The two largest fires in Los Angeles County are still dangerous, with strong winds expected through Wednesday. Over 88,000 people remain under evacuation orders, and curfews are still in place. The fires have now destroyed over 12,000 structures and firefighters have mostly prevented any major spread, but the blazes remain difficult to contain. (UPI)
The U.S. Navy is constructing four new Virginia-class nuclear submarines named the USS Potomac, USS Norfolk, USS Brooklyn, and the Columbia-class USS Groton. The submarines will enhance the Navy’s capabilities in seeking and destroying enemy vessels, carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles, and supporting special operations forces. (UPI)
Inspectors found unsanitary conditions at several Boar’s Head deli meat plants, including dripping condensation falling on food, mold, insects, and other problems. The U.S. Agriculture Department released inspection records from plants in Indiana, Arkansas, and Virginia, which showed violations similar to those found at the Virginia plant linked to a listeria outbreak. (AP)
The Biden administration has announced plans to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism and ease economic restrictions in exchange for the release of political prisoners. The decision may be reversed by the incoming Trump administration, as some GOP lawmakers have expressed outrage over the decision. (CBS News)
The House passed a Republican bill banning transgender girls and women from competing in school sports teams matching their gender identity. The “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act” would recognize individuals’ sex based on reproductive biology at birth and risk losing federal funding for allowing a male to participate in female sports. (CBS News)
