Category: News
Disaster On The Potomac: What Role DEI Played In America’s Worst Sewage Spill
Disaster On The Potomac: What Role DEI Played In America’s Worst Sewage Spill
More than 240 million gallons of raw sewage has spilled into the Potomac River since a pipe burst last month, and the lackluster response of the DC Water Board is raising questions about the competency of those in charge.
Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes was appointed as Chair of the DC Water Board by the Democratic Mayor of Washington D.C. Muriel Bowser, despite lacking expertise in wastewater management or engineering.
Though Morris-Hughes has an extensive background in administering federally-funded workforce programs, that experience has done little to mitigate the effects of what may be the largest sewage spill in U.S. history.
The spill took place on Jan. 19 when a 72-inch-wide pipe, called the Potomac Interceptor, collapsed in Montgomery County, Md., about five miles upstream of Washington.
According to the NY Times, the spill flowed into the Potomac for roughly a week before DC Water, which owns and operates the line, was able to divert the flow of sewage into another section of pipe downstream.
Local officials report that drinking water has remained unaffected but higher levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that causes Staph infections, as well as antibiotic-resistant MRSA, could make the river unsafe for boating, fishing and other forms of recreation.
The Chair of @dcwater board isn’t an engineer, or city planner
Dr. Unique N. Morris-Hughes is a DEI bureaucrat, non profit “educator”, grant disperser of taxpayer money, & former asst head of a boys charter school
She’s now head of the largest raw sewage spill in US history https://t.co/q443ILBfHk pic.twitter.com/Ak4nkE7TWB
— NOVA Campaigns (@NoVA_Campaigns) February 18, 2026
The spill also has prompted partisan conflict as federal and state officials have sought to assign blame for the disaster to their political opponents.
President Trump, on social media, posted, “This is a Radical Left caused Environmental Hazard” and pledged that FEMA “would play a key role in coordinating” the federal response.
Accusations of DC Water being more concerned about meeting DEI goals than with actual expertise are tough to dismiss when DC Water General Manager David Gadis has gone on the record complaining about “too many white men in charge” and the idea that utility “executives should reflect the city.”
DC Water’s Manager David Gadis:
“We had too many white men in charge”
“The executives should reflect the city”
DC just had the largest sewage spill in US history: 240 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 gallons in one month FLOODING the Potomac pic.twitter.com/shQ9rZfWJV
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 18, 2026
Management’s hard focus on diversity may have satisfied DEI advocates but appears to be doing little in solving the actual problem.
The sewer infrastructure is owned by DC Water, the contamination continues to affect downstream waters in Maryland.
President Trump has also voiced concerns about the smell of the polluted river interfering with the upcoming 250 year celebrations planned for nation’s Capitol this summer.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 – 19:15
Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela aprueba Ley de Amnistía para la liberación masiva de presos por motivos políticos
CARACAS (AP) — Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela aprueba Ley de Amnistía para la liberación masiva de presos por motivos políticos.
Daily Horoscope for February 20, 2026
General Daily Insight for February 20, 2026
Our illusions are likely to come into contact with reality today. At 11:54 am EST, structured Saturn chases down dreamy Neptune in bold Aries, demanding accountability where imagination has roamed too recklessly. Disappointing realizations are possible, but this is also a great opportunity to simplify big dreams into doable steps. The emotional Moon then squares expansive Jupiter, potentially adding mood swings to this mix. We don’t have to solve all the world’s problems today, but we can look for manageable ways to start!
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Aries, start fresh with clear, honest intent. Serious Saturn pairs up with imaginative Neptune in your 1st House of Identity, urging you to shape a vision with honest limits. You may feel torn between a bold leap and a misty plan. Perhaps you can’t know the whole picture at this time, so look for a first step that makes sense. With the information you gather from that, you can decide what to do next. Still, try to have a basic idea of where you’re going!
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Quiet structure could currently give your thoughts room to unfold. Karmic Saturn conjoins spiritual Neptune in your 12th House of Spirituality, calling for a routine that protects your rest time. If you notice old worries surfacing in strange dreams, write them down, and try to dig into what’s bringing them up right now. Perhaps you won’t be as available to your friends as you’re used to being — you need to deal with your own stuff, and no one else can do that for you.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
What future are your friendships building now? Responsible Saturn checks in with spacey Neptune in your 11th House of Friendship and Aspirations, asking you to turn hopes into plans your community can rely on. You may feel scattered by options, so pick a shared goal and outline who does what, because clarity keeps enthusiasm supportive rather than chaotic. If an organization proposes a costly event, suggest a pilot version with clear roles before committing funds. Clarify promises so teamwork stays joyful and genuinely supportive today.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Making a public statement could currently be necessary. As results-driven Saturn nudges nebulous Neptune in your 10th House of Career and Status, others might need you to give a progress update on a significant project. Although you may prefer the safety of keeping things vague, a proposal naming specific dates and resources shows care for the people who rely on your leadership. Offering them an opportunity to provide feedback could ultimately help you too. Set clear milestones to protect your reputation and reduce stress now.
Leo
July 23 – August 22
Your horizon shimmers with practical promise. Practical Saturn meets idealistic Neptune in your 9th House of Travel and Learning, encouraging you to turn a quest into a structured path. Although you may want to maximize the potential for excitement, a realistic timeline and savings plan can support your adventure without draining your fire. If a course or trip sounds vague, request the syllabus or itinerary before you enroll or buy tickets. Build the map so your courage reaches real places soon.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
Deep trust grows through careful, kind agreements. Restrictive Saturn unites with elusive Neptune in your 8th House of Shared Resources, asking you to firm up boundaries around money and closeness. You may sense fuzzy expectations, so put numbers and roles in writing while keeping your tone warm and your analysis practical. If a partner suggests merging accounts, start with a shared budget and agree on a schedule for regularly reviewing it together. Set fair terms so closeness feels safe and generous today.
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Finding a comfortable balance in your relationships could be challenging now. As boundary-setting Saturn conjoins compassionate Neptune in your 7th House of Partnership, you may want to be treated better, but you also probably don’t want to come down hard on someone who still has good in them. Perhaps the solution is not all or nothing. You don’t have to kick a frustrating person out of your life entirely — just spending less time with them might provide the relief you need!
Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
Knowing your limits could currently be crucial. Disciplined Saturn encounters illusory Neptune in your 6th House of Work and Health, pushing you to define tasks and protect your focus from distractions. You may feel pulled into others’ crises, so set priorities early and channel your depth into finding meaningful solutions. If a colleague drops a project on your desk, ask for a deadline and confirm what success looks like before accepting. The last thing you need is a moving target!
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
Tending a creative spark could currently help it grow into a roaring fire. Ambitious Saturn collaborates with fanciful Neptune in your 5th House of Creativity and Play, asking you to shape inspiration into something you can finish. Although you may want to say yes to every idea, picking one that you’re able to bring to life today is probably the best way to get yourself motivated to do more going forward. Choose focused fun to build confidence and lasting delight.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
Your domestic life may call for grounded choices at this time. As realistic Saturn meets dreamy Neptune in your 4th House of Home and Family, you might need to either let go of a particular fantasy or commit to making it happen. Are you trapped by nostalgia for the past or by a longing for a perfect future that hasn’t taken place yet? Neither desire is easy to deal with, but older relatives could at least offer you a more balanced take on historical events.
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
Which words truly match your intentions? Crystallizing Saturn joins forces with elusive Neptune in your 3rd House of Communication, asking you to shape wispy ideas into clear messages that travel well. As you draft and redraft, read your work aloud and remove flourishes. Simple language carries your originality further, and it shows respect for busy listeners. The full range of emotions that your subject matter stirs in you isn’t necessarily relevant to your audience. Say less with care to be heard and trusted widely.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
Security can grow as wise boundaries shape dreams. Authoritative Saturn conjoins nebulous Neptune in your 2nd House of Resources, helping you anchor tender values in a realistic budget. You may drift toward magical thinking, so separate needs from nice-to-haves, and price your time honestly. If someone asks for volunteer work, offer a smaller window or a fairer rate to prevent burnout — even when you’re supporting a good cause, your gifts deserve care! Honor your worth to protect stability and gentle generosity today.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/daily-horoscope-for-february-20-2026/
Chicago Plan Commission approves Lakeview tower and hundreds of Fulton Market apartments
The Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday approved a proposal to replace a vacant lot in Lakeview on the North Side with a 12-story apartment building.
Builder DLG Development plans to create 188 units, including 38 affordable apartments, at 3611 N. Halsted St., and transform an adjacent alley into a public park.
The $70 million project, called The Phoenix, won support from Ald. Angela Clay, 46th, along with a number of neighbors, who said the city needs more housing and a larger tax base. Other local residents worried the building would be too large and out-of-scale with the surrounding area, and environmental advocates said the plan doesn’t take enough steps to protect migratory birds.
DLG Development still needs green lights from the City Council’s Zoning Committee and the full City Council.
“Chicago, and Lakeview in particular, where this development will hopefully be built, are in desperate need for more housing,” said Zach Welden, who lives nearby. “Developments like this will help to curb rising home and rent prices.”
Brandon Willis, a homeowner in the 46th Ward, said the close proximity of the CTA’s Red Line and several well-used bus routes to the 3600 block of North Halsted Street should ease concerns the project would choke the streets with traffic.
“I walk past this lot four or five times a day,” Willis said. “We need to have something there.”
The brick- and masonry-clad building will include 77 underground parking spaces, enough storage room for 188 bicycles, and will generate about 32 vehicles per hour during peak commuting hours, said Studio Dwell Architects principal Mark Peters, the project architect.
It will also include a rooftop garden, ground-floor commercial space and transform a portion of the alley on its south side into a small park open to the public, Peters said.
Many residents of The Dakota Condominiums, located one door north of the site, oppose DLG Development’s proposal.
“Of particular concern is the proposed elimination of the south alley access to Halsted Street,” said Cameron Thomas, a Dakota resident. “This alley is a public right-of-way, relied upon by residents, service providers, emergency vehicles, and city operations. Vacating or functionally eliminating this public alley would remove shared public infrastructure for the benefit of a private developer.”
Plan Commission member Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, said he liked the idea of using the alley as a park, and developers in other neighborhoods like Fulton Market, where a development surge has brought in thousands of new residents but few new park spaces, should consider it.
“It’s a smart way to add open space,” La Spata said.
Chicago resident Butler Adams told commission members the 137-foot-tall Phoenix should blend in well with the rest of Lakeview.
“It’s not out-of-scale with the neighborhood, there is a building 100 feet taller just two blocks to the north,” Adams said.
Christine Esposito, a representative of Bird Friendly Chicago, said her organization has been pressing Chicago developers to adopt design features that experts say protect migratory birds, and she praised some of the design features of The Phoenix. DLG Development agreed to minimize deadly bird collisions by using steel picket balcony railings and dark-sky exterior lights, she said, but the developer should also include bird-friendly windows.
“Any untreated glass will be a deadly hazard for birds,” she said. “No one wants to see a bird slam into a building and fall dead to the ground.”
La Spata, who voted to support the new development, said he hoped the developer and architect could come up with a plan to enhance its bird protection features before it goes to the council’s Zoning Committee.
The Plan Commission also approved the construction of a 54-unit supportive housing development at 4432 N. Clarendon Ave. in Uptown by Sarah’s Circle, an Illinois nonprofit that serves women at risk of homelessness.
Commission members also approved the development of hundreds of new apartments in the Fulton Market area, including a proposal for a 29-story, 347-unit building at 215 N. Racine Ave. by Domus Real Estate Group. There would be 70 affordable units.
Zoning Administrator and Plan Commission member Patrick Murphey opposed the Domus project as proposed, saying the needed zoning classification for a building this tall and dense was typically reserved for downtown.
Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright and Ald. Walter Redmond Burnett, 27th, supported the $175 million project, and said it would help the city chip away at its long-standing housing shortage.
The Plan Commission voted 11-2 to send it to the Zoning Committee with a positive recommendation.
“We need the jobs, and we need the housing,” Burnett said.
Builder DLG Development plans to create 188 units, including 38 affordable apartments, at 3611 N. Halsted St., and transform an adjacent alley into a public park. (Studio Dwell Architects)
Boasberg Rubber-Stamps DOJ Request To Keep FBI-Twitter Payments Secret
Boasberg Rubber-Stamps DOJ Request To Keep FBI-Twitter Payments Secret
When the Twitter files hit in December of 2022, they revealed that the Biden administration had paid Twitter at least $3.4 million between October 2019 and February 2021 to reimburse the pre-Musk, left-leaning social media giant for a flood of requests.
During this period, the Biden DOJ was going after vaccine skeptics, lab-leak proponents, 2020 election ‘deniers,’ Catholic parents, Hunter Biden laptop / Burisma content, and conservative news outlets. We also learned that the FBI’s Elvis Chan and crew were holding weekly meeting with Twitter on “misinformation,” and flagged thousands of accounts for the above.
Days after the Twitter files were released, watchdog group Judicial Watch sued the Biden DOJ, which oversees the FBI, over a FOIA request demanding to know how much the FBI paid Twitter from 2016 onward. The FBI initially refused, but eventually released 44-pages of documents with the key payment details redacted – claiming the data was protected under FOIA’s “Exemption 7(E),” which lets agencies hide info about law enforcement methods if releasing it could help criminals or enemies dodge detection.
Judicial Watch then narrowed their claims to just those redacted payment amounts (JW dropped other issues such as vendor names), however in December of 2025, the Trump DOJ asked Judge James Boasberg for a Motion for Summary Judgement to deny Judicial Watch’s request – effectively concealing the extent to which the FBI, under Trump and Biden, was going after Americans.
In its request for summary judgement, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office (say it ain’t so!) argued that revealing payments that are tied to real investigations could reveal super secret investigative methods – such as how much the FBI is “engaging” with Twitter vs. other platforms, which could lead to ‘bad guys’ (criminals, hackers, foreign spies) to switch to platforms with less FBI activity, and that it might reveal shifts in FBI priorities over time.
Revealing the quarterly totals could also betray “mosaic theory,” where seemingly harmless info (like one quarter’s payment) can be pieced together with public data (e.g., Twitter’s transparency reports) to form a big picture of FBI strategies.
Earlier this month, Boasberg agreed – ruling that revealing the payments could expose FBI “techniques and procedures” (how they monitor online threats) and help bad actors figure out what the FBI is focused on, allowing them to adapt and change strategies.
Boasberg wrote in his opinion that the 7(E) exemption is valid because it could “risk circumvention of the law.”
So @JudicialWatch sued to find out how much the Deep State/Biden FBI was paying Twitter (now @X) to censor and spy on Americans. Kash Patel’s FBI and Pam Bondi’s Justice Department told a federal court we shouldn’t get even summary quarterly totals of the payments because it… https://t.co/6P6oqQDxDj
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) February 18, 2026
What the actual…
.@FBIDirectorKash this was probably handled by lower-levels — a personal intervention on this one, which impacts 100 million voters & is critically important for Americans to restore trust in the bureau, at zero cost to FBI time or resources, would be greatly appreciated https://t.co/aHwXCi9h55
— Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) February 19, 2026
Maybe Elon can just give Tom Fitton the deets?
The filings for your reading pleasure…
DOJ request to deny Judicial Watch:
Judicial Watch Inc v Us Department of Justice Dcdce-23-03004 0024.0 by Zerohedge Janitor
Boasberg’s opinion granting the DOJ request:
Judicial Watch Inc v Us Department of Justice Dcdce-23-03004 0027.0 by Zerohedge Janitor
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 – 18:50
Wisconsin passes expanded Medicaid for moms, would leave Arkansas as only state without it
Women in Wisconsin will soon be eligible to receive expanded Medicaid coverage for up to a year after giving birth following near-unanimous passage of a measure Thursday by the Wisconsin Assembly that would leave Arkansas as the only state yet to expand such benefits.
Wisconsin Democrats, and even most Republicans, have pushed for years to expand Medicaid coverage for new mothers, only to be blocked by powerful Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Vos had argued that he opposed expanding welfare programs, but he relented late Wednesday.
The Assembly on Thursday also unanimously passed another bill with bipartisan support to require insurance to cover additional cancer screenings for women with dense breast tissue. The Medicaid bill passed 95-1.
Both measures overwhelming passed the state Senate already, meaning they will next go to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers who is expected to sign them next week.
Once that happens, Arkansas will be the only state without expanded Medicaid coverage for new mothers.
The state — which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country — did pass significant maternal healthcare legislation last year. Pregnant women are now allowed to temporarily receive Medicaid coverage while their eligibility is being processed, and Medicaid covers doula services and remote monitoring of vitals.
But the legislation did not extend postpartum Medicaid coverage, to the chagrin of Democrats and some Republicans.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, called for the maternal health package after opposing the postpartum extension, saying that there are other coverage options.
In Wisconsin, the Medicaid expansion and breast cancer screening bills broke a logjam that comes amid a flurry of last-minute negotiations near the end of the two-year legislative session. Republicans and Evers were also trying to negotiate a package of tax cuts, school spending and other measures, tapping the state’s estimated $2.5 billion budget surplus.
Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer led the charge for passage of the Medicaid and breast cancer screening bills. Neubauer announced on Wednesday that she was pregnant and that her mother had breast cancer, saying that Democrats would “stop at nothing to get a vote on these bills.” She called the expected passage of both measures “an incredible win for women and the people of Wisconsin.”
Republican lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, had also shared stories about how their loved ones had been affected by breast cancer as part of the push for passage of the screening bill.
The Medicaid expansion will allow low-income mothers who make more than the poverty level to remain on the state’s Medicaid program for a full year after giving birth, instead of the current two months.
Despite agreement on those measures, several other high-profile bills were poised to die at the end of the session. Republicans have not agreed on a measure to provide funding to keep WisconsinEye, a nonprofit state version of CSPAN, on the air.
And the state’s nearly 40-year-old land conservation program also faced extinction as lawmakers had yet to agree on a plan to continue funding beyond June 30.
Republicans have complained for years that the program is too expensive and removes too much land from property tax rolls, hurting municipalities. Bills to keep it alive, but with dramatically less funding, have yet to pass.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/wisconsin-passes-expanded-medicaid/
Crowds gather in south suburbs to cheer on local Olympians in US women’s hockey gold-medal game
Hockey fans in the Chicago area gathered Thursday to watch the U.S. Olympic women’s team — featuring several players with Illinois ties — win the gold medal in Milan in a 2-1 overtime thriller against Canada.
Hilary Knight, raised in Lake Forest, scored the tying goal with 2:04 remaining in the third period before Megan Keller’s OT winner.
NBC had a camera stationed in Orland Park, where close to 100 people gathered in the large basement of Michael Schofield Sr., the father-in-law of U.S. veteran and Palos Heights native Kendall Coyne Schofield.
Schofield recalled hosting a similar party when the U.S. team won the gold in 2018 in South Korea. That one didn’t end until about 3 a.m.
“It was late, but everyone was still going crazy,” Schofield said.
2026 Winter Olympics: Meet the medalists from the United States
Deb Kwiatkowski, a family relative, said she admires Coyne Schofield for being a crusader for women’s sports. Growing up on the South Side in the 1970s, Kwiatkowski said, there were so few opportunities for female athletes that her parents signed her up for a baseball team and claimed she was a boy named Dan.
“It’s fantastic what she does for women’s sports,” she said of Coyne Schofield. “It’s amazing. I go up to Minnesota to watch her play for the (Professional Women’s Hockey League’s) Frost. It’s a real thing.”
Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz was a guest at the party, and his city is having quite a good sports year. Indiana center Pat Coogan helped the Hoosiers football team win the national championship in January.
“Aside from being a great athlete, Kendall is a great person too,” Straz said. “When you watch her on TV and you see the words ‘Palos Heights’ on the screen, it really puts us on the map.
“And Abbey (Murphy) putting Evergreen Park on the map is great too. It’s good for all of the South Side of Chicago to be represented because over the years, we have been the foster child in the area.”
Barraco’s on 95th Street in Evergreen Park held a watch party for Murphy and Team USA. Upon entering, there was a “Go Abbey” banner that rapidly filled with different colored messages from the local faithful.
If you didn’t bring your own No. 37 jersey, free white T-shirts were offered to everyone who came into the restaurant — at least until the pile was evaporated by 11:10 a.m., an hour before puck drop.
Sitting in the second booth down was Murphy’s aunt Mauren, who was all smiles when friends and family spoke to her. She had a mimosa in front of her as she eagerly waited to watch her niece compete for the gold.
“It’s an honor even to be playing this far,” the giddy 77-year-old said.
Murphy won a silver medal in 2022, but she told her family before heading overseas there’s something different about standing above the rest at the end.
“(We) talked a couple of times, (she’s) very grounded,” Mauren said. “I don’t know if she gets excited or not. She’s zeroed in on that.”
Murphy’s hockey career began at the Southwest Ice Arena with the St. Jude hockey club. That’s about 7 miles south of her high school, Mother McAuley.
A second banner briefly covered the signature-filled one at Barraco’s that featured a photo of Murphy and the rest of the club. She was in the center smiling with her teammates after her first win.
She stood out in the photo for many reasons but mainly because she was the only girl on the team. Her coaches knew right away that Murphy would be special.
“Right away when I saw Abbey play, she was on a team of all boys and it was real quick,” St. Jude co-coach Dave Reardon said. “You can figure out that she had something special when she skated circles around the boys at the age of 11, 10, (even) 8.”
Added co-coach Jerry Kruzich: “There was a tournament where we were down 1-0 in the third period. Abbey scored the tying goal, and then we called a timeout to talk to the kids and say, ‘Is anybody going to be hurt if they miss a shift?’
“We called Murph’s number because she was the best of our five best. She went end to end, got the defenseman and the goalie to commit, slid the puck across to a gaping net, and one of our better players tapped the puck in for the game-winner.
“Dave and I looked at each other and said, ‘We’re going to see this girl in the Olympics someday.’ We just knew.”
And that’s how they spent Thursday afternoon, watching their protege compete for Olympic gold. They woudn’t take any credit for her talents, calling Murphy’s skill “God-given.”
They did make sure to send good luck to their former player before her flight to Italy.
Said Reardon: “I said: ‘100% every shift, nothing less. That’s all you can really give and it’s all we can really expect of you. I wish you the best of luck and safe travels and go get that gold.’”
The two coaches watched at Barraco’s with about 250 other supporters. The crowd cheered and then groaned at each U.S. near-goal, and a wave of anxiety clouded the restaurant when Kristin O’Neill’s second-period goal gave Canada a 1-0 lead.
The same was true at the Schofield home.
“It’s a good thing we had paramedics here because my heart was pounding hard the whole time,” said Michael Schofield Sr., who’s the former fire chief of Orland Park. “I’m so happy for the girls. Losing 1-0 with three minutes left — I can’t even imagine the pressure they were going through.”
Guests at the watch party at Michael Schofield’s home in Orland Park cheer Feb. 19, 2026, during the gold medal women’s hockey game. (Jeff Vorva/for the Daily Southtown)
After Knight tied it up, the U.S. fans’ prayers were answered in overtime. Keller put on a nasty set of moves, got past the defense and scored the golden goal — a perfect ending to one of the most dominant runs in Olympic history.
“I don’t think you will ever see a team like that again,” said Jim Caliendo, Schofield’s uncle. “That is the most dominant team you are ever going to see.”
During the game, Reardon was asked how he would react if Team USA and Murphy won a gold medal. As calm as can be, he said that she will win a gold medal.
The Barraco’s crowd erupted as the gold medal was put around Murphy’s neck. Reardon could be heard in the celebratory crowd saying, “Didn’t I tell you?”
He wouldn’t take credit for Murphy’s talent, but he hit that prediction right on the nail.
“It’s great for us to see, but it’s even more important for Abbey and the rest of the girls on that team to see the support.” Reardon said. “It puts a fire and a drive in the players to know that we’ve got their back here at home, we’re cheering them on and we want to see them succeed.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/olympics-us-womens-hockey-watch-party/
18 muertos en choque en autopista en Egipto
EL CAIRO (AP) — Un camión y una camioneta tipo pickup chocaron el jueves en una autopista de Egipto, lo que dejó 18 muertos y tres heridos, informaron funcionarios.
La colisión ocurrió en el eje 30 de Junio, al sur de la provincia de Port Said, y causó la muerte de los pescadores que iban por la carretera en uno de los vehículos, según un comunicado del Ministerio de Trabajo. No está claro cómo chocaron los vehículos.
La camioneta pickup transportaba a los pescadores a su trabajo en granjas piscícolas de Puerto Said, una provincia costera del noreste de Egipto con una activa industria pesquera, cuando ocurrió el choque alrededor de las 12:30 de la tarde. Es muy probable que fueran originarios de la ciudad y distrito de Matareya, en la provincia de Dakahlia, según las autoridades.
Las fotos publicadas en la página de Facebook del gobernador de Dakahlia mostraban las consecuencias del accidente, con una camioneta pickup aplastada entre dos grandes camiones de carga y escombros esparcidos por la carretera.
El primer ministro Mustafa Madbouly manifestó en un comunicado sus condolencias a las familias de las víctimas y ordenó que se les brindara asistencia económica. Mientras tanto, el gobernador de Puerto Said visitó el lugar del accidente y a los heridos en hospitales locales para garantizar que se restableciera el tráfico y que los sobrevivientes estuvieran recibiendo la atención médica adecuada, de acuerdo con un comunicado publicado por la oficina del gobernador en Facebook.
___
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/18-muertos-en-choque-en-autopista-en-egipto/
Nuevo México reabre investigación por presunta actividad ilegal en exrancho de Epstein
Por SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
ALBUQUERQUE, Nuevo México, EE.UU. (AP) — El fiscal general de Nuevo México ha reabierto una investigación sobre denuncias de actividad ilegal en el que solía ser el rancho Zorro del financiero y delincuente sexual Jeffrey Epstein.
La oficina del fiscal general Raúl Torrez hizo el anuncio el jueves. y señaló que la decisión se tomó tras revisar información publicada recientemente por el Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos.
Aunque el caso inicial de Nuevo México se cerró en 2019 a petición de fiscales federales en Nueva York, ahora los fiscales estatales sostienen que “las revelaciones descritas en los archivos del FBI, previamente sellados, ameritan un examen más profundo”.
El Departamento de Justicia de Nuevo México indicó que agentes especiales y fiscales de la agencia intentarán obtener acceso inmediato al expediente federal completo, sin censura, y que tienen la intención de trabajar con otros socios policiales, así como con una nueva comisión de la verdad creada por legisladores estatales para indagar las actividades en el rancho.
“Al igual que con cualquier posible asunto penal, seguiremos los hechos a donde sea que nos lleven, evaluaremos cuidadosamente las consideraciones jurisdiccionales, y tomaremos las medidas de investigación apropiadas, incluida la recopilación y preservación de cualquier evidencia relevante que aún esté disponible”, expresó el Departamento de Justicia del estado en un comunicado.
Renovados intentos para investigar los alegatos de tráfico sexual
Aunque Epstein nunca enfrentó cargos en Nuevo México, fiscales estatales confirmaron en 2019 que habían entrevistado a posibles víctimas que visitaron la hacienda ubicada al sur de Santa Fe. Nunca detallaron cuántas denunciantes fueron entrevistadas ni qué dicen que ocurrió en esa finca.
El Departamento de Justicia del estado no respondió de momento a preguntas enviadas por correo electrónico sobre por qué se pidió a los fiscales estatales que cerraran la investigación en 2019, o si hubo denuncias específicas descritas en las presentaciones recientes que se publicaron y que motivaron a reabrir la investigación.
La comisión de la verdad de Nuevo México llevó a cabo su primera reunión el martes. El panel bipartidista, integrado por cuatro miembros de la Cámara de Representantes estatal, tiene el encargo de investigar denuncias de que el rancho podría haber facilitado abusos sexuales y tráfico sexual.
Los legisladores estatales también indicaron que quieren saber por qué Epstein no fue registrado como delincuente sexual tras declararse culpable en 2008 de solicitar prostitución a una menor de edad, y si hubo corrupción entre funcionarios públicos.
La propiedad tiene nuevos dueños
En 1993, Epstein compró el extenso rancho Zorro al exgobernador demócrata Bruce King y construyó una mansión en la cima de una colina. Cerca había una pista de aterrizaje privada con un hangar y un helipuerto. La propiedad también incluía una oficina del rancho, un cuartel de bomberos y un garaje climatizado para siete vehículos.
En 2023, los herederos de Epstein vendieron la finca —y los ingresos se destinaron a acreedores— a la familia de Don Huffines, un republicano que se postula para contralor estatal en Texas. En una publicación en la red social X, Huffines señaló que el nombre de la propiedad se cambió a rancho San Rafael en honor a ese santo asociado con la sanación, y que su familia planea operar un retiro cristiano allí.
Un portavoz de Huffines ha dicho que los propietarios nunca han sido contactados por fuerzas policiales locales, estatales o federales para solicitar acceso al rancho y que, si lo hacen, se brindará plena cooperación.
La hacienda aparece muchas veces en los documentos publicados
Hay miles de referencias a esta finca rural en los documentos divulgados por autoridades federales.
El demócrata Bill Richardson, exgobernador de Nuevo México, estuvo entre los invitados que visitaron el rancho cuando Epstein era su propietario. Tras una de las primeras investigaciones sobre el desacreditado financista, Richardson donó a organizaciones benéficas 50.000 dólares en aportes de campaña para la gobernación que Epstein le había hecho en 2006.
La comisionada de Tierras de Nuevo México, Stephanie Garcia Richard, canceló en 2019 los arrendamientos de pastoreo que tenía el rancho después de que a su oficina se le negara el acceso para inspeccionar los casi 5 kilómetros cuadrados (2 millas cuadradas) de tierras estatales arrendadas.
En una carta enviada la semana pasada, Garcia Richard instó a las autoridades federales y a los fiscales estatales a garantizar una investigación penal exhaustiva sobre las denuncias relacionadas con la finca. Calificó las acusaciones incluidas en los documentos más recientes como “profundamente perturbadoras”.
“La gente merece saber la verdad sobre lo que ocurrió en el rancho de Epstein y está buscando respuestas de sus líderes”, manifestó Garcia Richard en un comunicado.
___
El periodista de The Associated Press Sean Murphy en Oklahoma City contribuyó a este despacho.
___
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Hawaii Bills Would Allow Gov’t To Quarantine People, Enter Property, Seize Firearms, & Suspend Laws
Hawaii Bills Would Allow Gov’t To Quarantine People, Enter Property, Seize Firearms, & Suspend Laws
Authored by Jon Fleetwood,
The Hawaii Legislature is advancing companion legislation that would formally codify sweeping emergency powers for the governor and county officials—including authority to quarantine individuals, enter private property without consent, suspend laws, and seize control of infrastructure—under the justification of preparing for future disasters and disease outbreaks.
House Bill 2236 and Senate Bill 2151, both titled “Relating to Emergency Management,” were introduced in January and February 2026 and are now moving forward through both chambers.
Legislative records show the bills are formally linked, with each designated as “Same As/Similar To” the other, confirming that Hawaii’s full legislature—not just one chamber—is advancing the emergency powers framework.
The legislation explicitly cites COVID-19 as justification for strengthening emergency authority, stating:
“The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of clear legal frameworks for state and county emergency management to ensure that the State and counties are ready for any type of emergency.”
You can see which state legislators are backing these bills further down in this article.
Governor Authorized to Quarantine Residents & Enter Private Property Without Permission
One of the most consequential provisions would formally authorize forced quarantine and government entry onto private property.
The bill states that Hawaii Governor Josh Green (D) may:
“Require the quarantine or segregation of persons who are affected with or believed to have been exposed to any infectious, communicable, or other disease…”
It further grants authority to:
“Authorize without the permission of the owners or occupants, entry on private premises for any of these purposes.”
This authority applies not only to confirmed infections but also to individuals merely “believed to have been exposed.”
The legislation also allows the government to order the destruction of property deemed hazardous:
“Authorize that public nuisances be summarily abated and, if need be, that the property be destroyed by any police officer or authorized person.”
Governor Can Suspend Laws, Licensing Requirements, & Regulatory Protections
The bills explicitly empower the governor to suspend existing laws during an emergency, including medical, licensing, and regulatory protections.
The legislation states the governor may:
“[Suspend] the laws, in whole or in part… including licensing laws, quarantine laws, and laws relating to labels, grades, and standards.”
It also authorizes suspension of any law deemed to impede emergency operations:
“Suspend any law that impedes or tends to impede… emergency functions.”
Crucially, the legislation allows such suspensions to continue beyond the official emergency period:
“Any suspension of law… may continue beyond the emergency period…”
Government Authorized to Take Control of Private Infrastructure & Utilities
The legislation further empowers the governor to assume control of critical infrastructure, including privately owned facilities.
The bill states the governor may:
“Assure the continuity of service by critical infrastructure facilities, both publicly and privately owned… by taking over and operating the same.”
Additional provisions allow the government to:
Shut off utilities
Control distribution of goods
Regulate or prohibit commerce
Impose rationing
Specifically, the governor may:
“Regulate or prohibit… the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto.”
Authority to Regulate Firearms & Seize Property
The legislation also grants authority to regulate firearms and confiscate property during emergencies.
It authorizes the governor to prohibit firearm possession during emergencies, meaning firearms that are normally legal could become unlawful to possess under emergency orders and subject to seizure.
The bill states the governor may
“Regulate or prohibit the storage, transportation, use, possession… of firearms, and ammunition… and authorize the seizure and forfeiture.”
Governor Retains Sole Authority to Declare Emergencies
Under the proposed framework, Governor Green retains broad discretion to declare emergencies, including based on perceived threats.
The bill states:
“The governor… shall be the sole judge of the existence of the danger, threat, or circumstances giving rise to a declaration.”
Emergencies may be declared based on “Imminent danger or threat of an emergency or a disaster.”
This allows activation of emergency powers before an actual disaster occurs.
Legislature Adds New Definition of Disaster Including Disease Outbreaks & Bioterrorism
The Senate version expands the legal definition of “disaster” to explicitly include:
“Disease or contagion outbreaks, bioterrorism, terrorism, or incidents involving weapons of mass destruction.”
This codifies infectious disease emergencies as triggers for the expanded powers.
The move comes as President Donald Trump and Congress have already committed $5.5 billion toward preparing for a future influenza pandemic, while the World Health Organization vows such a pandemic is inevitable, U.S. scientists continue gain-of-function influenza experiments, and the administration launches its $500 million Operation Gold Standard influenza vaccine initiative.
Legislature Advances Bills Through Both Chambers
Legislative tracking records show both bills are progressing simultaneously:
HB2236 was introduced January 28, 2026, and has already passed committee review in the House.
SB2151 was introduced January 21, 2026, and is scheduled for further committee action February 24, 2026.
The bills are formally cross-linked, confirming coordinated legislative advancement.
Legislature Frames Bills as Clarification of Emergency Authority
Lawmakers describe the purpose of the legislation as clarifying and strengthening emergency management authority.
The bill states its purpose is to:
“Clarify state and county emergency management authority, ensure effective and adaptable emergency responses…”
The measures also allow the legislature to terminate emergency declarations by a two-thirds vote.
Which Legislators Are Backing the Bills
You can see which Representatives are backing HB2236 here.
You can see which Senators are backing SB2151 here.
Bottom Line
HB2236 and SB2151 would lock into permanent Hawaii law the authority to quarantine residents based on suspected exposure, enter private property without permission, suspend existing laws, prohibit firearm possession under emergency orders, and take control of private infrastructure and economic activity—all under an emergency declaration the governor has broad discretion to issue, including based on a perceived “threat.”
The legislation is advancing as the federal government pours billions into influenza pandemic programs, conducts gain-of-function experiments designed to alter influenza viruses, and builds out large-scale vaccine deployment initiatives intended for rapid rollout once a pandemic is declared.
At the same time, Congress, the White House, the Department of Energy, the FBI, the CIA, and Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) have confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic was likely the result of lab-engineered pathogen manipulation.
That overlap creates a profound conflict-of-interest question: the same government and scientific establishment involved in creating and manipulating pandemic-capable pathogens is also expanding the legal authority to impose quarantines, override constitutional protections, restrict property rights, and control economic life if one of those pathogens triggers the next declared emergency.
If passed, Hawaii’s bills would ensure those powers are not improvised in the moment, but already written into law—allowing sweeping restrictions on residents to be activated immediately, the moment the next pandemic or declared threat emerges.
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Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 – 18:25
