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Since January 20, 2026, the Trump administration launched "Operation Catch of the Day," targeting roughly 1,400 immigrants in Maine, focusing on those with alleged criminal records. Governor Janet Mills and local leaders criticize the operation for secrecy and community disruption, especially in Portland and Lewiston's immigrant populations. The raids coincide with a broader visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including many African nations, amid heightened immigration enforcement nationwide.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom and former President Donald Trump exchanged sharp words at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Newsom criticized Trump and California’s leadership, while Trump defended his record and relationship with Newsom. The week saw ongoing political sparring and international disputes, highlighting deepening US political tensions.
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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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On January 21, 2026, the US Supreme Court heard arguments over former President Trump's unprecedented attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing unproven mortgage fraud allegations she denies. The court appeared skeptical of the administration's request to lift a lower court injunction preventing her immediate removal, raising concerns about the Fed's independence and economic impact. A ruling is expected by June.
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Yale University announced a new policy increasing income thresholds for free tuition, effective this fall. The move aims to widen access for middle- and low-income students, aligning with similar initiatives at Harvard, Princeton, and MIT, amid ongoing debates on socioeconomic diversity in elite colleges.
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On January 23, 2026, TikTok finalized a deal creating a majority American-owned joint venture to operate its US business, avoiding a ban mandated by a 2024 law. Investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Emirati firm MGX hold over 80%, while ByteDance retains 19.9%. The US algorithm will be retrained on American data, with data stored locally under strict safeguards.
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Multiple U.S. federal judges have issued rulings preventing the Biden administration from ending temporary protected status (TPS) for immigrants from countries including Myanmar, Ethiopia, and several Latin American nations. These decisions highlight ongoing legal battles over immigration policies and protections amid increased enforcement efforts.
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The Pentagon has published its first comprehensive strategy since 2022, emphasizing a shift towards burden-sharing with allies, focusing on deterring Russia and China, and asserting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere. The strategy criticizes allies for reliance on past U.S. support and calls for a more assertive approach.
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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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Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, an assistant professor at Emory University, was removed from her position amid protests and political pressure due to her father's role in Iran's government and recent US sanctions against him. The university cited personnel reasons, but the controversy highlights tensions over academic ties to Iran.
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The Trump administration is shifting its immigration enforcement approach following protests and public disapproval, especially after two protesters were killed in Minneapolis. The move aims to balance maintaining support among core voters and avoiding alienation of moderates and Hispanic voters ahead of upcoming elections.
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Israel has recovered the body of Sgt. Ran Gvili, ending its hostage crisis in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizes disarmament of Hamas and Gaza demilitarization as next steps, amid ongoing tensions and international negotiations. The return marks a significant milestone in Israel's efforts to secure its citizens and stabilize Gaza.
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The US population increased by 0.5% from July 2024 to July 2025, the slowest rate since 2021. Growth was driven mainly by domestic migration, while international migration sharply declined, influenced by policies and demographic shifts. The Midwest was the only region with consistent state growth.
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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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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claims that a US arms embargo contributed to Israeli soldier deaths in Gaza, implying reduced US military support under Biden. He emphasizes plans for Gaza's disarmament and criticizes perceived limitations on weapons supplies, amid ongoing tensions over Gaza reconstruction and regional security.
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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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The US government reported the costs of deploying National Guard and active-duty Marines to several cities in 2025, with Washington, DC, and Los Angeles being the most expensive. The deployments aimed to combat crime but faced legal challenges and fluctuating troop levels. The total cost exceeded $496 million.
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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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Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her bid for Minnesota governor, emphasizing bipartisanship and resilience amid national political tensions. Her campaign contrasts with polarized Democrats and faces Republican contenders, including Trump-backed candidates. The race highlights ongoing debates over law enforcement, immigration, and election integrity.
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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 will convene in Washington, D.C., with delegations from over 20 countries including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The meeting aims 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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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. This move, led by the Trump administration and EPA head Lee Zeldin, 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, honoring victims. An initial social media post claiming he was recognizing genocide was deleted after staff error. The visit aims to support regional peace efforts amid tense Turkey-Armenia relations.
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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 showing Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. The post sparked 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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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.