Los Angeles Mayor Faces Criticism Amid Wildfires

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced significant backlash for being in Ghana during a devastating wildfire crisis that has destroyed over 1,000 structures and left two dead. Critics, including Elon Musk and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, lambasted her absence while the city battled several major fires fueled by Santa Ana winds. Bass, who was attending the inauguration of Ghana's President John Mahama as part of a U.S. delegation, claimed she remained engaged with local leaders throughout the crisis. Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged her efforts in absentia, thanking her for coordinating responses from afar. Despite her communication, many residents and officials are frustrated with the timing of her trip, especially given recent budget cuts to fire services. Bass is expected to return to Los Angeles by noon on Wednesday to address the ongoing emergency.