JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1056

Washington — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States special envoy to Greenland, a role described as advancing U.S. national security interests in the Arctic. Officials in Denmark and Greenland expressed concern and signaled diplomatic responses this week. News reports noted prior visits to Greenland by U.S. officials and past disputes over influence operations. Landry said the role does not affect his gubernatorial duties. It remained unclear whether the envoy position requires formal confirmation or would overlap with existing diplomatic channels. All details confirmed. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

San Francisco — Waymo resumed robotaxi service on Sunday after temporarily suspending operations Saturday when a fire at a PG&E substation cut power to roughly 130,000 customers, causing traffic lights to fail and multiple Waymo vehicles to stop at intersections, blocking streets and prompting the company to pause service. Social media videos showed cars halted in intersections with hazard lights blinking; Waymo said most trips in progress ended normally and that vehicles treat non-functioning traffic lights as stop signs. The company said it will integrate lessons from the event and pursue software updates. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

DENVER — Colorado officials said federal authorities denied two disaster declaration requests after August wildfires and October flooding, and the state now plans to appeal. Governor Jared Polis called the denials “political games” on Sunday, and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper criticized the decision. FEMA sent denial letters late Saturday saying the incidents did not meet criteria for federal support; the White House said the president evaluates requests carefully. Local officials warned denied aid could impede recovery efforts in affected rural counties. State leaders intend to file appeals and seek reconsideration. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The U.S. Department of Justice released thousands of Epstein-related documents this week in staged batches, many containing extensive redactions; Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche cited victim privacy and processing needs while survivors reported exposed names, and lawmakers threatened contempt or legal action for incomplete compliance. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Miami, U.S. and Ukrainian officials held three days of talks this week with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump advisers and European and Russian representatives to discuss a U.S.-proposed peace plan. Meetings on Dec. 20–22 produced joint statements calling the discussions “productive and constructive” but yielded no agreement on territorial issues. Russia insisted on retaining seized areas and Ukraine refused to cede territory. U.S. officials said any deal must have Kyiv's consent. Talks follow earlier consultations in Berlin and a recent U.S. proposal; envoys said discussions will continue, with more sessions expected. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

PHOENIX — Vice President JD Vance spoke at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on Sunday, declining to set exclusionary red lines while urging unity among conservatives amid disputes over antisemitic rhetoric and fringe figures. Erika Kirk endorsed Vance at the conference’s opening, and speakers including Tucker Carlson, Mike Johnson and Donald Trump Jr. highlighted internal party tensions. Debates focused on whether to bar figures like Nick Fuentes and on preserving the MAGA coalition after President Trump. Lawmakers proposed commemorations for the late Charlie Kirk. Reporting used on-site speeches, live video and Associated Press accounts. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MIAMI — U.S. and Russian envoys met in Florida this week for closed-door talks aimed at ending Russia's nearly four-year war in Ukraine. American negotiators, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and joined by Jared Kushner, held separate sessions with Russia's Kirill Dmitriev and with Ukrainian and European representatives. Officials described discussions as "productive and constructive" but reported no breakthrough; the U.S. presented a 28-point plan last month that has been redrafted with Ukrainian and European input. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged increased pressure. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

San Francisco, United States. A power outage on Saturday, Dec. 20 cut electricity to about 130,000 customers after a fire at a Pacific Gas and Electric substation, officials said. The outage hit northern neighbourhoods including Richmond, Presidio and areas near Golden Gate Park, causing transit disruptions, traffic-signal failures and business closures during the holiday weekend. Mayor Daniel Lurie urged residents to stay home, treat dark signals as four-way stops and check on vulnerable neighbours. Pacific Gas and Electric restored 90,000 customers by 9 p.m., with remaining outages expected to be resolved overnight. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Forecasters across multiple markets reported a warm, largely dry pattern developing through Christmas week, driven by persistent high pressure and southwesterly flow. Local agencies and TV stations described highs varying from the 40s to upper 70s, isolated light showers near coasts, and brief cold frontal intrusions with limited impacts. Snow chances remained low outside northern lakes and higher elevations, and travel disruptions were not widely forecast. National Weather Service briefings and model guidance informed forecasts, while local observations supported the trend toward milder holiday conditions across many population centers nationwide. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.