JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 978

Los Angeles jurors heard opening statements Monday as plaintiffs and state prosecutors accused Meta and YouTube of designing addictive features that harmed children. Plaintiffs claim algorithms, endless scrolling and notifications prioritized engagement over safety; New Mexico prosecutors said Meta concealed risks and targeted minors. Meta disputed those claims, citing safety tools and contesting causation. TikTok and Snap previously settled. Witnesses expected include senior executives and expert testimony on algorithms and mental health. Courts will examine internal documents and company policies during trial proceedings. Judges will weigh evidence, testimony, and expert analysis carefully. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — This week the United States and India announced a framework for an interim trade agreement intended to expand reciprocal market access. On Feb. 10 the White House released a fact sheet saying India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on US industrial goods and a broad set of agricultural products, while the US removed an additional 25% tariff on certain Indian imports linked to India's pledge to reduce Russian oil purchases. The fact sheet was revised to remove a reference to "certain pulses." USTR described India as a potential supply-chain alternative to China. Based on 6 articles and research.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to bar the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor from opening until the United States receives compensation and “fairness and respect” from Canada. Trump posted the demand on Truth Social, cited Canadian ownership of the bridge, complaints about Canadian tariffs and restrictions on U.S. products, and urged immediate negotiations and possible U.S. ownership of half the crossing. Construction began in 2018, with Canada funding the project; officials report completion and system testing are underway and oversight continues, with opening planned this year. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Los Angeles: A federal judge on Monday blocked California’s law banning federal immigration agents from wearing facial coverings, while upholding a requirement that agents display agency identification and badge numbers. Judge Christina Snyder said the 'No Secret Police Act' unlawfully discriminated against federal officers because it did not apply to state authorities and invoked the Constitution’s supremacy clause; she said the Justice Department had not shown the mask ban directly regulated the federal government. The Trump administration sued in November after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it in September following summer ICE raids. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday as Alex Murdaugh’s attorneys asked justices to overturn March 2023 convictions for the murders of his wife and son. Defense lawyers argued alleged jury tampering, prejudicial evidence and trial errors, citing comments by former Colleton County clerk Becky Hill and admission of financial-crimes evidence. Prosecutors countered that the evidence at trial was overwhelming and supported the jury’s verdict. No witnesses testified during the hearing; justices may take weeks to rule. Murdaugh remained in protective custody and was not transported to the courtroom. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged this week that he met Jeffrey Epstein twice after Epstein’s 2008 conviction and took a 2012 lunch on Epstein’s private island, reversing past statements that he cut ties in 2005. The Justice Department released documents in January that included emails and travel plans; Lutnick testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Feb. 10, said he was with family and denied a closer relationship, and faced bipartisan calls to resign. Lawmakers continue reviewing the DOJ files and questioning Lutnick’s credibility amid ongoing scrutiny, and ethics investigators also. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — State lawmakers and citizen campaigns across multiple states proposed or advanced measures this winter to reduce or eliminate property taxes. Legislatures in Georgia and Florida moved bills to expand homestead exemptions and phase out assessments, local councils adjusted budgets in response, and an Ohio petition drive seeks a ballot amendment to abolish property taxes. Fiscal analysts and governors warned of potential local revenue shortfalls and service cuts, citing Tax Foundation and state data. Cities and counties plan budget adjustments and reserve use to cover deficits as legislators consider timelines and exemptions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Ogden, Utah. Local and regional experts published a series of HelloNation articles this week offering practical guidance on home systems, vehicles, insurance, and end‑of‑life planning. HVAC, auto maintenance, concrete coating, and insurance professionals outlined routine actions—cleaning heat pump condensers, scheduled fluid changes, multi‑layer garage floor systems, and distinctions between replacement cost and market value—that protect property and reduce unexpected costs. A funeral service expert described necessary documents to expedite bereavement procedures. Articles were released Feb. 9–10, 2026 via PRNewswire and regional outlets, citing named local practitioners and agencies and official notices. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Multiple companies reported fourth-quarter results this week, with semiconductor, utility and cybersecurity firms publishing revenue and earnings figures. ON Semiconductor, Amkor Technology, Diodes, Duke Energy and Rapid7 released quarterly profits and revenue that largely met or exceeded analyst expectations, while Duke missed per-share forecasts. Companies provided guidance for the fiscal first quarter and full year, including revenue and earnings-per-share ranges. Results came from filings and company statements reported by wire services and local outlets this Monday and Tuesday. Markets reacted to beats and guidance updates as investors assessed sector performance. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Gainesville, Georgia — A single-engine plane made an emergency landing on Browns Bridge Road Monday after the pilot reported engine trouble after takeoff from Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport, officials said. The Hawker Beechcraft Bonanza struck three vehicles around 12:10 p.m., dislodging a fuel tank and sending two people to a hospital with minor injuries. The crew tried to glide back to the airport but lacked power; air-traffic audio captured a pilot saying, "I think we're not going to make it." The FAA and NTSB opened investigations and the roadway briefly closed. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.