Five fatalities are confirmed in four California wildfires as hurricane-strength winds fuel the flames, destroying over a thousand structures. The Palisades fire in Los Angeles has grown to 5,000 acres, with numerous injuries reported. Evacuations affect around 37,000 residents, with significant damage to area schools. (UPI)
The White House reported a record enrollment of nearly 24 million Americans in the Affordable Care Act for 2025, bringing the total number of ACA (Obamacare) health insurance enrollees to 45 million. The uninsured rate has reached a record low, reflecting the highest number of Americans with health insurance to date. (UPI)
Former President Jimmy Carter’s casket was transported to the U.S. Capitol for a military tribute and public viewing, with dignitaries and members of the public invited to pay their respects. The Capitol Rotunda hosted a service attended by officials and Carter’s family, while Justice Sonia Sotomayor and others have also visited. (CBS News)
U.S. jobless claims hit a nearly year-low at 201,000, indicating a strong labor market with low layoffs. While job creation has slowed from previous years, the current average of 180,000 monthly job additions is solid. Despite inflation concerns, the Federal Reserve has become more cautious about future rate cuts amid ongoing uncertainty. (ABC News)
President-elect Donald Trump has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to stop his sentencing in the New York hush money case, citing immunity from prosecution as a president-elect. This comes after a New York appeals court rejected a similar appeal, with Trump’s lawyers arguing for a stay of proceedings to prevent harm to the presidency. (NPR)
