LA fires are still raging, but forecasters expect calmer winds in the coming days It was another day of fierce winds gusting to 65 mph in mountainous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but weather more conducive to firefighting operations is expected soon. Read more on NPR

John Deere faces U.S. lawsuit over farmers’ ability to repair tractors The Federal Trade Commission and two states accuse Deere of costing farmers time and money by unfairly limiting software access and forcing the use of only authorized dealers. Read more on NPR

Invasive green crabs threaten West Coast ecosystems. One solution? Otters As invasive green crabs wreak havoc on California’s estuaries, a new study has found that a restored sea otter population might be the solution. Read more on NPR

FBI background checks of presidential nominees, explained Confirmation hearings for Cabinet members nominated by President-elect Trump are underway. The FBI conducts background checks focusing on “character and conduct” of the nominees. What’s involved? Read more on NPR

What to know about RedNote, the Chinese app that American TikTokkers are flooding With TikTok’s days in the U.S. potentially numbered, many American users are moving to another Chinese social media app: RedNote, a heavily censored platform similar to Instagram. Here’s what to know. Read more on NPR

Israel and Hamas reach a Gaza ceasefire agreement Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a multiphase ceasefire that commits them to end the war in Gaza, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch said. Read more on NPR

What L.A. did right before the fires — and why it wasn’t enough Los Angeles has wildfire policies that are far tougher than many of those in Western states. The destruction from the recent fires shows there are still major gaps to address. Read more on NPR

Gaza and the moon make biennial most-endangered list The biennial list is intended to raise awareness and funds to help preserve the sites it spotlights. Africa’s Swahili Coast, Maine’s lighthouses and Buddhist grottoes in China are also in peril. Read more on NPR

Daring to Dream: A reflection on America In celebration of what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday, pianist Lara Downes examines how musicians have followed in his footsteps, and faced the cost of taking a stand. Read more on NPR

The secret to doing hard things and getting stuff done Some people team up with an “accountability partner” or “accountability group” to accomplish big goals or tasks. Here’s how to set up a successful partnership. Read more on NPR