JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1082

MIAMI — Democrat Eileen Higgins won the mayoral runoff on Tuesday, defeating Republican Emilio Gonzalez in a race watched nationally and by both parties ahead of the 2026 midterms. Higgins, a former county commissioner who led all city districts in the Nov. 4 election, converted a mail-ballot edge into a decisive victory, becoming Miami’s first Democratic and first female mayor in nearly 30 years. Gonzalez had endorsements from President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Higgins said she will prioritize affordability, climate action and reviewing local immigration enforcement. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania — President Donald Trump traveled to the Mount Airy Casino Resort on Tuesday to present his administration's record and steps to ease Americans' cost-of-living pressures. He asserted prices for beef, eggs and coffee are falling and repeated that inflation is 'essentially gone,' while critics and some polling show eroded public trust in his economic leadership. The event followed off-cycle Democratic gains attributed to affordability concerns and internal Republican calls for greater domestic focus. The White House scheduled the speech as part of a broader effort to sell economic achievements. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — issuers announced a series of financial and strategic developments. On Tuesday and December 9–11, TopBuild hosted an Investor Day in New York, Omni‑Lite secured a five‑year precision‑casting agreement, and 3D Systems agreed to equitize $30.8 million of convertible notes. FG Nexus authorized a preferred‑share repurchase program, iPower repaid its JPMorgan ABL and secured a bridge loan, and BAB, Inc. declared a cash distribution. SEGG celebrated Lando Norris's championship; Capital Southwest promoted Grant Eason; Medicenna scheduled a webinar on MDNA11 data; DLH reported Q4 fiscal results; Oil‑Dri raised its quarterly dividend. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Several companies announced or completed public equity offerings this week. On Dec. 9 Terns Pharmaceuticals filed for a proposed $400 million offering with a 30-day option for $60 million, and Denali Therapeutics filed for a $200 million offering with a $30 million option. On Dec. 11 Blink Charging priced 26,666,666 shares at $0.75 raising about $20 million, Tenaya Therapeutics filed to offer units, and on Dec. 11 Terns and Dyne Therapeutics closed upsized offerings raising roughly $747.5 million and $402.5 million respectively. Underwriters and SEC filings accompanied the announcements. Based on 7 articles reviewed independently and supporting research.

Washington, The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on a Republican-led challenge seeking to eliminate federal limits on coordinated spending by political parties. Petitioners include Vice President JD Vance, former Rep. Steve Chabot and GOP committees that argue the caps violate the First Amendment. The Federal Election Commission, Democratic lawmakers and defender Roman Martinez urged the court to preserve caps enacted under the Federal Election Campaign Act. Oral argument referenced a 2001 precedent and coordination caps that vary by race and cycle. Justices appeared divided, and the case could reshape party spending rules. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MOBILE, Ala. Several Alabama cities have joined a legal challenge this week seeking to change the state's distribution of the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT), arguing online sales revenue is not allocated equitably. Counties and Association of County Commissions of Alabama intervened to defend existing system. Municipal councils from Madison, Prichard and Mobile voted to join the suit, while all 67 counties and hundreds of municipalities have filed briefs supporting current allocations. Plaintiffs filed the case in Montgomery Circuit Court in August; courts will now consider competing statutory and constitutional claims. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday designated the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations as foreign terrorist organizations in an executive order posted to X. The order directs state agencies to block contracts, employment and funds for the groups and anyone providing material support, and instructs law enforcement to take lawful measures to prevent unlawful activities. CAIR said it will sue, calling the proclamation unconstitutional and defamatory and denying ties to Hamas. The action follows a similar designation by Texas. Responses came swiftly nationwide. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

The United States has revoked 85,000 visas this year, including more than 8,000 held by students, a senior State Department official said, citing DUIs, assaults and theft as nearly half the cases. The official, speaking anonymously, said vetting remains stringent, especially for applicants from high risk environments and Afghanistan, and officers will take as long as needed before issuing any visa. Addressing new policies, the official called free speech fundamental and noted a May visa restriction targeting foreigners who censor Americans, while stressing case by case decisions amid heightened scrutiny of immigration and security procedures since 2021.

Billings, Montana: Strong winds and an atmospheric river impacted Montana this week, triggering high wind warnings, flood watches and winter advisories across the state from northwest Montana to the eastern plains. Agencies measured gusts up to 96 mph and 60–80 mph across regions, heavy mountain snow and rain-to-snow transitions that prompted additional winter storm watches and localized flood concerns. Forecasters urged residents to secure outdoor items, warned of gusty downslope winds through Thursday, and forecast a sharp temperature drop later in the week while snow levels fluctuate. Warnings remain active. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.