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.
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.
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.
Good luck putting down this Mindy Kaling book pick, The Rules of Fortuneby Danielle Prescod. Read the gripping novel about power, money, and secrets free with Prime.*
You don’t have to be a mathematician to understand that pillowy cheese-filled tortellini + extra creamy tomato broth = comfort food at its best. And no recipe does that better than The Modern Proper’s Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale. This crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing recipe doesn’t just follow our (admittedly unscientific) equation — it levels up with flavor-packed Italian sausage and hearty kale. Plus, it all comes together in one pot, making for an easy dinner that practically demands a generous shower of Parmesan shavings. Just don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up the bisque-like base.
For more recs...
Check out the Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter, in your inbox every Saturday and Sunday. We'll help you spend your leisure time well.
Game Time
Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.
