Pete Hegseth - defence secretary One of the first confirmation hearings is set to be one of the most closely watched. Trump's nominee for defence secretary is expected to face questions on Tuesday about his lack of management experience, his alleged heavy drinking, as well as his previous opposition to women serving in combat roles in the military. Hegseth could also be asked about an accusation that he sexually assaulted a woman in a California hotel room in 2017. He denies the claim and maintains the encounter was consensual. The allegation was investigated, but Hegseth - a Fox News host and military veteran - was never arrested or charged. Why Trump's defence pick surprised Washington Hegseth and the unnamed accuser then reached a confidential financial settlement in 2023. His lawyer later told the Associated Press that the payment was intended to prevent a baseless lawsuit. Trump has stood by his pick, who is among the nominees who have been busy courting senators in recent days to try and shore up the necessary votes. Kristi Noem - homeland security secretary In the spotlight on Wednesday will be the woman who could be tasked with carrying out one of Trump's top campaign pledges - billed by his team as the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants in American history. As the president-elect's choice for homeland security secretary, Noem could be quizzed on the logistics of enacting this pledge. A mass deportation programme on the scale proposed would likely face logistical or legal difficulties, experts say. Noem could also face questions on other potential immigration policies, such as Trump's vow to end birthright citizenship. She has been a loyal and vocal backer of the president-elect's pledges, which is consistent with other nominees and appointees for Trump's second term in the White House.

Officials are warning that more strong winds in the forecast for southern California could fuel devastating wildfires still burning in and around Los Angeles. Authorities say progress is being made to contain the major Palisades and Eaton fires, but LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone tells residents to be ready to heed any possible evacuation orders. Read more 89 Updates Auto-updates 7m ago (06:45 GMT) LA power company warns of more preventive shutdowns The LA Department of Water and Power is urging residents of the city to be prepared for outages as it may have to “de-energise power lines” as a preventive measure. The ABC broadcaster is reporting that more than 80,000 customers in southern California are currently without power due to the preventive shutdowns. Click here to share on social media 23m ago (06:30 GMT) Here’s what to pack in your ‘go-bag’ Cal Fire is urging LA residents to keep an emergency supply kit, or a “go-bag”, ready in case of an evacuation order. Here’s a reminder of what to pack: a three-day supply of nonperishable food and 11 litres (3 gallons) of water per person. a map with at least two evacuation routes marked. prescriptions and medications. a change of clothes. extra car keys, credit cards and cash. a first aid kit and sanitary supplies. a flashlight and extra batteries. copies of important documents such as passports and birth certificates. pet food and