JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 961

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump hosted the inaugural Board of Peace meeting Thursday, gathering representatives from over two dozen countries to coordinate Gaza reconstruction and security. Members pledged roughly $5 billion overall, while nine countries later pledged $7 billion and the United States announced a $10 billion pledge; leaders also committed thousands of personnel for an international stabilization and police force. Attendees emphasized rebuilding Rafah as a deployment focal point amid a fragile ceasefire. The board stems from Trump’s 20-point peace plan and will seek additional funding and operational details in coming weeks. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The United States intensified military posture near Iran while indirect nuclear talks in Geneva produced limited progress, officials said Tuesday and Wednesday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned Iran to accept a deal and President Donald Trump suggested possible strikes using Diego Garcia, amid reports the Pentagon positioned carriers and multiple warships. US officials, citing The New York Times and CNN, said forces could enable strikes as soon as this weekend though no final presidential decision was public. Iran and Russia announced joint naval drills in the Sea of Oman. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, U.S. government and media reports showed the overall 2025 trade deficit narrowed slightly to $901.5 billion, while the goods deficit rose to a record $1.24 trillion, as December's deficit jumped to $70.3 billion after imports surged. President Donald Trump attributed a 78% trade-deficit reduction to his tariffs, introduced April 2, 2025, but official data and analysts reported otherwise, noting rising imports and manufacturing job losses. Trade with China remained the largest bilateral deficit. These figures derive from publicly available Commerce Department releases, the Joint Economic Committee, Reuters and multiple news outlets. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a local emergency Wednesday and requested a Presidential disaster declaration after a Jan. 19 collapse of a 72-inch Potomac Interceptor sewer pipe that released hundreds of millions of gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. The request seeks federal coordination, technical testing, Army Corps assessments, and full reimbursement for District and DC Water costs; officials reported elevated bacterial contamination and urged infrastructure upgrades. The White House said federal help is available if requested, while regional leaders discussed responsibilities. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The United States has deployed substantial naval and air forces to the Middle East this week as diplomatic talks with Iran faltered. Officials confirmed the USS Gerald R. Ford joined the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group, while flight-tracking and U.S. sources reported more than 50 fighter jets and refuellers routing to regional bases. President Trump gave Tehran a 10–15 day ultimatum, and media reporting said planners have options including strikes on missile sites, nuclear facilities, and senior leaders. Pentagon officials described the largest U.S. maritime and aerial posture in decades. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting independent research.

Newark, New Jersey — JetBlue Flight 543 returned to Newark Liberty International Airport and evacuated Wednesday after crew reported an engine failure and smoke shortly after takeoff. The Airbus A320, carrying about 122 people, landed safely and passengers used inflatable slides to exit onto a taxiway; emergency crews responded and officials reported no injuries, though one passenger was evaluated for chest pains. Airport operations were temporarily suspended, causing delays and a ground stop before resuming later. The FAA and Port Authority are investigating and JetBlue said safety is its top priority. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research findings.

United States. Local water authorities this week issued advisories, implemented voluntary restrictions, and restored service after outages across multiple states. South Florida's water district warned of rapidly declining levels and possible mandatory restrictions in February 2026. North Carolina and Florida towns issued boil notices after pressure losses from maintenance. Richmond restored service after valve repairs interrupted supply. Kalamazoo will phase in orthophosphate March–July to reduce lead and iron risks, while experts said maritime water transport is economically impractical for drought relief. Officials urged conservation and infrastructure improvements and monitoring of system performance. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON Federal Reserve economists and a JPMorganChase Institute analysis found tariffs imposed last year increased costs for U.S. firms and consumers. On Feb. 19, JPMorganChase reported midsized firms' tariff payments tripled, affecting companies that employ about 48 million people. A New York Fed paper similarly found American companies and consumers bore most tariff costs, prompting White House adviser Kevin Hassett this week to call for discipline of Fed economists. Economists at Harvard, the University of Chicago and the Kiel Institut issued corroborating studies. Researchers used firm-level payment records and national macroeconomic analysis. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

SEATTLE — The estate of late owner Paul G. Allen announced Wednesday that it has officially commenced a formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks. Investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins will lead the sale, which the estate estimates will continue through the 2026 offseason and requires ratification by NFL owners. The estate said the move complies with Allen’s directive that his sports holdings be sold and proceeds directed to philanthropy. Allen purchased the team in 1997 for $194 million; current valuations place the franchise near $6.59 billion. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted Thursday to approve President Donald Trump's proposal to build a ballroom on the former East Wing site, advancing plans for a 90,000-square-foot addition. Six commissioners appointed by the president voted in favor while one recused himself; commissioners discussed removing a south pediment and grounds plan. The project follows the East Wing's October demolition and a January meeting that raised questions about the design's scale. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block construction; a court decision is pending. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.