🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
Two women incarcerated at the California Institution for Women are speaking out about the alleged rape they suffered at the hands of a staff cook, who they claim used his position of power to exploit and silence them. The women are now calling for the prosecution of the cook, who has since been let go from his position. An investigation has concluded that an abuse incident did occur.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has proposed a 9.5% property tax increase as a "last resort" if a wealth tax isn't passed, while the FDA has reversed its decision to review Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine. The move comes as Governor Kathy Hochul faces re-election this year. Meanwhile, the FDA's reversal on the flu vaccine has sparked relief in the medical industry.
4 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
Despite the Trump administration's efforts to eliminate union contracts, the number of workers covered under union contracts has reached a 16-year high. Meanwhile, a US judge has ruled that Buffalo Wild Wings can continue using the term "boneless wings" on its menu, dismissing a lawsuit that claimed the chain was misleading customers.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
A sewage spill in the Potomac River has sparked a heated feud between President Donald Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, while the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia faces turmoil with the sudden departure of its president, Jeffrey Rosen, ahead of the 250th anniversary of the US Constitution.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
Senator Marco Rubio's recent speech at the Munich Security Conference offered a vision of renewed US-Europe cooperation, but with significant conditions. Rubio's message was one of friendship, but on distinctly American terms. European leaders were left to ponder the implications of this conditional offer.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
This week saw a mix of shocking statements, courageous testimonies, and heartwarming moments that highlighted the complexities of our world. From billionaire owners making headlines for the wrong reasons to a very good dog's Olympic debut, we take a closer look at the stories that made waves.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
In 1972, Jesse Jackson appeared on Sesame Street, leading a diverse group of children in his iconic "I am somebody" chant. The episode showcased a vision of a beloved community, integrated and full of promise. This moment in television history continues to resonate today, promoting self-worth and unity among children and adults alike.
2 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
A devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe has left nine skiers missing, while Mikaela Shiffrin made history with her second Winter Olympic slalom gold. Meanwhile, Nevada is suing Kalshi to block the company's prediction market operation in the state.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
Mikaela Shiffrin takes home her second Winter Olympic slalom gold, while a severe storm in California's Sierra Nevada mountains triggers an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, leaving nine skiers missing. Meanwhile, Nevada gaming regulators sue Kalshi to block the company's prediction market operation in the state.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
As the Trump administration ramps up its immigration enforcement efforts, communities and individuals are pushing back against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. In Georgia, a small town is opposing plans to build a massive detention center, while in Minnesota, authorities are investigating an ICE arrest that left a man with severe head injuries.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
The Trump administration is facing mounting criticism and legal challenges over its policies on climate change, human rights, and international relations. Environmental groups have sued the EPA over the repeal of a landmark climate finding, while lawmakers are demanding accountability for the detention of a Palestinian-American teenager in Israel. Meanwhile, the administration's sanctions on international judges have been met with defiance, and a major change is coming to the US soccer league.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
Jesse Jackson, a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement, has passed away at the age of 84. Former US presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden led tributes to Jackson, praising his tireless work and dedication to social justice. Donald Trump also paid his respects, but not without taking a swipe at his critics.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
Jesse Jackson, a leading figure in the civil rights movement, has passed away at the age of 84, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former US presidents and other prominent figures. Jackson was remembered as a "titan" of the civil rights movement and "one of America's greatest patriots". His legacy continues to inspire and influence social justice movements today.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
CBS is under fire for allegedly bowing to pressure from the administration and censoring an interview with a Texas Democrat running for Senate on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. FCC Commissioner Anna M Gomez has accused the network of "corporate capitulation" and criticized the administration's efforts to control speech. The incident has sparked concerns about the limits of free expression and the role of corporate influence in shaping public discourse.
4 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
CBS is facing criticism for allegedly censoring an interview between Stephen Colbert and a Texas Democrat running for Senate, with an FCC commissioner accusing the network of "corporate capitulation" in the face of the administration's efforts to control speech. The incident has sparked concerns about free expression and the role of corporate interests in shaping public discourse.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
American skier Mikaela Shiffrin has taken the top spot in the women's slalom event at the Winter Olympics 2026, finishing with a time that puts her 0.82 seconds ahead of the competition. The crowd erupted in cheers as Shiffrin crossed the finish line. This win marks a significant moment for Shiffrin, who has been working to prove herself in the sport.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
The term "populism" has become a defining feature of modern politics, but its meaning has grown increasingly ambiguous, making it difficult to apply to the diverging fates of the left and right. As the fortunes of these two poles continue to shift, the concept of populism is struggling to keep up. Is it time to rethink our understanding of this complex and multifaceted phenomenon?
4 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
The term "populism" was once a defining characteristic of the 2010s, describing an insurgent rhetorical style that challenged the liberal center. However, as the fortunes of the left and right have diverged in the 2020s, the term has become increasingly inadequate. Critics argue that populism has lost its meaning, becoming too vague, pejorative, or even counterproductive.
4 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
A lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration, alleging that National Park Service policies are erasing history and science from America's national parks. The suit claims that orders from President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have resulted in the removal or censorship of exhibits that share factually accurate and relevant US history and scientific knowledge. The lawsuit also includes a separate claim regarding the removal of a rainbow Pride flag from the Stonewall national monument in New York.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
A lawsuit filed against the Trump administration claims that National Park Service policies are erasing history and science from America's national parks. The lawsuit, filed by conservation and historical organizations, alleges that orders from Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have forced park service staff to remove or censor exhibits on topics such as slavery and climate change. The lawsuit also includes the removal of the rainbow Pride flag from the Stonewall national monument in New York.
4 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
A UN panel of experts has revealed that millions of files related to Jeffrey Epstein's crimes suggest a global criminal enterprise that committed acts meeting the threshold of crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has accused the Trump administration of a cover-up and urged the release of millions of withheld Epstein files.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 18, 2026
A federal judge in Texas declared a mistrial in a high-profile case involving protesters accused of terrorism, while in Olympic news, Japanese teenager Ami Nakai stunned the figure skating world with a commanding performance that overshadowed the US team.
3 min read
🏛️ Politico Wire Feb 17, 2026
A US immigration judge has blocked the deportation of Mohsen Mahdawi, a 34-year-old Palestinian activist and Columbia University student who was arrested during a citizenship interview last year. The decision comes after lawyers for Mahdawi filed a court appeal in New York, which had previously led to his release from immigration custody in April. Mahdawi expressed gratitude to the court for upholding the rule of law.
3 min read