JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1000

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell this week after the Fed voted 10-2 to hold its benchmark rate, urging that the central bank "substantially" lower rates and calling Powell a "moron" on Truth Social. Trump said higher rates raise government interest expense and tied his case to tariff policy, while his administration has pursued probes and called for leadership changes at the Fed. Powell's term ends in May and Trump said he will announce a replacement next week, with contenders named in public reports. Multiple outlets report. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MINNEAPOLIS — Border czar Tom Homan said Thursday that federal immigration agents will be reduced only after state and local cooperation, following a fatal shooting of a protester Saturday. Homan briefed reporters after arriving Monday and meeting Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Tuesday. He said operations will target public-safety and national-security threats and that jails must notify ICE about removable individuals. Homan declined to specify agent numbers but noted plans depend on access to jails and remaining targets. He said he intends to stay until issues are resolved. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Charlotte, N.C. Meteorologists issued winter storm watches across the Southeast this week as an upper-level low and a surface low off Southeast coast are expected to produce snow and extreme cold from late Friday through Sunday. Forecasts called for accumulations mostly 4–8 inches in parts of central and piedmont North Carolina, with locally higher amounts in narrow bands; wind gusts up to 35–40 mph could cause blowing snow and power outages. Temperatures will tumble into the teens with wind chills near or below zero. Travel disruptions and infrastructure strain are likely. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

ST. PAUL — Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced Thursday that she is running for governor of Minnesota, posting a campaign video on X that cited recent state tragedies and federal actions. Klobuchar said Minnesotans have “been through a lot” and pledged to unify the state, oppose President Trump’s immigration enforcement in Minnesota and address public-safety and governance concerns. Her entry follows Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to end his reelection bid amid scrutiny over child-care funding, and comes after she filed formal campaign paperwork. News outlets reported her campaign statements, video, filings and campaign fundraising. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Portland, Maine. Senator Susan Collins announced Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has ended enhanced enforcement operations in the state after discussions with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Collins said there are no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations, while normal ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection activities will continue. Her notification followed a recent enforcement surge that resulted in more than 100 to 200 arrests and her Monday request to pause operations in Maine and Minnesota. Local organizers planned protests and business closures responding to the raids. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research and official statements.

United States — President Donald Trump ordered deployment of a US carrier strike group to the Middle East and warned Iran that a larger strike would follow if negotiations fail. US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said military forces stand ready while the administration is reviewing options. The United Nations called for diplomacy and restraint, and Iran’s UN mission warned it would defend itself if attacked. Media reports say the White House set strict preconditions for talks, and oil prices rose amid heightened tensions. No strike decision has been announced this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Manila, Philippines — The Supreme Court en banc denied the House of Representatives' motion for reconsideration on Thursday, upholding its July 25, 2025 ruling that declared the fourth impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional. The court said the complaint violated the Constitution's one‑year bar and raised due‑process concerns; the decision was unanimous among participating justices, with two justices absent from the vote. House members signaled plans to review and potentially amend impeachment rules to align with the ruling. The court reiterated that earlier complaints were not properly entered in Order of Business. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A judge on Thursday sentenced former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson to 20 years in prison after his October conviction for second-degree murder in the July 6, 2024, fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had called 911. Prosecutors relied on bodycam footage shown widely during trial. Massey’s family spoke at the hearing and cheered the sentence; the judge admonished them. Grayson apologized and said he froze that night. The case spurred national attention and debate over policing and hiring practices, and prompted calls for policy change. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Utility companies and local officials warned residents this week that prolonged below-freezing temperatures have increased the risk of frozen and burst water pipes, causing costly water damage. Municipal water agencies, plumbers and fire departments advised preventive actions — insulating exposed pipes, opening cabinets, leaving a thin trickle of water, locating main shut-off valves and avoiding open flames — and provided steps to shut off service when leaks appear. Insurers and contractors reported a rise in callouts as temperatures begin to rise and reveal hidden leaks across multiple states this winter. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Jackson, Miss. State officials deployed National Guard troops, tow trucks and 135 snowplows Wednesday to clear ice-clogged Interstates 55 and 22 after a weekend winter storm left sections impassable and caused hours-long traffic stoppages. Drivers reported being stranded for up to 14 hours, and emergency dispatchers received pleas for medication and oxygen from isolated residents. Power outages and fallen trees compounded risks across the South, prompting welfare checks and use of wildfire trucks to move patients. Authorities said no deaths were reported and prioritized clearing highways and restoring services. As of Wednesday. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.