desperate battle to keep her son alive during his early years as he battled complex needs tied with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
Rory, a former Australian TV series Kiddy Kapers child star, “started having surgery as a baby”, she said. “He had nine surgeries to straighten his legs, [and] straighten his eyes, and he used to watch ‘Forrest Gump’ all the time when he was 4.
Sykes added: “He got the all-clear in his eyes at 8, but he took his first step[s] after watching Forrest Gump 400 times.”
Madeline Sherratt has more.
Rory Sykes’s mother recounts son’s miraculous life following LA wildfire death
California governor slams Republicans politicizing ‘tragic moment’12:35 , James Liddell
Almost 95,000 homes and businesses without power in SoCal
12:27 , James LiddellNearly 95,000 homes and businesses have been left in blackout conditions, according to poweroutages.us.
More than 32,000 energy customers are without power in San Bernardino, 31,000 in Los Angeles, almost 13,000 in Ventura, 10,500 in Riverside, and almost 6,000 in San Diego. Imperial, Orange and Kern counties are also suffering very minor outages.
GOP senator says California ‘doesn’t deserve funding’
11:23 , James LiddellRepublican Senator Tommy Tuberville said that California “doesn’t deserve” any funding for the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles.
The Alabama senator, a staunch Donald Trump ally, said he didn’t object to sending the state “some money,” but not unless state leaders “change their ways.”
Tuberville joins a growing number of Republicans who have hit out at California’s political leaders for the fires, blaming them partly on “woke policies.”
Rhian Lubin has the story.
GOP senator says California ‘doesn’t deserve funding’ after devastating wildfires
Search and rescue workers comb through rubble and ruin in hunt for victims
11:00 , James Liddell
Newsom left ‘disgusted’ with ‘predatory’ land developers10:35 , James Liddell
Death toll rises to 25
10:16 , James LiddellAt least 25 people have been killed in the southern California wildfires, the Los Angeles county medical examiner’s office confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.
Officials said that nine of the victims died in the Palisades fire and 16 in the Eaton fire, which continues to rage across Altadena and Pasadena.
The death toll is likely to climb, officials warn.
LA fires: Is it safe to travel to California and is LAX closed?
10:10 , James Liddell
Authorities in Los Angeles have braced for the return of high winds this week, the sort of winds that caused wildfires to spread across California, which has now burned across around 60 square miles of the region.
Between Monday and Wednesday this week, winds will be milder than last week in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but will reach up to 70 mph in the mountains and up to 60mph in the coasts and valleys, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS has warned of a “particularly dangerous situation” in the days ahead.
Large numbers of people have been put under evacuation orders since the fires started, and at least 25 people have been killed amid the devastating blaze.
LA fires: Is it safe to travel to California and is LAX closed?
LA Mayor Karen Bass photographed posing at cocktail party in Ghana as the wildfires broke out
09:45 , James LiddellLos Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was posing for photos at a cocktail party in Ghana when the Palisades fire first broke out last week.
The mayor was selected by President Joe Biden as one of his four-member presidential delegation to attend the inauguration of Ghana’s incoming President John Dramani Mahama on January 7.
Despite reports of a looming fire weather on the afternoon of January 3 – with the National Weather Service warning of “rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior” if ignition occurred – by January 4, Bass was on a plane to Ghana’s capital Accra.
Three fires – Pacific, Eaton and Hurst – were racing across southern California by Tuesday evening. Hurricane-force winds of up to 100mph were fanning flames, causing the blaze to scorch the land at a rate of five football fields per minute.
Bass, meanwhile, attended Mahama’s inauguration, leaving City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson as LA’s acting mayor when the Palisades fire broke out.
In a photo taken and posted on social media – and first reported by the LA Times – Bass was snapped posing at an inauguration cocktail party just before 8 p.m. Ghanaian time the day the fire ignited (just before 12 p.m. LA time). Evacuation orders were issued moments later.
Warning of ‘critical fire weather’ as strong Santa Ana winds return
08:32 , James LiddellAfter a temporary lull in winds, the National Weather Service has warned of critical fire weather with “strong” Santa Ana winds expected to make a return early on Wednesday morning.
In its latest forecast discussion, the agency has warned of widespread wind gusts up to 55 mph across much of Ventura County, the mountains of L.A. county – including the Santa Monicas, the northern and western valleys of L.A. county and the Malibu Coast.
Local gusts could reach up to 65mph from before sunrise to noon on Wednesday, according to the NWS.
“Critical fire weather conditions will continue for coastal southern California through Wednesday due to moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds. Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warnings remain in effect,” it announced late on Tuesday.
Here were the strongest winds clocked from Tuesday evening:
- 74 mph: Magic Mountain in Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains
- 62 mph: Mill Creek in the western San Gabriel Mountains
- 61 mph: Chilao in Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains
- 61 mph: Palo Sola in the eastern Santa Susanna Mountains
The return of Speidi: How Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag rebranded during the California wildfires
08:00 , Holly BaxterIf there’s one consequence I didn’t expect to come out of the California wildfires, it was a flop Heidi Montag album from 2010 topping the iTunes charts and her husband, former most-hated-by-millennials Spencer Pratt, going on TV to cry about it. Yet, here we are, living in a timeline where Superficial (yes, the album you might have seen once on Perez Hilton’s blog and immediately forgotten about) is getting the resurgence no one asked for but TikTok demanded.
Republican senator says California ‘doesn’t deserve funding’ after devastating wildfires
07:00 , Katie HawkinsonRepublican Senator Tommy Tuberville said that California “doesn’t deserve” any funding for the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles.
The Alabama senator, a staunch Donald Trump ally, said he didn’t object to sending the state “some money,” but not unless state leaders “change their ways.”
Tuberville joins a growing number of Republicans who have hit out at California’s political leaders for the fires, blaming them partly on “woke policies.”
GOP senator says California ‘doesn’t deserve funding’ after devastating wildfires
Emmy award stolen during LA fires looting as nine people charged over thefts in Palisades and Eaton
06:00 , Holly WilliamsNine people have been charged with looting in connection with the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles, the district attorney has said.
Nathan Hochmann told reporters that among the stolen property was an Emmy award, which was taken from a resident’s home in Altadena by four individuals who were quickly apprehended. Authorities would not be drawn on who the Emmy belongs to.
In another case, two people entered two different houses in the same neighborhood and are facing two counts of first-degree burglary, which could see them get 12 years behind bars.Read on:
Emmy stolen in LA fires looting as nine charged over thefts in Palisades and Eaton
Wind gusts up to 60 mph expected overnight into Wednesday
04:40 , Katie HawkinsonThe National Weather Service forecast wind gusts up to 60 mph in the mountains overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
“Key message: We are not out of the woods yet,” the Los Angeles NWS said in a statement. “Please stay on guard for a fast-moving fire. The winds underperformed today, but one more enhancement could happen tonight-tomorrow.”
The Palisades and Eaton fires are among the most destructive in Los Angeles history. At least 25 people are dead and officials are warning residents to stay alert as the fires persist.
Malibu Mayor dispels rumors of permits for re-entry into evacuation zones
04:15 , Katie HawkinsonMalibu Mayor Doug Stewart dispelled rumors that the city is offering permits to people who want an expedited return to evacuation zones.
“We … need to address and dispel a rumor circulating in the community: there is no permit for expedited re-entry into evacuation zones. Any claims or offers to provide such a permit are false,” Stewart said in a statement Tuesday.
“Many of you are understandably anxious to return to your homes. We hear you, and we are doing everything in our power to make that happen as quickly and safely as possible,” he added. “However, we remain in the midst of an active fire incident.”
Speaker Johnson calls for ‘conditions’ on California wildfire aid
03:15 , Josh MarcusHouse Speaker Mike Johnson suggested on Monday that lawmakers might attach “conditions” to wildfire aid for California, where blazes in Los Angeles have killed at least 25 and burned hundreds of homes, one of the worst natural disasters in state history.
“I think we’re going to have a serious conversation about that,” Johnson told reporters. “Obviously there has been water resource mismanagement, forest mismanagement, mistakes, all sorts of problems, and it does come down to leadership. It appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects. That’s something that has to be factored in.”
Palisades fire may be linked to previous blaze in popular hiking area
02:15 , Josh MarcusOfficials are probing the area near where a small New Year’s Day fire broke out for clues about what started the deadly Palisades Fire, which has grown since last week to more than 23,000 acres and devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
At the start of the new year, firefighters used a water-dropping helicopter to snuff out a blaze that began a few hours earlier near Skull Rock, a popular hiking destination on the Temescal Ridge trail above the Palisades.
Some residents wonder whether parts of that fire survived and set off the Palisades fire, which began on January 7.
Palisades fire may be linked to previous blaze in popular hiking area
LAPD arrests at least 14 in connection with Palisades Fire
01:45 , Katie HawkinsonThe Los Angeles Police Department has arrested at least 14 people in connection with the Palisades Fire, including three arson suspects, Commander Steve Embrich said Tuesday.
Others were arrested on suspicion of violating curfew, impersonating a firefighter and looting, among other crimes.
“Looting is not just a crime against property; it also takes away any sense of security from evacuated residents and it will not be tolerated,” Embrich said.
Tyler Perry calls out ‘appalling’ insurance company decisions in wake of LA wildfires
01:15 , Ellie MuirTyler Perry has criticised insurance company cancellations amid the ongoing catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires raging through Southern California.
Several blazes have destroyed more than 35,000 acres of land across Southern California – the largest being the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire – resulting in the death of 25 people. Several celebrities, including Paris Hilton and When Harry Met Sally star Billy Crystal, have lost their homes.
The American filmmaker and actor shared a message calling out unnamed insurance companies who had either chosen not to renew their policies or to stop writing new ones, especially for high-value homes located in areas of high-risk fire-prone areas.
Tyler Perry calls out ‘appalling’ insurance company decisions in wake of LA fires
Republican senator says California ‘doesn’t deserve funding’ after devastating wildfires
00:45 , Rhian LubinRepublican Senator Tommy Tuberville said that California “doesn’t deserve” any funding for the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles.
The Alabama senator, a staunch Donald Trump ally, said he didn’t object to sending the state “some money,” but not unless state leaders “change their ways.”
Tuberville joins a growing number of Republicans who have hit out at California’s political leaders for the fires, blaming them partly on “woke policies.”
GOP senator says California ‘doesn’t deserve funding’ after devastating wildfires
California wildfires: How and why did fire hydrants run dry across Los Angeles?
00:15 , Josh MarcusAs Los Angeles battles multiple fast-moving wildfires, emergency officials have faced a nightmare situation: fire hydrants running out of water.
“How do you fight a fire with no water?” Ryan Babroff, a volunteer firefighter battling the Eaton Fire, told The Washington Post.
At some point this week, up to 20 percent of the city’s hydrants went dry, according to LA Mayor Karen Bass. And on Thursday night, firefighters had stopped tapping into hydrants at all.
President Biden speaks on California wildfires at conservation event
President Joe Biden has once again addressed the California wildfires at a White House event celebrating his administration’s conservation efforts.
“As you all know, I was in California last week where the event was supposed to be held, but we had to postpone it, because the fires in Los Angeles, among the worst wildfires in California history, it’s devastating,” Biden said on Tuesday evening.
“Our entire administration have been working closely with Governor Newsom, Senator Padilla, Senator Schiff, the entire congressional delegation, to make sure California is every possible resource to fight these fires and help the survivors,” he added.
Biden also signed proclamations establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in California.
More than 2,700 structures have been confirmed destroyed in the Eaton Fire zone
Tuesday 14 January 2025 22:48 , Julia MustoSome 2,722 structures have been destroyed in the Eaton Fire zone, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Hundreds more were verified to be damaged.
Officials have said that the estimated number of structures destroyed in the blaze is around 7,000.
Some 40,000 people have applied for FEMA assistance
Tuesday 14 January 2025 20:51 , Julia MustoSome 40,000 people have already applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has provided more than $8 million so far for immediate needs, FEMA Region 9 Regional Administrator Robert Fenton said.
Winds start off a ‘little lighter than expected’ in Southern California
Tuesday 14 January 2025 20:45 , Julia MustoForecasters said Tuesday that winds in Los Angeles County had started off “generally a little lighter than expected,” noting that previous forecast models “were a little heavy handed for today.”
“Winds are mostly under 30 mph and confined to a corridor that runs from Acton to Oxnard and about 20 miles either side. This corridor still does not include the Palisades fire area as the wind axis still has a stronger east component than a north,” the Los Angeles National Weather Service office said in an update.
While some pick up in winds is expected, the latest high resolution models are maintaining winds mostly under 50mph “through the corridor with just a couple pockets of wind gusts in the mountains up to 60mph.”
The office noted that models do show a “slightly more significant increase in wind speeds Wednesday, but more or less in the same areas as today.”
Cal Fire Battalion Chief David Acuña warns Angelenos against inadvertently starting another fireTuesday 14 January 2025 20:26 , Julia Musto
“Where our real concern is is the next fire,” Cal Fire Battalion Chief David Acuña told CNN on Tuesday.
“So we need the public’s help in order to make sure we do not have any additional sparks. You know, mowing where you could strike a rock. Dragging chains with a vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good repair so it doesn’t kick out a hot piece of catalytic converter at 2,000 degrees,” he continued, “Or even just simply having a campfire. Don’t do any of that right now in this very, very high wind so that we can avoid another fire.”
Los Angeles International Airport has seen dozens of delays
Tuesday 14 January 2025 19:56 , Julia MustoLos Angeles International Airport has seen dozens of delays on Tuesday, according to tracker FlightAware.
The site only showed two cancellations.
The airport said it was operating normally, but that travelers should check the status of their flights with their airlines.
Newsom signs executive order to aid LA schools, children
Tuesday 14 January 2025 19:53 , Julia Musto“We are using the full force of the state government to respond to the Los Angeles firestorms and ensure recovery for the thousands of residents who have been impacted by this unimaginable loss, including school-aged children,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a release. “The executive order I signed today will help bring back some sense of normalcy for our youth by eliminating barriers to getting them back learning in school.”
Story by
Articles - Latest
- The Significance of the 49-Day Journey After Death
- Killing prisoners for transplants: Forced organ harvesting in China
- Southern Japan hit by 6.6-magnitude quake near Nankai Trough, tsunami warnings lifted
- Peru’s coastline battered by tsunami-like waves one day after country declares environmental emergency
- California fires live updates: ‘Dangerous’ winds return as residents are warned over threat of new wildfires
- Osibisa founding member and singer Teddy Osei dead at 88
- Oliviero Toscani, photographer behind shock Benetton ads, dead at 82
- California LA Mayor Karen Bass awkwardly ignores questions from reporter about California fires
- UK set for more freezing weather as homes and businesses deal with flooding
- Jean-Marie Le Pen dead at 96: His political career through the years
- Jimmy Carter, former US president, dies aged 100
- ‘Jazz’s most significant composer’ Benny Golson dies at 95
- Billionaire founder of fashion chain Mango dies in accident
- California wildfires latest: Blaze tears through Hollywood Hills - as iconic LA landmarks at risk
- Powerful earthquake rocks remote region of Tibet and parts of Nepal, killing more than 120
- The Ancient Egyptian Soul
- Reclusive millionaire heir Will Rothschild of Rothschild family dies in Los Angeles house fire as cops launch probe
- Assisted dying supporters cheer as Bill passes Commons hurdle
- PopMaster co-creator Phil Swern dies aged 76
- Legendary Sky Sports rugby league commentator Bill Arthur tragically passes away aged 68
- Bernice Reagon, co-founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock who soundtracked the Civil Rights struggle – obituary
- Tributes pour in as Rapper Fatman Scoop dies aged 53 after collapsing on stage during a performance
- Angel Salazar: Scarface Chi Chi actor found dead in bed at friend's house aged 68
Articles - Most Read
- Main
- Contact Us
- The science behind Ouija boards
- Cosmic Consciousness - What is Cosmic Consciousness-2
- Cosmic Consciousness-Introduction
- Cosmic Consciousness - Introduction-2
- MASSIVE 6.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS NEW ZEALAND AS NATION STILL REELING FROM CYCLONE
- ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNRAVEL THE TRUTH OF APHRODITE, GODDESS OF LOVE, ON VALENTINE'S DAY
- Cosmic Consciousness First Words - 1V - 2
- The Human Condition-Thomas Keating
- Cosmic Consciousness First Words - V -
- Cosmic Consciousness V - 2
- Cosmic consciousness - First Words - IV
- Cosmic Consciousness - What is Cosmic Consciousness?
- Shakyamuni Buddha or India the 1st “Black Revolutionary Hero.”
- Evolution and Devolution-Chapter 2
- The Human Condition-2-Thomas Keating
- The Human Condition - Thomas keating-3
- Cosmic Consciousness-On the Plane of Self Consciousness
- Drinking From The Mountain Stream - Milarepa
- The Human Condition - 4
- Cosmic Consciousness - 3 - On the Plane of Self Consciousness
- The Human Condition - 6
- Evolution and Devolution-Chapter 1
- On the Plane of Self Consciousness - 2
- Milarepa's World
- The Human Condition - 5
- Milarepa's World-2
- Contemplation and the Divine Therapy - 2
- The Buddhist System of Liberation - 2
- The Buddhist System of Liberation
- On the Plane of Self Consciousness IV
- JERRY RAWLINGS, GHANAIAN STRONG MAN WHO CAME TO POWER IN A COUP BUT INTRODUCED DEMOCRACY – OBITUARY
- On the Plane of Self Consciousness IV - 2
