JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1047

Geneva — The United States on Monday pledged $2 billion to United Nations humanitarian aid, announcing a new funding model that channels U.S. contributions through OCHA and oversight. The initial commitment targets selected crises including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Sudan while excluding Afghanistan and Yemen. Officials described it as an "initial anchor commitment" and urged other donors to match support. The move follows steep U.S. aid cuts in 2025 and a reduced UN 2026 appeal for $23 billion. Tom Fletcher attended the Geneva announcement. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — U.S. officials and President Donald Trump reported that U.S. forces struck a facility in Venezuela tied to alleged drug-boat operations; Trump mentioned the action during late-December interviews and public remarks. The Pentagon deferred questions to the White House, and independent verification has not been publicly released. Reports note prior U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats since September that reportedly caused numerous fatalities, while media coverage emphasized uncertainty about which U.S. entity executed the apparent land action and its precise target. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Los Angeles. The Southern California News Group published an editorial on Dec. 28 saying a $12 billion payout to farmers underscores failures of President Trump's tariff-driven trade policies. The editorial stated the bailout, announced earlier this month, followed harms to farmers from retaliatory measures and called tariffs additional taxes on American consumers. It argued tariffs no longer materially raise federal revenue and described the administration’s trade calculations as flawed. Brookings scholar Jay Shambaugh was cited in related reporting. Major news outlets republished the SCNG editorial this week and noted consequences for farmers. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

PALM BEACH, Florida, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday they made significant progress toward a potential peace agreement after talks at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, while acknowledging unresolved issues including the status of Donbas and security guarantees. Trump said a prior two-and-a-half-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin was "excellent" and asserted Russia wants Ukraine to succeed, even as Russian strikes continued. Officials described a draft roughly 95 percent complete and discussed a 20-point plan; no formal deal was announced and follow-up diplomacy with European partners will continue soon. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

West Palm Beach, Florida — President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday after a lengthy Trump–Putin phone call, and held a brief joint news conference describing progress toward a possible peace agreement. Both leaders said thorny territorial and security issues remain unresolved, and Trump said European countries would take major roles in security guarantees with U.S. support. Zelenskyy indicated negotiators discussed step‑by‑step approaches; Kremlin advisers described the Trump–Putin call as friendly and businesslike. Russian attacks near Kyiv before the meeting highlighted urgency; further talks and consultations were planned. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Orlando, Florida — Kyle Whittingham accepted the University of Michigan head coaching job Sunday after stepping down at Utah earlier this month. The 66-year-old coach, who spent 32 years at Utah including 21 as head coach with a 177-88 record, pledged to observe the roster during Michigan’s upcoming bowl game and emphasized championship aspirations. Michigan named Bill Poggi interim for the bowl, and university officials cited a need for proven leadership after the prior coach’s dismissal. Whittingham also addressed the Ohio State rivalry. He called it a final challenge and championship opportunity. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

HAMMONTON, N.J. — Two helicopters collided in midair near Hammonton Municipal Airport on Sunday at about 11:25 a.m., police and federal officials said. Emergency crews extinguished flames after both Enstrom helicopters crashed in a field near 100 Basin Road, and responders extricated and transported victims to hospitals. Federal Aviation Administration officials described the event as a midair collision; the National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation. Local officials and eyewitnesses provided video and scanner reports to authorities. Initial reports indicated one fatality and one critically injured person; officials later confirmed both pilots died. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.