JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 974

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.

Accra — The Ghana Union of Traders' Associations (GUTA) urged the government on Wednesday to suspend implementation of the Value Added Tax Act 1151, saying the January 1, 2026 regime places complex 20% VAT burdens on informal traders and risks higher consumer prices and job losses. GUTA President Clement Boateng demanded reinstatement of a 3–4% flat rate, called for suspension of task-force enforcement, and proposed incentive-based registration to broaden compliance. The Ghana Revenue Authority has said the new rate will not raise consumer prices. Talks or review requests remain ongoing as of February. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Multiple public companies reported fourth-quarter financial results on Wednesday, showing mixed outcomes that in several cases missed Wall Street forecasts. Lithia Motors, Parsons, Vishay and Generac posted results below analyst expectations, while Taylor Morrison and Solstice Advanced Materials exceeded forecasts. Humana and SiteOne reported adjusted metrics that topped estimates despite reported losses. Companies provided revenue and earnings guidance for upcoming quarters and full-year outlooks. The reports, compiled from Associated Press summaries using Zacks Investment Research data, include specific per-share and revenue figures used by analysts to revise outlooks. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research and analysis.

United States, regional forecasts show a midweek cool-down followed by a widespread warm-up into next week. Meteorologists in Ohio, Michigan, Colorado and Alabama report clipper systems and cold fronts bringing lower daytime highs, isolated flurries, mountain snow and gusty winds Wednesday and Thursday, with light rain and showers tapering in areas. High pressure and southerly flow will raise temperatures above 50 to 70 degrees beginning Monday, with Valentine's Day signals for heavier rain or isolated storms in parts of Alabama late next week. Officials advise caution on icy roads during overnight freezes. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

El Paso, Texas. The Federal Aviation Administration closed airspace over El Paso and southern New Mexico on Tuesday, grounding all commercial, cargo and general aviation flights through Feb. 20. The FAA cited “special security reasons” without elaboration and designated the area as restricted national defense airspace. El Paso International Airport confirmed the groundings, advised passengers to contact airlines, and said staff received short notice while awaiting further FAA guidance. The order covers Biggs Army Airfield nearby. Major carriers including Southwest, United, American and Delta operate at the airport and face schedule disruptions. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday over the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files that exposed sensitive victim information despite redaction efforts. Lawmakers questioned why the department released millions of additional disclosures after announcing in July it would halt further releases and why redactions remained incomplete. Democrats pressed Bondi about decisions under the Epstein Files Transparency Act; Republicans also raised inquiries about investigations of lawmakers and alleged targeting of President Trump’s critics. Bondi’s appearance followed a recent grand jury decision not to indict several Democrats. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur told a House subcommittee on Wednesday that the United States is expanding recent strategic engagement across South and Central Asia, calling India the anchor of South Asia and the western Indo-Pacific. He said a strong, independent India reduces the risk of a single hegemon, and described U.S. cooperation with Pakistan on critical minerals, trade and counterterrorism. Kapur expressed U.S. optimism about Bangladesh’s upcoming polls and defended the Quad’s importance when questioned by lawmakers during the hearing. Members also requested testimony from U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Tucson. Authorities detained a person for questioning Tuesday in the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie in statements this week after the FBI released surveillance images showing a masked individual with a holstered handgun outside her home. The Pima County Sheriff's Office said deputies stopped the person south of Tucson; officials did not charge them and referred questions to the sheriff's department. The FBI and the sheriff's office conducted a court‑authorized search in Rio Rico. Investigators have not confirmed whether the detainee matches the person in the footage or whether Guthrie is alive. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, a federal grand jury on Tuesday declined to indict six Democratic lawmakers after a Justice Department investigation sought charges over a November video that urged service members to refuse unlawful orders. The short clip included Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, all with military or intelligence backgrounds. Grand jurors in Washington did not sign off on proposed charges reportedly tied to interference with the loyalty, morale or discipline of the armed forces, and officials issued brief public statements this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.