USA | USA Update

Heavy rainstorms killed at least three people in southern California over the weekend. Storms in northern California are seeing rivers reaching flood stage, and some residents are preparing to evacuate.

After a turbulent start to his presidency, Trump said he had inherited a "mess" from former President Barack Obama, and accused the media of being "out of control" and "dishonest." 

The nearly party-line 52-47 vote concluded a bitter confirmation battle and continues a divisive week in the US Senate in general. The next cabinet nominee, Rep. Tom Price for health secretary, is also expected to bring staunch opposition from Democrats.

President Trump has attacked the judge who put a hold on his executive order on immigration. US presidents are usually hesitant to do so.

The government has not been enforcing the ban since Friday, in compliance with a district court judge's ruling, but has argued that the President has "complete discretion" over alien entry into the country.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency. About 38 million people live in the the projected area of bad weather, which spans southern Georgia, northern Florida and southeastern Alabama.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is reporting 'massive damage' in and around the city of Hattiesburg.

Protests over the controversial pipeline have continued for months over fears that it desecrates sacred ground and could contaminate drinking water. Over 600 people have been arrested.

The President-elect's sons will take control of his business empire and will enter new arrangements domestically but not overseas, a walk-back from a promise he made last month that the company would do "no new deals."

Incoming chief of staff Reince Preibus said "action may be taken" against Russia, but Trump has refused to directly blame President Vladimir Putin and has said that a better relationship with Russia is a "good thing."