latest news in politics
Sudden $500 Billion Defense Increase Stalls Federal Budget Proposal
Washington D.C., Saturday, 21 February 2026.
The administration missed its budget deadline following an unplanned $500 billion defense hike, leaving the Pentagon scrambling to allocate funds in a move analysts term a ‘head-scratcher.’
Rising Local and Federal Barriers Stifle U.S. Wind and Solar Expansion
Washington D.C., Saturday, 21 February 2026.
A 2026 investigation reveals that 24% of U.S. counties now restrict renewable energy projects—up from 15% in 2023—creating significant headwinds for developers despite proven local economic benefits.
Congress Poised to Block New Executive Trade Levies After Supreme Court Defeat
Washington, Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Lawmakers vow to annul the administration’s immediate 10 percent global tax, citing historical precedents linking similar protectionism to the Great Depression and asserting legislative authority over trade policy.
Ambassador Bridge Owner’s $1 Million Trump Donation Preceded Attack on Rival Crossing
Detroit, Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Recent filings reveal Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun donated $1 million to a Trump-aligned PAC just weeks before the President moved to block the competing Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Federal Judge Scolds Justice Department for Ignoring Press Laws in Reporter Home Raid
Washington, Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Magistrate Judge William Porter severely reprimanded prosecutors for ignoring the Privacy Protection Act when raiding a reporter’s home, bluntly asking the government’s legal team, “How could you miss it?”
Supreme Court Restricts Presidential Tariff Power in Historic IEEPA Ruling
Washington, Saturday, 21 February 2026.
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in Learning Resources v. Trump, ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. By applying the “major questions doctrine,” the Court clarified that the statutory power to “regulate” importation does not extend to taxation, a power explicitly vested in Congress. This ruling significantly curtails executive authority regarding trade protectionism. However, the economic landscape remains volatile; the administration has immediately pivoted strategies, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This obscure statute, focusing on balance-of-payments authority, is now the legal basis for a proposed 10% temporary import surcharge. Investors must now navigate this rapid shift from broad emergency powers to more specific, albeit restrictive, trade statutes.
Mayor Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Strict Identification Mandate for Emergency Snow Laborers
New York, Sunday, 22 February 2026.
Mayor Mamdani demands five identification documents for $28.71-per-hour emergency shovelers, triggering “Jim Snow 2.0” comparisons regarding his party’s stance on voter ID requirements.
Susan Rice Signals Future Regulatory Risks for Corporations Aligned with Trump
Washington, Friday, 20 February 2026.
Rice explicitly warns corporations to preserve documents now, signaling that a future Democratic administration will reject a “forgive and forget” approach in favor of strict regulatory accountability.
