February 14, 2026 – Short News

Shutdown at Homeland Security - Dispute Over ICE Paralyzes the Department!

Since Saturday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been in a partial shutdown. Congress adjourned without reaching an agreement on funding, leaving one of the federal government’s central agencies at a standstill - precisely the one that carries out the administration’s controversial migration policy. Thousands of employees have been furloughed or continue working without pay. Airport security screenings continue, disaster response remains on duty, but under strain. At the center of the budget dispute is Immigration and Customs Enforcement. After the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, Democrats are demanding binding changes: clear identification of officers, no use of masks, judicial warrants for access to private property and an end to expansive patrols. The minority leader in the House declared that without “dramatic changes” there will be no approval. The White House, in turn, accuses Democrats of driving the government into a blockade for partisan reasons.

In fact, ICE itself remains operational. Funds from a previous appropriations law secure core operations. A Democratic senator acknowledged that the shutdown has “literally no impact on ICE.” The consequences affect other areas: the Federal Emergency Management Agency must expect delays, airport security warns of longer wait times and possible flight disruptions if the situation continues. It is already the third shutdown in Trump’s second term. In the fall, a 43 day record shutdown paralyzed the country, followed by a shorter interruption. In the Senate, Republican votes are not sufficient; 60 votes are required to release the budget. Negotiations are stalled, even though individual concessions - such as the immediate deployment of body cameras for ICE in Minneapolis - were made under public pressure.

Senators have gone into a one week recess but could be recalled at any time. For now, however, there is deadlock. And so a department that is supposed to organize internal security has itself become a symbol of political insecurity.

The Nobel Prize and the Island - How “Mr. Human Rights” Became Entangled in Epstein’s Network

Jeffrey Epstein sought proximity to power. Thorbjørn Jagland possessed it. One had properties in New York, Paris and a private island in the Caribbean, the other held diplomatic rank, chaired the Nobel Committee and had access to presidents. Newly released emails now show how close and calculated that connection was - and how it persisted even after Epstein’s conviction for sex offenses. Norway is in shock. Jagland, a former prime minister and later secretary general of the Council of Europe, has been charged with “gross corruption.” The economic crime prosecutor is investigating whether he misused his offices to receive travel, gifts and loans from Epstein. Police searched his home in Oslo and additional properties. The Council of Europe lifted his immunity at the request of Norwegian authorities. It is the first time since the Second World War that a former Norwegian head of government has faced criminal charges.

The emails paint a picture of proximity and reciprocity. Epstein called Jagland a “great friend” and “Mr. Human Rights.” He offered him his apartments in New York and Miami, invited him to his island and informed business partners such as Bill Gates, Larry Summers or Richard Branson when the chairman of the Peace Prize was staying with him. “Head of the Peace Prize is staying with me in case of interest,” he wrote in 2012. Jagland accepted the invitations. His family also spent vacations in Palm Beach, paid with Epstein’s credit card. At the same time, Epstein sought influence. He wanted to make an appearance in Moscow. Several times he asked Jagland to arrange a meeting with Vladimir Putin. “All this is not easy for me to explain to Putin. You have to do it. My task is to organize a meeting,” Jagland wrote in 2013 and outlined how he could present investments and digital currencies to the Kremlin. Later, Epstein pressed again, saying he wanted “to speak with Putin about the economy.” Whether a meeting ever took place remains unclear. The intention is documented.

The affair strikes a country that sees itself as a guardian of integrity and human rights. In the released documents, other prominent Norwegians also appear, including Crown Princess Mette Marit and former senior politicians. In parliament, a commission of inquiry is being demanded. “People are tired of power and money merging behind closed doors,” members of parliament say. Jagland had internationally advocated for the protection of women and helped advance an agreement against violence. In private messages, however, he wrote of “extraordinary girls” during a trip to the Balkans and made references to younger women. The discrepancy between public mission and private tone is evident.

Shortly before his death in 2019, Epstein sent an email with the subject line “Numbers in case of problems.” One of them belonged to Jagland. It is a detail that casts the relationship in harsh light: proximity as currency. Influence as an offer. And a Nobel Peace Prize that suddenly stands in the shadow of a Caribbean island.

Deadly Strike at Sea - Three Dead After Military Operation in the Caribbean

The U.S. military has once again attacked a boat in the Caribbean Sea. Three people on board were killed. The background remains only partially known, but what is clear is that the operation joins a series of operations problematic under international law with which Washington demonstrates its presence in the region. Officially, it is about security, control of routes, protection of national interests. Reporting has shown otherwise. In practice, it means that life and death are decided within seconds, often far from any public scrutiny. Who the dead were, whether they were armed or what exactly triggered the strike remains unclear for now. While political debates are held in Washington, three dead remain in the Caribbean. Each additional military action on the high seas intensifies the situation in a region already caught between drug routes, migration and geopolitical pressure. The question is not only what happened on this boat, but where this strategy is leading. And the world continues to watch.

Geneva as the Next Stop - Trump Pressures Zelensky

Trump: “Zelensky will have to move. Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelensky will have to move or he will miss a great opportunity.” Trump paints a picture of the situation that is difficult to reconcile with known facts and diplomatic realities - editorial note

Ahead of a new round of talks in Geneva, Trump is increasing pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia wants an agreement, Zelensky must move or he will miss a great opportunity, Trump said. While he occasionally shows impatience toward Vladimir Putin, his criticism more often targets Kyiv. The talks are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday and have been confirmed by both sides. After nearly four years of war, it remains unclear whether the new round will produce concrete progress or merely rearrange positions.

“Discombobulator” - Trump’s Cryptic Hint

“You didn’t fire a single shot … the Russian equipment didn’t work, the Chinese equipment didn’t work, everyone is trying to figure out why it didn’t work. One day you will figure it out.”

During his visit to Fort Bragg, Donald Trump again spoke of a secret system allegedly used in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He called it “Discombobulator” and told soldiers that Russian and Chinese equipment had failed while American technology had worked. He provided no specific details about the function or nature of the system. Previously, Trump had hinted that power in Caracas had been deliberately cut, without offering details. It remains unclear whether he was referring to a single technology or multiple military capabilities. There has been no official confirmation of such a system. The statements fit into his portrayal of military superiority, but leave operational questions open.

The visit to Fort Bragg was intended to honor special forces involved in Maduro’s arrest. During his speech, however, Trump brought Republican Michael Whatley onto the stage, who is running for a Senate seat in North Carolina. The appearance thus took on a distinctly political tone. Trump also joked that he could imagine moving to the region one day and publicly asked his wife whether she would like to live there. His remark that the M1 Abrams tank was named after politician Stacey Abrams caused confusion. In fact, the tank is named after General Creighton Abrams. Military tribute and campaign politics visibly blended.

“I Am Still in Charge” - Noem Under Pressure

At an event in Arizona, Noem was asked not only about election legislation, but also about her own role. A reporter asked whether she still had control over the Department of Homeland Security. “I am still in charge,” she replied briefly. The background is the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens during an operation in Minnesota. Noem had initially described the events inaccurately and has since faced criticism, including from within her own party. At the same time, funding for her department is stalled and the controversial operation in Minnesota has been terminated. The public reaffirmation of her leadership role appears to be a response to growing doubts. Politically, her position remains tense, even as she projects unity outwardly.

Lawsuit Against Harvard - Dispute Over Admissions Data Escalates

The Department of Justice is suing Harvard University because the institution refuses to hand over admissions records requested ten months ago. Washington wants to examine whether, despite the 2023 Supreme Court ruling, applicants’ background continues to be considered in admissions decisions. The government accuses Harvard of obstructing the investigation. The background is the end of so called affirmative action, which prohibits the consideration of race. Trump representatives claim universities have effectively continued the practice, thereby disadvantaging white and Asian American applicants. Harvard initially declined to comment. The conflict stands as an example of the administration’s cultural policy course toward universities.

Munich and the Climate - Newsom Attacks Washington

At the Security Conference in Munich, California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the federal government’s environmental policy. There has never been a president who harms the planet as much, he said, referring to recent decisions to ease CO2 regulations. Newsom emphasized that climate policy is not a moral question, but an economic necessity. Wildfires, rising insurance premiums and uninsurable properties demonstrate the consequences. Investments in renewable energy promote growth rather than burden it. He made clear that political majorities can change and that current decisions are not permanent.

When the Narrative Collapses - Suspended ICE Officers and a Case That Falls Apart

In Minneapolis, two ICE officers have been suspended after reporting and newly reviewed video footage called into question their sworn statements regarding a shooting on January 14. The injured man, Julio Cesar Sosa Celis, had been shot in the thigh by an officer. Initially, it was said that he and another Venezuelan had attacked the agent with a snow shovel and a broomstick and attempted to kill him. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke of an attempted murder. But new evidence did not align with that account. The U.S. Attorney in Minnesota, Daniel N. Rosen, stated in an unusual court filing that the newly discovered material was materially inconsistent with the charges in the indictment and witness statements. A judge dismissed the charges with prejudice. The men cannot be charged again.

Even acting ICE Director Todd Lyons had to confirm that video recordings suggest two officers made inaccurate statements under oath. Both were immediately placed on leave and face dismissal and criminal consequences. Reporting shows that the official version changed several times: first three attackers, then two; first one fleeing by car, later the other. Nevertheless, serious felonies were constructed and pretrial detention sought. A third man was arrested, never charged and transported to Texas. His attorney speaks of a witness who undermines the official account.

The case joins other firearm incidents in which videos have called initial official explanations into question. While more than 4,000 people were arrested in Minnesota as part of the enforcement wave, here an indictment collapses entirely. What remains is the question of how often reporting must first prove what words previously sought to conceal.