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  • Friday, February 20th, 2026 - Ex-prince Andrew birthday arrest; “Board of Peace” pledges $7B for Gaza; ICE targets observers; Iran deadline extended

    Friday, February 20th, 2026 - Ex-prince Andrew birthday arrest; “Board of Peace” pledges $7B for Gaza; ICE targets observers; Iran deadline extended
    Feb 20 2026
    Today’s Headlines: In a genuinely shocking development, Prince Andrew was arrested in the UK on suspicion of misconduct in public office — a very restrained way of saying he allegedly shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein. It happened on his birthday, and King Charles said the law will take its course. It’s the first arrest of a senior royal since 1647, which is… not recent. Meanwhile in DC, Andrew and Epstein’s former bestie Donald Trump convened his self-styled “Board of Peace,” which he continues pitching as a potential replacement for the UN. The focus was Gaza: five countries pledged troops for a stabilization force, nine pledged a combined $7 billion — about 10% of the $70 billion estimated for rebuilding. Trump added a promised $10 billion from the US, source of funds TBD. Hamas has not fully agreed to disarm, but sure. On Iran, Trump warned that Tehran has 10 days to strike a nuclear deal or “bad things will happen,” then extended it to 15 by nightfall. In South Korea, former president Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for his 2024 insurrection attempt and brief martial law stunt. The court said it damaged the military’s neutrality and the country’s credibility. Consequences. Back home, DHS has launched a nationwide review of naturalized citizens who may have voted before becoming citizens, requiring field offices to justify decisions not to prosecute. The administration is also reportedly exploring ways to criminalize observing ICE agents, despite most related arrests resulting in no charges. And finally, the EEOC is suing a Coca-Cola distributor over a women-only networking event, alleging discrimination. The company says it followed the law. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Former Prince Andrew arrested and held for hours on suspicion of misconduct over ties to Epstein AP News: Trump heads to Georgia after securing Board of Peace pledges for Gaza relief funds CNN: Live updates: Trump indicates Iran decision within days and says Board of Peace will be ‘looking over’ UN The Guardian: South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol jailed for life for leading insurrection MS Now: White House directing DHS to hunt for voter fraud by naturalized citizens: Sources NPR: The Trump administration is increasingly trying to criminalize observing ICE Axios: Federal agency sues Coca-Cola bottler over work event that excluded men Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 Min.
  • Thursday, February 19th, 2026 - Wexner testifies; Zuck funds politicians; War talk swirls around Iran; Mamdani acts after cold snap

    Thursday, February 19th, 2026 - Wexner testifies; Zuck funds politicians; War talk swirls around Iran; Mamdani acts after cold snap
    Feb 19 2026
    Today’s Headlines: Billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner testified before Congress about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein — but instead of appearing on Capitol Hill, lawmakers traveled to his Ohio mansion, where the 88-year-old was deposed with family members present. Notably, no Republicans on the House Oversight Committee showed up. Wexner, who once granted Epstein power of attorney, said he was “naive, gullible, and foolish” and claimed he was conned, despite building a multibillion-dollar empire. It wasn’t the only billionaire hot seat of the day. Mark Zuckerberg testified in a landmark trial against Meta over allegations the company knowingly made its platforms addictive and harmful to children. The case could influence more than 1,500 pending social media addiction lawsuits. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported Meta has set aside $65 million to back state-level politicians friendly to the AI industry through new super PACs in Illinois and Texas — timing that feels… strategic. In federal agency cleanup news, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed a webpage warning against bogus autism “treatments” like chlorine dioxide and raw camel milk, calling it routine housekeeping. On the foreign policy front, Donald Trump met with advisers to discuss Iran, as mixed signals emerge from nuclear talks in Geneva and two U.S. aircraft carriers sit in the Mediterranean. The administration also plans to withdraw roughly 1,000 U.S. troops from Syria over the next two months, though officials say the move is “conditions based.” Meanwhile, a potential U.S. arms sale to Taiwan is reportedly in limbo ahead of Trump’s planned meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing. Back home, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the city will resume clearing homeless encampments following at least 19 deaths during a recent cold snap, with outreach led by homeless services rather than police. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Billionaire Les Wexner says he was 'duped' by adviser Jeffrey Epstein, 'a world-class con man' Axios: Zuckerberg testifies in landmark social media addiction trial NYT: Meta Begins $65 Million Election Push to Advance A.I. Agenda ProPublica: Chlorine Dioxide, Raw Camel Milk: The FDA No Longer Warns Against These and Other Ineffective Autism Treatments Axios: Trump meets with top Iran advisers as war threat grows WSJ: U.S. Is Withdrawing All Forces From Syria, Officials Say WSJ: U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan in Limbo Amid Pressure Campaign From China AP News: Mamdani reboots homeless encampment sweeps in New York City Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 Min.
  • Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 - NM probes Epstein ranch; TX primary; Colbert vs FCC; Netflix vs Paramount; Trump files airport trademark

    Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 - NM probes Epstein ranch; TX primary; Colbert vs FCC; Netflix vs Paramount; Trump files airport trademark
    Feb 18 2026
    Today’s Headlines: New Mexico has approved a bipartisan “truth commission” to investigate alleged sexual abuse and trafficking at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch near Santa Fe. The commission will have subpoena power, a $2 million budget funded by a Deutsche Bank settlement, and will operate through 2026. Meanwhile, Epstein’s former benefactor Les Wexner is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee behind closed doors at his Ohio home. Early voting is underway in Texas’ Senate primaries after late-night host Stephen Colbert said CBS forced him to cancel an interview with Democratic candidate James Talarico following FCC guidance on political airtime. In media shakeups, Anderson Cooper is leaving CBS’ 60 Minutes, and independent journalist Georgia Fort pleaded not guilty to federal felony charges tied to covering an anti-ICE protest. On the corporate front, Warner Bros. Discovery reopened talks with Paramount over a $77.9 billion acquisition bid as Netflix circles with a competing offer. The Trump administration is reportedly reviewing its relationship with AI company Anthropic after questions about military use of its Claude model, while Palantir sued Swiss outlet Republik over an investigative report. Meta is facing scrutiny over AI chatbot safety for minors and a patent for AI systems that simulate deceased users. EU regulators are investigating Shein under the Digital Services Act, and the Trump administration has spent at least $40 million deporting migrants to third countries, including Cameroon. Nuclear talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva reportedly made progress toward a potential new deal. In Argentina, the Senate passed sweeping labor reforms sparking nationwide strike threats. Trump-linked businesses also filed trademarks for “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson has died at 84. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Guardian: New Mexico approves truth commission on alleged Jeffrey Epstein ranch abuse Dispatch: What do we know about Les Wexner and Epstein as deposition approaches? NYT: Colbert Slams Trump Administration After CBS Pulls Talarico Interview Status: Cooper’s Final Minutes Minnesota Reformer: Journalist Georgia Fort pleads not guilty to felony charges stemming from church protest WSJ: Warner Reopens Talks With Paramount After Sweetened Offer Axios: Exclusive: Pentagon threatens Anthropic punishment European Journalist: Switzerland: US analytics firm takes Republik magazine to court – European Federation of Journalists Mashable: Meta wins patent for AI that could post for dead social media users Axios: Unreleased Meta product didn't protect kids from exploitation, tests found PBS News: Shein under investigation in EU over illegal products and addictive online design features AP News: More third-country nationals have been deported by the US to Cameroon, lawyers tell Axios: U.S. and Iran say progress made in Geneva nuclear talks Reuters: Argentine unions to hold general strike over labor reform bill Gerben Law: Trump’s Private Company Files Trademark for ‘President Donald J. Trump International Airport’ Axios: Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson dies at 84 Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com⁠⁠ Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 Min.
  • Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 - DOJ halts Epstein files release; Prince Andrew probe; ICE $38B push; Jobs cut by 1.5M

    Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 - DOJ halts Epstein files release; Prince Andrew probe; ICE $38B push; Jobs cut by 1.5M
    Feb 17 2026
    Today’s Headlines: The fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files escalated after the Department of Justice released a letter signed by Deputy AG Todd Blanche outlining redactions and listing “politically exposed” names — mostly celebrities and public figures already publicly referenced. Attorney General Pam Bondi said no additional files will be released, despite reports that millions of pages remain sealed. Consequences are, at least, unfolding abroad. Thomas Pritzker stepped down from Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Buckingham Palace backed a police investigation into Prince Andrew, while French authorities assembled a team to examine related allegations. Investigations also involve former Norwegian PM Thorbjørn Jagland and port executive Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. European leaders are weighing alternatives to Visa and Mastercard over economic security concerns, as the EU and Indo-Pacific partners — with Canadian PM Mark Carney — discuss forming a major trade bloc. At the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure allies amid doubts about U.S. commitment to NATO, reportedly skipping EU leadership meetings while meeting Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico. A joint European report concluded Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed with a rare synthetic toxin; Russia rejected the findings. In domestic news, ICE is planning a $38 billion detention expansion, including a Georgia warehouse purchased from Moscow-linked PNK Group at a steep markup. A separate report detailed turbulence inside DHS under Secretary Kristi Noem, including private jet travel and the firing — then rehiring — of a Coast Guard pilot over a misplaced blanket. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Pentagon will end graduate partnerships with Harvard University and review similar programs. A federal grand jury declined to indict Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin over a video about refusing illegal orders. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised 2024–2025 job numbers down by more than 1.5 million combined — the largest downward revision in decades. And finally, former President Barack Obama clarified he’s seen no evidence of extraterrestrials visiting Earth. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: The Daily Beast: Bondi Desperately Tries to Bury Epstein Files for Good—Again ​​WSJ: Thomas Pritzker, Named in Epstein Files, Retires as Hyatt Executive Chairman Reuters: European figures caught in web of Epstein ties NYT: Europe Worries Trump Poses Threat to Its Financial and Tech Sovereignty News 18: Mark Carney Leads Push To Form Major Trade Bloc As Trump Threatens Canada With Tariffs: Report NBC News: Warmer words but relations remain frosty between the U.S. and its old friends in Europe Axios: What we know about rare poison Russia is accused of using on Navalny WaPo: ICE plans to spend $38B on warehouse conversions WSJ: A Pilot Fired Over Kristi Noem’s Missing Blanket and the Constant Chaos Inside DHS CNN: Pentagon may bar tuition aid for top universities in Hegseth’s crackdown on ‘biased’ schools CNBC: DC grand jury declines to indict Sens. Kelly, Slotkin for seditious conspiracy NYT: Job Growth Was Overstated, New Data Shows CNN: Obama clarifies alien comments after telling podcast ‘they’re real’ Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 Min.
  • Friday, February 13th, 2026 - Primary season is here; DHS shutdown looms; ICE ends MN deployment, gets facial recognition; Gallup ends prez ratings

    Friday, February 13th, 2026 - Primary season is here; DHS shutdown looms; ICE ends MN deployment, gets facial recognition; Gallup ends prez ratings
    Feb 13 2026
    Today’s Headlines: Early voting is officially underway for North Carolina’s March 3 Senate primary — your reminder that primary season is here and checking your state’s election dates is now mandatory civic behavior. The timing matters, because Washington is doing the most: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is likely to shut down after Senate Democrats blocked a funding bill that didn’t include limits on ICE practices. If it happens, the shutdown would also hit the TSA, FEMA, and the United States Coast Guard — just as Congress leaves town for a Presidents’ Day recess. Meanwhile, border czar Tom Homan claims ICE is ending deployments to Minnesota, though reporting suggests those deployments may not have actually ended — or possibly started. At the same time, Customs and Border Protection is moving ahead with a $225,000 contract for Clearview AI, a facial recognition tool built on billions of scraped images, now approved for “tactical targeting” and network analysis. That mysterious whistleblower complaint involving Tulsi Gabbard also landed exactly where everyone expected: it centered on her burying an NSA report about a Trump associate’s call with a foreign intelligence agency. Just as we guessed…last week, that associate was Jared Kushner, and the call reportedly involved Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump at the White House, after which Trump publicly scolded Isaac Herzog for not pardoning Netanyahu over corruption charges — while brushing off questions about responsibility for October 7. Elsewhere, X, owned by Elon Musk, is under scrutiny after reports it sold premium accounts to Iranian regime officials despite U.S. sanctions. And finally, Gallup announced its ending monthly presidential approval ratings after nearly 90 years. The last one, taken in December, clocked in at 36%. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Inside North Carolina's 2026 high-stakes primary races Politico: DHS shutdown all but certain after failed Senate vote - Live Updates NYT: Trump Administration to End Surge of Immigration Agents in Minnesota Wired:: CBP Signs Clearview AI Deal to Use Face Recognition for ‘Tactical Targeting’ WSJ: Gabbard Whistleblower Complaint Based on Intercepted Conversation About Jared Kushner Axios: Trump says Israeli president "should be ashamed" for not pardoning Netanyahu Wired: Elon Musk’s X Appears to Be Violating US Sanctions by Selling Premium Accounts to Iranian Leaders NYT: Gallup Will No Longer Track Presidential Approval Ratings Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 Min.
  • Thursday, February 12th, 2026 - Bondi melts down; Congress blocks Canada tariffs; Pride flag comes down; EPA deregulates

    Thursday, February 12th, 2026 - Bondi melts down; Congress blocks Canada tariffs; Pride flag comes down; EPA deregulates
    Feb 12 2026
    Today’s Headlines: Attorney General Pam Bondi’s House Oversight testimony devolved into a chaotic shouting match, yielding few answers about the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files. Bondi repeatedly deflected, bizarrely citing stock market highs as a more appropriate topic, and accused Rep. Thomas Massie of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The most notable takeaway: Bondi appeared to confirm the DOJ tracked which Epstein-related documents Democratic committee members reviewed, raising fresh concerns about internal surveillance. In Congress, six House Republicans joined Democrats to pass a resolution blocking Trump’s Canada tariffs, which were imposed without congressional approval. The Senate passed a similar measure earlier, but Trump can veto it, and the Supreme Court—currently reviewing the tariffs—has yet to rule. Several quieter policy shifts drew scrutiny. The Institute of Museum and Library Services revised federal grant guidelines to prioritize “uplifting and positive” patriotic narratives aligned with Trump executive orders, signaling a shift away from apolitical, merit-based funding. In New York, the Pride flag was removed from the Stonewall National Monument following a federal ban on “non-agency” flags in national parks. Environmental rollbacks accelerated as the EPA moved to reverse its finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health, while the Federal Judicial Center removed climate science guidance from its judges’ manual after political pressure. ProPublica also reported the U.S. Forest Service concealed knowledge that firefighters’ gear contained cancer-linked PFAS chemicals. Finally, a deep-red Oklahoma special election delivered a surprise: Democrats overperformed by roughly 30 points, marking their strongest showing in the district in nearly two decades. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Pam Bondi hearing devolves into shouting matches with Democrats over Epstein and DOJ prosecutions NYT: House Votes to Cancel Trump’s Canada Tariffs ProPublica: Institute of Museum and Library Services Grant Guidelines Take Political Turn Under Trump NYT: Pride Flag Is Removed From Stonewall Monument After Trump Directive Axios: EPA's "endangerment finding" rescission looms ProPublica: Federal Judicial Center Pulls Climate Change Chapter From Official Manual for U.S. Judges ProPublica: Firefighters Wore Gear Containing “Forever Chemicals.” The Forest Service Knew and Stayed Silent for Years. Newsweek: Democrat Overperforms by 30 Points in Deep Red Oklahoma Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 Min.
  • Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 - Epstein names drop, Trump mentions mount; ICE testifies; DOJ rides for Bannon

    Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 - Epstein names drop, Trump mentions mount; ICE testifies; DOJ rides for Bannon
    Feb 11 2026
    Today’s Headlines: Congress is scrambling to keep up with Europe’s Epstein accountability push. Rep. Ro Khanna publicly named six men he says were “likely incriminated” in the Epstein files, including retail billionaire Les Wexner, UAE hotel developer Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Italian politician, a Russian author, a former NYPD detective tied to an escort ring, and one largely unknown figure. Lawmakers say more names are coming. Members who reviewed the files also claim there are over a million mentions of Trump, documents contradicting his claim that he kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago, and evidence showing Trump called Palm Beach police in 2006 to report Epstein — portraying himself as disturbed and uninvolved. It was a packed day on Capitol Hill. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted he did visit Epstein’s island with his family after previously denying any social contact. Immigration officials testified ahead of a possible government shutdown, defending ICE while refusing to directly address the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. Lawmakers also learned only about a quarter of ICE agents have body cameras, ICE wants more funding, and the agency plans to operate at the 2026 World Cup. In related news, ProPublica reported more than 18,000 habeas petitions filed this year by immigrants alleging illegal detention — driven by mass detention policies rather than allowing people to remain in their communities during proceedings. Elsewhere, Trump’s DOJ asked the Supreme Court to overturn Steve Bannon’s contempt conviction, while a Trump-appointed judge blocked the administration from forcing states to hand over voter data. Trump also criticized Netanyahu’s West Bank settlement expansion — while simultaneously floating another aircraft carrier deployment toward Iran. In election news, progressive organizer Analilia Mejia won New Jersey’s 11th District Democratic primary, defeating an AIPAC-backed field. And in Nebraska, lawmakers capped things off by passing a bill cutting minimum wages for teenage workers. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Grand Jury Rebuffs Justice Dept. Attempt to Indict 6 Democrats in Congress Politico: House Dem identifies ‘wealthy, powerful men’ DOJ redacted in Epstein files - Live Updates NYT: Former Palm Beach Police Chief Said Trump Told Him ‘Everyone’ Knew About Epstein in 2006 ABC News: Howard Lutnick, Trump's commerce secretary, says he visited Epstein's island Axios: ICE director grilled over Trump's immigration crackdown Axios: ICE will be at the World Cup, director says ProPublica: Habeas Petitions Filed in Second Trump Term Hit Historic High WaPo: DOJ seeks to undo Steve Bannon’s conviction for defying Jan. 6 subpoena NYT: Michigan Judge Rebukes Justice Department’s Effort to Obtain Voter Data Axios: Exclusive: Trump says he opposes Israeli annexation steps in West Bank Axios: Exclusive: Trump says he might send second carrier to strike Iran if talks fail NYT: New Jersey 11th Congressional District Special Primary Election Results 2026 Nebraska Public Media: Legislature passes minimum wage decrease for teen workers Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 Min.
  • Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 - Maxwell seeks pardon; DOJ teases names; West Bank tensions; Trump’s Olympic meltdown

    Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 - Maxwell seeks pardon; DOJ teases names; West Bank tensions; Trump’s Olympic meltdown
    Feb 10 2026
    Today’s Headlines: Ghislaine Maxwell invoked the Fifth during her House Oversight testimony, but her attorney said she would testify publicly if President Donald Trump grants her a pardon — claiming she could conveniently clear both Trump and Bill Clinton. The White House says a pardon isn’t being discussed “at this time,” which is doing a lot of work. Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie were allowed to view the unredacted Epstein files at the DOJ for two hours and said they spotted at least six “likely incriminating” names. They didn’t say who, but more lawmakers are expected to review the files soon. In the UK, King Charles said he would support investigations into Prince Andrew, including allegations he shared confidential trade information with Epstein, adding pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the scandal spreads across Europe. Meanwhile, the US State Department is launching a new program to fund MAGA-aligned think tanks across Europe ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, while Israel approved new measures expanding control over parts of the West Bank — in violation of the Oslo Accords — ahead of yet another Netanyahu visit to DC. Back home, Dr. Mehmet Oz urged Americans to get vaccinated for measles amid the largest outbreak in decades, a federal judge allowed Trump to keep $16 billion in Gateway tunnel funding frozen for now, and Trump attacked US Olympic skier Hunter Hess for expressing “mixed emotions” about representing the country — as Lindsey Vonn fractured her shin days after tearing her ACL. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Ghislaine Maxwell avoids answering questions in House deposition AP News: Palace says King Charles III will support police assessing former Prince Andrew's Epstein links Financial Times: US government to fund Maga-aligned think-tanks and charities in Europe NYT: Israel Gives Itself More Control Over Occupied West Bank NYT: Oz Offers Forceful Call for Measles Vaccination NYT: Gateway Funding Doesn’t Have to Be Immediately Restored, Judge Says Axios: Trump calls Olympic skier with mixed feelings "a real loser" AP News: US snowboard star Chloe Kim calls for unity after Trump bashes teammate over immigrant crackdown AP News: Lindsey Vonn says she has complex tibia fracture requiring multiple surgeries after Olympic crash Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 Min.