Over 153,000 residents remain under evacuation in Los Angeles due to wildfires. The death toll sits at 16, with 16 missing, and massive destruction to thousands of structures and acreage. The Palisades Fire is spreading towards Brentwood and Bel-Air, while a second front threatens the San Fernando Valley. Firefighters have made some progress due to reduced winds, but challenges remain. (UPI)
Six Massachusetts college students are accused of assaulting a man lured to campus through a dating app. The man, an active-duty military member, was tricked into visiting by a false Tinder profile and was attacked by a group accusing him of being a pedophile. Surveillance footage shows the students pursuing and recording the incident. The students are set to be arraigned in January. (AP)
Macy’s plans to close 150 underperforming stores in 22 states as part of its strategy to return to profitability. The company named 66 of the stores to close initially and will reveal the rest later. This move is part of Macy’s “Bold New Chapter” strategy focused on eliminating poorly performing stores while investing in profitable locations. Macy’s also aims to open new luxury locations. (UPI)
Walmart has issued a recall for 48-ounce cartons of Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth sold in nine Southern states. The recall, reported by the FDA, is due to packaging issues that could lead to spoilage. Customers in the affected states are advised to discard the product and can request a full refund from Walmart as the company collaborates with the supplier to investigate. (ABC News)
The Philadelphia 76ers have decided to cancel plans for a $1.3 billion downtown arena shortly after receiving city council approval for the project. Instead, they have reached an agreement with Comcast Spectacor to stay in the sports stadium district. Details of the new proposal are not yet disclosed. The previous plan faced opposition from Chinatown residents and activists. (AP)
