JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 957

Washington — The U.S. women's Olympic hockey team declined a White House invitation to attend Tuesday's State of the Union, citing timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments after the Milan Cortina Olympics. President Donald Trump invited both gold medal teams during a phone call in the men's locker room, facilitated by FBI Director Kash Patel. USA Hockey confirmed the women received the invitation but could not attend. The men's team accepted the offer. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Democrats debated whether to boycott or stage low-key protests during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Feb. 24, with House and Senate leaders urging decorum while some members planned to skip the speech and attend rallies. Leaders cited last year’s disruptions, including Rep. Al Green’s removal, as reason to avoid spectacle. Outside the Capitol, organizers hosted a "People's State of the Union" with survivors, migrants’ relatives, and laid-off public health researchers speaking. Party organizers favored low-key objection or absence, and many members inclined to follow that guidance. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Tony Gonzales faces intensified calls to resign after publication of late-night text messages and reporting that a former regional director, Regina Santos-Aviles, died by self-inflicted burns in September. GOP colleagues including Reps. Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, Nancy Mace and Thomas Massie demanded resignation this week, while Gonzales denied an affair, said he was blackmailed and refused to step down. A commissioned poll shows him trailing in the March 3 Republican primary, and House Speaker Mike Johnson said he will review the matter as investigations proceed. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear appeals from ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy seeking to block state-court climate lawsuits brought by Boulder and other jurisdictions. The companies asked the court to rule that state law cannot be used to impose nationwide costs for greenhouse gas emissions, arguing federal courts should decide issues tied to national energy policy. Lower state courts allowed the litigation to proceed, and the cases seek unspecified monetary damages for climate-related costs. The court — with a conservative majority — is expected to hear arguments next October. Based on 6 articles and supporting research.

Washington. A federal judge on Monday permanently barred the Justice Department from releasing the second volume of special counsel Jack Smith's report detailing his investigation into President Donald Trump's possession of classified documents and alleged obstruction. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted requests by Trump and co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, saying release would be a "manifest injustice." The order bars Attorney General Pam Bondi and successors from disclosing that portion. Bondi had earlier advised nondisclosure amid questions about Smith's appointment. The charges were dismissed after Cannon's July 2024 ruling. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Atlanta, Georgia. California Gov. Gavin Newsom told Mayor Andre Dickens on Sunday that he was a 960 SAT guy while discussing his dyslexia during a national book-tour event, prompting criticism that the comment aligned with racial stereotypes. The clip circulated widely on X and drew responses from political figures and commentators. Newsom and aides defended his remarks as personal disclosure about learning differences. Separately, Newsom told CNN on Monday that Democrats should emphasize housing, childcare and energy over identity issues. He also conducted stops in South Carolina as part of the tour. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Ten companies issued disclosures this week reporting financing, regulatory compliance updates, operational results, and board actions. NAPCO confirmed investor meetings at Raymond James; La Rosa’s CEO and COO voluntarily cut base salaries by 60%; FibroBiologics received a Nasdaq extension to regain listing; UFP Industries and Heritage previewed fourth-quarter results and earnings dates; ROC and Abundia closed offerings raising $24 million and $20 million respectively; Martin Marietta completed an asset exchange with Quikrete; Silo Pharma authorized a $1 million share buyback; OPAL scheduled Q4 results and a March conference call. Based on 10 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel this week to Saint Kitts and Nevis to attend the 50th CARICOM summit and press regional leaders on security, migration, drug trafficking and economic cooperation. The State Department officially confirmed his one-day visit on Wednesday after a U.S. military operation in January removed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. Officials said Rubio will reaffirm U.S. commitment to working with CARICOM, discuss pressure on Cuba, and seek coordinated responses to Middle East developments. The summit opening is set for 24 February; Rubio's engagements occur on 25 February. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Gas prices moved modestly this week as national averages rose while local markets varied. GasBuddy and AAA reports show the U.S. average climbed to about $2.88–$2.95 per gallon, driven by higher crude oil and geopolitical risk related to U.S.-Iran tensions. Local changes included declines in Peoria and Michigan, rises near Columbus and Wyoming counties, and Washington state reaching roughly $4.35 per gallon after a seasonal blend shift. Analysts cite refinery maintenance, supply constraints and price cycling as contributing factors. Economists warn seasonal demand could push averages higher in coming weeks. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — This week, weather systems moving through the U.S. produced bitter cold, gusty winds and variable snowfall, impacting communities from Interior Alaska to the Southeast. National Weather Service forecasts and local meteorologists warned of wind chills, gusts and accumulations beginning Monday and persisting into midweek. Interior Alaska faced the most severe conditions with winter storm warnings and forecasts up to 18 inches, while Southeast Michigan expected one to three inches. Central Indiana, Rochester and Northeast Ohio reported flurries, slick spots and gusty conditions. Myrtle Beach recorded near‑record lows before a gradual warmup. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.