ABC News Daily

Five people have been killed in wildfires that have been ripping through the mountains and foothills around Los Angeles.

Hurricane-force winds have sent fireballs from house to house, torching entire streets and destroying more than 1,000 buildings.

Celebrities including actor Billy Crystal and heiress Paris Hilton are among the residents whose homes have burnt down across several affluent suburbs, where tens of thousands more people have been forced to evacuate. 

Today, LA-based meteorologist Jonathon Porter explains what’s making the fires so destructive, and reality TV estate agent Jason Oppenheim explains the neighbourhoods most affected.

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Jason Oppenheim, LA-based real estate agent

Jonathon Porter, AccuWeather Chief meteorologist Jonathon Porter

Two weeks before his second presidency begins, Donald Trump has laid down his hopes to take control of Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada.

He told reporters the United States needs to acquire the Danish territory for national security reasons, and has threatened heavy tariffs on Denmark if they don’t agree. 

Today, ANU professor of International Law Don Rothwell on what Donald Trump wants with these territories, and how far might go to take them.

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Don Rothwell, professor of international law at the Australian National University

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned from office after nine years in power.

Despite his immense popularity when he was elected, in recent years he’s faced  increased criticism from the public, with polls showing he was on track to lose badly when Canadians vote later this year. Now he’s bowed to pressure from his own party to step down. 

But what's behind the downfall of the former darling of Canadian politics?

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Lori Turnbull, Political analyst and Professor of Political Science at Dalhousie University in Canada

It’s been four years since Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol, trying to overturn the result of the 2020 election. 

Now, his win in last year’s election is about to be ratified in that very building, giving him the power to pardon convicted rioters. Will Donald Trump deliver on his promise?

Today, Elie Honig, a former US federal and state prosecutor and senior legal analyst for CNN on how the incoming president will use his executive powers, and what it could mean for the US justice system. 

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Elie Honig, CNN senior legal analyst 

Both men involved in the violent incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year's Day were US military veterans.

It's unclear how much of a role their service played in their violence but data out of the US shows there has been an increase in veterans being involved in violent acts or being recruited by extremist groups.

Today, Todd Helmus, an expert on military extremism with the US think tank RAND on what could be behind the rise in violent behaviour in ex-military personnel. 

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Todd Helmus, military extremism expert, RAND

At least 15 people are dead and dozens more are wounded after a US army veteran ploughed his pick-up truck into crowds celebrating the new year.

Revellers were ringing in 2025 in the New Orleans' French quarter, the city's busiest party district in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Federal authorities are describing it as an act of terror.

Today, former FBI and department of homeland security official, Dr. Javed Ali on how the New Orleans investigation is unfolding and the planning required to pull off such a deadly attack. 

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Dr. Javed Ali, former FBI and department of homeland security official

Update: Authorities have clarified that 14 people were killed in the truck attack. The earlier reported death toll of 15 included Jabbar, who was killed by police during a shootout at the scene. At least 30 others were injured.

Australians are guaranteed to head to the polls in the first five months of 2025.

And while high interest rates and cost of living pressures are expected to be the top concerns for both major parties and voters, the battleground itself will also look different, with new changes to electoral seats and boundaries. 

Today, the ABC's Chief Elections Analyst Antony Green speaks with ABC News Radio’s Tom Melville about why the next parliament is set to change.

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Antony Green, ABC Chief Elections Analyst

At least 300 prisoners of war have returned to their homeland in a highly anticipated New Years swap between Ukraine and Russia.

It comes just days after Oscar Jenkins became the first known Australian citizen to be captured by Russian forces, after enlisting in Ukraine's foreign legion earlier this year. 

Today, international law expert Professor Don Rothwell speaks to ABC News Radio about whether Australia could make exchange negotiations similar to those used for the New Year’s prisoner swaps, to bring Oscar Jenkins home.

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Professor Don Rothwell, ANU College of Law

South Korea is now in seven days of mourning after 179 people were killed in the deadliest aviation disaster the country has ever seen.

The plane, which was flying from Thailand to Muan International Airport in South Korea, was attempting an emergency landing when it crashed. 

There were only two survivors.

Today, US aviation industry consultant Scott Hamilton speaks with ABC News Radio's Sarah Mourice about what could have happened in the cockpit moments before the tragedy. 

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Scott Hamilton, US aviation industry consultant Leeham Company

Don’t you get sick of the constant text messages warning that you haven’t paid a toll, or that you’ve missed a package delivery or have a refund owing?

In many cases they’re clearly fake but there are scams that aren’t so obvious, and Australians have lost billions of dollars to them. 

Today, consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on why more of us are falling for the traps set by criminals and what the big banks should be doing to protect us. 

First published 10 May 2024.

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Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporter