The Senate on Thursday voted to advance Pete Hegseth's nomination to be President Donald Trump's defense secretary, putting him on a path to final confirmation at the end of the week.

The former sister-in-law of Trump’s defense secretary pick said that Hegseth made his second wife fear for her safety. Hegseth’s second wife said, “There was no physical abuse in my marriage.”

The news of the payment amount comes the same day the Senate advanced Hegseth’s nomination along a party-line vote.

Readers say he lacks the qualifications and integrity to be defense secretary. Also: Heroism amid the tragedy in L.A.; alone in an empty church.

Pete Hegseth vows to bring ‘warrior culture’ if confirmed as President-elect Donald Trump’s Defense secretary pick.

Here’s the latest for Tuesday, January 14th: More firefighters and aircraft arrive in Los Angeles area. New fire breaks out northwest of L.A.; Israel and Hamas said to be closing in on ceasefire deal; Senate confirmation hearings Tuesday for Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary.

Plus: Schools are trying to get ahead of Donald Trump's plans for undocumented students. | Increased containment to two major fires in S. California.

Trump poised to get his Pentagon pick GOP casts blame for Los Angeles fires Biden’s final lap Blinken: Negotiators “on the brink” of Gaza ceasefire Pete Hegseth, a

Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning from the Senate Armed Services Committee as he vies for the secretary of defense post in President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet. CBS News' Taurean Small and Nikole Killion report.

Strong winds could cause “explosive” growth in the Los Angeles fires. Pete Hegseth will face senators in a high-stakes confirmation hearing today. A Gaza ceasefire deal may be in reach, officials say.

Hegseth is set to begin confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill. In his opening statement obtained by NBC News, he leans into his outside perspective. “It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm,” he is expected to say. NBC’s Ryan Nobles reports for "TODAY."

Hamas accepts draft ceasefire deal; Senators question Pete Hegseth in confirmation hearing; Southern California faces new wildfire warnings; Princess of Wales says her cancer is in remission.