The Trump Administration's Immigration Operation Targeting Somali Immigrants in Minnesota Sparks Wid

Several states, including Pennsylvania, experienced a mix of snow and rain, leading to wet and slushy conditions that caused hundreds of accidents. The storm had already affected the Midwest, creating treacherous travel conditions after the Thanksgiving holiday. A significant pileup in Central Missouri brought highway traffic to a standstill.

Forecasters warn that another storm could bring winter weather to the mid-Atlantic region later in the week.

Forensics experts are examining what are believed to be the remains of one of the last two hostages inside Gaza. Palestinian militants, via the Red Cross, handed over the remains, which Palestinian media reported were uncovered in Northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, Palestinians in Khan Yunis mourned a freelance videographer, one of at least four people killed by Israeli fire across the territory on the same day. The Israeli military stated that they fired upon these individuals because they believed they had crossed into areas controlled by Israel and posed a threat.

Pope Leo XIV completed his first trip abroad as Pontiff with an appeal for peace after spending three days in Lebanon. He stated:

"The path of mutual hostility and destruction in the horror of war has been traveled too long with the deplorable results that are before everyone's eyes."

The Pope led mass along Beirut's waterfront, urging dialogue and reconciliation amid renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Earlier in the day, he prayed at the site of the 2020 Port explosion that killed 218 people and caused billions in damages. No officials have been held accountable for this disaster, and the Pope called for justice.

Returning to the Vatican aboard his plane, Pope Leo also urged US leaders to refrain from threats of military action against Venezuela.

In the fashion industry, Prada has acquired its longtime rival Versace for nearly $1.4 billion, completing a deal that had been in the works since April. Prada stated that the Versace brand offers significant untapped growth potential.

Wall Street stocks rebounded with gains across the board. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added nearly 200 points, the Nasdaq increased by more than half a percent, and the S&P 500 closed slightly higher.

Christmas festivities arrived at Washington DC's National Mall with the Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony. House Speaker Mike Johnson and the Nevada congressional delegation turned on nearly 6,000 LED lights on the tree, which glittered against 23,000 handmade ornaments.

This year's red fir stands 53 feet tall and is the first Capitol Christmas tree harvested from Nevada. Known as the "people's tree," it has brightened the capital lawn for five decades.

• Why more traditional four-year colleges are offering two-year associate's degrees.
• A new exhibit showcasing the work of Black contemporary artists from the collection of musicians Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.
• A group of elementary school journalists working to reverse falling test scores and decaying classrooms.

This comprehensive news wrap highlights significant political, social, and cultural developments both in the United States and internationally.