‘Wordle’ Today #1,278 Answer, Hints and Clues for Wednesday, December 18

House Democrats shared an alleged birthday card from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein from 2003, which Trump denies sending, claiming it was part of a book compiled by Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The card features a provocative drawing and a conversation about shared interests, amidst ongoing scrutiny of Epstein's estate and the investigation into his sex trafficking activities. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine visited Puerto Rico to support military operations against drug cartels, coinciding with ongoing Marine training on the island. While locals protested against increased military presence, citing historical concerns, Puerto Rico's Governor Jenniffer González emphasized its strategic importance in combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Want More Context? 🔎

GoFundMe removed fundraising campaigns for Decarlos Brown Jr., accused of stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska to death on a Charlotte light-rail train, citing a policy against fundraisers for individuals charged with violent crimes; donors were refunded. Zarutska, a 23-year-old artist who fled Ukraine, was remembered by her family and local community for her creativity and kindness, while calls for increased public safety have been renewed following the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

North Carolina police are investigating the stabbing death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian woman who had recently fled the war. Decarlos Brown Jr., the suspect identified in the incident on a Charlotte Area Transit System train, will be charged with first-degree murder after recovering from his injuries, as the case has drawn national outrage, including remarks from President Trump and others. Want More Context? 🔎

The French government faces turmoil as lawmakers ousted Prime Minister François Bayrou over his unpopular 44 billion euro budget cuts aimed at addressing economic issues, marking the second prime ministerial dismissal in nine months. President Macron, constrained by term limits and grappling with a divided electorate, may struggle to stabilize his minority government as far-right sentiments rise amid ongoing economic challenges and anticipated protests. Want More Context? 🔎

President Donald Trump announced that the Department of Education will issue new guidance aimed at protecting the right to prayer in public schools, although specific details were not disclosed. This announcement came on September 8, 2025, amidst various other news events, including a violent smash-and-grab robbery and a significant auction sale of Darth Vader's lightsaber. Want More Context? 🔎