Strong Winds Challenge Firefighting Efforts; Senate Prepares for Hearings on Trump Cabinet Picks

The death toll from the California wildfires has risen to at least 24, with over a dozen still missing. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and more than 100,000 residents have been forced to evacuate. Firefighters continue battling two major fires with high winds expected to return, making containment harder. Looters have targeted evacuation zones, while the California National Guard has been deployed to assist.

The Senate is beginning the process of confirming President-elect Trump's Cabinet picks. The first confirmation hearings will begin on Tuesday, where relevant Senate committees will review Trump's picks for Defense Secretary and Secretary of the Interior, among others. NTD spoke with Jeff Crouere, a political analyst to discuss what you should be on the look out for during the Senate confirmations.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden spoke Sunday about a potential ceasefire deal, as efforts intensify before President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Biden also spoke with the families of three Americans detained in Afghanistan since 2022 , while the U.S. continues negotiations for their release.