From fires in California to Trump’s Cabinet confirmations: Stories you may have missed

Deadly fires continue to rage across Southern California

For over a week, fires have engulfed Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reports that over 12,300 structures have been destroyed in the fire outbreak. There are currently 24 fatalities, although that number is pending coroner confirmation.

Four separate fires are wreaking havoc across the region: the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire and Auto Fire. The Palisades Fire has burned through approximately 23,713 acres, the most out of all the fires.

Several celebrities such as Mandy Moore, Mel Gibson and Paris Hilton lost their homes in the fire, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Moore shared on her Instagram story the impact the devastation made on her.

“This is Altadena. Leveled. My sweet home,” Moore wrote. “I am devastated and gutted for those of us who’ve lost so much. I’m absolutely numb.”

NBC reports that the total damage could reach $50 billion, according to estimates released by JPMorgan.

Firefighters continue to battle the flames, with the Hurst fire nearing 97% containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

NBC News reports that investigators are searching for the cause of the blaze, and according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, nothing is being ruled out

“Everything is absolutely on the table,” Luna said.

Trump’s cabinet picks go before Congress for Confirmation Hearings

This week, the Senate will hear from 12 of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet appointees.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and veteran, appeared before Senators for a heated four-hour hearing, according to the New York Times.

NBC News reports that Hegseth was grilled by several Democratic Senators for past comments about women in the military and his past infidelity.

According to the Associated Press, prominent figures such as Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Florida Senator Marco Rubio are expected on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Jan. 15. Bondi is nominated to serve as Attorney General and Rubio is nominated for Secretary of State.

The New York Times reports that on Thursday, Jan. 16, Governor Doug Burgum will go before the Senate for his nomination to be Secretary of the Interior. Former New York Representative Lee Zeldin, nominated for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, will also be appearing.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security, will appear before the Senate on Friday, Jan. 17, according to the Associated Press, rounding out the hearings for the week.

CBS News reports that with Republicans holding 53 seats in the Senate, most of Trump’s nominees should be confirmed by the time he takes office on Jan. 20.