JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1045

Washington — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday that it suspended federal childcare payments to Minnesota and imposed new verification requirements after viral social media allegations and prior fraud prosecutions. HHS officials demanded state audits, launched a fraud hotline, and required receipts or photo evidence for ACF payments. State lawmakers and federal officials called for reviews; some GOP members urged resignations. Minnesota regulators say they conducted recent unannounced inspections. Investigations and audits are ongoing. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

New Orleans: The Georgia Bulldogs, 12-1, will face the Ole Miss Rebels, 12-1, in the Allstate Sugar Bowl quarterfinal on Thursday, Jan. 1. Georgia, the No. 3 seed that earned a first-round bye, meets No. 6 Ole Miss, which advanced after a 41-10 first-round victory over Tulane. The teams previously met Oct. 18 in Athens, where Georgia rallied to win 43-35. Ole Miss will play under interim head coach Pete Golding after Lane Kiffin’s departure. Odds and expert picks generally favor Georgia outright, and at least one simulation projects a Bulldogs win. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Syracuse, N.Y. emergency agencies reported record lake-effect snowfall this week as multiple systems tracked across the Northeast and Midwest. Tuesday's band produced 24.2 inches at Hancock International Airport, and other Central New York sites saw up to 19.3 inches; some localized bands dropped 17.5 inches. Forecasts warned of another 1–2 feet in parts of Central New York through New Year's Eve. Northeast Ohio, Southeast Michigan, West Virginia, Alaska Panhandle, and parts of Illinois experienced lighter to moderate snow, squalls, and strong winds still impacting travel. Agencies issued winter advisories and urged caution. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Dallas — Federal prosecutors charged a 21-year-old Texas man this week after investigators say he delivered bomb-making components, cash and explosive instructions to undercover officers he believed were Islamic State supporters. Authorities allege the Dec. 22 meeting followed months of online contact that began in mid‑October when a New‑York Police Department undercover account identified pro‑ISIS content linked to the suspect. The Justice Department filed international terrorism charges Dec. 29 and court proceedings began Dec. 23 with a probable cause hearing set. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The United States carried out a drone strike this month on a coastal dock in Venezuela and continued kinetic strikes on vessels it says transported narcotics to U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the strike on the Venezuelan dock, while U.S. Southern Command posted videos and statements announcing multiple strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that killed several people. Authorities and media cited anonymous sources saying the CIA conducted the Venezuelan operation; officials said some boat strikes killed between two and eight people. Investigations and legal questions about the operations are ongoing. Based on 11 articles reviewed and research.

Moscow this week reported an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s Novgorod residence; Russia said air defenses shot down 91 long-range drones and vowed retaliation. Kyiv denied the claim. US intelligence, per the Wall Street Journal and a CIA assessment, found no evidence Putin or his residences were targeted, saying planned strikes aimed at nearby military objectives. Western and Ukrainian officials dismissed Moscow’s account as unsubstantiated, while analysts warned the allegation could be used to derail peace negotiations. US and Russian leaders exchanged remarks during meetings and calls this week. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Palm Beach, Florida: U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters Monday that Hamas must disarm within a short period under the Gaza ceasefire framework or face severe consequences, and said special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will oversee the process. Speaking beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said Israel had fulfilled its commitments and declined to link Israeli troop withdrawals to complete Hamas disarmament. He also warned Iran against rebuilding ballistic missile or nuclear programs, noting prior U.S. strikes and saying the United States could support further military action. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Menlo Park, Calif. Meta Platforms announced that it acquired Singapore-based AI startup Manus, integrating a general-purpose AI agent and the team while Manus will continue to sell subscriptions from Singapore. Meta and Manus stated the deal severs Chinese ownership and China operations; financial terms were undisclosed though sources reported a price above $2 billion. Manus reported an annual revenue run rate near $125 million in early 2025 and had previously raised capital at about a $500 million valuation. Meta said it will embed Manus technology across its products to expand AI services. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

New Orleans officials deployed the National Guard this week to bolster security for New Year’s celebrations one year after a vehicle attack on Bourbon Street killed 14 people. Governor Jeff Landry requested 350 troops and President Donald Trump authorized their deployment; state and local police will coordinate a French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone with checkpoints, bag restrictions and vehicle closures. Authorities said guardsmen will provide visible support but will not conduct immigration enforcement. Families of attack victims continue to press for permanent physical protections on Bourbon Street as temporary measures take effect. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

San Antonio — Authorities recovered dashcam and doorbell footage in the search for 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, last seen Dec. 24. Investigators released video showing a woman matching her clothing walking near her home and said it provided a direction for search teams. Volunteers and deputies conducted ground searches across an eight-square-mile area using drones and maps. Family members spoke publicly and urged tips. On Tuesday evening authorities reported a body was found near Mendoza Olmos’s home; officials said the remains were not yet formally identified and they did not suspect foul play. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.