Day: February 18, 2026

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band announced a surprise, politically charged Land of Hope and Dreams American tour, saying they’ll “rock your town in celebration and in defense of America” as democracy faces threats from “our wannabe king” and his “rogue government.” The 20‑date run begins March 31 in Minneapolis and concludes May 27 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Springsteen tied the announcement to his recent protest song “Streets of Minneapolis,” urged unity under a “United Free Republic of E Street Nation,” and posted a video to social media. Tickets go on sale February 20–21. Get ready now. (people.com)

The U.S. Supreme Court on December 4, 2025, issued a 6–3 order allowing Texas’s newly drawn congressional map to be used in the 2026 midterms, staying a lower‑court injunction. The plan, passed by the Republican‑controlled legislature and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, is projected to add five GOP‑leaning seats. A three‑judge federal panel had ruled the map an illegal racial gerrymander, but the Supreme Court said the district court erred and emphasized timing and presumption‑of‑good‑faith doctrines. The redraw shifts Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Al Green out of their districts, threatening their incumbency and boosting Republican chances in Texas in 2026. (democracydocket.com)

Hundreds of Asheville High School students bolted from classrooms and poured into a busy downtown intersection on Feb. 2, 2026, in a large walkout protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement, local reports say. (ca.news.yahoo.com) Videos circulating on social media show students waving foreign flags, carrying professionally printed signs and chanting “Fuck ICE” and “Fuck Trump” as they blocked traffic, and the footage prompted questions about teacher supervision. (amgreatness.com) At least one city council member was reported among supporters, and the action was described as part of a nationwide wave of student anti‑ICE protests. (ca.news.yahoo.com) The demonstration echoed nationwide student protests against ICE in January. (ca.news.yahoo.com)

During a Fox News segment where Vice President J.D. Vance was asked whether he’s eyeing 2028, viewers noticed what looked like heavy, “caked” makeup or broadcast smoothing on his face, sparking rapid online reaction and memes. (reddit.com) Observers debated whether studio lighting, on‑air retouching or actual eyeliner explained the look. (washingtonpost.com) Critics and opponents likened the appearance to Donald Trump–style on‑camera makeup, while political rivals used it for mockery. (thedailybeast.com) The moment intensified scrutiny of image management in modern campaigns and fueled social‑media satire, underscoring how appearance and optics now shape political narratives as much as policy. Major outlets amplified the coverage widely.

Breaking: Stephen Colbert accused CBS and the FCC of blocking an interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico after lawyers, citing new FCC “equal time” guidance, warned the segment could trigger equal-time obligations for rivals including Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Colbert said he was told he could not air or even mention the interview; CBS pushed back, saying “The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico” and that it offered legal guidance and options. Colbert instead posted it to YouTube. The dispute highlights rising FCC scrutiny of talk shows and growing corporate caution nationwide. (apnews.com)

CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten said an NBC News/SurveyMonkey reweighting of the 2024 electorate shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump by eight points in a hypothetical rematch. Enten noted the sample was weighted to reflect the 2024 vote — which Trump won by one point — yet Harris leads by eight. He highlighted that 2024 Harris voters are more likely than Trump voters to back their party’s congressional candidates (89% vs. 83%), that nonvoters now tilt Democratic by 16 points, and that Trump’s net approval sits near −22, improving Democratic Senate odds, as Enten emphasized. (transcripts.cnn.com)

According to an X post, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles convened a major meeting with several cabinet members to strategize how Republicans can win the 2026 midterm elections. Wiles, the White House’s top aide, has publicly signaled that the administration plans to deploy President Trump on the campaign trail and leverage his fundraising and turnout strengths to support vulnerable GOP candidates. The meeting — reportedly a Cabinet Room coordination session on messaging, staffing and mobilization — underscores the administration’s active role in shaping the GOP midterm effort. The White House has not yet released a full official readout to reporters. (apnews.com)

CNN’s chief data correspondent Harry Enten said on CNN News Central that, in a hypothetical rematch, Vice President Kamala Harris would now defeat Donald Trump. (thedailybeast.com) Enten cited an NBC News/SurveyMonkey poll showing Harris ahead by eight points — a major reversal from Trump’s one-point 2024 victory and an April 2025 polled redo that had Harris up one. (thedailybeast.com) He said Harris voters stick more with Democratic congressional candidates (89% vs. 83% for Trump voters), 2024 nonvoters now favor Democrats by 16 points, and Kalshi markets lift Democrats’ Senate odds from 19% to 40%. (thedailybeast.com) Enten added Trump’s net approval is −22 points. (thedailybeast.com)