JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1064

Washington — The U.S. Justice Department admitted Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army played roles in the Jan. 29 midair collision that killed 67 people near Reagan National Airport. Court filings in a lawsuit filed by a victim’s family said an FAA air traffic controller failed to follow procedures and Army helicopter pilots did not maintain vigilance, and also named American Airlines and partner PSA as defendants. At least 28 bodies were recovered from the Potomac. The admission allows families to pursue damages and could prompt regulatory and legislative reviews. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: The US House of Representatives on Dec. 18 approved a bill that would criminalize gender-affirming medical treatments for minors, including surgeries and some hormonal interventions. Sponsored by Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the measure passed 216–211 and now moves to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain. The text classifies certain procedures as "genital or bodily mutilation" and would impose penalties up to ten years' imprisonment. Three Democrats joined supporters; four Republicans opposed the bill. Civil rights groups described the legislation as extreme. The House action follows state-level bans and debate. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Chicago — The Chicago Bears announced Wednesday that they will expand their search for a new domed stadium beyond Arlington Heights to include the wider Chicagoland region and northwest Indiana, citing stalled negotiations with Illinois lawmakers over infrastructure and tax certainty. Team president Kevin Warren said the organization still prefers Arlington Heights but must evaluate all credible pathways after officials indicated the project would not be a priority in Springfield in 2026. Indiana leaders publicly courted the franchise, and the team offered to set aside $25 million for Chicago and park district needs. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg said on Wednesday that India’s absence from the newly launched Pax Silica initiative did not result from tariff disputes or broader political tensions, and he called India a “highly strategic potential partner” for securing semiconductor and AI infrastructure supply chains. The US launched Pax Silica last week with allied economies and technology partners to coordinate globally on critical minerals, fabs, data centres and logistics; Helberg said trade discussions are separate from security cooperation and confirmed his planned attendance at India’s AI Impact Summit in February. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed Jeffery Carroll interim chief of the Metropolitan Police Department this week after Chief Pamela Smith announced her departure amid a federal inquiry into crime statistics. Carroll, a 23-year MPD veteran and current executive assistant chief, will manage daily operations and review crime classification, training, and records-management practices. The appointment follows a 2021 civil lawsuit alleging harassment within MPD, a House Oversight report questioning crime-data practices, and council inquiries led by Brooke Pinto. City officials requested independent audits. Federal law enforcement support remains in place during the transition. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Madison, Wis. Officials announced Wednesday that Menards agreed to a $4.25 million multistate settlement resolving allegations that its '11% rebate' advertising misled customers and that the chain engaged in price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic. The settlement, co-led by Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa, requires clearer disclosures about rebate terms, quicker online rebate tracking, extended claim periods, and cessation of certain advertising practices. Menards will pay designated shares to participating states — Wisconsin receiving over $750,000 and Iowa approximately $446,832 — and implement operational changes to improve consumer transparency. State oversight continues. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON, The U.S. Senate confirmed Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator Wednesday, voting 67-30 after a months-long nomination, a May withdrawal, and a November renomination. Isaacman pledged to accelerate Artemis lunar missions and prioritize returning astronauts to the Moon, aligning with President Trump's stated space goals. He was sworn in Thursday and met the president to discuss agency priorities. Officials and industry leaders said relief accompanied his appointment as NASA confronts proposed workforce reductions and significant budget cuts. The White House issued an executive order directing a 2028 lunar landing timeline. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research to date.

United States: Meteorologists reported a fast-moving cold front that produced widespread rain, scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds across the Southeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Thursday into Friday. Forecast teams said showers began late Thursday, intensified during evening commutes, and produced pockets of locally heavy rain with totals ranging from a few tenths of an inch to 2 inches in coastal South Carolina. Temperatures rose ahead of the front into the 60s-80s before plunging into the teens and 20s overnight, producing a quick cold snap and brief wintry mix in northern and higher-elevation areas. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.