michael smerconish casey. casey. yes, sir. >> when you go to when you go to the holiday, when you go to the holiday party, take a good look at the partner, take a good look at the spouse. that's the tell as to whether you're really respected. it's the tip for the day. >> that's a great tip. i'm going to keep that in mind for myself too. you know, like whether i'm showing it on my face if i don't give it away. all right, michael, thank you, i appreciate it. have a good weekend. and for our viewers, remember, tune in to smerconish. it's tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. eastern right here on cnn. all right. let's turn now to the debate happening before the supreme court today over national security and free speech. >> the supreme court will hear arguments on whether the federal government can ban tiktok. it's expected to be the first time a supreme court justice says the words skippity toilet. that's should be an interesting case. the justices will start scrolling through evidence, then two hours later, look up like, what was

apocalypse now i'm michael smerconish in philadelphia. >> the l.a. wildfires have killed at

i'm michael smerconish in philadelphia. i've often wanted to make a point about post-catastrophe pressers, only to then change my mind due to concerns about decorum. >> but not today. >> i'm talking about what often follows a school shooting, an air disaster or instance of terrorism. too often they become opportunities for grandstanding politicians when all the public wants is the latest information and to know whether we're safe. twice this week we needed that knowledge. >> first, after a 42 year old suspect drove through a crowded street in the iconic french quarter of new orleans on new year's day, killing 14 and injuring dozens. and again hours later, after a tesla cybertruck exploded outside the trump international hotel in las vegas. the briefings that followed became a study in contrasts. new orleans was notable for politicians sharp elbows. las vegas for a sober, straightforward delivery of the latest information. new year's day in new orleans, there were two briefings, actually. in the first, the mayor of new orlea

apocalypse now i'm michael smerconish in philadelphia. >> the l.a. wildfires have killed at least 11, scorched more than 37,000 acres. >> that's larger than the size of san francisco, and six are still burning. >> the palisades fire, which is still the biggest fire at more than 21,000 acres, taking a frightening turn east last night, triggering new evacuation orders into the heavily populated brentwood neighborhood and parts of encino. firefighting teams are trying to make some progress ahead of even worse conditions. >> those are expected next week, if you can believe it. more high winds are in the forecast. >> cnn's julia vargas jones following that fire now in los angeles. >> julia, what are you seeing from where you are this morning? >> good morning. >> michael. look, what's really scary is driving up here. >> we're just west of the 405 freeway, which cuts los angeles north south. and you can see the fire just behind me. that glow of the fire near. >> we're close to the iconic getty center. >> not too far from here. >> as you mentioned. >> this f