JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1093

United States — Local law enforcement across multiple states reported rising package thefts as holiday deliveries increase this week. Police in Arkansas, Washington, North Carolina, California and South Carolina urged residents to secure shipments, require signatures, use tracking, and consider cameras or scheduled deliveries. Agencies cited national loss estimates of $8 billion, reported average package values near $200 and noted millions of packages stolen annually. Some departments partnered with carriers to adjust drop-off instructions and promote awareness. Officials also warned about online shopping scams and advised verifying retailer websites before entering payment details. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States meteorologists warned of an advancing arctic front this week, producing widespread temperature plunges, light snow, and snow squalls that could disrupt travel. Local TV forecasts from multiple markets reported highs falling from the 30s into the teens and single digits overnight, periods of flurries or dustings to around an inch, and pockets of blowing snow near the Great Lakes. Agencies advised caution for slick roads and hazardous wind chills as high pressure follows with cold conditions. Forecasts cite model guidance, surface observations and satellite imagery to time impacts, update warnings. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington President Donald Trump announced Tuesday the rollout details for 'Trump Accounts,' a federal child-investment program paired with a $6.25 billion pledge from Michael and Susan Dell to seed 25 million accounts. nationally available The Treasury will automatically create Invest America accounts for children born during 2025–2028, with $1,000 federal deposits for newborns and Dell deposits of $250 for eligible children ten and under who missed the federal cutoff. Families can claim and contribute to accounts beginning in early 2026, with deposits permitted starting July 4; funds become available at age 18. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

President Donald Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former Honduran leader convicted of helping smuggle 400 tonnes of cocaine into the United States, leading to his release Monday from a West Virginia prison, his wife said. The surprise move, as Trump orders strikes on boats allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean and backs right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura in a Honduran vote count deemed too close to call, drew bipartisan criticism. Senators Ed Markey and Bill Cassidy condemned the decision, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended it.

United States. Local and federal actors announced actions this week to address housing shortages across multiple cities. In Grand Rapids a developer challenged a regional 2025 housing assessment after a Nov. 21 letter; Charleston leaders considered a $17.5 million TIF-backed land purchase for affordable units; Bay City moved public housing into a nonprofit and shifted vouchers; New York opinion pieces urged multigenerational affordable builds; Lexington broke ground on a mixed-income complex opening in 2026; a California congressman introduced legislation to redirect federal immigration funds toward housing affordability. Officials highlighted local vacancy rates. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recommended this week that the administration impose a full travel ban on countries she described as "flooding" the United States with criminals and welfare seekers, after a Nov. 26 shooting that wounded two National Guard members. Officials moved to pause adjudication of immigration, green card and citizenship cases from 19 countries while vetting is reviewed, citing national security concerns, and the administration signalled adding more nations, possibly exceeding 30, to the travel-restriction list. The measures follow a June proclamation and internal USCIS guidance dated Dec. 2. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Madison, Wis. Former lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes announced Tuesday that he will run for governor of Wisconsin, entering the Democratic primary for the 2026 seat. In a campaign launch video titled “Reality Check,” Barnes criticized President Donald Trump’s administration for “distraction and chaos,” vowed to prioritize affordability, and proposed expanding BadgerCare while closing tax loopholes for the ultra‑rich. Barnes, who narrowly lost a 2022 Senate bid to Ron Johnson, is described as a front‑runner with statewide name recognition and funding. The campaign follows Tony Evers’ decision not to seek a third term. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard arguments from First Choice Women's Resource Centers, which challenged a New Jersey subpoena seeking donor and organizational information issued by Attorney General Matthew Platkin's office. The center argues the subpoena exceeded state authority and violated First Amendment associational privacy; state lawyers said they had reasons to investigate crisis pregnancy centers despite lacking specific complaints. Justices questioned the basis for the inquiry and probed whether the subpoena constituted a fishing expedition. Courtroom exchanges focused on evidence requirements and the balance between consumer-protection investigations and constitutional protections. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

LEXINGTON, Ky. Kentucky hired Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as head football coach Monday, replacing Mark Stoops after his 13-season tenure. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart announced a five-year deal and cited Stein’s Kentucky roots and quarterback development. Stein, 36, will take his first head-coaching post after serving as Oregon’s offensive coordinator, where his units averaged over 38 points in the 2025 regular season. Reports said he may finish Oregon’s College Football Playoff run before fully transitioning. He arrived in Lexington Tuesday and addressed fans Wednesday, outlining offensive, high-scoring intents for the program. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.