JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 992

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A bomb cyclone this week slammed the eastern United States, bringing heavy snow, high winds and widespread cancellations and disruptions. Authorities reported hundreds of canceled flights in North Carolina and nearly a half-meter of snow in some areas, including 40cm in Lexington and 56cm in Faust. About 150 million people were placed under cold-weather advisories and warnings, with wind chills near zero in parts of the South. Florida recorded rare freezing temperatures, snow flurries and cold-stunned iguanas falling from trees. State officials reported road collisions, power outages and crop damage. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday that lawmakers will wait days before voting on a government funding package, prolonging a partial federal shutdown that began Saturday. Senators on Friday approved a two-week measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security after two shooting deaths during Minneapolis protests against ICE. Johnson said on Fox News Sunday he is relying on President Donald Trump to lead passage and separated DHS funding from a broader bill. Congress already approved half of this year’s spending bills; funding gaps affect the Pentagon, Homeland Security and Transportation. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Duke Energy asked customers across North and South Carolina on Monday to voluntarily reduce electricity use from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. as temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees below normal increased demand and strained the regional grid. The utility recommended lowering thermostats, avoiding major appliances during peak hours, turning off unnecessary devices and charging electric vehicles midday. Company officials said they were maximizing generation, purchasing power and coordinating with large commercial customers under demand response programs to maintain reliable service. The request aimed to reduce the risk of temporary outages. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.

HOUSTON, Democrat Christian Menefee won a Texas special election Saturday, securing 68.4% of the vote and filling the U.S. House seat vacant since Rep. Sylvester Turner's death nearly a year ago. Menefee will serve through 2026 and his swearing-in awaits House Speaker Mike Johnson. The victory narrows Republicans' margin to 218–214, tightening the House balance. Menefee immediately announced priorities including immigration and oversight actions. The contest sets up a March 3 primary, with early voting starting Feb. 17, and follows other Democratic special-election gains in Texas. Local leaders widely welcomed the result. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

San Jose — Laura Fernandez won Costa Rica’s presidential election on Sunday, securing 48–49 percent of the vote and surpassing the 40 percent threshold to avoid a runoff. Electoral authorities reported Fernandez leading with nearly half of ballots counted and her Sovereign People's Party projected to gain a majority in the 57-seat legislature. Fernandez, a protege and former chief of staff to President Rodrigo Chaves, pledged to continue tough security measures and pursue constitutional reforms. Her nearest rival, Alvaro Ramos, conceded as results showed a margin. The transition is set to proceed. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington A partial government shutdown began Saturday after lawmakers missed finalizing spending, but officials say it differs from last fall’s broader closure and may end quickly. The Senate approved a comprehensive funding package late Friday, and the House plans to consider legislation when it reconvenes Monday, with the speaker aiming for a vote by Tuesday. Funding lapses affect the Pentagon and agencies including Homeland Security and Transportation; essential functions continue while some employees may work without pay or face furloughs. The impasse followed disputes over immigration enforcement after shootings involving federal agents. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced February 1 that the Union Budget will allocate Rs 20,000 crore over five years for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage technologies and will support dedicated rare earth corridors in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The measures aim to scale industrial readiness for CCUS and to promote mining, processing, research and manufacturing of critical minerals, including permanent magnets. States proposed corridor plans and allocations — Kerala proposing a Vizhinjam–Chavara link and Andhra Pradesh earmarking coastal hectares — and central support will include technology and policy facilitation. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States weather services reported notable regional temperature swings on Sunday with dangerously cold conditions in parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, while the Midwest and Mountain West warmed toward seasonal norms. Local offices issued warnings including an Extreme Cold Warning in Birmingham where wind chills fell to single-digit values. Lake-effect snow ended near Chicago, then gave way to sun and milder readings. Washington experienced blustery conditions and gusts near 40 mph behind a nor-easter, and Denver reported unseasonably mild, sunny afternoons with highs near 60. Forecasts show brief light snow chances. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Fort Worth, Texas — Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election Saturday, flipping a reliably Republican Texas Senate district that President Donald Trump carried by 17 points in 2024. Rehmet, a veteran and labor union leader, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by 14 percentage points after county officials tallied almost all ballots. Unofficial early and mail-in returns gave Rehmet 56% of the vote. The victory allows Rehmet to serve until early January and requires him to win the November general election to retain the seat. Democrats cited the result as evidence of voter mobilization. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump said Saturday that India has agreed to buy Venezuelan oil, shifting purchases away from Iran, and invited China to do likewise. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States accepted Venezuela's offer of 50 million barrels valued at about $5.2 billion. He repeated that a deal concept exists but New Delhi had not confirmed the arrangement. U.S. officials have discussed resuming Venezuelan oil sales to replace some Russian imports, citing efforts to cut energy revenue funding for Russia's war. Officials cited diplomatic consultations with partners. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.