What's Happening

US News

California Communities Reeling Amid Growing Fire Threat

What's going on: In the days since deadly wildfires broke out in Southern California, many families have returned to their neighborhoods only to find devastation. Entire communities have been wiped out, leaving behind haunting scenes of chimney stacks, charred trees, and smoldering rubble. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives, with many people still missing. Among the victims are a father found beside his son, an 85-year-old woman who stayed behind to care for her beloved pets, and a man who died clutching a garden hose in a desperate attempt to save his family home. While firefighters have made progress against the blazes, strong winds expected this week could spread the flames and add to the destruction.

What it means: The wildfires are laying bare stark inequalities in the areas they’ve ravaged. Many headlines have focused on celebrity mansions and iconic landmarks reduced to ash, but the flames have also torn through neighborhoods like Altadena — a historically diverse community. As residents across economic divides also confront the loss of their homes and the memories tied to them, experts warn of long-lasting mental health effects for all fire victims, including anxiety and PTSD. Meanwhile, early estimates suggest the fires may already be the costliest in US history, and many families now face an unclear path to rebuilding. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has pledged to streamline the rebuilding process and cut through red tape. However, for many, the emotional and financial toll remains immeasurable.

Related: In LA, the Rumor Mill Adds to the Wildfire Chaos (WSJ gift link)

Politics

Trump's Cabinet Picks Are in the Hot Seat This Week 

What's going on: Forget Bravo — C-SPAN might be the place to tune in for high-stakes drama and decisions this week. That’s because the Senate begins confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Early at bat tomorrow: Pete Hegseth (picked for secretary of defense). The former Fox News host and Army veteran is expected to answer questions about allegations of sexual assault, financial mismanagement of a veterans’ charity, and drinking on the job — allegations he has denied. Also testifying this week: Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD), who’s up for the Homeland Security Department’s top job; Pam Bondi (Trump’s second pick for attorney general); and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), who’s nominated to serve as secretary of state. Other big-name hearings, which haven’t been scheduled: those for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard.

What it means: The proceedings are unlikely to be a walk in the park for the nominees. Democrats are expected to challenge Trump’s picks with some tough questions, focusing on their qualifications and controversies. To avoid missteps, Republican senators have been working to fast-track the confirmation process, helping nominees prepare with intense mock hearings. Whether this preparation will be enough to win over moderate Republicans remains to be seen. Meanwhile, experts say the nominees’ hearings will likely serve as a loyalty test to Trump and could set the tone for his second term, as those confirmed will help implement his policies and agenda.

Related: Is JD Vance Breaking With Trump Before He Even Enters Office? (AP)

Social Media

As Deadline Looms, Will TikTok Be Saved?

What's going on: It might finally be time to tackle all those TikTok recipes you’ve been saving. Last week, the Supreme Court signaled it may uphold the federal government’s ban on the app, if Chinese owner ByteDance doesn’t sell the platform by Jan. 19. (Yes, that’s in six days.) Over the course of about two and a half hours, TikTok’s lawyer argued the Biden administration’s law infringes on the free speech rights of more than 170 million Americans who use the app. But Chief Justice John Roberts seemed to align with the Biden admin’s concerns about national security. He pointed out that ByteDance is legally required to cooperate with the Chinese government — raising concerns about TikTok’s potential access to Americans’ data. TikTok has repeatedly denied spying on Americans.

What it means: FYPs won’t be going dark just yet. The Supreme Court could issue a decision in the coming days or wait until later this summer. Meanwhile, TikTok has asked the justices to temporarily pause the implementation of the law, which would kick the issue to President-elect Donald Trump. Despite previously pushing for a ban, Trump now opposes it and says he’d prefer time to negotiate a “political resolution.” One option: a 90-day extension to find an American buyer. And according to The Washington Post, some US tech companies and private equity firms are already preparing bids. In the meantime, many TikTokers are doing what they do best: creating content — including thanking their personal, Chinese spies for the last few years. Others are mourning their FYPs and the potential loss of joyful content, like this video of a grandma who charmed the internet.

Related: If TikTok Is Banned, What Are Some Other Alternatives? (NYT Gift Link)