JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1015

Washington: The International Monetary Fund said global growth will hold at 3.3 percent in 2026 after revising forecasts up 0.2 percentage points from October, citing easing trade tensions and strong technology investment, particularly in artificial intelligence. The WEO update credits gains mainly to the United States and China and projects 3.2 percent growth in 2027. The IMF raised India's 2025 forecast to 7.3 percent and increased China's 2025 estimate to 5 percent, while warning that concentrated sectoral gains and possible reassessments of AI productivity or renewed trade frictions could pose downside risks. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.

Washington — the International Monetary Fund said Monday it raised its global growth forecast to 3.3% for 2026, citing rising artificial intelligence investment and easing trade disruptions. The IMF also upgraded the United States to 2.4% growth and projected China at 4.5%. It raised India’s 2025 growth estimate to 7.3%, while forecasting India to slow to 6.4% in 2026–27. IMF chief economist Pierre‑Olivier Gourinchas highlighted resilience despite heightened uncertainty. The World Economic Outlook update bases projections on recent data and investment trends. Policymakers and markets are monitoring risks tied to AI investment swings. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump linked his stance on Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and pushed for increased U.S. control, according to a letter and social media posts this week. He announced 10 percent tariffs on Denmark and several European nations to press negotiations, and his aides circulated options including long-term leases and expanded local rights for Greenlanders. European leaders publicly rejected coercive measures and discussed security at Davos and with NATO counterparts. Norway clarified the Nobel Prize is awarded independently. Trump declined to say whether he would use force. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Minneapolis, federal authorities opened an investigation after protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul during a Sunday service this week and interrupted worship, chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.” Organizers streamed the action on Facebook; demonstrators said they targeted a pastor alleged to be an ICE field official. The Justice Department said it will probe potential civil-rights violations and desecration of a house of worship, and the White House condemned the disruption. Authorities cited publicly available videos circulating on social media. DOJ statements and news organization reporting continued through Monday. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Honolulu — The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday heard arguments in Wolford v. Lopez over Hawaii’s 2023 law that bars carrying firearms on private property open to the public unless owners permit it. Three Maui residents sued, saying the law conflicts with the Court’s 2022 Bruen decision expanding public-carry rights. During oral arguments conservative justices questioned distinguishing the Second Amendment from other rights, and lower courts previously issued partial injunctions against related provisions. The law carries criminal penalties. Oral arguments signaled limits on restrictions. The outcome could affect similar rules in multiple states. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

National Harbor, Maryland. Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, Prince George's County and Peterson Companies announced Sunday they intend to develop a 6,000-seat Sphere venue at National Harbor. The smaller-format site will feature a 16K x 16K interior screen, Exosphere exterior LED, Sphere Immersive Sound, haptic seating and 4D effects. Officials said the project would receive roughly $200 million total in combined state, local and private incentives, support about 2,500 construction jobs and 4,750 operational jobs, and could generate more than $1 billion annually in economic impact for the county and state. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says that during the 2024 vice-presidential vetting by then-candidate Kamala Harris's team, aides asked whether he had ever been an agent of Israel, according to advance excerpts of his memoir released this past week. Shapiro, who is Jewish and outspoken, described the question as offensive and identified the questioner as former White House counsel Dana Remus in some accounts; Harris's office did not immediately comment. The memoir, Where We Keep the Light, is scheduled for release on January 27. News organizations obtained advance copies and widely reported Shapiro's quotations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Minneapolis and St. Paul — Several downtown hotels temporarily closed or canceled reservations amid heightened protests and federal immigration enforcement. Hotel managers cited public safety concerns and canceled bookings, including rooms reportedly held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, effective Sunday, Jan. 18. Protests intensified after the Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Good, and the Department of Homeland Security deployed more than 2,000 federal officers to the Twin Cities. Mayor Jacob Frey said Sunday that deploying active-duty soldiers would be unconstitutional and urged peaceful protest. The Pentagon readied about 1,500 Alaska-based soldiers. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump on Saturday publicly urged Rep. Julia Letlow to run and pledged his full endorsement if she launches a 2026 Senate campaign in Louisiana. Trump posted the message on his Truth Social account, calling Letlow a “total winner.” Letlow said she was honored but has not announced a decision. Incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in 2021 and advanced a recent HHS nominee out of committee, is seeking re-election and said he will face any challenger. Multiple local and national outlets reported the developments this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. President Donald Trump publicly called for new leadership in Iran on Jan. 18, accusing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of responsibility for mass killings, after Khamenei accused the United States of fomenting unrest. Iranian security forces imposed an internet blackout and a violent crackdown that activists say dispersed protesters. Diaspora demonstrations on Jan. 18–19 drew thousands in Los Angeles and hundreds in New York condemning Tehran's actions, with reports of civilian deaths. Journalists, activists, and U.S. officials provided statements and eyewitness accounts. International rights groups also reported and corroborated casualties. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.