JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1025

WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton refused to comply with subpoenas from the Republican-led House Oversight Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein, their attorneys said in an eight-page letter. Chairman Rep. James Comer said the panel will move next week to begin contempt of Congress proceedings after Bill Clinton missed a scheduled deposition and Hillary Clinton declined to appear. The committee subpoenaed both in August and sought closed-door questioning about Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The Clintons called the probe legally invalid and said they will defend themselves. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington The World Bank released its Global Economic Prospects report on January 13 stating global GDP growth will slow to 2.6% in 2026 from 2.7% in 2025 before rising to 2.7% in 2027. The bank said about two thirds of the upward revision reflects stronger US growth and noted an import surge in early 2025 ahead of tariffs boosted 2025 figures. It warned growth remains concentrated in advanced economies and will not substantially reduce extreme poverty. The report follows June forecasts and incorporates World Bank data and economist commentary. Independent verification confirms. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — The Trump administration announced that it will end Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals, requiring TPS holders to depart by March 17, 2026. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said country conditions have improved; the department posted the decision on X on Jan. 13. President Trump reiterated criticism of Somali immigrants and pledged to revoke citizenship of naturalized migrants convicted of fraud. The move affects about 1,100 people with work permits and follows ICE enforcement actions and raids in Minnesota that led to arrests and protests. Legal challenges are expected. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

ALBANY, N.Y. Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address Tuesday, proposing legislation requiring judicial warrants for federal immigration enforcement at schools, hospitals and houses of worship, and allowing residents to sue federal agents in state court. She unveiled plans for universal prekindergarten by 2028, community childcare pilots, tax incentives for employer childcare benefits, measures to lower New York's $4,000 average auto insurance, and protections against 3D-printed guns and harmful online content for children. Hochul framed proposals around affordability and public safety amid an upcoming election and legislative session planning. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Multiple companies issued recent updates this week. Mercury General scheduled fourth-quarter results and a Form 10-K filing for February 17, 2026. Sight Sciences reported preliminary Q4 revenue of $20.3–20.4 million and FY2025 revenue near $77.3–77.4 million with about $92 million cash. Pasithea provided clinical timelines and reported a 71.4% disease control rate signal in a cohort, citing November 2025 data. SunPower expanded an equity line to $55 million to secure cash goals. Outdoor Holding, iPower, Allegro MicroSystems, and Signing Day Sports announced calls, partnerships, events, and a $5.6 million offering. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States: Major corporations reported quarterly earnings this week, showing mixed results that generally beat Wall Street forecasts. Delta Air Lines posted $1.22 billion in fourth-quarter net income on Tuesday, with revenue of $16 billion and updated guidance for the next quarter. Bank of America reported $7.65 billion in fourth-quarter net income and revenue of $46.88 billion on Wednesday. B. Riley Financial posted $91.1 million profit in its third quarter, while Calavo Growers reported $3.8 million in fiscal fourth-quarter net income. Companies cited adjusted per-share figures, Zacks estimates and public SEC filings. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers outlined his legislative priorities, proposing a $1.3 billion property tax relief package and urging the Republican-controlled Legislature to enact measures on school funding, SNAP protections, PFAS water cleanup and housing reform. Evers defended his 2023 partial budget veto that adjusted school district levy limits and highlighted bipartisan gains in the 2025 budget, including higher special education reimbursements. He emphasized balancing economic development, including data centers, with environmental protections. Lawmakers have shown resistance to proposals, and debate over tax relief and veto repeal continues at the state Capitol. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The Justice Department opened a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over testimony and cost overruns in the Fed's headquarters renovation, revelations that surfaced late Sunday and prompted political and market concerns. Republican senators including Thom Tillis signaled they would block Trump nominees until the investigation resolves, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the president the probe could unsettle markets and confirmations. Global central bankers issued a Jan. 13 statement defending Fed independence, and several Fed officials publicly supported Powell. President Trump said he would name a nominee within weeks. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.

WASHINGTON Researchers reported that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions rose 2.4% in 2025 compared with 2024, reversing two years of declines. The Rhodium Group said on Tuesday that a cold winter, higher natural gas prices and rapid expansion of data centers and cryptocurrency mining increased power demand. Building emissions rose 6.8% and power-sector emissions increased 3.8%. The report noted U.S. emissions fell 0.5% in 2024 and 3.5% in 2023 and have declined about 20% since 2005. It said recent policy rollbacks had not yet materially affected 2025 totals. Analysts called for continued monitoring. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell this week over disclosures and testimony tied to a long‑planned Fed headquarters renovation. Powell disclosed subpoenas and said prosecutors threatened criminal charges; former Fed chairs and several Republican senators defended Fed independence. Labor Department data on Jan. 13 showed consumer prices rose 0.3% in December and core inflation rose 0.2%, providing economic context for policy discussions. Powell's term expires in 2026, raising renomination questions ahead. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.