CNN Inside Politics

First: Firefighters in Southern California are rushing to make progress fighting the flames, as forecasters predict dangerous winds will blow through the region again today and tomorrow. It could put new neighborhoods in the danger zone. 

Plus: It's a pivotal week for President-elect Trump and his would-be Cabinet. His embattled pick to run the Pentagon will make his case to senators tomorrow. But the question is whether Pete Hegseth is already a sure bet for confirmation. 

And: Three years ago, Andrew Cuomo left the New York's governor's mansion in disgrace. We have new reporting about the big new job he's now eyeing. 

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First: California in crisis. Wildfires engulf blocks of Los Angeles as Trump points fingers. And Newsom pushes back. The latest from the West Coast.

Plus: Senate spotlight. This week, Trump's cabinet picks face a moment of truth.

Plus: My brand new reporting as Trump meets with House Republicans behind closed doors.

And: A sweet tradition. The new senator behind the secret candy stash on the Senate floor. 

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Ten days before putting his hand on the bible at the US Capitol and taking the oath of office for the most powerful position in the world, convicted felon Donald J. Trump is sentenced in his 34-count criminal conviction.

Plus: Another deadly inferno is erupting in ravaged Los Angeles County. CNN is live on the scene with a new update on firefighters' attempts to contain the flames as intense winds continue to complicate their efforts. 

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Today's show begins with breaking news on what officials describe as "apocalyptic conditions" in Los Angeles County, where life-threatening fires are tearing through the most populous county in the United States. At this hour, four separate wildfires are spreading so rapidly that firefighters can't even begin to start to control them. One fire alone has already engulfed 5,000 acres and is 0% contained. 

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First: House of cards. Mike Johnson gets across the finish line in dramatic fashion. After a little help from Donald Trump. Is Trump's power growing or hanging by a thread? My panel will join me. 

And: Four years later, for the first time since the attack on the Capitol, lawmakers returned to certify this election. Harris is set to preside over her own defeat. What's changed since that day and what to watch tomorrow? joins me at the magic wall.

Plus: A presidential legacy. Georgia mourns the death of Jimmy Carter as thousands prepare to remember him in Washington. 

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Today's show begins immediately following an official update in the wake of the New Year's early-morning attack in New Orleans that left 14 individuals dead and more than 30 hurt. The most significant development is that the man who allegedly drove the truck that barreled into revelers on Bourbon Street is the belief that he acted alone. The FBI also reports that, as of now, there is not a "definitive link" between the New Orleans attack and a Tesla cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas just hours later. CNN's Ryan Young begins today's coverage in the Big Easy. 

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Police say at least 10 people are dead and at least 35 injured after a man drove a truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street. Investigators say the suspect also shot two officers and is now dead. The FBI says it is investigating the deadly incident as an "act of terrorism." Our extensive coverage begins with CNN Senior Justice Correspondent Evan Perez. 

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First: The world is honoring the incredible life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who died yesterday at the age of 100. Phil Mattingly talks to an acclaimed journalist who covered the 39th president for more than five decades. 

Plus: Donald Trump just offered a belated Christmas gift to Mike Johnson - a "complete and total endorsement" to continue as Speaker of the House. 

And: The richest man in the world says he's willing to "go to war" on a critical immigration issue. 

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First: Breaking news from overnight, 179 people were killed in South Korea after a passenger jet crashed at Muan International Airport.

Then: Can Donald Trump press pause on a looming TikTok ban before the clock runs out?

Plus: Interview with DNC Chair Candidate Martin O'Malley. 

And: After 250 years, America's favorite bird finally gets a promotion.

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First: The issue of American culture and legal immigration is triggering a rift between two groups of Trump supporters: the MAGA base and the Silicon Valley tech bros. 

Plus: How old is too old to be in Congress? A 68-year-old House Democrat says she's stepping down to set a good example, but will others follow her lead? 

And: Is it too early to talk about 2028? Undeniably, yes. But it's also the Friday of a holiday week. So please cut us some slack as we take a look at who are some of the early Democratic front runners. 

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