Meta will end its third-party fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram in favor of user-generated “Community Notes,” aiming to enhance free expression and reduce censorship. CEO Mark Zuckerberg cited the need to simplify content moderation policies and collaborate with the incoming U.S. administration to address perceived bias. (UPI)
President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out the use of military force to secure the Panama Canal and Greenland, emphasizing their importance to American national security. Greenland is currently an autonomous territory of Denmark, while The Panama Canal has been solely controlled by Panama for more than 25 years. (AP)
Two bodies were discovered in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue Airways plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport during a routine inspection after landing. The circumstances of their access to the aircraft is being investigated, with the aircraft having flown from New York’s JFK International Airport. (CBS News)
Two brush fires in Los Angeles prompted evacuations as strong winds and warm, dry weather fuel blazes in Southern California. One fire in Pacific Palisades has affected over 770 acres, leading to evacuations and traffic disruptions, while a separate fire threatens West Hollywood. The cause of the fires is under investigation. (ABC News)
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., renewed a policy prohibiting transgender individuals from using single-sex bathrooms aligning with their gender identities near the House Chamber. The policy, not officially included in the House rules package, will be enforced by the sergeant-at-arms and extends to areas under the Speaker’s control. (NBC News)
