Pete Hegseth, Trump's defense secretary pick, grilled at contentious Senate hearing Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to run the Department of Defense, answered questions Tuesday in a public hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Barbara Sprunt
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." NPR Washington Desk
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. Rachel Carlson
California's wildfires may also be catastrophic for its insurance market California's insurance industry was already in crisis. Now the wildfires in the Los Angeles region may upend efforts to stabilize the market. Greg Allen
Leslie Charleson, who starred on 'General Hospital' for nearly 50 years, dies at 79 Colleagues are remembering the soap opera star for her "quick wit" and presence on set. She died after a long illness. Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Oscar nominations are delayed again as fires burn on in Los Angeles Oscar nominations had already been delayed once due to the fires raging in Los Angeles. The ceremony itself remains scheduled for early March. Mandalit del Barco
Family remembers Victor Shaw, killed in the Eaton fire, for his bond with his sister Family members said Victor Shaw, 66, was shy and reserved in nature, but had a deep love for sports and a tight-knit bond with his younger sister. Juliana Kim
