JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 973

Los Angeles — Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified Wednesday in a landmark trial that plaintiffs say will determine whether social media firms engineered products that harm children. Mosseri told jurors he differentiates clinical addiction from problematic use and denied platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive. Plaintiffs, including a woman identified as K.G.M., allege Meta and Google’s YouTube profited by targeting youth; TikTok and Snap settled earlier. The consolidated litigation represents more than 1,600 plaintiffs and school districts. Jury selection began last week; trial testimony continues as parties present technical and internal-evidence disputes. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday to discuss Iran and the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire, holding a closed-door Oval Office session after Netanyahu met Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump and Netanyahu did not announce definitive outcomes, while Netanyahu signed Israel's accession to the White House-created Board of Peace. Separately, the United States ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group from the Caribbean to West Asia this week to join USS Abraham Lincoln amid rising tensions with Iran. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Polling this week shows a rising majority of Americans widely disapprove of President Donald Trump's use of federal immigration agents in U.S. cities, and public opposition intensified after federal agents shot and killed two people last month. AP-NORC and NBC Decision Desk/SurveyMonkey polls find roughly six in ten say the deployments went too far, independents shifted toward disapproval, and trust in Republican advantage on immigration narrowed. The administration later withdrew agents from Minneapolis amid protests, national media coverage and political pressure. Officials held media briefings as lawmakers debated Homeland Security funding. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week directing the Pentagon to enter long-term agreements with coal-fired plants and instructing federal agencies to support coal operations, including Tennessee Valley Authority plant reprieves and Energy Department funding for Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia. He also said recent trade deals with Japan, South Korea and India would increase U.S. coal exports. Administration officials and lawmakers cited job preservation and energy security. Reports noted some trade fact sheets did not explicitly mention coal. This summary is based on statements and news reports. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Phoenix, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a tax conformity bill this week, leaving state income tax filings uncertain and raising the prospect that some early filers may need to refile; lawmakers continue to propose alternative packages. Atlanta lawmakers advanced bills lowering Georgia's income tax rate toward 4.99 percent. Dallas-area analysis shows Texas owners face a 1.245% effective property tax rate, ninth-highest nationwide. Fargo officials plan a possible June ballot to renew a 1% infrastructure sales tax that generated $34 million in 2024. Lawmakers and voters face decisions about revenue, services and compliance. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Chicago — Earlier this week a federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from rescinding more than $600 million in CDC public-health grants awarded to Illinois, California, Colorado and Minnesota. The four states filed litigation after HHS notified Congress that it would not disburse awarded funds. Plaintiffs allege the cuts target Democratic-led jurisdictions and violate federal law, citing impacts to HIV and sexually transmitted-infection programs. Reported losses include $180 million for California (including $130 million from PHIG), about $22 million in existing Colorado grants, and a $5.2 million risk to Lurie Children’s Hospital. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — The Senate failed Thursday to advance a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, leaving a partial government shutdown likely when funding lapses at midnight Saturday; the vote was 52–47 with Sen. John Fetterman the sole Democrat joining Republicans. Lawmakers remain deadlocked over Democratic demands for limits on immigration enforcement after two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis, while the administration announced a retreat from the city. Agency leaders warned a lapse would halt some Coast Guard pay, defer maintenance and disrupt operations. Negotiations continue ahead of the deadline. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — The House voted Wednesday to terminate President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods, approving a joint resolution 219-211 after six Republicans joined Democrats in a largely symbolic rebuke of the administration's trade policy. The measure, led by Rep. Gregory Meeks, now moves to the Senate but would still require Senate approval and the president's signature to take effect. President Trump warned of political consequences for Republicans who opposed the tariffs. Lawmakers cited concerns about rising prices and pressure from businesses affected by the trade measures. Lawmakers debated impacts on farmers. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. The Republican-controlled House on Feb. 11 approved the SAVE America Act, requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register and valid photo identification to cast ballots in federal elections. The measure passed 218–213, with one Democrat joining Republicans, and now moves to the Senate, where passage is uncertain. Proponents said the law will protect election integrity; opponents said it will burden eligible voters and disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities. Lawmakers and media reported no evidence of widespread election fraud. Congressional debate, advocacy group responses, and public reaction continued this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: U.S. employers added 130,000 jobs in January and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent, the Labor Department reported Wednesday, signaling unexpected payroll strength. Major revisions reduced 2024–2025 job gains to about 181,000, lowering prior estimates substantially; health care led hiring while federal payrolls declined. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.