JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 959

Springfield, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed a $56 billion fiscal 2027 budget and a two-year moratorium on data-center tax incentives this week, citing energy projections and affordability concerns. A state report published in December projected energy shortfalls beginning in northern Illinois by 2029 and statewide by 2031, linked partly to data-center growth. Lawmakers and consumer advocates warned incentives strain the grid and raise costs, while business competitiveness concerns were noted. Human services groups urged protection of programs amid limited new spending. Pritzker also criticized federal immigration enforcement during the address. Summary follows. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump warned Friday that he is considering limited strikes against Iran while Tehran’s top diplomat said a draft nuclear agreement would be ready in days. The United States has deployed two aircraft carriers, jets and weaponry to the Middle East and the USS Gerald R. Ford entered the Mediterranean as tensions rose. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiators could begin serious text talks within a week. US envoy Steve Witkoff said Trump questioned why Iran had not capitulated under pressure. Geneva talks resumed this week under Oman mediation. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON The U.S. economy expanded at a 1.4 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter, the Commerce Department reported Friday, missing the 2.5 percent projection and following a 4.4 percent third-quarter gain. Full-year 2025 GDP rose 2.2 percent. Officials attributed the slowdown to declines in federal spending, weaker exports and softened consumer purchases, and noted that the autumn government shutdown reduced output by an estimated portion of the quarter. December inflation readings showed renewed upward pressure. Most analysts expect some activity trimmed by the shutdown to rebound in the current quarter. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. The Commerce Department on Friday reported a key inflation gauge accelerated in December, with monthly prices rising 0.4% after a 0.2% increase in November and annual inflation at 2.9%, up from 2.8%. Core prices, excluding food and energy, also rose 0.4% monthly and 3.0% annually. The release, delayed by last fall's six-week government shutdown, showed the largest monthly increases since February and the largest year-over-year core gain since March. Policymakers face evidence that inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target even as unemployment stays low. Markets responded with muted volatility. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Palo Alto. Markets this week reacted to raised sales forecasts in the hydrogen sector and reported developments in next-generation battery materials, including potential silicon-based breakthroughs. Companies such as NEO Battery Materials, ITM Power and several small-cap technology issuers announced operational progress and management commentary. A cybersecurity firm reported strong results but saw its shares pressured after a weak outlook. Analysts noted growing selectivity among investors for future-oriented technologies like electrolysis and advanced batteries. Several corporate board announcements and a February 19, 2026 company update added to market movements, and prompted renewed trading. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that President Donald Trump lacked authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs, in a 6-3 decision by Chief Justice John Roberts. The judgment upholds a lower court and could prompt refunds exceeding $175 billion in duties collected. Analyses show tariff payments for midsize U.S. firms tripled last year, affecting companies that employ 48 million Americans. The decision removes a key tool used in reciprocal deals, including tariff reductions tied to South Korea investments, and requires governments, businesses assess next steps. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Truckee, California. Rescue teams responded Tuesday to a massive avalanche near Frog Lake Huts outside Truckee that left multiple backcountry skiers dead and injured. Authorities suspended recovery operations Thursday because hazardous conditions prevented safe extraction. Families identified six women among the victims and said the group were experienced skiers on a planned, professionally guided trip. Local officials organized vigils and grief sessions, and state and county agencies opened investigations into whether negligence or operational decisions contributed. Officials flew over the site Friday to assess the snowpack and possible controlled explosives before recovery. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, NASA released an independent report on Feb. 19 that classified Boeing's CST-100 Starliner crewed test flight as a Type A mishap, citing thruster failures, loss of maneuverability, engineering deficiencies and leadership and cultural breakdowns. The report followed propulsion anomalies during approach to the International Space Station after the spacecraft launched June 5, 2024, and led NASA to return the vehicle uncrewed while the two astronauts remained on the station before returning later. NASA recommended corrective actions and accountability for both agency and contractor oversight, and delayed certification and commercial crew operations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump said Thursday that U.S. negotiators and Iran have about 10 days to reach a "meaningful" nuclear deal or the United States may take military action. He referenced U.S. airstrikes last June and a round of talks held in Geneva this week. Trump warned of "bad things" if no agreement emerges. The administration has deployed additional warships and aircraft to the region, and Israeli leaders issued similar warnings. Officials and public reports, including a Wall Street Journal account, say the president is weighing a limited strike if talks fail. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Louisville, Ky. The Kentucky Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ruled that a 2022 law establishing public funding for charter schools is unconstitutional, reaffirming that state education funds are reserved for common public schools. The ruling upholds a lower-court decision and follows a 2024 voter rejection of a constitutional amendment to allow such funding. Justice Michelle M. Keller wrote the opinion. Lawmakers filed new proposals the same day seeking federal school-choice tax credits. Supporters of charters said the decision limits school options; opponents said it protects public-school funding. Education groups and parents reacted. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.