Which legal issues would you like CAFE to cover next week? Email us at letters@cafe.com to let us know! Here are some of the major stories: 

• Confirmation hearings: Senate Committees held confirmation hearings for some of President-elect Donald Trump’s top cabinet positions. Trump’s Attorney General nominee is former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. At the hearing, Democratic Senators criticized Bondi’s evasiveness when responding to questions about whether or not Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. Bondi said, “President Biden is the president of the United States, he was duly sworn in, and he is the president of the United States.” Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, Fox News weekend anchor Pete Hegseth, also faced pushback from Democrats at his confirmation hearing. Senator Tammy Duckworth quizzed him on his knowledge of foreign affairs. Hegseth incorrectly listed Japan and South Korea as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes countries such as the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In his hearing, Secretary of State Nominee Marco Rubio spoke about ongoing international conflicts and called the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, “a very important alliance.” 
• California fires: The wildfires burning in Southern California are causing devastating damage. As investigations into the causes of the fires continue, lawyers in the area have already started filing lawsuits seeking compensation for victims. In one lawsuit, a Los Angeles man blames Southern California Edison’s utility equipment for sparking the Eaton fire. The complaint alleges, “Defendants deliberately prioritized profits over safety. This recklessness and conscious disregard for human safety was a substantial factor in bringing about the Eaton Fire.”
• TikTok ban: The future of TikTok hangs in the balance. Last Friday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a pair of challenges to the law that could ban TikTok from operating in the United States. A majority of the justices appear inclined to uphold the ban. A decision is expected any day, as the law is set to take effect on January 19. Trump, who is set to be inaugurated the following day, has recently said he will “save” TikTok. Once he takes office, he could put the ban on hold for 90 days. A more permanent change would require approval from Congress.