JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 997

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Friday said he will nominate former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell in May. The White House met with Warsh this week and reports by Bloomberg and Reuters said the administration was preparing the nomination; other contenders also included Kevin Hassett, Christopher Waller and Rick Rieder. Markets reacted with stocks falling, Treasury yields rising and the dollar gaining as odds of Warsh's appointment increased. Analysts say the new chair will face dual challenges of curbing inflation and supporting the labour market amid political pressure. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump sued the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department Thursday in federal court, seeking $10 billion for alleged failures to prevent a contractor's disclosure of his tax records between 2018 and 2020. Plaintiffs include Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and the Trump Organization; the complaint alleges reputational and financial harm and seeks compensatory and punitive damages. Prosecutors say former IRS contractor Charles Edward Littlejohn pleaded guilty and received a five‑year sentence in 2024 after providing records to The New York Times and ProPublica. Agencies did not immediately respond. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday declaring a national emergency and authorizing tariffs on goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba. The order, issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, described Cuba as a threat and accused it of aligning with hostile states and groups, naming Russia, China, Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. Mexico temporarily suspended oil shipments, and President Claudia Sheinbaum said the decision was sovereign. The White House released a fact sheet and delegated implementation actions to officials. The measure follows U.S. actions involving Venezuela. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.

WASHINGTON. President Donald Trump threatened Thursday to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian-made aircraft and to decertify Canadian planes, escalating a trade dispute with Canada. He posted on social media that the measures would respond to Ottawa’s refusal to certify Gulfstream jets and would affect Bombardier and all aircraft made in Canada. Earlier this week he warned of a potential 100% tariff over a Canada-China trade issue. Treasury officials later clarified that tariffs would apply only if Canada signed a free-trade deal with China. Companies and markets in both countries monitored reactions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Boise, Idaho — Idaho lawmakers filed House Joint Memorial No. 12 opposing a Utah draft bill that would cut Utah's at-the-pump gas tax by up to 50 percent and replace revenue with a refinery export tax. Idaho leaders, citing that 85 percent of Idaho's gasoline flows from Utah and Utah operates five refineries, warn the change could raise Idaho pump prices by roughly $0.25 per gallon and impose up to $250 million in costs on Idaho consumers and businesses. The memorial requests Utah reconsider the draft and outlines legal and economic concerns. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, DC. US officials warned Iran this week that American forces stand ready to act as the administration increases warships, aircraft, and carrier groups in the Middle East. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and President Trump cited recent operations and deployments to demonstrate deterrence, including public briefings and statements, while The New York Times reported expanded military options, including raids on Iranian soil. Tehran said it is open to fair negotiations but rejected talks under coercion. US statements emphasized preventing nuclear acquisition and preserving defensive capabilities. No kinetic strike has been reported. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Lawmakers across multiple states debated a series of tax proposals this week, advancing measures and raising concerns. In Indiana, the legislature moved to conform to temporary federal overtime and tip tax breaks; Missouri held hearings on replacing income tax with expanded sales taxes; Georgia Republicans proposed eliminating property taxes; Virginia legislators introduced a bill to tax digital subscriptions. Lawmakers highlighted revenue triggers, constitutional requirements, and potential impacts on education and public services during committee sessions and votes this week. No final statewide implementations were completed during the reporting period. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, The U.S. Treasury on Jan. 29 this week issued a general license allowing established U.S. entities to engage in specific transactions involving Venezuelan-origin oil, including lifting, exportation, refining and transportation. The authorization does not cover upstream crude production inside Venezuela and excludes dealings with entities linked to Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and certain China-connected firms. The license requires contracts to be governed by U.S. law and bars debt swaps and cryptocurrency payments. Officials said the move aims to expand U.S. investment and increase oil flows while preserving core production sanctions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — City and state officials are preparing as Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants expires at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 3, potentially prompting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. Leaders discussed coordination with federal authorities and advised residents, while Gov. Mike DeWine said his office has no indication ICE will arrive. Officials estimate 12,000–15,000 Haitian residents live in Clark County, with around 15,000 in Springfield. School and health leaders met state officials Jan. 19 to discuss contingencies; an email suggested an operation could begin Feb. 4 and last about 30 days. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

New York — Federal authorities arrested a Minnesota man Wednesday after he attempted to impersonate an FBI agent to gain the release of Luigi Mangione from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Court filings and a criminal complaint state that Mark Anderson, 36, claimed to possess judge-signed paperwork authorizing Mangione's release, displayed a Minnesota driver's license when asked for credentials and told officers he had weapons. Officers searched his bag and found a barbecue fork and a circular steel blade. A complaint was unsealed Thursday and Anderson faces federal impersonation charges. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.