JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1074

Washington — A JetBlue flight from Curaçao halted its climb Friday to avoid colliding with a U.S. Air Force refuelling tanker, the pilot said in recorded air traffic communications. The pilot reported the tanker crossed directly in the aircraft's flight path at the same altitude and was within two to five miles, and complained the military plane lacked an active transponder. U.S. Southern Command acknowledged reviewing the reports while JetBlue said it notified authorities and prioritizes safety. The incident occurred amid increased U.S. military operations near Venezuela. No injuries were reported on board. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — A House Oversight Committee released an interim report Tuesday accusing Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith of pressuring commanders to downgrade offenses and suppress public crime data, based on transcribed interviews with commanders from seven patrol districts. The report follows a Department of Justice review and August inquiry by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro that found misclassifications but no criminal charges. Smith resigned, saying her departure was not prompted by the investigations. Mayor Muriel Bowser and officials dispute the committee's conclusions and seek the report's supporting evidence. Congressional Republicans called for accountability. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Meteorological services issued wind and temperature forecasts across multiple U.S. regions Monday and into this week. Forecasts show unseasonably warm highs in central Wyoming, including a 60°F high record in Casper last Thursday, while strong southwest winds and gusts up to 75 mph threaten western Montana and Yellowstone-adjacent foothills. Northeast Ohio and Tennessee will see cold, gusty conditions early in the week with brief warmups midweek. Agencies reported Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings, elevated snow levels, and renewed flood and rapid runoff risks as rain falls on saturated soils. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Providence, Rhode Island — Authorities detained a person of interest Sunday in connection with a shooting at Brown University that killed two students and wounded nine others during Saturday final exams, then released that individual overnight as investigators developed additional leads. Law enforcement traced the person to a Coventry hotel and reported FBI assistance using cellphone geolocation to narrow inquiries. Brown lifted a campus shelter-in-place early Sunday while police maintained active crime scenes and asked the public for video and tips. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Researchers and municipal authorities reported multiple water-related developments this week: a study found the federal government charges large agricultural water agencies far lower wholesale prices than cities in California, Arizona and Nevada; Waterbury, Connecticut, experienced a major water main break causing widespread outages and prompting distribution centers and prompting emergency repairs across systems; North Adams, Massachusetts, issued a boil water notice after weekend pipe failures on Dec. 14, 2025; New Mexico's Environment Department offered free private well testing near the Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon burn scar after a 2025 geological study. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States communities conducted public Hanukkah menorah lightings this week and local leaders emphasized resilience and safety measures. Dozens gathered at state capitol sites, synagogues, and public squares for candle lightings and celebrations. Law enforcement agencies provided extra patrols, coordinated with organizers, and raised protective measures following reports of a deadly attack at a Hanukkah gathering in Australia. Event organizers cited long-standing public menorah traditions and worked with police to ensure secure public access. Several Chabad centers and congregations hosted programs, musical performances, treats, and family activities, and issued local safety guidance. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan officials fired football coach Sherrone Moore after an internal review found an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. The school retained a law firm that will continue and expand its probe across the athletic department. Prosecutors charged Moore with three crimes after saying he barged into the staffer’s apartment and threatened to kill himself. Athletic director Warde Manuel told trustees he reviewed hundreds of messages and had previously asked both parties about a relationship; both denied it. Photos show Moore with his wife after the arrest. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research today.

Palmyra, Syria — Two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on Dec. 13 when a lone ISIS gunman opened fire on a joint U.S.-Syrian patrol before being engaged and killed, U.S. Central Command said. Three other service members were wounded. The Pentagon withheld identities pending family notification; the Army later named two Iowa National Guard soldiers. President Donald Trump vowed "very serious retaliation" on his social media platform and at the White House. Syrian authorities reported arrests and described the attacker as linked to ISIS. Additional updates are expected imminently. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.