Fire victims face devastated communities, uncertain future
Unprecedented warnings about wind conditions have residents around the Los Angeles area on high alert again as firefighters work to control major blazes that have destroyed communities and taken at least 24 lives. Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order to remove red tape and speed rebuilding efforts, but as Stephanie Sy reports, it's hard for many residents to look past the next 24 hours.
Mayorkas defends Biden's immigration policies
Immigration has been a white-hot political issue for years and helped propel Donald Trump back into the Oval Office. The incoming president has promised mass deportations and is expected to issue a slew of related executive orders soon after being sworn in. Seeing those through will be up to the Department of Homeland Security. Amna Nawaz discussed more with outgoing Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Hegseth faces grilling over accusations of misconduct
One of President-elect Trump's most controversial nominees was the first to face the scrutiny of a Senate confirmation hearing. Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth was questioned Tuesday about alleged sexual and financial misconduct as well as concerns he lacks the experience to manage more than three million employees. Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing. Lisa Desjardins reports.
Hegseth faces grilling over accusations of misconduct
One of President-elect Trump's most controversial nominees was the first to face the scrutiny of a Senate confirmation hearing. Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth was questioned Tuesday about alleged sexual and financial misconduct as well as concerns he lacks the experience to manage more than three million employees. Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing. Lisa Desjardins reports.
GOP Sen. Banks pushes to quickly confirm Hegseth
Republican Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and was in the room as Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth appeared for a confirmation hearing. Amna Nawaz spoke with Sen. Banks about how Hegseth handled the attention.
Sen. Duckworth on why she thinks Hegseth is unqualified
During Tuesday's confirmation hearing, Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois told defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth that she doesn't believe he is qualified for the job. Sen. Duckworth is a former Army helicopter pilot who lost her legs in a crash while serving in Iraq and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sen. Duckworth joined Geoff Bennett to discuss Hegseth's hearing.
Jack Smith report alleges Trump would have been convicted
In his final report to the attorney general, special counsel Jack Smith stood behind his decision to criminally charge President-elect Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Smith detailed the evidence he and his team amassed and would have presented at trial, writing "the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.” William Brangham reports.
What's in the latest Israel-Hamas ceasefire proposal
Israel and Hamas are the closest they have been to a ceasefire in Gaza. That is the word from senior U.S. and Israeli officials and a Hamas statement. Nick Schifrin reports on the latest.
Tamara Keith and Andrew Desiderio on wildfire politicization
NPR’s Tamara Keith and Andrew Desiderio of Punchbowl News join Geoff Bennett to discuss the latest political news, including President Biden's final week in office and the raging wildfires in California have become fodder for political debate.
Dangerous winds pick up as crews battle devastating LA fires
Dangerous wind conditions are picking up speed and threatening to spread devastating fires in Southern California. Four of the major fires have burned through more than 62 square miles. At least 25 people have died, nearly 30 more are missing and several communities have been reduced to ash. Geoff Bennett discussed more with California State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant.
Ambassador says Canada prepared for any scenario with Trump
America’s close relationship with Canada is on full display in California where Canadian firefighters and water-dropping airplanes are helping with the wildfires. The assistance comes at a unique time as President-elect Trump is threatening to impose tariffs on Canadian imports and is dismissively calling Canada the 51st state. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman.
What makes Greenland a strategic polar outpost
President-elect Trump’s allies in Congress proposed a new bill dubbed ‘Make Greenland Great Again.' It's meant to expedite a negotiation process with Denmark, which protects Greenland’s autonomy, given Trump's repeated desire to buy the Arctic territory. Greenland’s prime minister said that while the massive island is not for sale, Greenland would work with the U.S. Nick Schifrin reports.
Roger Carstens reflects on bringing detained Americans home
Roger Carstens' work over the last five years as the special envoy for hostage affairs has led to the release of American hostages held by other countries. He was also part of the team that negotiated Brittney Griner’s freedom and a complex deal that led to the release of Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan from Russia. Amna Nawaz sat down with Carstens to discuss his efforts.
Hegseth hearings to begin amid sexual misconduct accusations
Confirmation hearings for several President-elect Trump’s nominations will begin this week. Pete Hegseth, the pick to lead the Defense Department, will face questions about a number of misconduct allegations that have surfaced against the former Fox News host. White House Correspondent Laura Barrón-López discussed more with Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox anchor and co-founder of Lift Our Voices.
What ancient ice from Antarctica tells us about the climate
Scientists say they have tapped into an extraordinary archive of the Earth’s climate in the ice deep beneath Antarctica. They hope it will help them understand both how the climate changed in the past, how it’s changing now and how it may change in the future. John Yang reports.
As recovering addicts age, many face health care struggles
The graying of America is being reflected in the nation’s drug crisis. Even as overdose deaths drop, millions of aging former drug users are living with long-term health challenges exacerbated by their previous substance use. We hear from a number of people in recovery about their experiences, and Ali Rogin speaks with Wall Street Journal health reporter Julie Wernau for more.
What to know about this winter’s surge of viral illnesses
According to the CDC, the number of people going to doctors with illnesses the flu, RSV and COVID is surging. Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina joins John Yang to discuss why this year’s sick season is hitting Americans hard and what to know about other viruses in the headlines right now.
Los Angeles area schools suffer damage, closures from fires
Firefighters are racing to contain the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area during a lull in the winds, which are set to strengthen again Sunday night. The Los Angeles Unified School District is the second-largest in the nation, with 500,000 students, and all of its campuses have been closed since Thursday. John Yang speaks with Alberto Carvalho, the district’s superintendent, for more.
Why vertical video series are taking off on mobile phones
Most of the video entertainment we watch these days isn’t at the movies, on TV or even on a computer — it’s on a smartphone. To cater to these changing habits, companies are turning out bite-sized soap operas for phone viewing. Ej Dickson, a senior writer at New York Magazine covering culture, joins Ali Rogin to discuss.
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