JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1029

JUNEAU, Alaska — Mary Peltola announced Monday she will challenge Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan for his U.S. Senate seat, emphasizing affordability and Alaska-focused governance. Peltola, the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, served partial and full House terms and lost her 2024 reelection to Nick Begich. Her campaign video invoked "Fish, family, freedom" and a call to return to bipartisan independence. Sen. Lisa Murkowski promptly endorsed Sullivan. National Democrats view the race as competitive. The announcement follows Peltola's 2023 personal losses and revives interest in Alaska's 2026 Senate contest and national attention. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

LANSING, Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II suspended his 2026 gubernatorial campaign Monday and declared his candidacy for Secretary of State, saying concerns about election security and voter privacy motivated the shift. He pledged to modernize licensing, expose dark-money influence, and protect voter data from surveillance. The move narrows the Democratic gubernatorial field and reinforces Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s frontrunner status while adding Gilchrist to a competitive secretary of state primary. Campaign finance reports this season showed Benson with a large fundraising advantage. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research today.

Columbia, S.C. Republican lawmakers and groups announced and debated new abortion restrictions while courts and voters shaped access across several states. In South Carolina, legislators announced a 'sweeping' restriction and bill stalled in a November subcommittee vote. In Missouri, Planned Parenthood sued after Amendment 3 passed, triggering trials and legal maneuvers including a May 2025 legislative repeal effort and a state supreme court decision. In Ohio, an appeals court sent parts of a 2019 abortion-law lawsuit back to trial court. In Arizona, closing arguments recently challenged waiting periods and telemedicine bans. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump posted an altered image on Truth Social showing him as the "Acting President of Venezuela" after U.S. forces detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and transferred them to the United States. The post, publicly shared in January 2026, mirrored an edited Wikipedia entry and asserted temporary U.S. management of Venezuelan affairs while proposing oil transfers to U.S. companies. Venezuelan authorities named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president and declared a state of emergency. The White House directly issued an executive order concerning Venezuelan oil revenues. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Fire departments responded to fires across multiple states. In Le Mars, Iowa, crews battled a house fire late Saturday investigators attributed to reckless use of a flammable liquid in a garage; three minors escaped and pets were rescued. In Knoxville, Tennessee, crews extinguished a business fire Sunday within ten minutes while investigators examine the cause. In Springfield, Illinois, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, early Monday fires caused property damage with no injuries reported. In Rhodesdale, Maryland, a barn fire Jan. 12 killed one dog and caused about $200,000 in losses. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Los Angeles, police arrested a man after a U-Haul drove into demonstrators supporting protests in Iran on Sunday, January 11, forcing marchers to scramble and then surround the vehicle. Video showed protesters striking the truck and attempting to pull the driver. The Los Angeles Fire Department evaluated two people who declined treatment; one person received minor treatment, police said. Authorities detained the driver and said investigators are considering assault charges while probing whether the vehicle was used as a weapon. The rally drew hundreds amid reports of hundreds killed in Iran’s crackdown. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Minneapolis this week saw federal agents execute a broad immigration enforcement sweep following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an immigration officer, officials and witnesses said. Protesters confronted heavily armed agents, honked horns, banged drums and attempted to block operations while officers forced entry into at least one home and used chemical spray; authorities detained at least one person. Local leaders called urgently for transparent oversight and urged state participation in the investigation, noting growing public concern nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security characterized the actions as its largest enforcement operation. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Cleveland — National Weather Service and local stations reported a series of winter systems moving across the Midwest and Mid‑South this week, bringing gusty winds, rain changing to snow, and light accumulations in higher elevations. Advisories and Weather Impact Alerts were issued for parts of Northeast Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Forecasters forecasted highs in the 50s then rapid temperature drops with cold fronts midweek, producing scattered snow showers, snow squalls in some areas, and travel impacts from slippery roads and reduced visibility. Local agencies advised caution during commutes. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research. Further confirmation.

United States: Local authorities and municipal utilities issued boil water advisories and strict conservation measures this week after infrastructure failures and drought reduced supplies. In Gilmer County and Liebenthal, officials cited a damaged water main and chlorine equipment failure, respectively; Lefors scheduled a 240‑foot main replacement requiring a boil notice. Lampasas declared Stage 5 restrictions after a major line break. In Corpus Christi, officials began drilling groundwater as reservoirs hit historic lows following cancellation of a planned desalination plant, prioritizing industrial and residential supply. Agencies issued precautions, repair timelines, and public guidance. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

CHICAGO — Caleb Williams led the Chicago Bears to a 31-27 wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night, throwing a go-ahead 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with 1:43 remaining. Chicago trailed 21-3 at halftime and 21-6 entering the fourth quarter before outscoring Green Bay 25-6 in the final period. Jordan Love drove the Packers into Chicago territory late, but Jaquan Brisker broke up a pass in the end zone as time expired. The Bears, NFC North champions under coach Ben Johnson, will host an upcoming divisional-round game next weekend. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.