This week, Jenna and Dom take a closer look at two major stories shaping headlines. First, they examine the ongoing battle over TikTok’s future in the U.S. They discuss how the platform has become a vital tool for journalists to share their work and inform the public. What impact would a shutdown have on its 170 million American users? What’s at stake for TikTok’s 7,000 U.S.-based employees? Why are TikTok users heading to the Chinese-owned app RedNote?

Next, Dom and Jenna focus on the dangers posed by misinformation and disinformation surrounding the devastating California wildfires. Highlighting examples like AI-generated fake images and misleading viral videos, they explore how false stories spread confusion and erode trust.

Finally, Jenna and Dom spotlight the extraordinary efforts of local journalists assisting residents affected by the fires, like CBS Sacramento reporter Ashley Sharp, who checked on evacuated homes for those displaced. They also talk about photojournalists like September Dawn Bottoms, who captured stunning and powerful images of the wildfires. These photos give an unfiltered look at the devastation and show just how important visual storytelling is. Even in tough times, their work highlights why journalism matters in helping us understand and connect with what’s really happening.

Topic timecodes:
TikTok ban drama - 1:31
Combating misinformation of the LA fires - 33:45
Journalists making a difference - 51:47
Impact of photojournalism during LA fires - 1:02:44

HOW TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED BY THE CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-palisades-eaton-los-angeles-21ca02ac9b897fd1eddef8c5e8dd3c25

COURTESY:
Special thanks to September Dawn Bottoms for the use of her photographs of the LA fires in our YouTube episode. For more information, check out her website: www.septemberdawnbottoms.com and IG: @Septemberdawnbo

LINKS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

TikTok prepares to shut down app in US on Sunday, sources say
https://www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-preparing-us-shut-off-sunday-information-reports-2025-01-15/

TikTok says US employees will have jobs even if ban takes effect
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/business/tiktok-bytedance-ban-jobs.html

RedNote: What to know about the Chinese app TikTok users are flocking to
https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-rednote-what-you-need-know-about-app-tiktok-users-are-flocking-2025-01-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Death toll from Palisades and Eaton fires climbs to 25. What we know about those killed
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-12/death-toll-palisades-eaton-fires-rises

AccuWeather estimates more than $250 billion in damages and economic loss from LA wildfires
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-estimates-more-than-250-billion-in-damages-and-economic-loss-from-la-wildfires/1733821

As LA fires burn, officials work to counter false rumors and misinformation
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/la-fires-burn-california-fema-false-rumors-misinformation/

California Fire Facts - Gov. Gavin Newsom
https://gavinnewsom.com/california-fire-facts/

Journalism fact-checking sites:
PolitiFact
Reuters
Associated Press
Snopes

TikTok - @ashleyontv
CBS Sacramento's Ashley Sharp, along with photographer Dave Grashoff, helped wildfire evacuees by checking on their homes and posting updates on TikTok.

TikTok - KTLA’s John Fenoglio puts out fire about to start at the back of a house during the wildfires

TikTok - @NBCLA reporter holds paintings for California resident evacuating from fire

Photos show apocalyptic scenes as wildfires rage across Los Angeles
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/los-angeles-palisades-california-fires-photos

The eye behind the lens
https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-wildfires-photos-8c2f2767b3722ccbb98d6e78a563c1f4