US Senators grill Donald Trump's controversial Defence Sec nominee

Multiple United States Senators say that Pete Hegseth -- Donald Trump's pick for Defence Secretary -- is unfit to serve, as he underwent a grilling by lawmakers in his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill. 

With less than a week to go until the US President-elect is sworn into office, Mr Trump's Cabinet nominees are being publicly interrogated by members of Congress. They require Senate approval before taking up their role.  

Pete Hegseth is an army veteran and former TV news host who has swatted away concerns over his personal conduct and character, issues which today overshadowed questions on foreign policy, as Benji Hyer reports. 

IN: If approved

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NEW THREAT LOOMS AMID RAGING CALIFORNIA FIRES

Officials in California are concerned about the growing threat of new wildfires, with strong winds expected to worsen conditions across the state.

The fires have already claimed at least 24 lives and displaced more than 100,000 people.

Mitch McCann reports:

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Report on criminal case says there was enough evidence to convict Donald Trump

A report has been released detailing the Justice Department's case against U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Former Special Prosecutor Jack Smith had prepared a four-count indictment accusing Mr Trump of plotting to obstruct the collection and certification of votes in 2020 – which had to be dropped as he is about to be president again.

Caroline Malone has more from Washington.

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Pentagon chief nominee Hegseth lashes out at "smear campaign"

US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary says
there was a "smear campaign" to try and stop him taking up the
position.

Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth is fielding questions at his
confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill.

He's a former army combat veteran who says he'll bring back a "warrior
culture" to the Pentagon.

Hegseth lashed out at those who have raised allegations of sexual
assault and misconduct.

IN: "A small..."
OUT: ".../me."
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[ALT] Hegseth said he will keep politics out of the Pentagon.

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More than one million now displaced in Haiti

The United Nations reports that the number of people in Haiti who have
fled their homes has risen threefold in the last year.
According to the UN's International Organization for Migration latest
data some one million people are now displaced with more than half
being children.
Armed gangs continue to control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince
following an outbreak of violence last year.
Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York...

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UK GOV CONSIDERS BAN ON PUBLIC BODIES GIVING IN TO RANSOMWARE DEMANDS

The British Government is considering banning all public bodies from making ransomware payments in an attempt to reduce their exposure to cyber attacks.

The UK saw dozens of incidents a month last year that "posed serious harm to essential services or the wider economy" and the government is looking at ways to reduce that number.

Stuart Smith has more from London.

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Spain plans 100% property tax for non-EU residents

Spain is proposing a tax of up to 100% for non-EU residents buying property in the country.

The plan, which still needs to be finalised, is part of a series of measures aimed at tackling Spain's housing shortage.

Our southern Europe correspondent Giles Gibson has more.

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Drones Delivering Weapons and Contraband into Prisons - Threat To UK National Security

Drones delivering weapons and drugs into UK prisons are now a threat to national security according to the Chief Inspector of Prisons. 

The head of Britain's prisons watchdog, Charlie Taylor, has issued the warning on Tuesday, over fears that firearms could be smuggled into the country's highest security prisons. 

Simon Gaitán, reports. 

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NATO LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS RUSSIAN THREATS IN BALTIC

NATO leaders from across the Baltic region are gathering in Finland amid concerns that Russia is targeting critical infrastructure in the area. 

From Berlin, Trent Muray has more. 

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Poland and Hungary tensions increase after controversial asylum case.

Poland has ramped up diplomatic pressure on Hungary, boycotting its ambassador over a recent controversial asylum decision of a politician accused of corruption. Pablo 

Gutierrez, reports from Budapest.

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EU slams U.S. AI chip move

The European Union has expressed concern over the U.S. decision to
restrict the export of artificial intelligence technology.

Its closest allies will have unlimited access but most nations will
face a cap on the amount of AI chips it can acquire.

William Denselow reports from Brussels.

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French prime minister weighs pausing pension reforms ahead of major speech

The French prime minister is weighing pausing pension reforms ahead of a major speech on Tuesday (at 15G).

François Bayrou is trying to win over the opposition as he sets the policy direction for the new government, which was formed after his predecessor Michel Barnier was ousted over his plans for the 2025 budget.

Ross Cullen reports.

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GAZA CEASEFIRE 'CLOSER THAN EVER'

There are growing signs a ceasefire deal in Gaza could soon be agreed.

Negotiators are meeting in Qatar on Tuesday to discuss a draft agreement which the US says would see a gradual release of hostages by Hamas, and a phased withdrawal by Israel from parts of Gaza.

It would also allow more aid into the region after months of conflict.

Jerusalem based journalist Noga Tarnopolsky says a deal could be in touching distance.

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India says "observed protocol" as Delhi-Dhaka face off over border fencing

Intro:

India summoned Bangladesh's acting High Commissioner to stress that its construction of fences in border territories was legal.

Tensions between India and Bangladesh are simmering once again with Dhaka accusing Delhi of provoking tensions in border areas.

Ishan Garg tells us more from New Delhi.

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China mulls potential sale of TikTok US to Musk, Bloomberg News reports

INTRO: Chinese officials are in preliminary talks about a potential option to sell TikTok's operations in the United States to billionaire Elon Musk, if the app is unable to avoid an impending ban, according to Bloomberg News.

Last week, the Supreme Court seemed inclined to uphold a law that would force a sale or ban TikTok in the US by January 19, over national security concerns about China. Laura Westbrook reports.

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North Korea fires multiple missiles, South Korean military reports

South Korea's military says that North Korea has test-fired several short-range missiles.

This comes after South Korea reported that Pyongyang launched a missile last week.

Rebecca Bundhun reports.

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US President Joe Biden defends foreign policy record in major speech

A ceasefire deal in Gaza is "on the brink" of coming to fruition, according to Joe Biden. 

The outgoing American President pledged to continue working on an agreement before his term ends next week. 

In a speech at the State Department on Monday aimed at defending his foreign policy record, President Biden insisted he's leaving the United States in a "stronger" position, and that the US and its allies remain in the driver's seat.

Benji Hyer was listening. 

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President-elect Trump's case papers on blocking power transfer to be partially released

A U.S. District Court judge is allowing a partial release of a special report into the case against President-elect Donald Trump, and an attempt to block \the peaceful transfer of power four years ago. Caroline Malone reports from Washington.

IN: After much back and forth

OUT: Caroline Malone Washington

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Antonio Guterres to travel to Lebanon this week

United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres will be travelling
to Lebanon later this week.
His office announced his travel plans on Monday, following the
announcement of Nawaf Salam, head of the International Court of
Justice as the Prime Minister designate.
Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York...

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Gaza ceasefire could be close - US officials

US officials say a ceasefire in Gaza could be announced in the coming days.

Israel says it's waiting for a response from Hamas on a final draft of an agreement that could end the war and release the hostages still being held in Gaza.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt have worked for more than a year to try and reach a deal - officials say the next 24 hours could be critical.

Sally Patterson reports.

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