Happening Today: Paul Ryan, Thomas Fire, Flu, Russell Simmons, Dustin Hoffman
Channel: News Live
Date: 15/12/2017

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House Speaker Paul Ryan is denying reports that he plans to leave Congress after the Republicans' treasured tax bill is approved. Politico and The Huffington Post published stories speculating that Ryan would make this two-year Congress his last or even resign after lawmakers approve the $1.5 trillion tax bill, which could happen next week. Ryan took the job hesitantly in 2015 after John Boehner, R-Ohio, abruptly stepped aside as speaker under pressure from party conservatives, who remain a formidable and rebellious force. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said President Trump called Ryan and said he'd be unhappy if Ryan left Congress. Even so, several GOP operatives said privately that there have long been whispers that the 19-year House veteran wouldn't keep the post for a long time and a departure wouldn't be surprising.Firefighter Dies Battling Massive California Blaze

A 32-year-old Cal Fire engineer from northern San Diego County was killed while fighting the massive Thomas Fire in Ventura County. Cory Iverson of Escondido died near Fillmore while helping battle the 10-day-old inferno, which has spread over about 242,500 acres and destroyed nearly 1,000 structures. Iverson, who leaves behind a pregnant wife and toddler daughter, had been with the state agency since 2009, according to Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott. Officials did not immediately disclose how Iverson died. Iverson, who was assigned to the Thomas Fire as part of a fire-engine strike team from Cal Fire's San Diego unit, is survived by his wife, Ashley; 2- year-old daughter, Evie; mother, Denise Butler; stepfather, Scott Butler; and father, Craig Iverson.