Morning news brief
The DOJ released its election interference report against President-elect Trump, LA wildfires taking toll on mental health of survivors, NPR tracks actual prices of dozens of Walmart products.
National
California has 'always been there' for disaster-affected states, Sen. Padilla says
California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla hopes President-elect Donald Trump will 'do the right thing' and support fire recovery efforts with no strings attached.
Outgoing DHS Secretary Mayorkas discusses his agency's many roles
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in part 2 of his exit interview.
Many fleeing LA wildfires faced a tough decision — what to take and leave behind
Many of the people who fled the wildfires in Southern California had little time to decide which possessions to take with them.
Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick to lead the military, faces tough confirmation hearing
Already the subject of much public scrutiny, President-elect Trump's pick to lead the U.S. military, Pete Hegseth, appears on Capitol Hill today for the opening of Senate confirmation hearings.
Special counsel Jack Smith says evidence against Trump was enough to convict him
The report on federal charges against Trump for election interference in 2020 offers special counsel Jack Smith a last chance to explain his decisions after dropping the case.
Lawsuits allege power company involvement in LA wildfires
Lawsuits allege the Eaton Fire was sparked by a SoCal Edison transmission tower. The company says they have not had a chance to inspect the scene yet. The ATF has only just begun the federal investigation into the fire's cause.
Special counsel in Hunter Biden case denounces president for criticism of the probe
In a final report on his investigation, special counsel David Weiss said President Biden's criticism "undermines the very foundation of what makes America's justice system fair and equitable."
A pitmaster and dedicated father died alongside his son waiting for help in LA fire
Anthony Mitchell Sr. and his son Justin were waiting for help to evacuate on the day they died in the Eaton fire, family members said. Anthony Sr. was remembered for his devotion to his children.
How soda is changing the world
A new study establishes that soda consumption is doing ever more damage to health — with rising rates of diabetes in regions where soda-drinking is on the rise, like sub-Saharan Africa.