JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1081

San Francisco, a federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Trump administration to stop deploying California National Guard members in Los Angeles to protect federal facilities and return command to Gov. Gavin Newsom. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer granted a preliminary injunction after California officials challenged federal Title 10 calls that moved roughly 4,000 troops earlier this year, leaving about 300 still federalized. The order follows prior temporary restraints and appellate rulings and was stayed for review; the administration plans to appeal. Senators will question military leaders about such deployments this coming week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

RALEIGH, N.C. Gov. Josh Stein announced Wednesday that his administration will restore Medicaid reimbursement rates that were reduced Oct. 1 by 3% to 10%. The move follows judicial rulings requiring some rates be returned and legal challenges to the cuts. Stein cited ongoing funding shortfalls after a summer stopgap left a reported $319 million gap and a legislative impasse over additional appropriations. The reversal affects more than 3.1 million Medicaid enrollees and aims to preserve short-term access to care while Republican lawmakers and the administration negotiate longer-term budget solutions for now locally. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States postal operations reported increased package volumes and localized delivery disruptions. USPS officials and facility managers deployed new High Output Parcel Sorters, robots, and artificial intelligence to clear peak-season backlogs and process millions of parcels. State and local officials logged complaints, prompting a senator to request an Inspector General probe and mayors to advise residents to file formal complaints. Businesses reported missing checks and delayed shipments. Postal deadlines were reiterated for first class, priority, and priority express shipments this week. USPS provided operational statements and urged customers to use complaint channels. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state Senate approved Senate Bill 56 Tuesday, sending legislation to Gov. Mike DeWine that would limit intoxicating hemp sales to licensed dispensaries, cap THC levels in cannabis products, restrict public consumption and ban possession of out-of-state purchases. The bill passed on a 22‑7 party-line vote after the House approved it late last month; it follows a court-blocked executive ban on THC-infused products introduced in October. Proponents say the measures protect public safety and streamline licensing; opponents argue they contradict voters' 2023 legalization and harm small businesses. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research published this week.

United States. Forecasters issued widespread winter warnings as multiple storms this week brought heavy snow, freezing rain and strong, gusty winds across the Northeast and Midwest. The National Weather Service forecasted lake‑effect bands and frontal systems producing totals up to a foot in Central New York, 6–12 inches in northern Oneida County, and 2–5 inches across parts of Kentucky; blizzard conditions were warned in West Virginia high elevations. Municipalities closed schools and colleges, travel advisories were posted, and road crews pretreated critical routes. Emergency services reported crashes and impaired visibility during commutes. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington Senate leaders set dueling votes this week on competing measures to address expiring COVID-era Affordable Care Act subsidies. Republicans unveiled the Cassidy-Crapo proposal to redirect federal funds into health savings accounts for bronze-plan enrollees, while Democrats proposed a three-year extension of enhanced tax credits. Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans will offer the alternative; Democratic leaders called the GOP plan inadequate. Both measures lack bipartisan support necessary to advance in the 60-vote Senate, making subsidy expiration a likely outcome absent negotiation. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Chicago — Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday that restricts federal immigration enforcement near courthouses, hospitals, colleges and day care centers. The law bans civil immigration arrests inside or within 1,000 feet of courthouses, limits information sharing by hospitals and schools, and requires facility protocols. It creates legal remedies including damages for unlawful arrests and allows lawsuits against agents for constitutional violations. The measure responds to the Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, reporting more than 3,000 arrests. The law takes effect immediately and supporters say it protects access to services. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Columbia, S.C. — Attorneys general and Google reached a $700 million settlement to resolve claims Google used anticompetitive practices in Play Store. Preliminary approval occurred Nov. 20, 2025, and court will hear approval on April 30, 2026; notices began Dec. 2. Consumers who bought apps or in‑app content from August 2016 through September 2023 are eligible. Payments will be issued via PayPal or Venmo with a supplemental claims process available. Reports estimate about 102 million eligible U.S. consumers and minimum individual payments near $2; Google also agreed to change Play Store practices. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Santee Cooper and Brookfield Asset Management announced a memorandum of understanding that would, if finalized, transfer control of the unfinished V.C. Summer reactors and provide Santee Cooper with $2.7 billion and a targeted 25% ownership stake. The agreement begins up to a two-year feasibility and negotiation period toward a Final Investment Decision, during which Brookfield would cover Santee Cooper’s bidding and negotiation costs and would retain at least 75% of plant output to sell. The V.C. Summer project was abandoned in 2017 after delays and legal fallout. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Denver — Strong, gusty winds and unseasonably warm temperatures affected multiple Western and Plains regions this week. Meteorologists issued high-wind warnings Tuesday and into Thursday as stations recorded gusts up to 96 mph in Montana and 90 mph in Colorado, with additional 70-80+ mph readings reported in Wyoming. Agencies closed or restricted highways, and forecasts warned of snow and hazardous travel in higher terrain. Temperatures rose into the 50s and 60s in some valleys despite colder air aloft. Emergency managers and the National Weather Service advised precautions for high-profile vehicles and motorists. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.