Climate science-denying energy secretary nominee Wright calls for expanding U.S. energy sector
1 of 6 | Chris Wright testified Wednesday during a Senate Energy Committee hearing to examine his expected nomination as U.S Secretary of Energy at…
Transportation secretary nominee stresses safety on the roads, in the air
1 of 6 | Sean Duffy testifies during Wednesday's Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing to examine his nomination to be U.S. secretary of…
In warning about China, CIA director nominee praises technology but says human intelligence vital
1 of 5 | John Ratcliffe listens to committee members prior to testifying during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing to examine his expected nomination as…
Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faces Senate panel questions
1 of 4 | Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth prepares to testify before a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to examine Hegseth's expected nomination at…
As fires rage, so do rumors and agendas
Hello and happy Tuesday, though with great respect for the ongoing catastrophe in Los Angeles. There are six days until the inauguration, and President-elect Donald…
Grammys ‘will proceed as planned’ to support wildfire relief
The Recording Academy announced Monday that its marquee event — the Grammy Awards — “will proceed as planned” on Feb. 2 despite the fires devastating…
Essential Politics: Are Karen Bass and Kamala Harris frenemies?
WASHINGTON — I was first introduced to the concept of frenemies in sixth grade after a girl, who I thought was a friend, told my crush…
L.A. fires delay 2025 Oscar nominations, extend voting
The wildfires that have torn through the Los Angeles area this week have led to numerous closures, cancellations and postponements — now including the Oscar…
‘The mountain is screaming at you’: L.A. fires become a collective trauma
More than 1,100 homes, businesses and other buildings have been lost in the L.A. fires, and many more thousands of people have been displaced. It…
Newsom’s new budget sounds more Republican than radical left
Hello and happy Tuesday. There are 13 days until the inauguration and folks, my vacation was not long enough. But here we are, and I’m…
Biden to honor Clinton, Magic Johnson, Messi with Presidential Medal of Freedom
WASHINGTON — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic philanthropist George Soros and actor-director Denzel Washington will be awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor on Saturday…
David Lodge dead: British author and Booker nominee was 89
LONDON — David Lodge, a witty and prolific British novelist and critic who gently satirized academia, religion and even his own loss of hearing in such…
How to watch the 2025 Golden Globe Awards this Sunday
Awards season is upon us once again, with this Sunday’s 82nd Golden Globe Awards kicking off the televised awards race that will consume Hollywood through…
Senate approves 235th judge of Biden’s term, beating Trump’s tally
WASHINGTON — President Biden secured the 235th judicial confirmation of his presidency Friday, an accomplishment that exceeds his predecessor’s total by one after Democrats put extra…
Paris Hilton, gender parity, Siberian tigers: 3 good-news stories for the holidays
Hello and happy Thursday. There are 32 days until the inauguration and, bust out the tissues, this is my last newsletter until Jan. 7. That…
Senate Democrats demand answers on Trump IRS nominee, promotion of pandemic-era tax credit
1 of 3 | Former Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for IRS commissioner, is facing an inquiry from Senate Democrats over his…
As states fight over abortion laws, California could get dragged in
Hello and happy Tuesday. There are 34 days until the inauguration, and today we’re talking about the coming legal war over states’ rights. Of course,…
The fall of Syria brings hope to the family of Austin Tice
Hello and happy Thursday. American journalist Austin Tice has been held captive in Syria for 4,504 days, but his family is, for the first time…
Trump promised he won’t cut Social Security. Should you trust him?
Hello and happy Tuesday. There are 41 days until Donald Trump moves back into the White House. Today, we’re looking ahead to what he might…
Column: Trump hoped his Cabinet picks could escape vetting. Wrong
WASHINGTON — In a normal presidential transition, the president-elect spends weeks carefully considering candidates for the most important jobs in his Cabinet. Potential nominees undergo rigorous…