The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated its candidates for winning the Rivers bye-elections in Khana and Ahoada constituencies. Senate President Godswill Akpabio also projected a landslide victory for the APC in Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom, for the 2027 elections, citing local support.

France is moving towards banning children from social media, with legislation already passed by the National Assembly awaiting Senate approval. The proposed ban aims to enhance child safety online, though technical challenges in enforcement remain.

Argentina's Chamber of Deputies has approved President Milei's controversial labor reform bill, which will now return to the Senate for final approval of the changes made.

BAGUIO CITY—“I’m nearing the twilight of my career,” Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said in an interview after attending the homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy from where he graduated 55 years ago. The 77-year-old senator told inquiring reporters he had “absolutely” no plan to run for higher office in 2028 and would

A growing number of House and Senate members are retiring or seeking other offices, leading to a wave of departures from Congress ahead of the midterm elections.

Six governors failed to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee, a boycott that could impact the allocation of Sh534 billion.

A growing number of House and Senate members are choosing to retire or seek other offices, raising questions about the implications for the upcoming midterm elections.

The Florida Senate passed the “Teddy Bridgewater Bill," making it legal for coaches to help players with personal funds, after the former quarterback was suspended for doing so.

Texas Senate Democratic primary between Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, and Texas state Rep. James Talarico enters final stretch ahead of March 3 primary election.

The Wisconsin General Assembly has approved an expansion of online sports betting, though immediate Senate action is unlikely.

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany says Jose Mourinho made a "huge mistake" with his "unacceptable" post-match comments after the alleged racial abuse of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.

Buccaneers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater saw his career as a high-school coach in Miami end after other coaches complained that he was spending his own money to help his players.

Federal Election Commission filings show Nebraska Senate candidate Dan Osborn steered $388,000 in campaign and PAC money to himself, his wife, his daughter and his sister-in-law.

James Cameron has written a letter arguing that if Netflix is successful in its bid for Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming businesses, it could cause huge job loss, change the theatrical landscape and hurt the film export business. The “Avatar” filmmaker sent his letter last week to Senator Mike Lee, chair of the Senate subcommittee […]

The Senate GOP is focusing on Texas, with a clear directive to maintain control in the state.

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

Two law professors are outlining strategies for the survival of equality in a post-DEI era under a Trump administration, arguing that 'DEI is dead, equality isn’t'.

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

The Senate GOP is prioritizing the upcoming election in Texas, emphasizing the importance of holding the state for the Republican party.

The Republican Party is prioritizing the retention of a key Senate seat in Texas, indicating the state's importance in the upcoming electoral landscape.

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

Danish newspaper Berlingske cited alleged witnesses who said the debacle was ‘disturbing,’ ‘shocking’ and ‘extremely inappropriate’

Jen Psaki and Jasmine Crockett were seen laughing at Donald Trump's comments regarding a Senate race.

Senator John Fetterman has expressed confusion regarding why Donald Trump and the Republican Party are not actively working to secure a Texas Senate seat.

The Senate called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected local government areas to strengthen rapid response and prevent further attacks. The post Senate condemns massacre of 56 people in Niger appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

James Talarico, the Texas state representative whose appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was restricted by CBS from its airwaves, will be in Los Angeles on Thursday for a fundraiser. Talarico is running for U.S. Senate in the Democratic primary against candidates including Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), hoping to flip the seat long […]

Trump Calls In FEMA To Respond To Sewage Disaster In Potomac River Authored by Jill McLaughlin via The Epoch Times, President Donald Trump is directing federal emergency teams to respond to a sewage spill on the Potomac River, calling it a “massive ecological disaster” and blaming local leaders for not handling the crisis, which began nearly a month ago. “There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Feb. 16. Moore’s office didn’t immediately return a request for comment on Trump’s statement. On Jan. 19, a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line collapsed, causing the failure of a 60-year-old, 72-inch concrete pipeline along the Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County, Maryland. Over 250 million gallons of sewage poured into the Potomac River in one of the largest spills in U.S. history, according to University of Maryland researchers. Water samples collected at the site show high levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that causes staph infections, researchers reported. “People coming into contact with the impacted water or land are at risk of becoming infected with these bacteria, which can lead to serious health conditions,” said Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein, a microbiologist and assistant professor at the university. Trump said the spill was the “result of incompetent local and state management of essential waste management systems.” “It is clear local authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity,” Trump stated. “Therefore, I am directing federal authorities to immediately provide all necessary management, direction, and coordination to protect the Potomac, the water supply in the Capital region, and our treasured National Resources in our Nation’s Capital City.” Despite state and local leaders not asking for federal assistance, Trump said he “cannot allow incompetent local ‘leadership’ to turn the river in the heart of Washington into a disaster zone.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will play a key role in coordinating the response, the president stated. FEMA and DHS are facing a partial funding lapse as Democrats in the U.S. Senate demand changes to immigration enforcement. Crews work to keep raw sewage from flowing into the Potomac River after a pipeline rupture, in Glen Echo, Md., on Jan. 23, 2026. Cliff Owen/AP Photo According to Virginia’s health department, the utility DC Water is handling repairs to the pipe, while Maryland has regulatory authority over the Potomac River for recreational advisories, water quality monitoring, and issuing bans on shellfish harvesting. The Virginia Health Department was working with the Maryland departments of Health and the Environment during the crisis. DC Water has stated that drinking water is not affected by the incident. The nearest Virginia location using the Potomac River as a primary source of water is the city of Fairfax, with an intake located several miles upstream of where the sewage spill entered the river, according to Virginia. Tyler Durden Tue, 02/17/2026 - 10:40

A debate over the electronic transmission clause in Nigeria's Electoral Act has led the Senate into a closed-door session, as lawmakers consider rescinding a previous amendment.

The panel demanded an explanation for such a significant amount spent on cleaning services while critical areas such as publicity received little attention. The post Senate panel queries tribunal over N16m spent on office fumigation appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Criticos has won the first round of his legal battle against the National Land Commission (NLC) after the court declined NLC's bid to admit a Senate squatter report.

House GOP Whip Tom Emmer blasts Democrats over photo ID rules at the DNC, arguing their stance undercuts their opposition to the SAVE Act and exposes hypocrisy on election security.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who fled Sharia law, has endorsed Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, for re-election in a critical Senate race that could determine whether the GOP retains its majority.

Senate Democrats are demanding explanations regarding the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on spyware. The move has raised concerns among lawmakers about national security and human rights implications.

"You Ought To Be In Jail": Senator Unloads On Minnesota AG Ellison Over Fraud Scandal During a Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing this week, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) confronted Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. The Missouri Republican exposed Ellison's ties to the Feeding Our Future scandal, where fraudsters stole $250 million in federal child nutrition funds.  Hawley didn't hold back, charging the Democrat with protecting fraudsters who funneled cash to terrorists and traffickers, as well as Ellison’s own campaign coffers, and telling him he “ought to be in jail.” THERE IT IS 🚨 Official Hearing where Senator Josh Hawley confronts Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison about meeting with and taking campaign donations from Somali fraudsters stealing billions He personally called and BLOCKED THE INVESTIGATIONS Josh Hawley “Are you… pic.twitter.com/i40Ow5V9Zz February 12, 2026 Hawley opened the confrontation by spotlighting $10,000 in campaign donations Ellison pocketed from players in the Feeding Our Future mess, which the New York Post broke last year, detailing how the money flowed in right after a December 11, 2021, meeting at Ellison's office. Ellison repeatedly denied it, calling it a false statement. But Hawley read directly from the meeting transcript, where money was discussed repeatedly.   An audio recording of that meeting revealed that Ellison met with members of the Somali community who were later convicted in the scandal. In the recording, the individuals ask Ellison for help securing funding before discussing campaign donations.  “The only way that we can protect what we have is by inserting ourselves into the political arena,” a man is heard saying on the audio. “Putting our votes where it needs to be. But most importantly, putting our dollars in the right place. And supporting candidates that will fight to protect our interests.” “That's right,” Ellison replied. Ellison accepted $10,000 in campaign contributions from the fraudsters mere days later, as did his son, Minneapolis councilman Jeremiah Ellison. Hawley proceeded to read from that recording, quoting Ellison's own words back to him. "Send me the names of all these folks who are investigating them," Ellison said. He promised to call the Education Department and ask what was going on. "I already have my team working on this," he told them, according to the transcript. "What day should we get together to discuss it again?" Ellison pledged repeatedly to help them fight the investigators. "You have my attention. I'm concerned about this," he said. "Let's go fight these people." "Why'd you do it? Was it worth it?" Hawley asked. "This is what accountability looks like, of which you've had none," Hawley countered. "You helped fraudsters defraud your state and this government of $9 billion, and you got a fat campaign contribution out of it. You ought to be indicted. That's the truth." Ellison shot back hard. He denied the donations flat-out: "a lie" and "No donations came." He insisted, "You're completely wrong. … I did not see anybody." Hawley countered with video proof of their nearly hour-long sit-down—easy to find online. Ellison dismissed Hawley's quotes as "cherry-picked." As the exchange got heated, Ellison repeatedly talked over Hawley, which the senator didn’t appreciate. “It's my hearing, pal,” he snapped. "Don't call me 'pal,’” Ellison shot back. "Well, I should call you a prisoner because you ought to be in jail."  He demanded resignation. Ellison flipped it: "I was thinking the same thing about you." Hawley didn't stop there. He brought up testimony from the previous day showing where the fraudulent money went: to terrorist groups, transnational criminal organizations, drug trafficking, and child trafficking. "You took $10,000 and helped them do it," he said. Ellison kept denying everything, but Hawley had receipts.  He cited a Minnesota Star Tribune report that Partners in Nutrition raised concerns with the attorney general’s office in 2018 and 2019, but Ellison did nothing. The New York Post reported that Ellison accepted campaign donations from individuals linked to the fraud after meeting with them. "You've been right at the center of this fraud thing from the beginning, and you've enabled it," Hawley said. "You should resign." Ellison shot back, "And, sir, you should resign. I was thinking the same thing about you."  Tyler Durden Sun, 02/15/2026 - 20:25

Students in Texas are protesting ICE despite threats from the governor, while Democrats in Illinois debate strategies to combat Trump's ICE. Homeland Security is also demanding social media companies reveal the identities behind anti-ICE posts, and ICE is pushing tech companies to identify protesters.

A former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner has voiced concerns and listed dangers regarding the Senate's decision on the electronic transmission of election results.

The Philippine Senate will convene an all-senators’ caucus to establish ground rules for potential dialogues with the Chinese embassy regarding the West Philippine Sea issue and address Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa's prolonged absence.

A boycott by six governors who failed to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee last week is threatening the allocation of Sh534 billion, raising concerns about accountability and funding.

A historic US Senate race is underway, reflecting the growing influence and leadership of Cambodian Americans in the political sphere.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has navigated staffing cuts without a Senate-confirmed leader. Employees have become demoralized and concerned about the agency’s ability to ward off threats.

By Henry Umoru THE President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has predicted a landslide victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Speaking shortly after the emergence of the local council officers through consensus, Akpabio who […] The post LG Congresses: Akpabio predicts APC victory in Essien Udim LGA for Tinubu, Eno appeared first on Vanguard News.

Congress approved President Milei’s bill. What are the key points and what do critics and supporters say? La entrada Argentine labor reform 101: what happens now and all you need to know se publicó pr

The ongoing shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security has extended to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, leading to demoralized employees and concerns about the agency's ability to defend against cyber threats without a Senate-confirmed leader.

Rep. Lauren Boebert criticized Rep. Jasmine Crockett on "Real Time with Bill Maher" and joked about endorsing the Texas lawmaker to hopes of boosting her rival in Texas' Senate race.

A top Maryland Senate Democrat has stated that the 'window of opportunity is closed' for redistricting efforts.

The Florida Senate passed the Teddy Bridgewater act to help coaches in the state being able to provide for it's players.

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate, issued a campaign video that features people declaring, "F--- Trump."

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

The Senate GOP is prioritizing Texas in its efforts to maintain political control.

The congresswoman’s high-profile supporters are seething, writes John Bowden, as her opponent basks in the national limelight — and rakes in donations after Colbert takes their interview to YouTube

The Texas Senate primary race is intensifying between Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt, with warnings that Paxton could be a 'kiss of death' for the GOP.

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

The Mexican Senate has approved plans to release three new coins, including the country's first 25-peso coin, in honor of its third time hosting the World Cup.

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

“It is, however, disheartening to note that the security and intelligence agency’s budget is still subject to the vagaries of the envelope system of budgeting rather than to genuine needs and requirements.” The post Senate decries envelope budgeting, non-release of capital allocation to security agencies appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated he would rather 'eat glass' than appoint himself to Amy Klobuchar's Senate seat if he were elected governor.

Obama Says Aliens Exist But Are Not Kept In Area 51 Authored by Rachel Roberts via The Epoch Times, Former U.S. President Barack Obama said in a Feb. 14 podcast interview that aliens are real but that none are kept at the secretive Area 51 military base in the Nevada desert, later adding that he didn’t see any evidence indicating that extraterrestrials have contacted Earth during his presidency. In the interview, when asked, “Are aliens real?” Obama replied, “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them—and they’re not being kept in [Area 51]. There’s no underground facility, unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president of the United States.” Obama became the first leader of the United States to affirm the existence of extraterrestrial life when questioned by progressive podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen in a video posted on YouTube. After the interview went viral, Obama said on Instagram that he wanted to “clarify” his comments to Cohen, writing that he was “trying to stick with the spirit of the speed round” while speaking on the podcast. “Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there,” he wrote. “But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!” In 2013, Obama was possibly the first U.S. leader to acknowledge the existence of Area 51, an Air Force base built during the Cold War, which has long been rumored to house extraterrestrials and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Cohen did not ask Obama a follow-up question on the issue. Instead, he asked the former president what his first question had been upon entering the White House. “Where are the aliens?” Obama joked in response. Some critics, including British political commentator Calvin Robinson, said Cohen should have asked Obama for more information about aliens. “When a former President of the United States says on the record there are aliens, YOU FOLLOW UP WITH RELEVANT QUESTIONS. You do not continue reading from your script,” he wrote on X. The U.S. government first acknowledged Area 51’s existence in 2013 through a Freedom of Information request and has declassified documents detailing its history and purpose. The base has been a testing ground for a host of top-secret aircraft, including the U-2 in the 1950s and later the F-117 stealth fighter. Trump Admin on Aliens President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about the existence of aliens, while acknowledging that “anything is possible.” Trump addressed the subject in several media appearances during the 2024 presidential campaign. On a podcast with Lex Fridman, Trump said he would consider pushing the Pentagon to release additional UFO footage that many believe is classified. “Oh yeah, sure, I’ll do that. I would do that. I’d love to do that,” Trump said, noting that public pressure to disclose records relating to UFOs is similar to that surrounding the John F. Kennedy assassination. On Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast in June 2025, Trump said, “Am I a believer? No, I can’t say I am." “But I have met with people, serious people, that say there’s some really strange things flying around out there.” Trump added that given the size of the universe, “Why wouldn’t there be something, somebody?” Vice President JD Vance has expressed his personal enthusiasm, telling the “Ruthless” podcast in August 2025 that he is “obsessed with the whole UFO thing.” “What’s actually going on? What were those videos all about? What’s actually happening?” Vance probed. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said last August that she believes aliens may exist and that the U.S. government holds classified information on the subject. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in Washington on Dec. 2, 2025. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Gabbard pledged to share disclosures from ongoing investigations into UFOs amid growing discussion of the phenomena at the highest levels of government. Pentagon Cases Unresolved The Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) continues to investigate more than 1,600 reports of “unidentified aerial phenomena,” an official term that has largely replaced “UFOs.” At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in November 2024, AARO’s director, Jon T. Kosloski, detailed cases the military believes it has solved—such as the widely circulated 2016 “GOFAST” video, now thought to show an object flying at 13,000 feet rather than right above the water—as well as other incidents which have so far defied explanation. Previous presidents, including Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, have discussed their curiosity about alien life without confirming a belief in it. Carter reported that he saw an unidentified bright object in the sky when he was governor of Georgia in 1969, although he later said it was likely a natural phenomenon. A view of Area 51. Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch Times Clinton said that he was curious about the possibility of extraterrestrial life and that he had asked aides to look into both Area 51 and the Roswell incident of 1947, which gave rise to much speculation about a government cover-up. After Air Force personnel recovered metallic and rubber debris near Roswell, New Mexico, the U.S. Army Air Forces announced that they were in possession of a “flying disc” before retracting the statement within a day. Clinton said he was told there was no evidence of alien life in connection with the incident. In 1995, he joked about the Roswell incident, saying, “If the U.S. Air Force did recover any alien bodies, they didn’t tell me about it.” The American public is increasingly convinced that aliens exist and have visited Earth, according to recent polls. More than half (56 percent) of Americans believe extraterrestrials definitely or probably exist, according to a 2025 YouGov poll. Democrat (61 percent) and Independent (59 percent) voters are more likely than Republicans (46 percent) to believe aliens exist, with 73 percent of Americans believing the government would hide evidence of UFOs if it had any, and just 13 percent thinking it would be transparent, according to the same survey. Tyler Durden Tue, 02/17/2026 - 17:00

Following his registration, Mr Babandede formally declared his intention to run for the Senate from the Jigawa Northeast District in 2027. The post Ex-immigration boss Babandede joins APC, declares senate bid appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

A controversial 'millionaire tax' has successfully passed the Washington Senate, moving closer to becoming law.

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues into its fourth day as Senate Democrats block funding over disagreements on ICE reforms, with no end in sight for negotiations.

A proposal for a 'talking filibuster' is being debated for its potential impact on Senate floor time, while contrasting performances by Marco Rubio and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a security conference hint at future political dynamics.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is seeking the detention of Curlee Discaya in connection with a P96.5-million ghost flood control project, as he remains under Senate custody.

ICE operations during the holiday weekend resulted in the arrest of convicted pedophiles and traffickers, with DHS highlighting arrests related to child pornography and sexual misconduct.

Oklahoma's proposed 'SAVE Act' voter identification bill is advancing to the Senate, prompting reactions from state legislators.

Hakeem Jeffries has vowed to pressure Maryland Democratic senate president Bill Ferguson for holding up a redistricting plan that could eliminate certain districts.

The Senate is investigating a health care firm accused of profiting excessively from a program designed to provide drug savings for hospitals serving poor patients.

The Nigerian Senate is set to reconvene for a sitting to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.

The measure is expected to be voted on next week by the New Jersey State Senate and Assembly before heading to the governor’s desk

Deputees continue debating as government awaits approval. Several modifications are expected to be introduced, sending it back to senate La entrada Lower house debates Milei’s labor reform amid general strike se publicó primero en Buenos Aires Herald.

BAGUIO CITY—It is time for the Senate to review its rules on nonattendance, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said amid the monthslong absence of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the chamber, Dela Rosa may face an ethics complaint over his absence to be filed by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, the latter

Spain's Popular Party (PP) has accused Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska of 'boycotting' the Senate appearance of Julio Martínez, whom they describe as a 'possible frontman' for Zapatero, suggesting fear of his testimony.

Otabek Umarov has joined the Senate of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

A historic US Senate race is highlighted as a reflection of the growing influence and rise of Cambodian American political leadership.

Mark Ruffalo fired back at James Cameron on Saturday morning after the “Avatar” director wrote in a letter to Senator Mike Lee, chair of the Senate subcommittee on antitrust, that Netflix buying Warner Bros. Discovery would be “disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business.” “So… the next question to Mr Cameron should be this,” Ruffalo […]

Some reluctant Republicans are facing pressure to force an old-school filibuster showdown with Democrats over a voter ID bill, despite concerns it could paralyze the Senate without guaranteed success.

Here's everything to know about the Teddy Bridgewater Act that the Florida Senate passed unanimously.

Florida Lawmakers Approve Renaming Palm Beach Airport After Trump Authored by Kimberly Hayek via The Epoch Times, Florida lawmakers on Thursday completed the approval of a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport in honor of President Donald Trump. The measure, now awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis’s signature, comes at the same time as the Trump family’s recent federal trademark filings for airport names incorporating the president’s identity. The Trump Organization says it will see no financial gain from the Palm Beach site. The Florida Senate passed SB 706 in a 25–11 vote. The legislation is sponsored by state Sen. Debbie Mayfield, a Republican from Melbourne. The vote came days after the House approved a companion bill, HB 919, 81–30. “President Trump is the first president that Florida has had in our history, and I think it’s very appropriate for us to be naming one of the other icons in Palm Beach after him,” Mayfield told Politico in January. The legislation renames the airport as “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The bill is effective July 1, provided the Federal Aviation Administration approves the change. The bill also includes a $5.5 million budget request for signage, marketing, and other rebranding efforts. Some lawmakers, including Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), criticized the effort, saying it went around Palm Beach County residents. “It’s misguided and unfair that the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature ignored the voices of Palm Beach County by pushing forward a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport without giving County residents a real opportunity for input,” Frankel said. “Decisions about naming major infrastructure should wait until after an honoree’s service has concluded—and should include meaningful input from the local residents and communities most directly affected.” Trump relocated to Florida in 2019. His primary residence is Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, which is near the airport. At the same time, the Trump Organization filed for trademark protections through DTTM Operations LLC. The company filed applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Feb. 13 and 14 this year. The submissions cover “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” and the abbreviation “DJT,” extending to airport-related goods and services such as passenger shuttles, umbrellas, travel bags, and flight attire. “To be clear, the President and his family will not receive any royalty, licensing fee, or financial consideration whatsoever from the proposed airport renaming,” the company said in a statement. The filings coincide with other proposals, such as renaming Dulles International Airport. Florida recently set aside land in Miami for Trump’s presidential library in 2025, and in January 2026, renamed a segment of road “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.” Tyler Durden Fri, 02/20/2026 - 15:20

Former Miami Northwestern head football coach and alumnus Teddy Bridgewater had aimed to help his Bulls with spending of his own monies towards student-athletes when it came to food, transportation and recovery services. It ultimately was deemed an impermissible benefit by the school and the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which led to Bridgewater […]

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

The Senate GOP is strategizing to maintain its hold on Texas in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the state's importance.

A group of Democratic senators is threatening an investigation into Paramount and has requested CEO David Ellison to preserve records regarding the company's contacts with Donald Trump over a Warner Bros. bid.

The Chicago Bears stepped forward with plans for an Indiana-based new stadium, with the amended Indiana Senate Bill 27 passing 24-0 out of committee.

For the Senate GOP, it’s Texas: Hold It.

Early voting has commenced in the Texas Senate Democratic primary election, with one candidate receiving a significant fundraising boost from a prominent talk show host.

For Senate GOP, It’s Texas: Hold It  The Wall Street Journal

The Senate Republican Party is prioritizing the retention of Texas in the upcoming elections, emphasizing its strategic importance.

A video falsely claims that Senator Pangilinan was suspended from the Senate following a heated exchange with Senator Cayetano regarding a resolution condemning certain statements.

Early voting has commenced in Texas for both Republican and Democratic Senate primary races, signaling the start of a competitive election season.

CFTC Chairman Michael Selig is siding with prediction markets in their ongoing legal battles with state regulators, intensifying the political debate.

How Relaxed COVID-Era Rules Fueled Minnesota's Biggest Scam Authored by Kristin Robbins via RealClearPolitics, In my testimony before the Senate last week as chair of the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention and Oversight Committee, I outlined the genesis of Minnesota’s massive fraud scandal, how it expanded under relaxed COVID-era rules, and what steps the federal government can take to help stop the theft of federal tax dollars throughout the country.   Minnesota’s fraud crisis didn’t happen overnight; it took years. But it exploded when COVID hit, right when oversight was thrown out the window. How did Minnesota get so bad? In March 2020, Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar authored a bill called the MEALS Act, which eventually became part of a larger COVID relief package. That law allowed states to waive the normal eligibility requirements for the National School Lunch Program. It eliminated income requirements and site inspections and expanded distribution methods. This opened the door for Feeding Our Future, which became the largest COVID fraud scandal in state and national history, stealing at least $250 million from taxpayers. To date, there have been 78 indictments and 61 convictions, with more cases headed to trial this spring. This was organized, deliberate theft, enabled by weak controls, refusal to take multiple reports of fraud from whistleblowers and the legislative auditor seriously, and a government culture that refused to treat fraud like a crime. The Feeding Our Future case revealed something even more disturbing: As many as half of the defendants were also receiving state money through other Medicaid-funded programs. But even after that became public back in 2023, Tim Walz and his agencies did nothing to stop those defendants from receiving additional state dollars. Billions of federal COVID dollars didn’t start the staggering fraud in Minnesota, but that did supercharge a system that had already been compromised. The original fraud scandal was tied to the Child Care Assistance Program, a federal program meant to help low-income families with children. There had been allegations of fraud reported with CCAP since 2011. By 2014 and 2015, there were raids, charges, and convictions of child care providers for billing non-existent or absent children, often exceeding $1 million in fraud in a single case. Then in March and April of 2019, just months into the Walz administration, the legislative auditor published two major reports outlining CCAP fraud. Those reports detailed fraudulent providers and alleged movement of millions of dollars in cash out of Minnesota to Somalia, including allegations that some of that money was funding terrorism. Whistleblowers have told us that shortly after those reports were released, the Department of Human Services shut down the criminal investigation unit for child care fraud. Rather than pursuing fraud as a crime, the Walz administration began renaming fraud as “overpayment.” Cases were routed to an internal “overpayment committee” to decide whether reimbursement should even be pursued. Staff were no longer allowed to speak with their counterparts at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension without supervisor approval. Our committee has now uncovered fraud in multiple Medicaid programs, including autism centers, sober homes, non-emergency medical transportation, integrated community supports, and housing stabilization services. In December, we held a hearing on credible allegations of fraud in two additional areas: adult day services and assisted living facilities. We have now seen allegations of fraud in 14 Medicaid programs. It is staggering. The former first U.S. attorney who led these prosecutions estimated fraud at $9 billion, and that doesn’t include fraud in SNAP or child care programs. Minnesotans expect their tax dollars to go toward roads, schools, health care, and public safety, not to fund criminals purchasing resorts in Kenya and luxury homes and cars. Even more alarming are the allegations that Minnesota taxpayer dollars have made their way into the hands of terrorist organizations like Al-Shabaab, directly or indirectly. The money is literally flown out in suitcases from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. In 2017, estimates suggested $100 million in cash left annually. According to TSA, outbound cash was $342 million in 2024 and $350 million in 2025. That is astonishing. And it is wildly disproportionate compared to other airports. Minneapolis’ outbound cash is 99% higher than Dallas, Atlanta, LAX, and JFK, and 90% higher than Seattle. So where do we go from here?  Minnesotans are right to be outraged, and I hope other states learn from Minnesota’s failures. We need a culture that treats fraud as a crime, not as “overpayment.” We need to standardize and enforce basic internal controls. Both federal and state government need to require documentation, not attestation, to verify eligibility. We need more audits and stronger oversight. We need the federal government to enforce existing laws requiring states to pay back funds within one year when fraud or “overpayment” is found. We need more resources at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and CMS to investigate these cases. And we need stronger federal authority to track and investigate large sums of cash leaving our country. We need leaders willing to stand up to this injustice and protect the most vulnerable. Citizens in Minnesota and throughout the country deserve better. The time for accountability and justice is now. Kristin Robbins has served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2019 and is chair of the Minnesota Fraud Committee. Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 09:40

Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, is facing criticism for allegedly changing his stance on a significant issue.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have traded blame over alleged mismanagement during the national hockey team’s participation in the second leg of the FIH Pro League in Hobart, Australia, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take notice and order an immediate inquiry. The Green Shirts returned to Lahore late Tuesday night after suffering defeats in all their matches against Germany and hosts Australia, concluding a winless campaign across both legs of the competition. Media reports highlighted serious lapses in arrangements, particularly inadequate and delayed accommodation in Hobart, which left players discontented and affected their preparation. PHF president Tariq Hussain Bugti, speaking to Dawn, said the responsibility for all logistical and financial arrangements — including hotel bookings, air travel, TA/DA and visas — rested with the PSB. He cited directives from the senate standing committee on sports, which had designated the PSB as the body to handle financial matters for the team’s FIH Pro League participation. “The PHF has accepted the senate committee’s ruling and is not interfering in these affairs,” Bugti said. “Our priority remains ensuring the national team’s participation in this important competition, which provides valuable exposure against top-ranked teams.” A PSB official, Rana Nasrullah, countered that the team management had sufficient funds at its disposal, with players also carrying USD 1,650 each. “If funds were available, why was the hotel arrangement mismanaged? There was also no proper cooking system, forcing players to prepare their own meals,” he said. When queried about food-related issues, Bugti noted that the squad was en route home and a detailed report would be available upon their arrival in Lahore. Both the PHF president and the PSB welcomed the prime minister’s directive for a probe. Federal sports minister Rana Sanaullah has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. “It is a positive step, and the PHF will present its position before the committee,” Bugti added. Separately, sources indicated that accommodation payments of USD 3,750 from the first leg in Argentina remain pending. It is relevant to note that, amid past allegations of financial irregularities against the PHF, the prime minister had released Rs250 million to secure Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League, with the PSB appointed as custodian of financial affairs. Reports also suggest the PSB had booked the hotel but payment issues arose. A PHF official, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed the PSB provided a cheque of Rs10 million to the team management for accommodation upon arrival. However, hotel rates had increased by then, leading to limited bookings — including a guest house — and shared or substandard rooms, leaving players dissatisfied with both lodging and food. Sources added that players may address a press conference in Lahore to clarify the situation. Pakistan captain Emmad Butt, in a video statement, had earlier refuted claims that the team was left without any hotel accommodation or forced onto the streets. Players have also expressed discomfort over their daily TA/DA allowance of USD 40 from the PSB, which falls short of the USD 100 stipulated in PHF regulations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office issued a statement: “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the mismanagement in hockey affairs reported in the media, and enquiries are being conducted. Immediate action will be taken against those found responsible.” Following the notice, Sanaullah expressed grave concern, stating that the PHF’s actions had tarnished the country’s and the sport’s reputation. “Such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for mismanagement and bringing disrepute to the sport,” he warned. While the minister has initiated the inquiry, no specific names of committee members have been announced. Observers have noted that an inquiry conducted solely by PSB or ministry officials may lack full independence, and a neutral body would better serve impartiality. Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2026

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