JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1065

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.

Washington this week: Economists and industry reports show that 2025 economic growth remained largely stagnant while massive private AI investments drove most measurable gains. Tech companies invested heavily in AI infrastructure this year, with analysts and a Harvard analysis attributing about 92% of GDP growth to those investments. Enterprise vendors released governance tools and business frameworks in mid-December, aiming to move projects from prototype to production. A local school piloted AI ethics education for middle-schoolers. Observers warned about concentration of benefits and uncertain returns on infrastructure spending, and federal policymakers noted implications. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump installed partisan plaques beneath predecessors' portraits on the White House Presidential Walk of Fame this week, labeling Joe Biden Sleepy Joe and calling him by far the worst President in American history. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said many plaques were written by the president; images circulated and prompted mockery and critique, including from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Media outlets noted the plaques repeat disputed claims about the 2020 election and criticized multiple former presidents. The installation generated widespread attention and commentary. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Four centrist Republicans forced a House vote Wednesday to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire Dec. 31 by signing a Democratic discharge petition that reached 218 signatures. House GOP leaders advanced a separate health bill that excludes the subsidy extension; the House passed that GOP bill on Dec. 17 by a 216-211 vote. The discharge petition, filed by Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, will require floor action after seven legislative days and is expected to reach the floor in early January. Millions of subsidy recipients face potential premium increases. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Strong winds and gusts from a fast-moving storm on Wednesday toppled aging trees and power lines, critically injuring two children at a school bus stop and causing widespread power outages and road closures across southern Idaho. Emergency crews including Twin Falls Fire Department, Magic Valley Paramedics and Air St. Luke's responded; one child was airlifted to St. Luke’s Magic Valley and another taken by ambulance. National Weather Service recorded gusts up to 68–70 mph; Idaho Transportation Department reported multiple crash-related closures including I-84 and I-15 segments. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: The U.S. Senate voted 77-20 on Dec 17 to advance the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing roughly US$901 billion, a 4% troop pay raise, and measures to bolster European security while restricting certain China-linked biotech and outbound investments; President Trump signed the law this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MILWAUKEE — A federal jury on Thursday found Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of obstructing an official proceeding for actions during an April 18 courthouse encounter when she allegedly helped an undocumented Mexican defendant avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Prosecutors presented audio, surveillance video and testimony from 19 witnesses over three days; the defense called four witnesses and Dugan did not testify. Jurors acquitted her on a related concealment charge after six hours of deliberations. Dugan faces up to five years in prison and is barred from holding office if convicted. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.