JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1096

Washington — Rep. Jasmine Crockett declined Sunday to retract a Nov. 18 House-floor assertion that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin received campaign contributions from Jeffrey Epstein. Media and FEC records show the donations instead originated from a different individual named Jeffrey Epstein, a physician who gave in 2020, after the financier’s 2019 death. On MS NOW host Jacqueline Alemany pressed Crockett to amend her remarks; Crockett refused, saying she had limited time to verify records. The Texas Tribune reported Crockett is moving closer to a U.S. Senate bid and scheduled an announcement. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Hallandale Beach, Florida, U.S. and Ukrainian officials met Sunday together for four- to five-hour talks to negotiate revisions to a proposed peace framework intended to end Russia’s 2022 invasion. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner represented the U.S.; Rustem Umerov led the Ukrainian delegation. Participants described the sessions as productive but cautioned further work is required, with Witkoff expected to meet Russian counterparts in Moscow this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks. Critics noted earlier draft points favored Russian demands. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. Authorities charged Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, with first-degree murder after a November 26 shooting near the White House that killed one National Guardsman and critically wounded another. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other officials said investigators believe Lakanwal was radicalized after arriving in the United States in 2021 during the Operation Allies Welcome resettlement program. Officials and commentators urged tougher vetting; the Department of Homeland Security announced suspensions and enhanced screening for some Afghan immigration requests. Investigations, medical care, legal proceedings, and policy reviews are ongoing. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Lawmakers pressed for congressional reviews after a Washington Post report that a Sept. 2 U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat was followed by a second strike that killed survivors. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denies ordering "no survivors," and the White House says President Trump will "look into" the matter and said he "wouldn't have" wanted a follow-up strike. Leaders of House and Senate Armed Services Committees have opened probes and members from both parties called the action potentially illegal. U.S. officials and outlets continue to assess eyewitness accounts this week. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

West Palm Beach, Fla. — U.S. officials met Ukrainian negotiators this past weekend as President Donald Trump's envoys sought to advance a proposed peace framework and prepare for scheduled talks in Moscow with Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held discussions with the Ukrainian delegation. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of chief of staff Andrii Yermak after investigators searched his home amid an anti-corruption probe tied to a reported $100 million embezzlement in the energy sector. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Local farms, state governments, and community groups this holiday season supplied, selected, and cared for live Christmas trees while officials prepared ceremonial Capitol displays. Farmers reported high weekend sales, experts advised selection and watering practices, and charities used tree lots for recovery fundraising. Officials scheduled state tree deliveries and lighting ceremonies; residents contested removal of a historic oak. Tariffs raised artificial-tree prices, prompting some buyers to choose real trees. Markets, traditions, and local events drove supply and demand nationally across regions. Consumers compared costs, availability, and sustainability of options. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States meteorologists reported multiple winter systems impacting regions from the Northeast to the Intermountain West week. Coastal and inland storms brought rain, wind and accumulating snow, including lake-effect bands and mountain totals. Forecasters issued Winter Weather Advisories and cautioned about hazardous travel during morning commutes Monday and Tuesday. Observed impacts included localized accumulations up to a foot in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, gusts up to 50 mph in northern Ohio, and early-season valley snow in Utah over Thanksgiving weekend. Emergency services and transportation agencies monitored conditions and issued advisories. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Stockton, Four people were killed and ten others were injured when a gunman opened fire at a banquet hall during a child's birthday party on Saturday evening, officials said. The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said roughly 14 people in total were struck by gunfire and deputies transported multiple victims to local hospitals. Spokesperson Heather Brent said early indicators suggest the attack may have been targeted; investigators are exploring all possibilities. Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee and Governor Gavin Newsom's office were briefed. No arrests were reported and the investigation remains active. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.