JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1053

Washington — President Donald Trump announced Monday that the U.S. Navy will begin construction of two 'Trump-class' warships and that South Korea's Hanwha will collaborate on new frigates. Trump described the ships as larger than Iowa-class vessels, with 30,000–40,000-ton displacement and advanced weapons including hypersonics, railguns, and lasers. He said the plan could expand to as many as 20–25 ships. Officials at Mar-a-Lago stood with him during the announcement. Separately, the Navy outlined plans for a new class of smaller frigates. Reporting cited company investment commitments, official documents, and prior naval procurement challenges. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Transportation agencies and travel organizations report record holiday movement as millions head for seasonal trips this week. AAA estimates 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, with major state tallies including 7.5 million in Florida, 2.8 million in Tennessee and 2.4 million in Wisconsin. TSA plans to screen about 44 million passengers and reports full staffing after the government shutdown. States and agencies advised vehicle maintenance, identified peak congestion days such as Dec. 23, and suspended lane closures to ease traffic. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research nationwide.

GALVESTON, Texas — A Mexican Navy medical aircraft crashed into Galveston Bay Monday while approaching Scholes International Airport, officials said. Eight people were aboard, including military crew, medical personnel and a young patient being transported for burn care, U.S. and Mexican authorities reported. Local responders, the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas DPS, the FAA and the NTSB conducted search, rescue and recovery operations. Initial reports varied; Mexican authorities later said six people died and two survived, with one previously missing found deceased during searches. Officials urged public caution. The cause is under investigation. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The US Department of Justice released thousands of documents tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act requiring disclosure by Dec. 19. The DOJ posted at least 8,000 documents and 11,000 links Dec. 22–23, including videos and an email dated Jan. 7, 2020 showing President Trump flew on Epstein's jet in the 1990s. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche cited victim redactions for the delay. Victims and lawmakers criticized heavy redactions and incomplete publication. Contempt threats and legal resolutions were raised this week in Congress. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Orlando, Florida — Powerball officials said Monday that no ticket matched all numbers in the Dec. 22 drawing, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $1.7 billion for the Dec. 24 Christmas Eve drawing, with a cash option of about $781.3 million. State lotteries reported multiple secondary winners across Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, Arizona, North Carolina, Tennessee and Michigan, including $1 million, $500,000 and five-figure prizes sold at convenience stores and grocery locations. Retail outlets saw heightened purchases. The jackpot has rolled since a Sept. 6 winning ticket; odds remain 1 in 292.2 million. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

PORTLAND, Ore. Twenty-one states and D.C. filed a federal lawsuit on Dec. 22 seeking to force CFPB Acting Director Russell Vought to request operating funds from the Federal Reserve. The plaintiffs say Vought refused in November to petition the Fed, a move they argue would leave the agency without funds by January and disrupt consumer complaint handling. Attorneys general from California, Oregon, Arizona and other states asked the court for an order directing the agency to seek funding under the Dodd-Frank framework. The suit cites statutory obligations and examples of consumer harms. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Los Angeles — Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise and head of Respawn Entertainment, died after a single-vehicle crash on Angeles Crest Highway on Sunday, authorities and his employer confirmed. The California Highway Patrol reported the vehicle veered off the roadway around 12:45 p.m., struck a concrete barrier and became engulfed in flames; two occupants were involved and both later died. Electronic Arts and local broadcaster NBC4 provided confirmation and reporting. Multiple witness videos circulated online showing the burned vehicle. Authorities have not released a cause and continue to investigate. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Madison, Wis. A coalition of 50 state attorneys general announced Monday that Mercedes‑Benz USA and parent company Daimler AG agreed to pay $149.6 million to resolve allegations they equipped more than 211,000 diesel vehicles with software defeat devices that reduced emissions controls during normal driving. The settlement requires Mercedes to pay $120 million to states immediately, offer extended warranties nationwide, provide $2,000 per affected vehicle for eligible owners, and comply with reporting and reform requirements; $29.7 million is suspended pending consumer relief and environmental remediation. The agreement remains subject to court approval. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

DENVER — An immigration judge ruled Sunday that Jeanette Vizguerra may post a $5,000 bond and be released after nine months in federal immigration detention, her supporters said. She left the Aurora detention center Monday and spoke at a rally Tuesday with attorneys and advocates who assert she was targeted for her activism. Federal authorities arrested Vizguerra outside an Aurora Target on March 17; ICE has said she has a final order of deportation and a criminal conviction from Mexico. Her legal case continues while the government pursues removal proceedings. Community reaction followed. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.