Month: February 2026

Sources: (independent.co.uk)

House Speaker Mike Johnson angrily criticized Democrats after they sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture over efforts to determine how many undocumented immigrants receive SNAP benefits, saying “They sued the USDA for simply asking them how many illegal aliens are on the program in California, New York and these other states.” (thegatewaypundit.com) The lawsuit, filed Oct. 28, 2025, was brought by Democratic attorneys general and governors from about 25 states and challenges USDA orders to suspend or restrict November SNAP payments amid a government shutdown. (politico.com) USDA defended its legal interpretation, and a federal judge ordered temporary restoration of benefits that day. (justsecurity.org)

Federal Judge Zahid Quraishi ordered the immediate release of an immigrant and warned that, after repeated government noncompliance in immigration habeas cases, he would compel DOJ and DHS officials to appear and testify under oath to show cause if unlawful detentions continue. The ruling and his threat to “haul in” officials have gone viral on social media, prompting online calls for his impeachment and accusations that he would expose Trump administration officials. Coverage so far is concentrated on social posts and legal blogs; major outlets have limited reporting. Supporters hail his enforcement of court orders, while critics call for discipline. (electoral-vote.com)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the United Nations, saying, “I don’t care what the U.N. says,” in remarks disputing U.N. findings on Venezuela. A viral social-media post attributed additional language to Rubio calling the U.N. “a corrupted disaster” that places “3rd world dictators” on human-rights councils and “promotes the replacement of white people,” and attached a poll asking readers to respond “A. Huge Yes” or “B. No.” Major outlets confirm Rubio is Secretary of State and have reported his dispute with U.N. drug reports, while the inflammatory extended claim primarily appears on social platforms and remains currently unverified. (transcripts.cnn.com)

Lee County, Florida, officials disciplined 2,480 high‑school students after anti‑ICE walkouts Feb. 4–6, citing disruptions and safety concerns. The district said 2,037 students skipped class or were tardy, 393 safety violations and 50 insubordination incidents were reported. Consequences ranged from warnings and zeros on assignments to 134 out‑of‑school suspensions, 40 in‑school suspensions and 11 recommendations for reassignment to an alternative Success Academy. The district also logged 208 Level III interventions, 43 student conferences and seven parent meetings. Superintendent Denise Carlin said safety and the Student Code of Conduct guided the actions. Officials used videos and reports to identify the participants. (gulfcoastnewsnow.com)

An online post proclaimed a new Trump administration decree: “No more American taxpayer money for any country that votes against us at the UN, screams ‘Death to America,’ or funds anti‑American groups,” urging users to pledge support. (mobile.twstalker.com) The claim mirrors administration moves—most notably a February 3, 2025, White House order ending funding for UNRWA and withholding certain UN contributions and ordering reviews of other organizations. (whitehouse.gov) Observers warn the viral wording exaggerates scope; legal challenges and court orders have contested some aid freezes and compelled releases of appropriated foreign assistance. (apnews.com)

A Minnesota activist, Ashley Fairbanks, is urgently requesting donations of food and money to aid undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis who are facing evictions and cannot work amid intensified ICE enforcement. (theguardian.com) Her online mutual aid organizing and crowdsourced rent campaigns have helped dozens of families and, according to reporting, contributed to nearly $20 million raised statewide to support those affected. (theguardian.com) Volunteers are delivering food, driving residents to appointments, and coordinating rapid response networks to track enforcement activity. (pbs.org) Minnesota officials have also warned donors to vet crowdfunding appeals amid reports of scams. (fox21online.com) Community leaders say government action is needed to stem displacement. (nationaltoday.com)

Breaking reports allege that President Donald Trump is plotting to undermine or even cancel the 2026 midterm elections, prompting legal and democratic warnings. At the same time, media ownership moves by Paramount/Skydance raise fears that David Ellison and Bari Weiss could seize control of CNN if regulators approve a takeover. Democracy Docket, an independent, pro‑democracy newsroom founded by Marc Elias, says it has no corporate investors and vows to defend voting rights; it’s soliciting support and subscriptions. The stories are developing and subject to confirmation as acquisitions and legal plans advance. Readers should monitor reputable outlets for verified updates regularly. (democracydocket.com)

On February 26, 2026, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a closed-door deposition to the Republican-led House Oversight Committee about Jeffrey Epstein. (washingtonpost.com) She testified under oath that she never met Jeffrey Epstein, never flew on his plane and never visited his island, homes, or offices, and said she had no knowledge of his crimes. (cbsnews.com) The hearing lasted roughly seven hours; Clinton called the proceedings partisan and said questioning veered into UFOs and the debunked Pizzagate theory. (axios.com) A private-photo leak briefly paused the session. (theguardian.com) Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify the next day, Republicans said the depositions continue. (wsj.com)

On Feb. 26, 2026, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg dropped the felony assault charge against 27‑year‑old Gusmane Coulibaly, arrested after video showed participants throwing snow and ice balls at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park, saying prosecutors could not prove an officer’s injury was directly caused by Coulibaly. He still faces downgraded counts of harassment and obstruction; he was released under supervision and is due back in court April 9. The NYPD says two officers suffered facial lacerations, and the Police Benevolent Association criticized the decision. Coulibaly was arrested less than three weeks earlier on an attempted‑robbery‑related charge. Public debate followed. Sources: (cbsnews.com)