JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1066

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.

Washington The Senate approved the annual National Defense Authorization Act on Wednesday by a 77-20 vote and sent a roughly $901 billion defense policy bill to the president for signature The legislation authorizes a 3.8% pay raise for service members and adds about eight billion dollars above the administration's request It requires the Pentagon to provide lawmakers video related to alleged boat strikes near Venezuela preserves current U.S. troop levels in Europe includes funding for Ukraine security assistance and limits certain troop reductions absent certification Congress passed the measure with bipartisan support Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research

Washington — Mayor Muriel Bowser named Jeffery Carroll interim police chief Wednesday after Chief Pamela Smith announced she will leave the department at the end of the year. Carroll, an MPD veteran who joined in 2002 and has served as executive assistant chief of specialized operations since 2023, will oversee department operations during a federal law enforcement surge initiated in August. His profile rose after he addressed the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House. A recent House Oversight Committee report alleged data manipulation under Smith; she denied the claims. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Gov. Jim Pillen announced Wednesday that Nebraska will implement new federal Medicaid work requirements beginning May 1, 2026, affecting about 30,000 expansion enrollees aged 19 to 64 who must complete 80 hours of work or community service monthly or enroll half-time in school to retain coverage. The action follows a federal law signed in July 2025 that requires states to adopt work requirements by 2027 but permits earlier adoption. State officials coordinated with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services during the rollout. CMS participation accompanied the state rollout announcement. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — Representative Dan Newhouse announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection to the U.S. House in 2026 after serving six terms. Newhouse released a written statement saying he departs with "no reservations or remorse" and expressed gratitude to constituents, colleagues and family. First elected in 2014, he previously served in the Washington state legislature and as state agriculture director. Newhouse was among Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump after January 6, 2021. His decision follows a 2024 reelection and opens Washington’s 4th District seat for 2026 contests. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research and coverage.

Albany, New York — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday she reached an agreement with state legislative leaders to approve a bill allowing terminally ill adults to obtain prescribed medication to end their lives. Hochul said in an op‑ed she will sign the measure after lawmakers add a series of guardrails, including medical certification requirements. The law would apply to adults with incurable, irreversible illnesses and limited life expectancy and would require multiple physician approvals. Advocates note similar laws exist in other states and Washington, D.C.; opponents include some faith and disability‑rights groups. Based on 6 articles reviewed and additional supporting research.

New York, United States. Kuehn Law, PLLC announced on Tuesday that it is investigating federal securities lawsuits alleging officers and directors at Freeport‑McMoRan, Firefly Aerospace, Stride and Primo Brands misrepresented safety, demand, enrollment and merger‑integration matters. The firm said filings claim failures to disclose heightened safety risks at Grasberg, overstated commercial readiness and demand at Firefly, inflated enrollment and compliance abuses at Stride, and supply and integration disruptions at Primo. Each notice lists investor cutoffs and invites shareholders to contact the firm. The notices were distributed via Newsfile and republished on aggregators. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States, Corporations announced recent funding and governance updates. Trulieve closed a US$140 million private placement of 10.5% senior secured notes on Dec. 17, 2025. Beneficient appointed Peter T. Cangany Jr. as board chairman effective Dec. 15. Parks! America authorized a share repurchase program to buy up to 75,000 shares or $3 million. RYVYL obtained stockholder approval for a reverse split to address Nasdaq non-compliance. Northeast Bank disclosed approximately $525 million in loan purchases. Other firms announced offerings, acquisitions, liability conversions, and a presentation. Statements originated from company filings and press releases. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, Senate lawmakers questioned Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr Wednesday during a hearing after he urged broadcasters to pull ABC's Jimmy Kimmel for remarks about the killing of activist Charlie Kirk and drew scrutiny. Democratic senators accused Carr of politicizing the agency and undermining First Amendment norms, while Republican members raised unrelated regulatory issues including spectrum auctions and undersea cable. Carr defended his statements, said he enforces media laws, and acknowledged alignment with President Donald Trump by noting the FCC is not independent. Commissioners delivered opening remarks criticizing the agency's reputation. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.