JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 998

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.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week after Trump requested a humanitarian pause amid an extreme cold snap. Multiple outlets reported that Russian strikes on power infrastructure have left millions with disrupted heating, electricity and water, worsening humanitarian conditions. Reporters noted continued lethal attacks despite Trump’s claim; AFP cited regional officials reporting six dead on Thursday. The Kremlin and Russian embassy did not immediately confirm the claim, and the White House provided no further operational details. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.

WASHINGTON, President Donald Trump ordered Iran accept negotiations or face U.S. military action overseas as American naval and air assets moved toward the Middle East this week. The Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, bombers and fighter jets positioned within striking distance as Trump warned Tehran time was running out. The president said he spoke with Iranian leaders and demanded no nuclear development and an end to killings of protesters. Human rights organizations report about 6,000 killed amid an internet blackout, and recent analysts warned strikes could provoke retaliation and raise oil prices. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency Thursday as North Carolina prepared for a winter storm expected to arrive Saturday. State officials activated the State Emergency Response Team, coordinated pre-treating of roads, including brining roads, and thanked NCDOT crews clearing routes. Authorities said the order ensures eligibility for federal assistance if needed and follows last week’s federal ice-storm declaration. Officials issued winter storm watches, warned of dangerous travel conditions, and urged residents to stay home. Emergency managers and transportation leaders briefed media this week on preparations, timelines and plans. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MINNEAPOLIS — The Justice Department charged Anthony Kazmierczak on Thursday with forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Representative Ilhan Omar after he squirted a water and apple cider vinegar mixture at her during a Tuesday town hall. Court papers and an affidavit state the liquid stained Omar's clothing and may have reached her face and right eye, and include a photograph of the syringe alleged to have been used. The affidavit quotes the suspect and a close associate about past threats. Authorities contacted the federal defender's office; the suspect's legal status was unclear. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Atlanta — State lawmakers and officials across the United States nationwide this week proposed measures to eliminate or sharply reduce homeowner property taxes, citing rising bills and affordability concerns. Georgia House Republicans introduced HR 1114 to phase out homestead taxes by 2032, estimating about $5 billion in lost local revenue annually; Florida lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment to remove non-school property taxes and consider a 5% real-estate transfer fee; North Dakota policymakers debated credits after voters rejected a full repeal in November 2024; critics warn about funding gaps for schools and local services. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Senate Democrats blocked a procedural vote this week to press for limits on Immigration and Customs Enforcement after two people were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. Leaders from both parties and the White House engaged in last-minute talks to separate Department of Homeland Security funding from a broader six-bill package to avoid a partial shutdown. The Senate vote failed 45-55, short of the 60 votes required to advance the measure, and negotiators discussed a short-term continuing resolution for DHS while pursuing policy changes. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

SANTA MONICA, California — Federal and company records show that on Jan. 23 a Waymo autonomous vehicle struck a child near Grant Elementary School during morning drop-off. The child suffered minor injuries and was evaluated by emergency responders. Waymo reported vehicle braked from about 17 mph to under 6 mph after the child emerged from behind a double-parked SUV. The company said it notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which opened an Office of Defects Investigation inquiry to examine vehicle behavior and post-impact response. The vehicle operated Waymo's fifth-generation automated driving system. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.