JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1092

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended U.S. follow-up strikes on an alleged drug‑smuggling boat at a Dec. 2 cabinet meeting, saying he did not see survivors and invoking the 'fog of war.' The strikes began on Sept. 2 as part of a counterdrug campaign that included over twenty strikes and more than eighty fatalities. A Washington Post report that Hegseth ordered forces to 'kill everybody' prompted congressional inquiries and classified briefings where military leaders showed video and said no kill order existed. Senators pledged a War Powers vote if strikes hit Venezuela. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Charlotte, N.C. — An antitrust trial began Dec. 1 in federal court as 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports sued NASCAR and CEO Jim France, alleging unlawful monopolization tied to the charter system. Plaintiffs Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin refused 2024 charter extensions and cited a six-hour deadline and exclusivity provisions. Public testimony this week included Scott Prime, Steve O’Donnell and owner Bob Jenkins, who described financial losses and internal emails about strategy and strategic partnerships. The court heard a 2014 McKinsey report and testimony about $100 million and $160 million team shortfalls. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

New Orleans, federal authorities launched Operation Catahoula Crunch this week, deploying DHS personnel to target immigrants accused of violent crimes after weeks of local preparation and speculation. Agents began street-level activity while Hispanic-owned businesses reported worker absences on Dec. 1. DHS said targets include individuals released after arrests for serious offenses; officials did not disclose full scope. Advocates warned prior operations detained nonviolent immigrants and described heavy-handed tactics in other cities. Local leaders remain divided over cooperation with federal agents as legal challenges and protests persist. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Federal and state officials clashed over new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rules, data sharing and emergency assistance after a government shutdown disrupted benefits. The USDA issued guidance tightening eligibility and requested recipient data from states; the administration warned it could withhold administrative funds. Several states sued to block guidance and refuse data transfers. Oregon directed $1 million in emergency TANF aid to tribal nations, and Michigan joined litigation to preserve immigrant eligibility. Private and nonprofit partners expanded SNAP delivery access. New work-reporting requirements will affect more adults starting in December. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Waymo expanded autonomous operations this week and launched a DoorDash delivery partnership in Phoenix. On Monday and Tuesday companies announced trunk-delivery for DashMart orders within Waymo’s 315-square-mile Phoenix service area. Waymo began test driving in St. Louis, Baltimore and Philadelphia ahead of public launches, with trained specialists initially behind wheels. The company has operated in Phoenix since 2017, offered autonomous public rides in 2020, and expanded robotaxi service in October 2023. A San Francisco collision with an unleashed dog occurred Sunday and is under review. Officials are monitoring developments closely. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Miami — Miami Dade College's Board of Trustees unanimously reapproved transferring a roughly 2–3 acre downtown parcel to the state on Tuesday to support plans for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library, following a judge's temporary block over inadequate public notice of an earlier vote in September. The revote followed a public hearing attended by dozens and occurred amid an ongoing lawsuit alleging Sunshine Law violations; trustees and state officials emphasize economic and cultural benefits while opponents cite transparency concerns. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Republican lawmakers and voting-rights groups clashed this week as Florida began committee meetings on a mid-decade congressional redistricting. House leaders convened a select committee Thursday without a proposed map while Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump urged reopening maps. Dozens of civil-rights groups rallied Tuesday, citing the state’s Fair Districts amendment and warning of legal challenges. The legislature approved a map in 2022 after a DeSantis-backed special session; leaders remain divided on timing and appetite for change. The process relies on census data and committee hearings scheduled through December. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — House Republicans engaged in disagreements after Rep. Elise Stefanik accused Speaker Mike Johnson of lying about the exclusion of her proposed requirement that federal investigators notify Congress if they open probes into candidates. Stefanik posted objections on social media Monday and threatened to withhold support for the National Defense Authorization Act unless the provision was restored. Johnson told reporters Tuesday that the matter had not been brought to his attention. Other GOP women, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have pressed leadership on separate issues, while colleagues described tensions as largely limited. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration will pursue reconstruction of Dulles International Airport, calling the facility "not a good airport" and "terrible." Transportation officials said the Department of Transportation will solicit proposals and request bids to redesign terminals and modernize people movers after a people‑mover crash hospitalized 18 individuals. The administration cited plans for new designs while praising Eero Saarinen's terminal. Dulles, opened in 1962 and serving about 27 million passengers annually, is operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Federal agencies will lead procurement and planning this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.