Tuesday morning news: January 14, 2025

California fires 1 » Firefighters in California are bracing for a return of dangerous winds today that could once again fuel historic wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

Forecasters are warning of near-hurricane force winds. LA County Fire Chief Anthony Maronne:

MARRONNE:  Severe fire weather conditions will continue through Wednesday. The anticipated winds combined with low humidities and low fuel moistures will keep the fire threat in all of Los Angeles County critical.

Crews from California and nine other states are part of the ongoing response that includes more than 14,000 personnel and nearly a hundred aircraft.

Crews made some progress battling the flames over the past few days. But LA County Sheriff Robert Luna is urging residents to stay away from areas still under evacuation orders.

LUNA:  People are saying, I just want to go look at my house and I want to see what's left. We know that, but we have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors.

The confirmed death toll now stands at 24, but 16 others remain missing. And the fires have consumed thousands of homes.

California fires-2 » While fierce Santa Ana winds have fueled the fires, authorities are trying to determine what sparked them in the first place. LA Assistant Police Chief Dominic Choi:

CHOI:  We have created a Los Angeles Regional Wildlife Investigative Task Force, and while their work is still in the early stages, we're committed to identifying the cause and origin of these fires, and we're also committed to holding anyone who's responsible for these fires accountable.

Police also have their hands full looking for looters taking advantage of evacuation orders.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman:

HOCHMAN:  The criminals have decided that this is an opportunity, and I'm here to tell you that this is not an opportunity. You will be arrested, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished to the full extent of the law.

Those arrested included two people who posed as firefighters going into houses.

California National Guard troops are also on hand to help guard properties.

Hochman said criminals are also now trying to exploit recovery efforts. He said some have set up fake GoFundMe accounts trying to fraudulently collect donations.

Biden foreign policy » President Biden delivered his final foreign policy speech on Monday.

One week before leaving office, Biden made the case that America is now better off.

BIDEN: My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play.  Compared to four years ago, America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger. Our adversaries and competitors are weaker.

The president delivering his capstone address at the State Department.

He insisted that his presidency restored American credibility on the world stage proving that the U.S. remains an indispensable partner.

Republicans expressed a different point of view. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton:

COTTON:  President Biden had the gall to go out and say that America is stronger today than it was four years ago. I beg to differ. Uncle Sam has had a “kick me” sign back for the last four years because of Joe Biden's weakness.

Ukraine » President Biden touted, among other things, US support for Ukraine and standing up to Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

And at the Pentagon, Monday, spokesman Pat Ryder updated reporters on the war in Ukraine. For almost three years, Ukrainian and Russian soldiers have been dying on the battlefield. But he said now North Korean soldiers are also perishing.

RYDER: In terms of the casualty figures, I don't have a specific casualty number to provide you other than we are aware of more than 1,000 casualties on the battlefield. To my knowledge that does include a wide range of rank to include some senior officers.

Pyongyang deployed some 10,000 troops to the battlefront in Russia late last year as part of a growing military alliance with Moscow.

SCOTUS gun case » The Supreme Court is turning back a challenge to a strict gun licensing law in Maryland. WORLD’s Kristen Flavin has more.

KRISTEN FLAVIN: The high court declined to hear the case in a brief order handed down. As is typical, the court did not elaborate on the decision not to take up the case.

The challengers argue the handgun law violates the Second Amendment by making it too hard for people to get guns. The law requires people to get safety training, submit fingerprints and pass a background check before buying a handgun. Maryland insists it is a reasonable safety measure.

The law was passed after the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

For WORLD, I’m Kristen Flavin.

SOUND: [Jesus Take the Wheel]

Carrie Underwood, Village People to perform at inauguration Country music star Carrie Underwood is set to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration next week.

Other performers will include fellow country singer Lee Greenwood, opera singer Christopher Macchio, and 1970s hitmakers the Village People:

SOUND: [YMCA song clip]

The band will perform at one of Trump’s inaugural balls and a rally he’s holding in Washington the day his Monday inauguration.

I'm Kent Covington.

Still ahead: a major shakeup at the top of Canada’s government. Plus, Congress debates the Laken Riley Act on immigration.

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