JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1094

Washington — Costco sued in the U.S. federal Court of International Trade seeking refunds and protection from liquidation over tariffs President Donald Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The complaint asks judges to declare IEEPA-based tariffs unlawful, block further collections, and guarantee reimbursements for duties paid after the administration applied a 10% baseline tariff and additional 'reciprocal' levies on imports earlier this year. Costco cited a Dec. 15 liquidation deadline and noted lower courts have already questioned the legality of the measures as the Supreme Court considers the matter. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Minneapolis — Federal authorities plan a targeted immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region this week, focusing on Somali immigrants with final deportation orders. Administration teams would deploy across the Twin Cities to carry out directed sweeps in coming days as local leaders warned of increased tensions and fears of profiling. President Trump escalated rhetoric about Somalis during a recent cabinet meeting and moved to end Temporary Protected Status for some Somali residents, prompting community groups to mobilize legal and social services. ICE and state officials said operational details remain fluid. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

IOWA CITY, Iowa. Two gymnasts filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport failed to stop coach Sean Gardner after complaints surfaced in December 2017. The complaints, the suits say, described Gardner hugging, kissing and grooming athletes at a Mississippi gym. The plaintiffs allege the organizations did not investigate properly, revoke credentials, report to law enforcement or prevent Gardner from later working at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines in 2018, where additional abuse allegedly occurred. Liang "Chow" Qiao is named as a defendant. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. Congress faces a shrinking window this month to extend COVID-era Affordable Care Act premium tax credits before they expire, risking higher premiums for millions starting January 1. Lawmakers from both parties held closed-door talks and meetings this week but failed to coalesce around a bipartisan solution. Senate leaders scheduled a vote next week after Democrats agreed earlier this month to reopen government in exchange for a healthcare vote. Republican proposals emphasize income limits and fraud safeguards; Democrats warn veterans and low-income enrollees will be harmed. Negotiations continue as the deadline approaches. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Columbia, South Carolina, officials confirmed on Monday that a Powerball ticket sold locally matched the five white balls, producing a $1 million prize while similar tickets appeared in Georgia and other states. National lottery officials reported no jackpot winner since Sept. 6, causing the top prize to climb to an estimated $775 million for the next drawing. Winners claimed smaller multimillion-dollar prizes and state lotteries noted revenues earmarked for education. Draw numbers, retailer locations, and prize claim deadlines were published by state lottery offices and reported by local outlets. Multiple outlets confirmed. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — The U.S. assumed the G20 presidency on Dec. 1 and announced priorities to refocus the forum on economic growth, regulatory reform, energy supply security and technological innovation. The State Department said the presidency will pursue three core themes and host the 2026 Leaders' Summit in Miami. President Trump skipped the Johannesburg summit and said South Africa will not receive an invitation; Washington and Pretoria remain at odds over human-rights allegations and outgoing South African agenda. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a "New G20", proposing four working groups, admitting Poland. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

INDIANAPOLIS — Multiple Indiana Republican state senators reported anonymous bomb threats and other intimidation amid a heated push to redraw congressional districts. Authorities, including local police and the Indiana State Police, responded to reports at several homes and launched investigations. The Indiana House issued a draft redistricting map Monday while the State Senate continued deliberations. At least seven senators faced threats, and officials confirmed swatting attempts and false reports targeting legislators. One Republican senator announced he will not seek reelection. Lawmakers and law enforcement called for investigations and public statements condemning threats. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.