JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 986

Washington — The New START nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia expired on Feb. 5, removing legally binding limits on deployed strategic warheads and delivery systems. Governments and international organizations warned of elevated nuclear competition as the U.S., Russia and China pursue modernization and expansion. U.S. and Russian officials held talks in Abu Dhabi and agreed to resume high-level military dialogue this week. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged return to negotiations. President Donald Trump called for a new, broader treaty including China. This development prompted congressional and diplomatic responses. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

LOS ANGELES Mayor Karen Bass denied this week that she ordered changes to an after action report on last year’s Palisades Fire after a Los Angeles Times story citing two sources said she directed edits to soften criticism of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The mayor’s office said Bass reviewed an early draft and requested accuracy checks but did not alter the findings. The Times reported initial wording critical of pre deployment was revised to praise LAFD. Businessman Rick Caruso briefly reconsidered a mayoral bid over the story but declined to run. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued a directive Wednesday ordering Virginia State Police, the Department of Corrections and other agencies to terminate all 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Spanberger said officers should operate under state supervision and that cooperation with ICE will be limited to valid judicial warrants. The move rescinds elements of her predecessor’s policies encouraging ICE deputizations and follows her January executive orders erasing prior mandates. Local activists and officials in nearby jurisdictions have taken related actions this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Corporate earnings released Feb. 4–5 show mixed fourth-quarter and early fiscal results across manufacturers, banks, insurers and transport firms. Companies reported revenue changes, net income variances, adjusted EBITDA shifts, and guidance revisions: Utah Medical posted lower EPS and revenue, Blue Bird raised 2026 EBITDA guidance after strong EV bus orders, Glen Burnie reported small losses amid restructuring, and XPO reported lower diluted EPS with segment gains. Several manufacturers, including MasterCraft and Marine Products, reported higher sales and margins. These reports derive from company press releases, regulatory filings, and public disclosures. Based on 9 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — This week Republican lawmakers advanced the SAVE America Act, proposing mandatory in-person proof of citizenship to register for federal elections and nationwide photo identification for ballots. Sponsors including Rep. Chip Roy, Sen. Mike Lee, Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Jim Banks urged passage. Opponents warned the measures could block eligible voters lacking documents and face a 60-vote Senate hurdle. Local polls reported strong support among some respondents and conservative advocates voiced support online this week. Legislative steps include House scheduling and expected Senate consideration as national debate over election rules continues. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced this week that all driver's license knowledge and skills exams will be offered only in English beginning Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. The policy ends printed exams and interpreter assistance in other languages; county tax collectors reported limited notice and high demand for Spanish-language exams. Local residents rushed to complete multilingual tests before the deadline, and officials said they will provide outreach as offices adapt to the change. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to use a voter-approved congressional map that favors Democrats, rejecting emergency appeals from state Republicans and President Trump's lawyers. The unsigned order keeps district lines projected to flip up to five Republican-held seats in this year's House elections; no justices recorded dissents. The court had earlier permitted a Texas map favoring Republicans for 2026 despite lower-court findings about race. California officials enacted Proposition 50 after voters approved new lines, and GOP challengers alleged racial gerrymandering before the appeal. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Lee H. Hamilton, a Democratic congressman who represented Indiana’s 9th District from 1965 to 1999, died Tuesday at age 94, his family and office said. Hamilton served 17 terms, led congressional probes including Iran-Contra, and was vice chair of the 9/11 Commission. After leaving Congress he became a scholar at Indiana University and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Governor Mike Braun ordered flags at state facilities flown at half-staff. Family statements and official releases said he died peacefully at his Bloomington home. Tributes arrived from colleagues, officials and students. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. State and local officials responded to student-led walkouts protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, warning schools to prevent disruptions during instructional hours. The Florida Department of Education sent districts a letter advising administrators to protect instructional time, acknowledging students retain free-expression rights. Florida districts reported lunchtime and class-period demonstrations at high schools in Tampa, Jacksonville, Brevard, Cape Coral and Lee County; school boards outlined potential suspensions or expulsions for leaving campus without permission. Republican lawmakers raised concerns about teacher involvement organizing walkouts. Houston-area districts issued similar warnings for Friday walkouts. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump signed a roughly $1.2 trillion funding bill Tuesday, ending a partial federal shutdown after the House approved the measure 217-214. The package funded most agencies through Sept. 30 but only extended DHS funding briefly, setting an urgent deadline for negotiations. Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries outlined demands this week to rein in ICE and CBP, seeking ID display, body cameras, mask restrictions and warrant requirements; Republicans criticized the proposals Thursday. Lawmakers face renewed negotiations before the DHS stopgap expires. Negotiations remain under pressure. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.