As the wind picks back up, firefighters are racing against time to put out wildfires in LA. We’ll hear about some of the people stepping up to help those affected by the fires. Officials once again say Israel and Hamas are getting closer to reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal. Pete Hegseth will try to convince senators that he should lead the Pentagon, but past comments could come back to haunt him. Plus, a Russian oil spill is spreading.

Winds are expected to pick back up today as firefighters continue battling blazes in Los Angeles. Both the incoming and outgoing US administrations are upping the pressure on Israel to get a ceasefire deal with Hamas. It’ll be a big week for some of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration picks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is offering to exchange North Korean prisoners. Plus, Blue Origin has called off this morning’s rocket launch.

The deadly wildfires in Los Angeles have caused unimaginable devastation, especially for those who least expected it. We hear from two longtime Angelenos about the memories they made in their homes, and what comes next now that they’ve been reduced to rubble.

Guest: Courtney Kay Kirsh & Anthony Lewis

We’ll tell you about some good Samaritans who are helping feed and protect their neighbors impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Volunteers distribute thousands of free winter clothing items across parks in the Twin Cities. A veteran judge in North Carolina has a new colleague – his daughter. A Virginia Zoo selects a name for its new baby pigmy hippo. Plus, how a “smart cow” can change the farming game.

The Pentagon says more than 600 national guardsmen are helping respond to the wildfires raging in southern California. We have the latest on a winter storm that’s headed for the Carolinas and the Midwest. President Joe Biden’s administration has extended deportation protections for nearly 1 million immigrants. Biden also sanctioned Russia’s energy sector today. Plus, Rudy Giuliani is in contempt... again.

We have updates on containment of the Palisades fire in Los Angeles County. A significant winter storm is bringing snow, ice and major transportation delays to many southern states. An Egyptian official tells CNN Israel and Hamas aren’t close to a ceasefire deal, despite optimism from President Joe Biden. The Biden administration is planning to target Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s new regime. Plus, the clock is ticking for TikTok.

A judge has handed down his sentencing for President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money conviction. New fires are bursting up in Los Angeles. We’ll tell you which way the Supreme Court seems to be leaning in TikTok's fight against a ban so far. A winter storm is causing major disruption in parts of the southern US. Plus, a big department store is closing dozens of locations this year.

Officials in California warn more wind and dry conditions mean the flames could keep burning into next week. The final jobs report of 2024 is out this morning. As President-elect Donald Trump facing sentencing in one case today, he has another legal battle ahead. Officials say a US government office has been hacked. Plus, it’s not just McDonalds giving its menu a makeover.

The death toll is rising in Los Angeles as new fires burn. TikTok will make its case at the Supreme Court today to fight a fast-approaching US-wide ban. After losing a last-ditch appeal, President-elect Donald Trump is set to sentenced today in his New York hush money case. Venezuela is set to inaugurate its president today, but two people are claiming the office. Plus, a worrying milestone was surpassed in 2024.

President Joe Biden is directing more federal aid to California, where raging wildfires are stressing homeowners’ finances. A top Venezuela opposition leader’s first public appearance in months took a turn at a protest against President Nicolas Maduro. The House passed a bill that would sanction International Criminal Court officials. Victims of the New Orleans vehicle attack are suing the city. Plus, a group backed by a “Shark Tank” investor wants to strike a deal with TikTok, as the social media app faces a possible ban in the US.