The "Board of Peace," created by former U.S. President Donald Trump, is exploring the launch of a U.S.-dollar-pegged stablecoin in Gaza to address cash shortages, according to FT. Led by Israeli tech entrepreneur Liran Tancman, the project aims to facilitate digital transactions in the region and is in early stages, with collaboration involving the NCAG and other entities. The initiative seeks to develop a secure digital platform for payments and services, but details on its implementation remain unclear.
A stablecoin issued by the Trump family’s crypto company, World Liberty Financial, briefly fell below its dollar peg on Monday, trading as low as approximately $0.98 before recovering. Simultaneously, its native token WLFI declined around 7% amid claims by the company of a "coordinated attack" involving hacking, disinformation, and short selling strategies. The company stated that its security teams successfully defended against these efforts.
80-year-old Santa Barbara attorney Doug Hayes was pepper-sprayed and tackled by ICE agents during a protest outside the county’s Probation Department offices. Hayes testified that he confronted the agents over their actions, accused them of misconduct, and expressed concern over civil rights violations. Despite experiencing the incident physically, he stated he was not traumatized but is considering pursuing a civil action against ICE.
In December 2025, over 2,000 ICE agents conducted raids in Minnesota, prompting residents in Minneapolis and Saint Paul to organize protests, document raids, and provide mutual aid to those targeted. Community efforts, along with legal actions and sustained protests, contributed to a decline in ICE operations in the area. Experts cite these community networks, which originated during the COVID pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, as key in mobilizing resistance.
Crime analyst Mark McGuire, a retired homicide detective, reviewed the recent deaths of Minnesotans Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents. McGuire indicated that Good’s shooting involved potentially justifiable circumstances with blurred lines, while Pretti’s killing was unequivocally a murder. The Department of Justice is investigating Pretti’s death, and it has yet to examine Good’s case.
Mexican bishops urged prayer, prudence, and safety measures amid violence following the killing of cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," by Mexican military forces. The operation, which resulted in multiple deaths, sparked nationwide violence including attacks on security forces and civilian areas, with residents and tourists advised to shelter in place. The U.S. confirmed providing intelligence support to Mexico during the operation. The bishops called for increased prayer for peace and sought divine protection through Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Congresswoman Maxine Dexter announced she is sending Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips to attend the State of the Union on her behalf to emphasize accountability and support for survivors. Dexter stated her intention to highlight that survivors will not be silenced and that the government should be held accountable. Phillips expressed gratitude and emphasized her purpose of advocating for those who lack a voice. Dexter also co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act to promote the release of relevant files and transparency.
An armed man, identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after driving into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Trump's residence, in Palm Beach, Florida. Martin was reportedly carrying a shotgun and gas can when confronted, raised his weapon, and was subsequently neutralized by law enforcement. The incident is under investigation, with the FBI leading the inquiry, and Martin's motives are yet to be determined.
Attorney General Pam Bondi's conduct during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on February 11 was tense and confrontational, with exchanges that echoed former President Trump's combative style, including dismissive remarks and personal insults. Bondi deflected questions on sensitive topics such as the Epstein files and refused to apologize for her handling of certain issues. Her behavior is viewed as part of a broader pattern within the Trump administration of deflecting criticism and engaging in aggressive tactics towards opponents and the media.
Jeffrey Epstein maintained at least six undisclosed storage units across the United States, which he kept paying for until his death in 2019, and which have not been searched by authorities. These units may contain evidence related to Epstein and his associates, raising concerns amid ongoing criticism of the Justice Department's handling of Epstein's case and released documents. The revelations add to scrutiny of Epstein's activities and the potential existence of damaging material, although the FBI has stated there is no evidence he kept compromising material on his circle.
Negotiations between Senate Democratic leadership and the White House over funding the Department of Homeland Security are stalled amid a partial government shutdown, with Democrats demanding reforms to immigration enforcement policies. The White House dismissed Democrats' recent proposal as "very unserious," and both sides remain far apart, despite ongoing talks. Some Democrats have announced they will not attend President Trump's State of the Union address, while GOP lawmakers suggest immigration reforms should be addressed separately from DHS funding. The White House indicated that further negotiation responses are awaited from the administration.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his supporters criticized President Donald Trump's executive order to protect domestic glyphosate herbicide production, expressing concern. The health secretary stated that the administration aims to change course without destabilizing the food supply.
