January 13, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

America’s close relationship with Canada is on full display in California where Canadian firefighters and water-dropping airplanes are helping with the wildfires. The assistance comes at a unique time as President-elect Trump is threatening to impose tariffs on Canadian imports and is dismissively calling Canada the 51st state. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman.

President-elect Trump’s allies in Congress proposed a new bill dubbed ‘Make Greenland Great Again.' It's meant to expedite a negotiation process with Denmark, which protects Greenland’s autonomy, given Trump's repeated desire to buy the Arctic territory. Greenland’s prime minister said that while the massive island is not for sale, Greenland would work with the U.S. Nick Schifrin reports.

Confirmation hearings for several President-elect Trump’s nominations will begin this week. Pete Hegseth, the pick to lead the Defense Department, will face questions about a number of misconduct allegations that have surfaced against the former Fox News host. White House Correspondent Laura Barrón-López discussed more with Gretchen Carlson, a former Fox anchor and co-founder of Lift Our Voices.

Roger Carstens' work over the last five years as the special envoy for hostage affairs has led to the release of American hostages held by other countries. He was also part of the team that negotiated Brittney Griner’s freedom and a complex deal that led to the release of Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan from Russia. Amna Nawaz sat down with Carstens to discuss his efforts.

In our news wrap Monday, President Biden defended his legacy on the world stage during an address at the State Department, the White House proposed export limits on computer chips used in artificial intelligence, China's exports grew sharply as companies rushed to lock in orders ahead of Trump's return and at least 100 people mining in South Africa died after being trapped underground for months.

Dangerous wind conditions are picking up speed and threatening to spread devastating fires in Southern California. Four of the major fires have burned through more than 62 square miles. At least 25 people have died, nearly 30 more are missing and several communities have been reduced to ash. Geoff Bennett discussed more with California State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant.

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Andrew Desiderio of Punchbowl News join Geoff Bennett to discuss the latest political news, including President Biden's final week in office and the raging wildfires in California have become fodder for political debate.