JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1088

Washington, The White House released a new national security strategy this week that portrays European allies as weak and prioritizes U.S. interests across the Western Hemisphere. The document, the administration’s first national security strategy since the president’s January return to office, criticizes European migration and free-speech policies and warns of a “prospect of civilizational erasure.” It frames decisions by an “America First” standard, favors reduced overseas intervention, emphasizes hemispheric influence, rejects aspects of climate policy, and signals support for domestic resistance to perceived anti-democratic trends. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Six public companies announced or closed equity offerings this week. Soluna Holdings announced a $32 million registered direct offering on Dec. 5 and closed it Dec. 8; Atlas Lithium priced a $10 million registered direct offering Dec. 5; Reed’s priced a $10 million public offering and associated warrants Dec. 5 while uplisting to NYSE American; KALA BIO closed a $10 million at-the-market registered direct offering Dec. 5; and Dyne Therapeutics commenced a proposed $300 million underwritten offering Dec. 8. Placement agents included H.C. Wainwright, A.G.P., Morgan Stanley and others. Based on 6 articles reviewed and independent supporting research.

United States — Meteorologists across the Southeast reported persistent rain and cooler temperatures Friday and into the weekend as a slow-moving cold front and associated low pressure systems moved through the region. Forecasters predicted scattered to periods of light-to-moderate rain, localized ponding, and minor coastal flooding during high tide, with most areas expecting under one inch but pockets up to 1–2 inches. Winds could gust with the frontal passage and a stronger cold front is expected Sunday night, bringing colder, drier air early next week. Residents were advised to carry rain gear and monitor local forecasts. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MANILA — The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the national government to return ₱60 billion transferred from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's excess reserves, and permanently blocked further transfers, ruling the contested budget provision and DOF circular unconstitutional. The 15-0 decision, promulgated Dec. 3 and announced Dec. 5, said Congress and the executive exceeded authority under the Universal Health Care Act and sin tax statutes. The court instructed the government to include the returned funds in the 2026 General Appropriations Act. Petitioners and UHC advocates welcomed the ruling. Affecting health funding nationwide. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Florida's full congressional delegation urged President Donald Trump to exclude the state from his administration's plan to expand offshore oil and gas drilling, warning it would imperil military operations and tourism. In a rare bipartisan letter signed by Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody and all 28 House members, they said risks from new drilling outweigh any short-term gains. Lawmakers cited more than 50,000 Panhandle jobs tied to the Gulf Test Range and $127.7 billion in annual beach tourism. The Interior Department has proposed opening the eastern Gulf to leasing; the White House had no immediate comment.

Washington. The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Texas to use a Republican-backed congressional map for the 2026 elections, staying a lower court order that had found the map likely racially discriminatory. The emergency order, after Justice Samuel Alito granted relief, pauses a 2-1 district court ruling while the high court considers the state's appeal. The conservative majority said Texas is likely to succeed on the merits, while three liberal justices dissented. Texas officials said qualifying has begun for March primaries and the map could add up to five House seats for Republicans. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Saint Paul, Minnesota — Governor Tim Walz said Thursday that motorists have driven past his home and shouted a derogatory slur after former President Donald Trump used the same language in a Nov. 27 Truth Social post. Walz told reporters he has observed repeated drive-by taunts, that no Republican elected official has publicly condemned the insults, and that he fears the rhetoric could escalate to violence. Multiple outlets published his remarks and video from a press briefing, while conservative commentators published critical columns. Authorities have not reported related arrests. State officials commented minimally. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, U.S., U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Tuesday that it will reduce maximum Employment Authorization Document validity from five years to 18 months for select categories, effective for applications filed or pending on or after December 5, 2025. Director Joseph Edlow said the change will allow more frequent vetting to deter fraud and identify individuals who pose risks, citing a recent shooting involving a foreign national as influencing the decision. The policy also aligns with provisions in recent legislation and accompanies the creation of a centralized USCIS vetting center. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research this week.