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As of February 12, 2026, the UK plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia military base to the UK-US. Despite initial US support, former President Trump sharply criticized the deal as "an act of great stupidity," delaying parliamentary ratification amid legal and political challenges. Trump has since softened his stance after talks with UK Prime Minister Starmer but warned of military intervention if US interests are threatened.
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On February 1, 2026, Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a Texas State Senate special election in a traditionally Republican Fort Worth district by over 14 points, overturning a 17-point Trump margin from 2024. The victory signals shifting Hispanic voter support and growing Democratic momentum ahead of the November midterms. Rehmet must defend the seat in November, while Republicans face challenges in Texas primaries.
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Hamburger SV suspended winger Dompé after a DUI incident, receiving a record fine. Meanwhile, French winger Saint-Maximin left Mexico after racist abuse, with clubs condemning the hate. The Sierra Club faces internal disputes over diversity, highlighting ongoing challenges in social justice efforts.
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As of early February 2026, U.S. federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions allowing construction to resume on four major East Coast offshore wind projects halted by the Trump administration over national security concerns. The Sunrise Wind project, which was losing $2.5 million daily, also received a court order to continue work. These rulings challenge the administration's claims and support the growth of clean energy.
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A new study highlights Hawaii's economic struggles, showing a combination of high living costs and low wages, leading to outmigration and economic decline. Despite its lifestyle appeal, the state resembles distressed regions more than prosperous ones, raising concerns about future growth.
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The FBI executed a court-authorized search at Fulton County’s election facility in Union City, Georgia, focusing on records related to the 2020 election. The operation follows claims by former President Trump of election fraud, despite no evidence supporting widespread voter misconduct. Tulsi Gabbard, the DNI, was present during the raid, raising questions about her role.
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The US government’s recent immigration crackdown in Minnesota targets refugees, leading to arrests and legal challenges. A judge issued a temporary restraining order, halting the operation and ordering the release of detained refugees. The case highlights tensions over refugee rights and immigration enforcement policies.
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Israel is moving forward with legislation to implement the death penalty for Palestinians, including Hamas members, with plans to establish execution facilities in East Asia. The bill has faced international criticism and aims to apply to Israeli citizens of Palestinian origin, raising concerns over discrimination and legal duality.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to promote a more sophisticated trade relationship, including visa and tariff agreements. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump publicly warned against UK and Canadian engagement with China, calling it 'very dangerous.' The story highlights tensions between major powers over China’s role in global trade.
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As of early February 2026, Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. have engaged in trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi to end the nearly four-year war. Despite ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and cities, negotiations focus on territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine and security guarantees. No breakthrough has been reached, but talks remain ongoing under U.S. mediation.
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On February 5, 2026, the New START treaty between the US and Russia expired, ending over 50 years of nuclear arms limits between the two powers. Russia offered a one-year extension, but the US declined, seeking a new treaty including China, which refuses to join. Both sides remain committed to restraint, but the absence of formal limits raises fears of a renewed nuclear arms race.
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Donald Trump has repeatedly called for the federal government to take over election administration in at least 15 states, claiming widespread voter fraud and election corruption. His remarks, unsubstantiated and at odds with the Constitution, have raised concerns among election officials and lawmakers about potential threats to electoral independence, especially ahead of upcoming midterms.
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Iran and the US are holding indirect negotiations in Oman amid rising regional tensions. Iran insists its missile program is non-negotiable and focuses on nuclear issues, while the US seeks broader talks including missile range and regional support. The talks follow military build-up and protests in Iran today, Saturday, 07 Feb 2026.
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William Stevenson, 77, has been indicted for the murder of his wife Linda in Wilmington, Delaware, on December 28, 2025. He remains jailed after failing to post $500,000 bail. The investigation followed a domestic dispute call, with police finding Linda unresponsive. Stevenson was previously married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975.
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family watched the women's hockey team win at the Milan Winter Olympics. They faced boos at the opening ceremony, reflecting mixed U.S. public opinion amid broader political tensions. Vance's trip also includes diplomatic efforts in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
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The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights faces severe funding cuts after Western donors, including the US, reduced contributions in 2025. This has led to fewer monitoring missions, job cuts, and diminished capacity to address global human rights violations amid mounting crises.
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Missouri's lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, seeks to exclude undocumented immigrants from census counts used for apportionment, claiming it would better reflect citizens. The case challenges the constitutional interpretation and has implications for federal funding and political representation.
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Zubayar al-Bakoush, linked to the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed four Americans, has been extradited to the US to face murder, arson, and terrorism charges. The attack was initially seen as a spontaneous protest but was later identified as a deliberate extremist assault. This marks a significant step in US justice efforts.
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President Trump signed an order to reopen the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing, reversing protections put in place by President Obama and later restored by President Biden. The move aims to support U.S. fishing industries but faces environmental opposition.
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On February 19, 2026, the inaugural Board of Peace meeting chaired by former US President Donald Trump convened in Washington, D.C., with delegations from over 20 countries including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The meeting aimed to raise billions for Gaza's reconstruction and discuss deploying an international stabilization force amid ongoing ceasefire violations and political tensions.
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California faces a growing exodus of wealthy residents amid proposed wealth taxes and political shifts. Recent events include a march supporting billionaires and high-profile moves by tech leaders leaving the state. The debate highlights tensions over wealth, taxation, and economic future.
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Venezuelan authorities detained prominent allies of Nicolás Maduro, including businessman Alex Saab, as part of a US-backed investigation into corruption and money laundering linked to government contracts. The detentions follow a recent shift in Venezuela's political landscape and US efforts to influence the regime.
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Recent polls show President Trump’s approval ratings are at their lowest in his second term, with only 40% approval. This decline impacts upcoming midterm elections, as voters grow increasingly dissatisfied with his handling of the economy and immigration. The political landscape is shifting ahead of 2026.
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Russian oil revenues have fallen to their lowest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, due to US and EU sanctions, tariff pressures, and a crackdown on sanctions-dodging tankers. President Putin is borrowing and raising taxes to maintain finances, but economic strains persist amid slowing growth and inflation. The situation highlights the impact of Western sanctions on Russia's war economy.
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On February 12, 2026, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the repeal of the 2009 'endangerment finding' that classified greenhouse gases as threats to public health. Led by the Trump administration and EPA head Lee Zeldin, this marks the largest climate deregulation in US history, removing federal greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles and threatening broader climate regulations. The rollback aims to reduce costs for automakers and fossil fuel industries but faces strong opposition from environmental groups and legal challenges.
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U.S. Vice President Vance visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, describing it as an honor to victims. An initial social media post calling it a 'genocide' was deleted after staff error. The incident highlights sensitivities around the term and U.S.-Turkey-Armenia relations.
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Former CNN host Don Lemon and eight others face federal charges after disrupting a Minnesota church service protesting ICE. Lemon claims he was there as a journalist, not a participant. The case involves allegations under the 1994 FACE Act, with potential penalties up to a year in prison and $10,000 fine.
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The Biden administration has announced the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge, the DHS's largest immigration enforcement effort in Minnesota, after arrests of over 4,000 individuals. The operation faced criticism following deadly incidents and protests, but officials cite increased local cooperation and internal reforms as reasons for the drawdown. Some federal officers remain in the state.
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A US judge criticized the Biden administration's handling of Venezuelan migrants accused of gang membership, ruling they must be given a chance to challenge their deportations. The case highlights ongoing legal disputes over due process and immigration enforcement under the Trump and Biden administrations.
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US inflation slowed to 2.4% in January, below expectations, amid strong job growth and falling energy prices. The labor market remains resilient, but recent data raises questions about the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates amid mixed signals on inflation and employment.
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On February 5, 2026, President Trump's Truth Social account posted a video falsely alleging 2020 election fraud, ending with a brief clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. The post drew bipartisan condemnation, including from Republican senators. The White House initially defended the post as a meme, then deleted it, blaming a staffer. Trump denied seeing the full video and refused to apologize.
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At the Munich Security Conference in February 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a conciliatory yet firm speech emphasizing the enduring ties between the US and Europe. He warned against mass migration and economic complacency, urging Europe to strengthen its defenses and supply chains. European leaders welcomed the tone but remained cautious about underlying policy differences, especially on migration and security commitments.
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The UN reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out mass killings, sexual violence, abductions, and other war crimes during their offensive on El Fasher in October 2025. Over 6,000 people were killed in the first three days, with widespread violations against civilians based on ethnicity. The report calls for accountability.
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President Trump delivered a lengthy prime-time speech to Congress, aiming to rally support amid economic setbacks, Supreme Court rulings, and escalating tensions with Iran. He highlighted economic gains, border policies, and peace efforts, while facing criticism over tariffs and his tone towards the judiciary.
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Israel backed a UN resolution supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, breaking from the US which abstained. The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace. Meanwhile, the US emphasizes support for Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and recent votes reflecting shifting alliances.
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On February 25, 2026, Donald Trump delivered a lengthy State of the Union address, emphasizing American military strength and national pride. Critics highlighted his focus on military achievements and patriotic rhetoric, while Democrats condemned his limited focus on domestic issues like affordability and healthcare amid low approval ratings.
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President Trump’s recent State of the Union emphasized a stark divide on immigration, with Republicans supporting his call to prioritize American citizens' safety, while Democrats largely remained seated, refusing to endorse the principle that the government’s primary duty is to protect Americans over illegal migrants. The event underscores ongoing partisan tensions over immigration policy.
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On February 25, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history, highlighting economic growth, immigration enforcement, and military achievements. Despite Republican applause, Democrats criticized his policies and rhetoric amid low approval ratings and looming midterm elections. Trump also addressed the Supreme Court tariff ruling and tensions with Iran, while largely avoiding new policy proposals.
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Recent Gallup polls show a historic shift in American public opinion, with more Americans now sympathizing with Palestinians than Israelis. This change, accelerated by the Gaza conflict, reflects declining bipartisan support for Israel and growing sympathy among Democrats and younger Americans, signaling a significant realignment in US foreign policy attitudes.
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Former President Joe Biden was seen traveling privately with Secret Service protection at an airport, awaiting a flight to South Carolina. His casual appearance surprised passengers, highlighting the differences in security and travel arrangements for ex-presidents compared to active officials.