A 23-year-old American was shot last March in South Padre Island. ICE’s involvement in the shooting was not disclosed until this week.
Friday, February 20, 2026
After Supreme Court Loss, Trump Plans to Impose Global Tariffs Using Different Laws
After Supreme Court Loss, Trump Plans to Impose Global Tariffs Using Different Laws - The New York Times
The administration has been preparing for months for the possibility that the Supreme Court would rule against the president and developed contingency plans.
The court displayed its independence in what was a stinging rebuke to President Trump, though the ruling is unlikely to have an immediate effect on prices.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs
(9+) Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs: Live Updates - The New York Times
The Supreme Court’s Declaration of Independence - The New York Times
In a major setback for President Trump’s economic agenda, the court ruled that he could not invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to set tariffs on imports.
The court’s 6-3 decision has significant implications for the U.S. economy, consumers and the president’s trade policy. The Trump administration had said that a loss at the Supreme Court could force the government to unwind trade deals with other countries and potentially pay hefty refunds to importers.
Mr. Trump is the first president to claim that a 1970s emergency statute, which does not mention the word “tariffs,” allowed him to unilaterally impose the duties without congressional approval.
Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said the statute does not authorize the president to impose tariffs.
“The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” the chief justice wrote.
Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Brett M. Kavanaugh dissented.
The hole-in-the-wall chicken shop Chinese tourists are traveling thousands of miles to visit
The hole-in-the-wall chicken shop Chinese tourists are traveling thousands of miles to visit | CNN (Thanks to Finn for this one)
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| Silva's shop was featured on Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, a TikTok-style Chinese social media platform. |
HUD opens discrimination investigation into a Muslim development in Texas.
HUD opens discrimination investigation into a Muslim development in Texas. (Thanks to Haadi for this one)
The Department of Housing and Urban Development said on Friday that it has opened an investigation into a large housing development centered by a mosque outside Dallas, the latest effort by the Trump administration to stop the project amid attacks by G.O.P. officials.
The development, called the Meadow and formerly known as EPIC City, is backed by members of the East Plano Islamic Center and was the subject of a series of investigations last year by Republican state officials, including the state’s governor, Greg Abbott, and the state’s hard-line attorney general, Ken Paxton.
Critics of the project have accused its developers of violating fair housing and financial laws, and creating a community that would discriminate against non-Muslims. Its backers say they have broken no laws.
Homeland Security Demands Social Media Sites Reveal Names Behind Anti-ICE Posts
Homeland Security Demands Social Media Sites Reveal Names Behind Anti-ICE Posts - The New York Times (Thanks to Matte for this one)
The department has sent Google, Meta and other companies hundreds of subpoenas for information on accounts that track or comment on Immigration and Customs Enforcement, officials and tech workers said.
Meet China’s new J-35 stealth fighter
Sorry, F-22 and F-35: China’s new J-35 stealth fighter can be summed up in 2 simple words
China’s Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter is transitioning into mass production, with estimates projecting up to 300 units by 2030.
-Designed as a carrier-borne strike platform for the Fujian (CV-18), the J-35 provides the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) with a fifth-generation, twin-engine capability to challenge the U.S. F-35 Lightning II.
-Featuring a 12-missile "beast mode" and long-range PL-15 missiles, the J-35 serves as a multi-domain command node capable of guiding surface-to-air weapons.
-While the U.S. and allies maintain a quantitative edge with over 1,200 F-35s, the J-35’s $55 million unit cost allows Beijing to rapidly saturate the Indo-Pacific battlespace.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
South Korean Ex-Leader Is Sentenced to Life in Prison
South Korean Ex-Leader Is Sentenced to Life in Prison - The New York Times
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was found guilty of masterminding an insurrection when he imposed martial law in 2024. It was the country’s biggest criminal trial in decades.
As Trump Weighs Possible Iran Strikes, U.S. Military Moves Into Place
As Trump Weighs Possible Iran Strikes, U.S. Military Moves Into Place - The New York Times
President Trump has given no indication that he has made a decision about how to proceed, as diplomatic talks continue.
Maps: Where the U.S. Is Building Up Military Force Near Iran - The New York Times
President Trump has not authorized military action in Iran, but the United States has built up its presence in the region in recent weeks. Now it’s sending even more firepower.
Former Prince Andrew Arrested in UK Over Epstein Ties; The Epstein Files and the Hidden World of an Unaccountable Elite
Former Prince Andrew Arrested in UK Over Epstein Ties: Live Updates - The New York Times
King Charles III said he supported a “full, fair and proper process” regarding the investigation of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, adding that he backed the authorities involved.
The Epstein Files and the Hidden World of an Unaccountable Elite - The New York Times
The search continues in the documents for ironclad criminal conduct, but the story of a sexual predator given a free ride by the ruling class has already emerged.
Here’s who has resigned, is being investigated or has faced some other repercussion.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Good News, Millennials: The Side Part Has Returned
Good News, Millennials: The Side Part Has Returned - The New York Times
After Gen Z’s embrace of the center part, hair appears to be migrating sideways once again.
Measles Outbreak Hits Ave Maria University in Florida
Measles Outbreak Hits Ave Maria University in Florida - The New York Times
More than 40 people have fallen ill at Ave Maria University, raising fears that college campuses may soon experience more measles outbreaks.
Second round of Iran-US nuclear talks in Geneva ends after just four hours
U.S. and Iran Resume Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions - The New York Times
President Trump has called on Iran to reach an immediate accord or else face the threat of a possible U.S. attack.
Second round of Iran-US nuclear talks in Geneva ends after just four hours | Iran | The Guardian
Discussions held amid US naval buildup and Iranian announcement of live-fire exercises in straits of Hormuz
Sheriff says Nancy Guthrie family cleared as suspects; Investigators hope for DNA breakthrough
Sheriff says Nancy Guthrie family cleared as suspects, with search in its third week
Investigators Hope DNA Testing Can Provide Breakthrough in Guthrie Case - The New York Times
An expert said lab analysis of gloves found near Nancy Guthrie’s home could produce results within days.
2 Killed in Shooting at High School Hockey Game in Rhode Island
2 Killed in Shooting at High School Hockey Game in Rhode Island - The New York Times
The shooter was also dead, apparently by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the authorities said. The shooting, which the police described as a “targeted event,” happened at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore Displays About Slavery at Washington’s House
The judge said the government did not have the power to erase or alter historical truths after the administration took down displays about slavery at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia.
Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader Who Sought the Presidency, Dies at 84
Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader Who Sought the Presidency, Dies at 84 - The New York Times
An impassioned orator, he was a moral and political force who formed a “rainbow coalition” of poor and working-class people. His mission, he said, was “to transform the mind of America.”
Jesse Jackson: A Life in Pictures - The New York Times
Seven Pivotal Moments in Jesse Jackson’s Life - The New York Times
The Rev. Jesse Jackson entered the national spotlight during the civil rights movement and ran for president twice. He also courted controversy while in the public eye.
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| Mr. Jackson, second from left, with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. outside Dr. King’s room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 3, 1968, the day before Dr. King was assassinated at the motel. With them were Hosea Williams, left, and the Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy. |
Robert Duvall Seared Himself Into Our Memories Even When He Wasn’t the Star
Robert Duvall Seared Himself Into Our Memories Even When He Wasn’t the Star - The New York Times
In roles as unalike as a neighborhood shut-in, a Corleone consigliere and a hardhearted military man, the actor brought an intensity that never wavered.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Trump says he’ll block Gordie Howe Bridge from Michigan to Canada
Trump says he’ll block Gordie Howe Bridge from Michigan to Canada | CNN Politics (Thanks to Finn for this one)
Related:
President Trump Says U.S. Should Own Half Of Gordie Howe International Bridge
Morouns ramped up bridge lobbying before Trump’s Gordie Howe threats
Why the Gordie Howe Bridge was built and what happens next
The White House is shrugging at Lutnick’s Epstein ties. His foes are too.
The White House is shrugging at Lutnick’s Epstein ties. His foes are too. - POLITICO (Thanks to Graydon for this one)
It’s the latest example of how little weight association with Epstein carries for high-profile figures in the Trump administration.
Epstein Files Reveal Scope of Ghislaine Maxwell’s Role in Clinton Circle
Epstein Files Reveal Scope of Ghislaine Maxwell’s Role in Clinton Circle - The New York Times (Thanks to Haadi for this one)
Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime companion helped advise on the kickoff of the Clinton Global Initiative and arranged for $1 million in funding for it, emails show.
Columbia Punishes 2 Who Helped Epstein’s Girlfriend Enter Dental College - The New York Times
The release of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein has sent ripples through the worlds of business, politics and academia, including at Columbia, where he helped his girlfriend gain entry.
Related: Jeffrey Epstein’s Trust Reveals Beneficiaries of His Fortune - The New York Times
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| A photograph released by the Justice Department showing former President Bill Clinton with Ghislaine Maxwell. Newly released emails show Ms. Maxwell’s behind-the-scenes role in helping to start the Clinton Global Initiative, one of Mr. Clinton’s signature post-White House endeavors. DOJ. |
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Kalshi and Polymarket Create New Competition for and beat Wall Street Ph.D.s
Kalshi and Polymarket Create New Competition for Professional Economists - The New York Times
Economists have noticed that betting markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are pretty good at predicting not just political events but economic data, too.
Trump Wants to Revive Shipping. Investors Are Slow to Back Him
Trump Wants to Revive Shipping. Investors Are Slow to Back Him. - The New York Times
A French logistics behemoth promised $20 billion for the United States, but a year into President Trump’s second term, only a fraction of the money has arrived.
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| “He’s going to be investing $20 billion into the United States because of the election,” President Trump said last year when Rodolphe Saadé, the chief executive of the shipping company CMA CGM, visited the White House. |
Trump Decries a ‘Nation of Renters’ but His New Policy Promotes One
Trump Decries a ‘Nation of Renters’ but His New Policy Promotes One - The New York Times
President Trump’s recently announced executive order that would bar big investors from acquiring single-family homes includes an exemption that allows them to build homes for rent.
Prosecutors Fail to Bring Charges Against Democrats Involved in Illegal Orders Video
The rejection was a remarkable rebuke, suggesting that ordinary citizens did not believe that the lawmakers had committed any crimes.
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| Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and the other five Democratic lawmakers had posted a video that enraged President Trump by reminding active-duty members of the military and intelligence community of their obligation to refuse illegal orders. Photo by Eric Lee for NYT. |
FAA Halts All Flights at El Paso Airport for 10 Days
(2) FAA Halts All Flights at El Paso Airport for 10 Days: Live Updates - The New York Times
No flights are allowed to or from the airport until Feb. 20 under a flight restriction order that cited unspecified “special security reasons.”
Update: Officials Claim Drone Incursion Led to Shutdown of El Paso Airport - The New York Times
The secretary of transportation said the military had neutralized a drug cartel drone. Two officials said testing of counter-drone technology prompted the closure. The F.A.A. initially said it would last 10 days.
DHS Shutdown Looms as Senate Democrats Reject White House ICE Deal; Pockets of Republican Pushback to ICE Facilities Point to MAGA Fissures
DHS Shutdown Looms as Senate Democrats Reject White House ICE Deal - The New York Times
Trump’s Migrant Detention Pipeline Extends From Minnesota to El Paso - The New York Times
Pockets of Republican Pushback to ICE Facilities Point to MAGA Fissures - The New York Times
Top Immigration Officials Testify; ICE/CPB Shooting Cases go to the courts
Top Immigration Officials Refuse to Discuss Minnesota Shootings at Hearing - The New York Times
Trump Administration Claims About Shootings by Federal Agents Unravel in Court - The New York Times
Top Border Official Praised Agent Who Shot Chicago Woman, Evidence Shows - The New York Times
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