The latest on wildfires, Trump's cabinet picks and the upcoming inauguration

In today's edition, we look at the Los Angeles-area wildfires, the latest on President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks, public confidence in the Department of Justice, the situation in South Korea, an SEC lawsuiet brought against Elon Musk over Twitter and obesity guidelines.

In other news:

• Top DC prosecutor Trump pardons couldn't erase impact of Capitol riot convictions.
• Special counsel report says Trump would've been convicted for Jan. 6 'unprecedented criminal effort.'
• Sen. Adam Schiff talks fire insurance support while visiting Los Angeles evacuation center.
• Pete Hegseth vows a 'warrior culture' if confirmed as Trump's defense secretary, confronting critics.
• Michelle Obama will skip Trump inauguration, but ex-Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush will be there.
• Biden administration will announce it's lifting state sponsor of terrorism designation for Cuba.
• Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as company reverses its open-door policy.
• Stock market today Wall Street mostly rises after encouraging inflation data despite Lilly's drag.
• USDA documented insects and slime at Boar's Head plants, records show.
• U.S. producer prices rose 0.2% last month on higher energy costs.
• Britain's Princess of Wales says her cancer is in remission.
• Traffic into Manhattan drops 7.5% in first week of new toll. That's 43,000 fewer cars a day.
• Judge says the New Orleans Police Department can begin the process of ending federal oversight.
• Giannis’ triple-double powers the Bucks to a bounce back win, a man accused of stalking Caitlin Clark publicly admits guilt, former Cowboys stars emerge as potential head coach candidates in Dallas, Tiger Woods makes his indoor golf debut and an NHL player is injured after being hit by a car. 
• Pope Francis is introspective and self-critical in his autobiography, at least about his youth.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

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Hot Off The Wire is a collection of news, sports and entertainment reports. The program is produced by Lee Enterprises with audio provided by The Associated Press.