JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1026

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.

Minneapolis, United States. Mayor Jacob Frey criticized federal immigration enforcement and defended protesters after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, saying the victim 'is not a domestic terrorist' and that he does not support abolishing ICE. Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul filed a lawsuit challenging Operation Metro Surge and federal deployments. Protests occurred across the city, which Frey described as largely peaceful. Reports cited about 3,000 federal ICE and border agents present compared with approximately 600 local police. Several lead federal prosecutors tied to related investigations resigned. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended a ministerial meeting convened by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday to strengthen critical minerals supply chains and met Assistant to the US President Michael Kratsios to discuss AI Impact Summit in Delhi next month. Participants discussed technology sharing, funding for projects, refining and processing, recycling rare earths and research collaboration to secure long-term supply for electronics manufacturing. Vaishnaw posted on X about enhancing manufacturing resilience and India's objectives. US officials affirmed support for addressing minerals supply vulnerabilities and confirmed US participation in India summit. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Columbus, Ohio — Authorities arrested and charged a Chicago doctor in the Dec. 30 killings of Spencer and Monique Tepe and will return him to Ohio for trial. Michael McKee, 39, waived an extradition hearing Monday in Winnebago County, Illinois, after a Dec. arrest in Rockford; officials said surveillance linked his vehicle to the Weinland Park scene. Prosecutors elevated charges to premeditated aggravated murder. McKee appeared shackled in court and remains jailed pending transfer; a Jan. 19 hearing will address the transfer status. Columbus police and officials scheduled Wednesday briefing on investigative developments. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, Republican U.S. Representative Randy Fine introduced the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act on Monday, authorizing the president to pursue acquisition of Greenland for admission as a state. Fine said the measure aims to counter expanding Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic and to secure U.S. national security interests. He announced the bill in a post on X and in a congressional statement. In response, bipartisan senators introduced the NATO Unity Protection Act to prohibit U.S. occupation or annexation of allied territories without consent. Reporting and statements provided the primary sources. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — State governments and federal agencies moved to restrict items purchasable with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, prompting legal challenges. Tennessee will ban processed foods and sugary drinks effective July 31, 2026; Georgia lawmakers proposed similar restrictions and annual recertification; Iowa began enforcing a rule limiting sugary drinks this month. The USDA sought recipient data and officials suspended payments to noncompliant states, prompting lawsuits and injunction requests. States report hundreds of thousands to over a million SNAP recipients affected and millions in federal funds at stake and ongoing policy debates. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington President Donald Trump on Monday announced a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran and said his administration is considering military, cyber and psychological options as nationwide protests intensified. U.S. officials received briefings and the national security team planned further deliberations this week, and international outlets corroborated. Human rights groups and eyewitness videos reported hundreds killed amid a government internet blackout and mass arrests. Iran’s foreign minister denied responsibility, blamed foreign actors, and said the situation was under control. The White House cited messages from Iranian officials seeking talks. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.