More than a dozen states have sued the Trump administration over its rollback of childhood vaccine recommendations, arguing that the new guidance, which limits immunization advice to only high-risk groups, endangers public health and contradicts longstanding medical standards. The states contend that the changes will increase costs and risks of disease outbreaks, and criticize the administration's politicization of health policies. The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration's public health policies and leadership changes.
Dozens of FBI witness interviews related to Jeffrey Epstein are missing from the DOJ's recent file release, including three interviews concerning a woman who accused Epstein of sexual abuse beginning at age 13 and who also alleged that President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her. Some of the missing records were related to FBI 302 memos, which are crucial for understanding the investigation. The DOJ denies deleting any records, stating that unreleased documents are duplicates, privileged, or under investigation, but critics and victims have questioned the completeness and transparency of the release.
An NPR investigation revealed that the Department of Justice withheld documents related to allegations that President Donald Trump sexually abused a minor, as part of the Epstein investigation. While some documents are publicly available, over 50 FBI interviews concerning the accuser are missing, with only one interview publicly accessible. House Oversight Committee member Rep. Robert Garcia suggested the missing files could indicate a cover-up.
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander stated that the cancellation of ICE's proposed detention facility in Merrimack is a positive development, thanks to local opposition and efforts to protect community interests. She emphasized her ongoing commitment to legislation that increases transparency and accountability for federal facility decisions and highlighted her opposition to the initial plans since December 2025. Goodlander has also been active in advocating for reforms and funding reallocations to support local law enforcement and oppose the detention center.
Democrats on the House oversight committee announced an investigation into whether the Department of Justice withheld materials related to allegations against Donald Trump in the Epstein files, including FBI interviews with a woman who accused Trump of sexual abuse as a minor. An NPR report suggested that over 50 pages of FBI interviews and notes may have been withheld or removed from public release. The White House denied any files had been deleted and stated all responsive documents have been produced, while Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that the US requested a private meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Caricom summit in St Kitts and Nevis, scheduled for February 27. The meeting aims to discuss security, economic interests, the OFAC licence for Venezuela, and regional cooperation, with no indications of a US military base being established in Trinidad and Tobago. Persad-Bissessar emphasized that the meeting with Rubio was arranged after her decision to attend the summit and highlighted ongoing US military cooperation and regional partnership efforts.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order emphasizing the importance of glyphosate, an herbicide found in products like Roundup, for American economic and national security, despite health concerns and past opposition by figures like HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The order has been criticized by groups such as Moms Across America, which argue it favors Monsanto and shields the company from lawsuits. Although some regulatory agencies like the EPA and European authorities have found glyphosate safe when used as directed, studies have linked high exposure to increased cancer risk, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and potential effects on fetal development. Experts recommend reducing exposure by choosing organic foods, washing produce thoroughly, and supporting legislation to oppose the order.
The US has imposed visa restrictions on three Chilean officials, including Transport and Telecommunications Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz, over concerns related to a proposed undersea cable project by Chinese companies linking Chile and Hong Kong, which the US believes could threaten regional security. The restrictions revoke existing visas and bar entry into the US for the officials and their immediate families. US officials indicated the action was taken due to activities undermining critical infrastructure and regional stability, and they expressed a desire to work with Chile's new government on security concerns.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a virtual briefing with lawmakers just before Trump's State of the Union address, raising concerns among intel officials about possible U.S. military action against Iran. Some participants, including Rep. Jim Himes and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressed alarm over the lack of clear justification for such potential military strikes and criticized previous claims about Iran's nuclear program. The briefing has heightened apprehension over future U.S. involvement in Middle East conflicts.
Three Colorado Democratic lawmakers have urged ICE to immediately abandon plans to reopen the dormant Big Horn Correctional Facility in Hudson as an immigrant detention center, citing concerns over potential harm to detainees and lack of transparency regarding contracts and safety standards. The facility, operated by GEO Group, has been empty since 2014, despite a contract awarded in December 2023 for detention services. Opponents criticize the plan amid broader opposition to ICE's expansion and treatment of detainees, with protests and calls for oversight and accountability.
A class-action lawsuit has been filed in North Carolina on behalf of five individuals and a broader class to challenge warrantless immigration arrests by DHS, ICE, CBP, and USBP, asserting that these arrests often lack probable cause and violate legal standards. The plaintiffs, including U.S. citizens and lawful residents, allege they were unlawfully detained without warrants, amid reports of violence and property damage during arrests. The lawsuit seeks to declare the federal agencies’ arrest policies unlawful and to prevent further warrantless detentions, asserting that such practices violate civil rights and federal law.
Immigrant advocates in Arizona are urging Congress to investigate Home Depot's alleged cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including reports of ICE targeting parking lots and scanning license plates at Phoenix stores. Critics argue that the retailer's security infrastructure may be aiding ICE operations, leading to increased arrests of day laborers and community fear. Home Depot officials stated they are not involved in immigration enforcement activities, but community members remain concerned about the impact on immigrant workers. Activists have called for increased oversight and accountability while advising day laborers on safety precautions.
