Voices, The Peoples News
February 20, 2026
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net
# Border / Immigration / ICE / Migrants / Gangs
Judge throws out immigration board’s endorsement of Trump mass detention policy: U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes called mandatory detention “shameless” and a “campaign of illegal action” in her ruling.
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5745227-migrants-entitled-bond-hearings/
USCIS to track immigrants’ social media, this covers platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram, with potential impacts on, or monitoring of, spousal or familial, including U.S. citizen, social media accounts
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/trump-administration-will-collect-social-media-handles-legal-immigrants
Mamdani administration issues executive order on migrant shelters: The order directs the city to form a plan to close the last emergency asylum seeker shelter site and transition individuals into different housing facilities. Under a plan to come by mid-February, the tens of thousands of migrants living in what critics have called a “shadow system” will likely remain in the city’s homeless shelters.
https://www.thecity.nyc/2026/01/06/mamdani-executive-order-migrant-shelters/
Cambodian immigrant dies in ICE facility, at least seventh immigrant to die in detention this year:
The U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement announced a detainee from Cambodia died in ICE custody on Monday at Miami Correctional Facility in north-central Indiana.
https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/18/ice-detainee-dies-in-custody-at-indiana-prison/
Tennessee said yes to ICE — and turned into a deportation state: Federal agents and state troopers have cooperated on immigration raids, targeting Nashville’s Latino communities.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/02/immigrant-ice-raid-nashville-tennessee-highway-patrol-state-police-287g-republicans/
New DHS memo requires indefinite detention of refugees for extra screening: The Trump administration has issued a sweeping new order that could lead to the arrest of tens of thousands of refugees who are lawfully in the United States but do not yet have permanent residency, overturning years of legal and immigration safeguards.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/new-dhs-order-could-lead-to-detention-of-thousands-of-legal-refugees-in-the-u-s
ICE seeks budget office approval for purchase of $70 million “luxury jet”: The jet will be used for immigrant deportations and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s travel needs, according to DHS officials.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kristi-noem-wants-a-swanky-70-million-jet-for-deportations-and-she-might-get-it_n_699726e4e4b0c98899793ed2
US completes transfer of nearly 6,000 ISIS terrorists from Syria to Iraq: The U.S. military completed the transfer of thousands of low-level ISIS prisoners from detention in Syria to Iraq, completing the effort that began last month at the request of Baghdad.
https://www.aol.com/articles/us-forces-complete-transfer-thousands-170944088.html
Inside the conditions at migrant jails: Original reporting covered the conditions at Fort Bliss migrant jail in Texas, where two men died while incarcerated. Reportedly, inedible food, medical neglect and abuse are frequent occurrences at this facility. Seven people detail what it’s like to be held in a California immigration detention center. One man who likely has prostate cancer has continuously been denied medication and urgent treatment.
https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/inside-an-ice-detention-center-detained-people-describe-severe-medical-neglect-harrowing-conditions
Reporter Reportedly Gets Beaten, Has Equipment Seized While Covering Undisclosed U.S. Deportation Program to Cameroon. The AP reporter, along with four other journalists, were later released, but authorities confiscated their phones, cameras and laptops, saying they’d recorded sensitive information
https://www.latintimes.com/reporter-reportedly-gets-beaten-has-equipment-seized-while-covering-undisclosed-us-deportation-594772
“Reforms” Didn’t End Police Violence in 2020 and They Won’t End ICE Violence Now
https://truthout.org/articles/reforms-didnt-end-police-violence-in-2020-and-they-wont-end-ice-violence-now/
# Chemicals / Herbicides / Pesticides / Bugs
After Promising to ‘Make America Healthy Again,’ Trump Mandates Production of Cancer-Causing Glyphosate. “President Trump just gave Bayer a license to poison people,” said one public health advocate.
https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2026/02/19/trumps-pesticide-order-betrays-maha-activists-say-00788708
# Economy / Finance / Trade / Banking / Taxes / IRS / Cryptocurrencies
A Fed study claimed Americans paid 90% of Trump’s tariffs, and now a Trump adviser wants payback
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/donald-trump-tariffs-consumers-new-york-federal-reserve-study-95bed1bc?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqc5m5nzHsDlBC-ifIGVEUPcT1zjdLn2xm42tEQPM4bFPIaotPrplYlZGOhmCfA%3D&gaa_ts=699878c4&gaa_sig=hBRVVyBOKg5zi2deJbmIinyDa85iZjYuqzHaH2G5SD4PJkp_kvDQJ0EBt9zoQzpMs0A5njB8qfNYG4QBoCy8tg%3D%3D
The White House Promised “the Biggest Tax Refund Season Ever.” The IRS Just Lost 40% of Its Tech Staff, 80% of Its Tech Executives, and Is Using Untrained HR Workers to Process Your Return
https://www.newsbreak.com/oca-359268580/4502105643790-the-white-house-promised-the-biggest-tax-refund-season-ever-the-irs-just-lost-40-of-its-tech-staff-80-of-its-tech-executives-and-is-using-untrained-hr-workers-to-process-your-return
# Education / Schools / Children / Youth
Over 300 students suspended in Virginia over anti-ICE walkout
https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/300-school-students-who-ditched-1694990
# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Oil / Power Plants
US to West’s energy watchdog: scrap net zero focus or we’ll quit
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-energy-secretary-wright-pressures-iea-quit-net-zero-agenda-2026-02-19/
A major new Arctic oil field prompted a deal to protect caribou. Then Trump officials backed out. In December, the Interior Department scrapped an agreement with the village of Nuiqsut to restrict oil development near important caribou grounds. Now, the village is suing.
https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/02/18/a-major-new-arctic-oil-field-prompted-a-deal-to-protect-caribou-then-trump-officials-backed-out/
# Food / Farming / Agriculture / SNAP [Food Stamps] / FDA / USDA
Meet the heroic American farmer who took on Big AI: Farmer Hailed as Hero for Rejecting Huge Payment to Turn His Land Into a Giant Data Center, “Now that is a real hero in these gutless times!”
https://futurism.com/future-society/farmer-hero-rejecting-payment-data-center
# General News / Epstein / Maxwell
‘Outrageous’: Joe Scarborough tears into James Comer for burying Republicans’ Epstein ties
https://www.rawstory.com/gop-epstein-2675284394/
After former Prince Andrew’s arrest due to Epstein connections, members of Congress call for more. Americans have largely avoided the scrutiny that has confronted the European elite.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/19/prince-andrew-arrest-congress-oversight-00788793
Jean-Luc Brunel Trafficked Girls for Epstein But Was Also About to Turn on Him, He Was Found Dead
https://newrepublic.com/post/206778/jeffrey-epstein-accomplice-jean-luc-brunel-missing-testify
Lawyers representing hundreds of alleged Epstein victims ask federal judge to order DOJ to temporarily remove public files website
https://www.newsweek.com/epstein-accusers-demand-doj-files-taken-down-redacted-11452350
# General News / Gaza
Trump announces $10 billion for Gaza at Board of Peace meeting. President Donald Trump pledged $10 billion to reconstruction efforts in Gaza reconstruction during the inaugural meeting Thursday of the Board of Peace.
https://www.axios.com/2026/02/19/board-peace-trump-10-billion-gaza
FIFA leader pledges $50 million to build new soccer stadium in Gaza: A gleaming new national soccer stadium for an area devastated by two-plus years of war between Israel and Hamas? That’s covered — or so promises the sport’s international governing body.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47980486/fifa-50m-gaza-soccer-stadium-donald-trump-board-peace-meeting
# Gov / Politics
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, giving Tehran 10 to 15 days to strike a new nuclear deal with the United States or face “unfortunate” consequences. Speaking to reporters, Trump refused to outline what action Washington might take if negotiations fail,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dubJhwBv9zA
Trump names Kushner as ‘envoy of peace’: The president, hosting the first meeting of the Board of Peace, says the U.S. will put $10 billion toward its Gaza rebuilding effort.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/19/trump-jared-kushner-peace-envoy-00788606
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Dr. Oz slammed over ‘leisurely’ midweek brunch photos: ‘Shouldn’t he be doing war stuff?’ One critic asked social media users to spare a thought for military personnel who are ‘preparing for a Trump-Hegseth war against Iran’
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/pete-hegseth-mehmet-oz-brunch-pictures-b2923421.html
Trump’s White House Takeover: Don’s Daughter-in-Law Lara Hints ‘Many’ Family Members Could Run for Office — Including Prez’s Sons. The reign of Donald Trump is set to wrap up in 2028, but it may not be the end of the family name being in the White House, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
https://radaronline.com/p/trump-white-house-takeover-lara-family-members-run-for-office/
Proposed Constitutional Amendment would give Congress the right to veto presidential pardons. “Frankly, it is clear to me the pardon authority has been abused,” Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska told NOTUS.
https://www.notus.org/congress/don-bacon-republican-limit-trump-pardon-clemency-power
Peace Campaigners Demand Congress Stop Trump From Waging ‘Devastating’ War on Iran. “Like the votes before the Iraq War, this could be one of the most consequential foreign policy decisions in a generation.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/peace-groups-iran-war
Everybody Hates Cory: Five takeaways from our investigation into Rep. Cory Mills. Sex workers, bankruptcy, stolen valor, a restraining order, and Trump’s “Complete and Total” endorsement for Congress.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/02/takeaways-cory-mills-investigation-florida/
# Gov / Politics / Global
Andrew’s arrest sends shock waves across Europe, weakens Starmer, Britain’s political establishment. Police reportedly reviewing allegations Epstein trafficked a young woman to the U.K. specifically for a sexual encounter with Andrew, who in turn provided Epstein with classified information from his role as UK trade envoy
https://justthenews.com/world/europe/andrews-arrest-sends-shock-waves-across-europe-weakens-starmer-britains-political
UK blocks Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran — and he is already retaliating
https://nypost.com/2026/02/19/world-news/uk-blocks-trump-from-using-raf-bases-for-strikes-on-iran-and-he-is-already-retaliating/
# Legal / DOJ / ICJ / International Criminal Court [ICC] / Supreme Court
DOJ admits to violating over 50 court orders related to habeas petitions in New Jersey: A senior Justice Department official said the violations, spanning 547 cases, were “accidental” in an 11-page report filed last week.
https://www.courthousenews.com/doj-admits-it-violated-more-than-50-court-orders-in-new-jersey/
Prosecutors zero in on CIA’s Brennan with secret request for years-old evidence from U.S. Senate. Collusion, calumny, and consequences: The request to the Senate signals a possible longer-term conspiracy case, seeking contacts with the Senate that stretch back nearly a decade.
https://justthenews.com/government/security/prosecutors-zero-cias-brennan-secret-request-years-old-evidence-us-senate?utm_source=news.google.com&utm_medium=news-app&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators
Supreme Court to hear arguments and take up birthright citizenship in April
https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/01/supreme-court-will-hear-birthright-citizenship-case-on-april-1/
# Medicare / Medicaid / Disability Benefits / Health and Human Services [HHS]
Trump Promised Not to Touch Medicaid. His One Big Beautiful Bill Cuts Nearly $1 Trillion From It — the Largest Medicaid Cut in History. CBO Says 11.8 Million Will Lose Insurance. It Also Triggers $536 Billion in Automatic Medicare Cuts
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/01/how-trump-bill-medicaid-cuts-will-impact-us-health-care.html
HHS wipes out 36,000 pages of ‘regulatory dark matter’ in sweeping child welfare office purge
https://www.aol.com/articles/hhs-wipes-36-000-pages-150829390.html
# Military / Department of Defense [DOD]
As Pentagon Races to Deploy AI, Operational Challenges Highlight Risks: The TRV-150 is part of a family of drones aimed at enhancing military logistics by providing rapid resupply capabilities.
https://prescottenews.com/2026/02/19/as-pentagon-races-to-deploy-ai-operational-challenges-highlight-risks-the-epoch-times/
U.S. and Iran Edge Toward Crisis as Warships and Diplomacy Collide Amid Possible Weekend Strikes
https://thedebrief.org/u-s-and-iran-edge-toward-crisis-as-warships-and-diplomacy-collide-amid-possible-weekend-strikes/
# Other Interestimg Stuff / Archaeology
Forget Egypt or Iraq, archaeologists now believe that human civilization took its first steps in Turkey. Massive stone monuments built around the time people thought humans were nomads. They are significant as they depict a huge shift.
https://www.splashtravels.com/world-history/ancient-turkish-sites-predate-stonehenge-6000-years-secret-hiding-plain-sight
# Sports
Miami Cop Who Dragged Tyreek Hill From His Car & Arrested Him Comes Out Of Nowhere To Take Nasty Shot At The Star WR After Dolphins Released Him
https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/miami_cop_who_dragged_tyreek_hill_from_his_car_arrested_him_comes_out_of_nowhere_to_take_nasty_shot_at_the_star_wr_after_dolphins_released_him/s1_17759_43489956
# Transportation / Trucking
More than 550 CDL training schools shuttered. Following 1,400 sting operations by 300 investigators across all 50 states, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found many lacked qualified instructors, had fake addresses, and did not properly train prospective drivers for things such as transporting hazardous materials.
https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_bcb404f1-4553-41f1-92e4-566a5bcc7a4f.html
# UFO / UAP Disclosure / Ancient Civilizations
Trump says he will direct Hegseth to release government UFO files. Move warranted due to ‘tremendous interest shown’ in these topics, Trump says in post
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-ufo-records-9.7098654
Government UFO Files: In 1947, a rash of sightings of unexplained flying objects (UFOs) swept America. Although the newly formed U.S. Air Force was the primary investigator of these sightings, the FBI received many reports and worked for a time with the Air Force to investigate these matters. This release details the FBI’s role in investigating such reports between 1947 and 1954.
https://vault.fbi.gov/UFO
Records Related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) at the National Archives. Record Group 615: Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Records Collection
https://www.archives.gov/research/topics/uaps
# Veterans / VA
VA doesn’t know how many calls its answering or how long veterans are waiting to get through. The department’s failure to track call data is putting “veterans who may need timely and critical care at risk,” the inspector general finds.
https://www.govexec.com/management/2026/02/va-doesnt-know-how-many-calls-its-answering-or-how-long-veterans-are-waiting-get-through/411545/
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