The world’s largest lithium battery facility is on fire. Elon Musk said it has nothing to do with Tesla or its batteries. The cause is not yet known. Over 1,000 people were advised to evacuate a community in Northern California after a large fire erupted Thursday afternoon at one of the world’s largest battery storage […] The post Lithium Battery Facility Ablaze: “This is a disaster, is what it is.” appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

A career State Department official announced her retirement hours after President-elect Donald Trump asked for her resignation and those of two other officials, The Daily Wire has learned. Marcia Bernicat, the director-general of the U.S. Foreign Service and director of global talent, who has held a top role for many years, sent a farewell message on Thursday announcing her retirement, a source who saw the message said. Bernicat is essentially the top HR person in charge of shaping the State Department’s workforce. She was photographed Friday looking grim as Secretary of State Antony Blinken marked the end of his tenure. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Trump asked Bernicat, Dereck Hogan, and Alaina Teplitz to resign — an unusual move, since they are career employees, not political appointees. However, the three occupy key roles that, if held by people who oppose Trump’s mission, could have a cascading effect that neutralizes the commander-in-chief’s ability to control the government agency. (PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)   Hogan is the department’s executive secretary, which “manages the flow of information between department bureaus and with the White House,” Reuters said. Teplitz has been with the department for three decades and is Assistant Secretary. Bernicat’s retirement signals that Trump’s team is heading into its second term with knowledge of the “deep state” actors that it believes are obstructing it, and that some of those are willing to accept defeat and bow out, even before Trump takes office. The State Department has been notorious for harboring left-wing civil servants, and the fact that even high-level people are not replaceable by incoming administrations highlights Trump’s plan for a “Schedule F,” which would reclassify a larger number of employees involved in policy so they could be more easily removed by a president. “It is entirely appropriate for the transition to seek officials who share President Trump’s vision for putting our nation and America’s working men and women first. We have a lot of failures to fix and that requires a committed team focused on the same goals,” Trump’s transition team told Reuters. A State Department spokesman did not return a request from The Daily Wire asking to confirm Bernicat’s retirement and whether the other two have made a decision. Related: Biden Admin Uses Loophole To Put Kamala Transition Aide In Trump Workforce

Aging sitcom stars are supposed to fade away, toil in the reality show trenches or spark sad TMZ headlines. Justine Bateman hasn’t just shattered those low expectations. She’s become Tinsel Town’s voice of uncommon reason. Bateman played Mallory on the ‘80s smash “Family Ties.” The NBC sitcom made Micheal J. Fox a superstar and showed a wholesome clash between the Left and the Right during the Reagan era. “Family Ties.” 1982. Paramount Television. Ubu Productions. IMDB. This wasn’t a “Crossfire” style shooting match but a family pushing past their political differences. The show ran for seven seasons and propelled Bateman into the running for a feature film career. Her breakout role in “Satisfaction” (1988) didn’t catch fire. She still appeared on the big and small screen for the next two decades. She eventually switched to gigs behind the camera, writing and directing indie films that didn’t crash the zeitgeist (2021’s “Violet.”) but attracted reputable stars (Justin Theroux, Olivia Munn). NBC. 20th Century Fox. Still, she was working on her craft and, more importantly, observing the cultural landscape. Now, she has a lot to say and plenty of people are nodding along. Bateman started speaking out in 2023 against AI’s reach into Hollywood fare. She became a voice during the dueling Hollywood strikes, warning what it meant to remove humans from the creative process. “I think generative AI is one of the worst ideas we’ve ever had in this society,” she told Deadline after the SAG AFTRA strike ended in 2023. She spoke with confidence and clarity at a time when many stars might have been too afraid to even touch how AI could impact the creative process. She was back in the spotlight but on her terms. Her breakout moment came last year after the presidential election results poured in. “Decompressing from walking on eggshells for the past four years,” she posted on X, a line that has now generated more than 6 million views. Decompressing from walking on eggshells for the past four years. — Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) November 8, 2024 That cryptic quote touched a nerve. And, like a Hollywood veteran who understands her audience, she leaned into the sentiment. She excoriated Cancel Culture and the “woke mind virus” without using those specific terms. She sensed a free speech comeback under a second Trump administration without ever putting on a red hat. I feel like there was this kind of suffocating cloud that was kind of over us… Regular people who had questions about decisions that were being made were threatened subtly or obviously into silence. And I feel like that’s been broken, that sort of suppression has been kind of broken. She embraced X and Substack as her platforms of choice, snagging major interviews with the likes of Megyn Kelly along the way. Through her metamorphosis, she refused to align with a political party. It’s not about politics, she insisted, drawing more fans in the process. Sometimes common sense has a political bias in the 21st century. CELEBRATE #47 WITH 47% OFF DAILYWIRE+ MEMBERSHIPS + A FREE $20 GIFT She also began a series of tongue-in-cheek video reviews where she assessed amateur filmmakers melting down over the election results. She wasn’t cruel or cutting, but she offered professional advice that similarly went viral. Hashtag #SocialMediaVideoCritique Here’s just one example: “The second major issue is the unpredictability of the camera movements. Because the emotions are high, the scene would have benefitted from a locked-off camera position, or a slow, graceful movement. The jiggling of the camera doubles down on the emotions and is overkill.” – The second major issue is the unpredictability of the camera movements. Because the emotions are high, the scene would have benefitted from a locked-off camera position, or a slow, graceful movement. The jiggling of the camera doubles down on the emotions, and is overkill. 2/ — Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) November 7, 2024 She has called out incompetent California Democrats for the wildfires fiasco while high-profile comedians like Jon Stewart spin on their behalf. It’s not partisan to excoriate a mayor who directs those impacted by wildfires to visit “URL.” She even blasted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for depositing themselves in the middle of the wildfires tragedy, dubbing them “Disaster Tourists.” That label may linger. She’s even struck a blow against Hollywood ageism. She’s refused to get plastic surgery or Botox, letting the world see her 50-something face without apology. It’s not easy to greet the public as a fresh-faced teen on a hit sitcom and age like the rest of us. She’s proud of her accomplishments over her vanity. Justine Bateman directing her film short, “Five Minutes.” Photo by Steven Meiers. One irony stands out. Bateman’s brother, Jason Bateman, has been one of Hollywood’s more popular stars through the years. He, too, cut his teeth on sitcom fare like “Silver Spoons” and “The Hogan Family.” He kept working on high-profile projects, from iconic comedies (“Arrested Development”) to comedic film franchises (“Horrible Bosses”). His star rose higher when he anchored Netflix’s “Ozark,” and his recent string of successes includes “Air” (2023) and “Carry On,” one of Netflix’s most popular original films. He also co-hosts “Smartless,” one of the podcasting realm’s biggest shows alongside Will Arnett and Sean Hayes. Jason Bateman has been mostly silent on the culture war front. He’s a Democrat but he hasn’t shouted his views from the rafters. He proved more sly, literally lending his voice to the progressive cause. He appears to be of a different mindset than his older sister, but the two speak fondly of one another in public forums. He’s been far more “successful” in Hollywood parlance, but Justine Bateman’s cultural impact appears far greater at the moment. She has found her cultural voice, and she’s only warming up. * * * Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of HollywoodInToto.com. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at HollywoodInToto.com. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine selected Lt. Gov. Jon Husted on Friday to fill the Senate seat left open by Vice President-elect JD Vance, while Vivek Ramaswamy is reportedly planning on announcing a run for governor. DeWine announced his Senate appointment at a press conference on Friday, ensuring that Republicans maintain a 53-47 majority when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on Monday. Husted, a longtime major player in Ohio politics, recently focused on election security as lieutenant governor. The appointment will put Husted in the Senate seat for nearly three years, and he will have the option to run in the 2026 special election to determine who will complete Vance’s term, which ends after 2028. “I believe and know that Jon is prepared to be United States senator from the state of Ohio,” DeWine said, according to The Columbus Dispatch. “The U.S. Senate rewards hard workers. It rewards those who master the facts. It rewards those who focus on getting things done.” DeWine met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last week, and Trump was reportedly urging Ramaswamy to accept the Senate seat if it was offered to him. DeWine told reporters at Mar-a-Lago, “I want someone who understands Ohio, who has a deep knowledge of our state. We need a strong advocate there.” CELEBRATE #47 WITH 47% OFF DAILYWIRE+ MEMBERSHIPS + A FREE $20 GIFT The Washington Post reported, citing two unnamed sources, that Ramaswamy, whom Trump tapped to help Elon Musk run the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is planning to run for Ohio governor in 2026. According to one Ohio political operative, Ramaswamy will plan “to get accomplishments at DOGE and then announce a run for governor shortly.” Ramaswamy and Musk have said that DOGE will seek to accomplish its goals and dissolve by July 4, 2026. Ohio’s 2026 governor’s race will be wide open, as DeWine is term-limited. Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur from Cincinnati, would enter the race with experience running a large campaign after his 2024 presidential bid. However, he has never held public office. Last January, he dropped out of the 2024 primary and endorsed Trump.

Episode Description: In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Roundup, Karissa and Arielle shine a light on the devastating California wildfires and explore actionable solutions for recovery and resilience. From supporting first responders and evacuees to mitigating the health risks of wildfire smoke, they share practical tips and inspiring stories of community efforts. Plus, they highlight other uplifting solutions from around the world. The Optimist Daily is a project of The World Business Academy. Donate link: https://www.optimistdaily.com/donate-to-support-the-optimist-daily/?gift=Y%20http:// Transcript: Theme music Karissa Hello, and welcome to The Optimist Daily’s weekly roundup. I’m Karissa. Arielle And I’m Arielle, and we’re working hard to put solutions in view and optimism in movement. Karissa Well, hello! We’re back again with another episode of our pod to share this week’s solutions from the Optimist Daily. How are you doing today, Arielle? Arielle Well, I usually take this time to complain about the weather in Amsterdam because it’s always raining, but considering everything that’s been happening in California lately… Karissa Uh-huh. Arielle I have a new appreciation for how damp it is here. So, yeah, that’s a change in my perspective. How about you, Karissa? I know you’re a lot closer to the fires. Karissa Yeah, I’m not too close to the Southern California fires since I’m up in NorCal in the Central Valley, but I have a lot of friends down there who’ve been affected—either by evacuations or just being in the middle of the chaos. The whole area is dealing with so many fires. I think everyone, even globally, knows someone who’s been impacted. LA is such a melting pot of the entire world. You were even saying earlier in our meeting, Arielle, that you had people you wanted to check up on. Arielle Mm-hmm. People here in Europe are definitely talking about it, as well. It’s just devastating to see what’s on the news—people losing not just their homes but their keepsakes, their memories, and everything they’ve worked for. Karissa Yeah. Arielle It’s really touching everyone, even over here. Obviously, we haven’t been able to think about much else. So both of our solutions this week have to do with the California wildfires. Karissa Yeah. Arielle I guess I’ll jump into my solution. Karissa Let’s hear it. Arielle The article I chose to highlight is How to Help Victims of California Wildfires: A Guide to Supporting Relief Efforts. As we’ve said, the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County have dominated the news. These fires have destroyed thousands of homes, scorched tens of thousands of acres, and displaced countless families. But amidst the devastation, there’s been an outpouring of support, resilience, and opportunities to help. Karissa, obviously, It’s a heavy topic, but there are ways we can all make an impact, no matter where we are. Karissa Yeah, absolutely. It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening, but it’s also incredible to witness people coming together. There’s so much we can do, from donating to volunteering, no matter where we are. So, let’s break it down for our listeners. Arielle Yes! So first up, let’s talk about evacuees. Many have lost everything and are relying on evacuation centers for basic needs. CBS News Los Angeles has teamed up with the American Red Cross to provide food, water, and emergency supplies. Donations to the Red Cross help ensure that displaced families have access to essentials during this chaotic time. Karissa Nice. Arielle World Central Kitchen, founded by the amazing Chef José Andrés in 2010 in response to the Haiti earthquake, is also stepping in. They’ve been distributing meals across Southern California. I just love how Chef Andrés always shows up in crises like this. Such a force for good. He’s delivered or served meals for people affected by so many disasters and conflicts—Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and way, way more. Karissa Yeah, he’s definitely a rock star in the humanitarian world. I always appreciate hearing about how he shows up. Arielle Mm-hmm. Karissa It’s not just about the food; it’s about showing people that they’re cared for during these difficult times. Just a hot meal can be so comforting when everything else feels out of control. Arielle Yeah, I mean, I know I’m the kind of person who eats my feelings. Karissa Same here! Arielle OK, now let’s talk about those on the front lines—the first responders. Firefighters are working tirelessly to battle these infernos, and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is raising funds to equip them with all the tools they need. Karissa Yeah, and it’s easy to forget just how much they go through—not just the physical exhaustion but also the emotional toll. Supporting their Wildfire Emergency Fund is such a direct way to say, “We see you, and we’re here to support you.” Arielle Exactly. It’s about empowering them to keep doing their vital work, and every dollar helps. Another big area of need is helping families rebuild their lives completely. The California Fire Foundation is offering financial aid through its Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund. These funds go toward everything from rebuilding homes to providing mental health support. The League of California Community Foundations is also doing incredible work, coordinating efforts for those impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. They’ve rebuilt homes, restored belongings, and provided counseling in past disasters. Such life-changing support. Karissa Yeah, it really is. Mental health services are such an important piece of the puzzle. It’s not just about recovering physically but also emotionally. This is great work. Arielle For immediate relief, organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank are collecting food donations and recruiting volunteers. The Anderson Munger Family YMCA in Koreatown is also accepting food, snacks, water, and emergency supplies. Karissa If you’re local to the area, volunteering at places like the food bank can be such a meaningful way to help—sorting donations, distributing essentials. It’s hands-on, tangible support that makes a real difference. And I’ve been really pleased to see that a lot of these distribution centers have been so full of help that they’ve had to turn people away. It’s great to see so many stepping up. Arielle Yeah. Karissa Hopefully, people will continue to show up and keep the momentum going because this is going to be a long road to recovery. Arielle Exactly. Whether you’re in California, halfway across the country, or even in Europe like me, there are ways to help. Karissa Yeah. Arielle Just to go over it again—donate to trusted organizations like the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, and the California Fire Foundation. Volunteer if you’re local. Places like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and the Anderson Munger Family YMCA need helping hands. And at the very least, spread awareness by sharing these efforts on social media, within your community, or wherever you have reach. Karissa Absolutely. And let’s not forget about staying informed. Follow updates, share resources and be a voice for those affected. Arielle Recovery from these wildfires won’t happen overnight. It’s going to take collective effort and a lot of compassion, but every contribution, no matter how small, adds up. Karissa Yeah, absolutely. And let’s remember that supporting these efforts isn’t just about giving—it’s about hope and showing our neighbors that they’re not alone. Arielle Now, moving on from people who are offering support from the outside, I think you have a solution that helps people who are directly affected. Karissa Yeah. So, I guess this is kind of for those who have been affected. I know a lot of our readership and following is based in Southern California since our headquarters are in Santa Barbara—not too far from LA. Santa Barbara has experienced its fair share of fires, too. I lived there for many years, so I’ve seen this firsthand. The solution I’m sharing today is called How to Safeguard Your Health After Wildfire Smoke Invades Your Home. When wildfires tear through neighborhoods, they don’t just burn vegetation. They engulf homes, cars, and everyday materials like electronics, paint, and plastics. These human-made materials release toxic chemicals into the air, which can infiltrate nearby homes, bringing risks that persist long after the flames are extinguished. This is something I didn’t fully understand until I experienced my first really bad wildfire in 2017—the Thomas Fire—while living in Santa Barbara. Arielle Wow. It’s wild to think about how those materials we don’t even notice in our daily lives can turn into serious health risks after a wildfire. As if people didn’t already have enough to worry about. Karissa Yeah. Arielle I can’t imagine how shocking that must have been for you back then. I didn’t even know you had experienced a wildfire. Karissa Yeah, it was definitely a crazy time. It was my first quarter of college, living away from home at 18 years old. It was pretty scary. I remember not being able to leave campus because there hadn’t been any word about class cancellations yet. My parents were freaking out—they were five hours away and couldn’t come get me. Arielle Hmm. Karissa I remember my dad explicitly telling me, “You need to find a mask to wear,” because of all the particles in the air from things burning. I honestly hadn’t even thought about it until then. Arielle Mm. That sounds intense. Karissa Yeah. Research highlights that smoke from burned human-made materials is different from natural wildfire smoke, carrying potentially more hazardous pollutants. Once inside, these chemicals can embed themselves in furniture, walls, and surfaces, continuing to off-gas harmful substances for weeks or even months. For people returning to homes affected by wildfires, understanding these risks is crucial to mitigating long-term health impacts. Arielle It’s honestly kind of terrifying to think about how long those pollutants can linger. Even after the fires are out and the skies look clear, the danger is literally still in your home. Karissa Yeah. Arielle What does the science say about the impact of indoor wildfire smoke? Karissa Well, studies conducted after the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado revealed concerning levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in homes exposed to wildfire smoke. VOCs like benzene and formaldehyde are known carcinogens, while PAHs and other pollutants can irritate the respiratory system and skin. In a survey of residents six months after the fire, over half reported symptoms they attributed to the event. Common issues included itchy eyes (33%), headaches (30%), and dry coughs (27%). I actually experienced some of this myself during the Thomas Fire—I had itchy, swollen eyes, and it was horrible. Arielle That sounds awful. Karissa Yeah, it was. Many residents linked their symptoms to lingering smells of smoke and chemicals in their homes. Proximity to destroyed structures increased the likelihood of symptoms, with a 21% rise in reported headaches for every 10 additional burned buildings within 820 feet of a home. While some symptoms diminished over time, a third of surveyed residents still reported health concerns a year after the fire, and similar numbers persisted two years later. Researchers are continuing to study the long-term implications of exposure to VOCs and other pollutants. While exact exposure levels are difficult to measure, the persistence of unusual smells in affected homes suggests VOCs may still be present, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. Arielle Okay, that’s a pretty grim picture—people dealing with the aftermath for years. Karissa Yeah. Arielle I mean, you don’t think about how something as small as a lingering smell could indicate VOCs still hanging around in the air. It sounds like this problem really needs clear, actionable solutions, especially as wildfires are becoming more common worldwide. What can people do to protect themselves and their homes after exposure to wildfire smoke? Karissa Well, if your home has been exposed to wildfire smoke or ash, taking proactive measures can reduce health risks for you and your family. Here are some key steps to consider. Number one is to prioritize safety during cleanup. Wear protective gear, including an N95 or KN95 mask, gloves, goggles, and skin-covering clothes. Avoid exposing vulnerable individuals—such as children, pregnant women, and older adults—to cleanup activities. That’s very important. I’ve seen videos of people going through the aftermath of fires in LA and picking through the debris. I’m sure it’s an emotional process, but I’m always thinking, “Wear gloves!” So, always take precautions and cover up. Arielle Precautions, yeah. Karissa Exactly. The second tip is to clean strategically to reduce VOCs. After a fire passes, thoroughly vacuum floors, drapes, and furniture. Research shows that cleaning all surfaces can help lower VOC levels indoors. Once the outdoor air quality improves, open windows to ventilate your home with fresh air. Replace HVAC filters monthly until odors disappear, and clean air ducts to prevent the spread of ash and particles. Tip three: avoid harsh chemicals. Steer clear of strong chemical cleaners, which may react with ash residues and create harmful byproducts. For a few weeks or months after the fire, opt for mild cleaning agents and follow safety guidelines when handling any products. Tip four: invest in air purification. Use portable air cleaners with carbon filters to remove VOCs and fine particles from the air. Also, consider replacing the cabin filter in your car if it smells like smoke. Finally, tip five: monitor for lingering issues. Pay attention to changes in your indoor environment, like persistent smells or symptoms such as coughing or irritation. Seek professional help if odors or health concerns continue. Arielle These are really handy tips. I love how they’re practical and cover both immediate and long-term actions. Karissa Yeah, absolutely. While rebuilding after a wildfire can be overwhelming, these proactive steps can help you create a safer, healthier environment for your family. By addressing the risks of wildfire smoke, you can focus on recovery and resilience in an increasingly fire-prone world. Arielle Hmm. Yeah, definitely an important mindset—focusing on what you can control. So many things are out of our control, like wildfires. They may be unpredictable, but at least you can create a safer environment for yourself and your loved ones. Karissa Absolutely. Arielle Thank you for walking us through these tips, Karissa. It’s empowering to know that even after something as devastating as a wildfire, there are steps we can take to protect our health and move forward. Karissa Exactly. Well, we also had some other solutions on the Optimist Daily this week—some related to wildfires and others highlighting good news from around the world. What do we have, Arielle? Arielle Some of our other solutions include How to Protect and Soothe Skin from Smoke Exposure—I think that’s a republish because it’s definitely relevant right now. We also have Progress Amid Backlash: Corporate America’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Rights. Karissa Yeah. Arielle Thailand Bans Plastic Waste Imports to Combat Toxic Pollution and Seven Overlooked Money Tips for a Stronger Financial Future.What else do we have, Karissa? Karissa New CFPB regulations erase medical debt from credit reports—definitely check that out. Arielle Really? Karissa Yeah. And there’s also A Hidden Crisis: What LA Residents Need to Know About Water Safety After Wildfires, From Festive to Functional: European Zoos Giving Christmas Trees a Second Life, and Belfast Leads the Way: Venues Unite to Eliminate Single-Use Plastic Cups. Arielle Amazing! If you want to start your day off right, make sure to subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get these solutions straight to your inbox. Karissa We also have more on our social channels. You can find us @OptimistDaily on all platforms, including Threads and Pinterest. The only exception is on X (formerly Twitter), where we’re known as @OdeToOptimism. Arielle We’re a small team of optimists working really hard to bring positive news to the world. If you’d like to support our mission, click the link in the show notes to find out how. Karissa Support doesn’t always have to be financial, either. Just recommending our podcast to a friend, leaving a positive review on Apple or Spotify, or sharing a solution on your socials can make a huge difference. Arielle All right. Well, Karissa, it’s been a pleasure sharing these solutions with you. Karissa It definitely has been. And I think I speak for both of us when I say we’ll both be keeping everyone affected by the LA fires in our thoughts. Arielle Yeah, absolutely. We wish everyone a safe and, hopefully, relaxing weekend. Karissa We’ll be back next week with more solutions, and we’re looking forward to it. Until then… Both Bye! The post Podcast Transcript January 17, 2025: California Wildfires: Solutions for Recovery, Resilience, and Support first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Aaron Rodgers is speaking out

'Stay tuned'

'Foreign adversaries'