3 Things To Know Today
1 CA Burns As President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration
California’s Camp Fire is now the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history. This, as officials have confirmed the death toll climbing to 42 Monday after authorities recovered 13 more bodies. The Camp Fire overtakes the 1933 Griffith Park Fire as the deadliest on record in the state. Fire officials say the fire near Chico, California has grown to at least 117-thousand acres and at last check, is 30-percent contained. About 52-thousand people remain evacuated with over 13-hundred people in shelters. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said more search and rescue teams and cadaver dogs are being requested to find more fire victims. And while he may have started off snarking at the situation, President Trump has now approved a major disaster declaration for the state as it battles several devastating wildfires. “I just approved an expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California,” he noted via Twitter. “Wanted to respond quickly in order to alleviate some of the incredible suffering going on. I am with you all the way. God Bless all of the victims and families affected.” With seven-thousand homes gone and hundreds of people missing, there certainly are plenty of those.
2 The Father Of The Marvel Universe – Stan Lee – Has Died
There are very few people who completely personify the word “icon,” but Stan Lee certainly IS on that extremely short list. And sadly, the comic book legend has left us. The co-creator of heroes like Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men was rushed to the hospital from his Hollywood Hills home yesterday morning and that’s reportedly where he passed away. He was 95. Lee got his start in comic books in 1939 at Timely Comics, which later became Marvel Comics. He was known for his work with Jack Kirby on “Fantastic Four,” helped revive Captain America, and created Falcon – the first African-American superhero – in the 1960's. Lee created Spider-Man with Steve Ditko, which later became one of Marvel's best-selling titles. He was also Marvel's publisher, the public face of the company, and is known for his catchphrase, "Excelsior!" And sure, while he may have been a little long in the tooth, his mythology was something the younger generations could connect with. Not only were his stories and character about average people living extraordinary lives, but “kids today” also got to know Lee courtesy of his cameos in almost all of the live action movies from the Marvel Universe.
3 Trump, Pence Skip Arlington For Veterans Day Observance
Sure, there was a fair amount of online snickering when President Trump skipped an event honoring American soldiers and Marines killed during World War I on Saturday…due to the rain. But yesterday, a whole lot of outrage erupted – when both Trump AND Vice President Mike Pence were MIA for a Veteran’s Day observance that took place at Arlington National Cemetery. While Pence was headed east to Japan, no reason has been given for Mr. Trump’s absence. Either way, it was confirmed by the White House that President Trump, who returned from Europe Sunday night, would not be leaving 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue at any point during the day – and he didn’t host any public events. He was online, however – posting a number of tweets about various topics.