JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1098

Washington — President Donald Trump announced Friday he will grant a full pardon to former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted in a U.S. court in March 2024 of conspiring to import cocaine and later sentenced to 45 years. The announcement on social media came days before Honduras's closely contested presidential vote and reiterated Trump's endorsement of conservative candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura, warning U.S. support could be withdrawn if Asfura loses. Hernandez has been appealing his conviction and is serving time at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton. Lawyers for Hernandez praised the pardon. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Indiana Senator Michael Bohacek announced this week that he will oppose a Republican-led redistricting plan after President Donald Trump used an offensive slur for people with intellectual disabilities to describe Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Bohacek, who disclosed his daughter has Down syndrome, posted on Facebook that "words have consequences" and said he would vote no until Trump's conduct demonstrates it merits a congressional majority. The development follows Trump's Nov. 27 Truth Social post and comes amid GOP efforts to redraw maps ahead of the 2026 midterms, and prompts debate among Indiana Republicans. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Small businesses across the country prepared for Small Business Saturday, as local shops promoted sales, seeking holiday customers. Communities from Southaven, Miss., to Las Vegas and Dayton staged local promotions and offered deals to attract shoppers on Saturday, Nov. 29. Retail groups and local officials cited the event’s origin with American Express in 2010 and SBA support since 2011. Some retailers reported higher weekend traffic expectations; the National Retail Federation estimated about 67 million shoppers. Several markets warned winter storms, tariffs and rising costs could depress turnout and sales. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday announced he is terminating executive orders and documents that former President Joe Biden signed using an autopen, saying 92% of such records are invalid. Trump posted the declaration on Truth Social and threatened perjury charges against Biden if he disputes staff use of the device. Officials and legal experts noted uncertainty over Trump's authority to void prior actions; Justice Department guidance has long held that autopen signatures can be lawful. It remains unclear which directives would be affected or how agencies will implement any changes. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. President Donald Trump spoke by phone last week with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to discuss a possible in-person meeting, U.S. and international outlets reported. The call, which Reuters and Xinhua said included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, occurred days before the United States designated 'Cartel de los Soles' on Nov. 24. Since early September U.S. forces have struck more than twenty suspected drug-smuggling vessels, with media reports of 80 fatalities, while the Navy deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford. On Nov. 29 Trump posted that Venezuela's airspace should be considered closed. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Gainesville, Fla. — Florida hired Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall Sunday, finalizing a six-year contract after moving on from Lane Kiffin earlier this week. University officials and a person familiar with the search, speaking to the AP, confirmed Sumrall will remain with Tulane for its upcoming American Athletic Conference title game and College Football Playoff appearance. Sumrall, 43, compiled championship seasons at Troy and Tulane and has multiple conference title appearances. The Gators also are expected to add NFL executive Dave Caldwell to manage roster and salary-cap matters. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, prosecutors announced Friday that charges were upgraded to first-degree murder after Specialist Sarah Beckstrom died from wounds sustained when a suspect allegedly shot two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday afternoon. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, as the defendant; officials said one victim remained critically injured and both received surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center earlier. President Trump called the attack a terrorist act, and federal authorities indicated reviews of vetting processes for evacuees and related immigration programs would follow. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Governors placed friendly wagers and forecasters warned of winter weather ahead of Saturday’s rivalry between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 15 Michigan at noon. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer exchanged state-branded snack items, while former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel wagered signature look with Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. Forecasts predicted temperatures near 28°F with a medium risk of snow showers that could arrive in the early afternoon. The game's outcome carries College Football Playoff and Big Ten implications for Michigan and Ohio State. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.