JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 994

United States — The Transportation Security Administration began enforcing a $45 identity‑verification charge on Feb. 1, 2026, for travelers lacking a Real ID, passport, or other accepted identification. TSA implemented the fee through its TSA ConfirmID system, which grants a 10‑day verification window; passengers may pay online in advance or register at airports and must present a receipt to proceed to screening. TSA says about 94% of travelers already carry acceptable ID. New signage with QR codes posted. Officials criticized the charge; TSA cautions payment does not guarantee boarding if identity remains unverifiable. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MINNEAPOLIS, A federal judge on Saturday denied a preliminary injunction that sought to stop an immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota and the Twin Cities as a lawsuit proceeds. The suit, filed this month by state Attorney General Keith Ellison and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, contends the Department of Homeland Security violated constitutional protections, including the 10th Amendment. The Justice Department called the case legally frivolous. Federal officials say the operation, called Operation Metro Surge, aims to remove criminal immigrants from streets; federal officers have shot two people in January. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil emerged at Gobbler's Knob on Monday, and his handlers announced he saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter. Tens of thousands of people attended the annual event, which dates to 1887 and expanded after the 1993 film Groundhog Day. Organizers staged multi-day festivities and ceremonial remarks while handlers translated Phil's behavior into a forecast. Local and state figures appeared on the stage during the ceremony. Media outlets reported the announcement and described the ritual and its traditions. And officials encouraged safe attendance amid cold weather conditions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Orlando, Fla. — North Carolina and South Carolina drew the largest domestic inflows in the United States this past year, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released this week. North Carolina gained 84,000 residents relocating from other states while South Carolina recorded the highest percentage growth at 1.5 percent. Texas saw slowed domestic migration with about 67,300 arrivals, and Florida fell to eighth in state-to-state migration. Reported household anecdotes illustrate moves out of Florida. The data derive from census migration tallies and were summarized by the Associated Press and multiple local outlets. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research verification.

NASHVILLE — Forecasters warned Saturday that a powerful system, described as a 'bomb cyclone,' would bring howling winds, flooding and heavy snow along the U.S. East Coast. About 240 million people were under cold-weather advisories and winter-storm warnings as temperatures plunged and tens of thousands remained without power after an earlier storm. Meteorologists forecast 6 to 10 inches in parts of the southern Appalachians and the Carolinas, up to a foot in sections of North Carolina, and possible blizzard conditions before the system moves offshore. State and local officials urged precautions, additional preparations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Los Angeles — Thousands converged Friday in downtown Los Angeles during a nationwide 'ICE Out' strike opposing federal immigration operations after two fatal shootings involving agents in Minnesota. Organizers called for a national strike, urging people to stay home, keep children from school and withhold spending. Demonstrators began outside City Hall, marched East Los Angeles and gathered near the federal detention center, where footage shows items thrown and federal agents deploying pepper spray. LAPD declared a citywide tactical alert and later issued dispersal orders. Similar demonstrations occurred in cities nationwide, including Chicago. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: The U.S. State Department approved arms sales Friday totaling $6.67 billion to Israel and $9 billion to Saudi Arabia, and notified Congress of the decisions. The Israel package includes Apache attack helicopters, light tactical vehicles and related equipment; the Saudi sale covers 730 Patriot missiles and associated systems. Congress received standard notifications and will review. Officials announced the approvals amid rising regional tensions over possible U.S. strikes on Iran and as President Trump advances a Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction plan. The sales aim to support allied security and U.S. foreign-policy objectives. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. The Justice Department released more than three million pages of records this week related to Jeffrey Epstein, officials said. Reporters reviewed files that include alleged notes Epstein wrote to himself in 2013 referencing Bill Gates, documents mentioning President Donald Trump, and communications with other prominent individuals. The Gates Foundation denied the allegations as false. Some materials remain heavily redacted or unverified screenshots, and prosecutors said additional files are still withheld. Journalists and investigators are examining the records to verify claims and identify corroborating evidence. Independent forensic review teams are also involved. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Senator Lindsey Graham blocked a Senate vote Friday on a bipartisan spending package as he demanded restoration of a provision allowing senators to sue the Justice Department and notification before investigators access their phone records. Leadership had attached a House-approved repeal of that provision to the funding bill ahead of a midnight deadline. Graham sought separate commitments for votes on related measures, including criminalizing sanctuary-city leaders. Senate leaders negotiated to advance funding for most agencies while resolving the dispute. Lawmakers continued talks into Friday evening to avoid a lapse in appropriations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Nashville residents faced prolonged outages after Winter Storm Fern struck last weekend. NES mobilized workers and mutual aid, initially deploying 120 company linemen and 40 contractors, then expanding crews to more than 1,000 lineworkers and support personnel, including National Guard members. Outages peaked near 230,000 in the NES service area and 315,533 statewide. By Friday, tens of thousands remained without power, prompting Governor Bill Lee to demand improved communication. NES released targeted zip-code restoration estimates and a My Outage Tracker tool, projecting 85% restoration by Feb. 1 and 99% by Feb. 8. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.