JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 962

Washington, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales faces scrutiny after reports this week that a former regional director, Regina Santos-Aviles, admitted in an April 28, 2025 text to having an affair with the congressman and later died on Sept. 13 after setting herself on fire. The San Antonio Express-News published screenshots and withdrew its endorsement, and primary challenger Brandon Herrera urged Gonzales to exit the March 3 primary as early voting began. Gonzales denied improper conduct, called the claims a political smear, and his office praised the aide’s work. Investigations and public statements continue. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Baltimore experienced dense morning fog and mild, spring-like temperatures before an approaching cold front increased rain chances and gusty winds. Weather teams reported scattered to widespread showers Thursday into Friday, with some areas seeing moderate rain. Forecasts from Richmond to Columbia warned of a coastal storm Sunday into Monday that could bring rain and a late-season changeover to snow overnight, though accumulations were expected to remain minor. Temperatures will drop behind the front early next week before moderating mid-week. Officials urged motorists to allow extra travel time during low-visibility periods. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

PITTSBURGH — CNX Resources priced $500 million of 5.875% senior notes on February 17, 2026, closing February 26, intending to purchase or redeem its 2029 notes. HOUSTON — Genesis Energy commenced a cash tender offer on February 18 for up to $490 million of its 7.750% notes and later expanded acceptance to any and all outstanding notes. HOUSTON — Occidental launched cash tender offers and consent solicitations on February 19 for multiple note series totaling billions in outstanding principal. SOUTH PORTLAND — Hannaford recalled certain meat products sold February 15–18, offering full refunds. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.

Indianapolis, local meteorologists reported that a fast-moving storm system produced unseasonably warm temperatures across the Midwest this week and prompted severe-weather outlooks for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. The Storm Prediction Center and regional forecasters placed parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and the Mid-Ohio Valley under marginal-to-slight risk levels, citing damaging winds, hail and isolated tornado potential. Some areas experienced spotty showers and gusty winds. Broadcasters reported highs near 70°F before a cold front reduced temperatures on Friday. Forecasts advised readiness for late-afternoon and evening storms while noting many areas would remain dry. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Kent State defeated Bowling Green 78-71 Tuesday as Morgan Safford scored 27 points; the Golden Flashes improved to 20-7 overall and 11-3 in the Mid-American Conference. In Olean Wednesday, Saint Joseph's (PA) beat Saint Bonaventure 71-65 with Derek Simpson scoring 23. In Youngstown Wednesday, Youngstown State routed Cleveland State 106-82 as Cris Carroll scored 26. In Erie Thursday, Wagner edged Mercyhurst 83-80 in overtime with Nick Jones scoring 19. All statistics are official game totals worldwide. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: The U.S. Air Force announced this week it will apply a red, white, dark blue and gold paint scheme across parts of the presidential and executive fleet, replacing the Kennedy-era light-blue livery. The service said the palette echoes a proposal advanced by former President Donald Trump and appears on a donated Qatari Boeing jet and several smaller executive aircraft already undergoing refurbishment. Boeing continues work on next-generation Air Force One airframes while contractors repaint existing planes at a Texas facility; officials said one aircraft in the new scheme has been photographed. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Governors met amid a dispute after President Donald Trump excluded two Democratic governors from a White House event. National Governors Association chair Kevin Stitt objected and the association declined to facilitate the annual meeting when all governors were not invited. The White House later extended invitations to the Friday session, but Trump retained a dinner list and criticized Govs. Wes Moore and Jared Polis on social media. The disagreement prompted the NGA to pull participation in parts of its program and highlighted tensions between the White House and bipartisan state leaders. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump's administration announced on Tuesday three Japan-financed projects worth $36 billion, representing the first tranche under Tokyo's $550 billion U.S. investment pledge tied to a trade deal reducing tariffs to 15 percent. The projects include a 9.2-gigawatt natural gas power plant in Portsmouth, Ohio to be operated by SB Energy, a GulfLink deepwater crude export terminal off Texas, and a synthetic industrial diamonds facility in Georgia. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Japanese officials confirmed the announcements via statements and social media posts this week and expected economic impacts. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: The United States and Mauritius will hold bilateral security talks in Port Louis from February 23 to 25 to discuss cooperation and the operation of the joint U.S.–UK base on Diego Garcia, State Department said. Washington voiced support for the United Kingdom’s agreement with Mauritius and said officials will focus on implementing security arrangements to ensure long-term operation. Separately, former U.S. president Donald Trump urged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to transfer control of Diego Garcia, posting objections on Truth Social and warning of strategic risks amid tensions with Iran. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, U.S. lawmakers and Taiwan officials engaged this week after President Donald Trump said on Monday he discussed future arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lawmakers including Rep. Ro Khanna and bipartisan Senate and House members warned the remarks could contravene the long-standing Six Assurances and called for faster deliveries and codification of those assurances. Congressional leaders sent a bipartisan letter urging Taiwan to boost defense spending and requested clearer funding for supplemental budgets. Taiwan's tourism office separately promoted travel at a Phoenix trade show, and international observers commented. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.