The U.S. Department of Justice has urged the Supreme Court to uphold a federal ban preventing individuals with any history of cannabis use from legally owning or purchasing firearms, citing public safety concerns and historical disarmament practices. The case, United States v. Hemani, involves a challenge to the constitutionality of this ban, with lower courts previously ruling it unconstitutional when applied categorically. NORML and other groups have argued that the ban is overly broad, noting that historical and current practices generally allow cannabis use without forfeiting gun rights.
The Supreme Court is set to review a case concerning the copyrightability of works generated autonomously by AI systems, specifically in Thaler v. Perlmutter. Stephen Thaler, who developed AI capable of creating art without human authorship, filed for copyright protection for AI-created work, but the U.S. Copyright Office and lower courts rejected the claim, citing the requirement that works be authored by humans. Thaler argues that current policy discourages AI-based creativity and should be revised, while the government maintains that existing law and policy are correct. The case highlights ongoing legal debates over AI-generated works and copyright protections.
Senator Ron Wyden plans to block the confirmation of Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd as NSA director, citing his lack of relevant experience in cyber intelligence and concerns over his responses regarding civil liberties and oversight of surveillance activities. Wyden criticized Rudd’s unfamiliarity with constitutional rights and emphasized ongoing risks to Fourth Amendment protections, referencing past illegal NSA surveillance programs. Rudd, who has primarily held military leadership roles outside the cyber intelligence field, defended his qualifications based on his intelligence experience.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the president overstepped authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs, asserting that the power to tax, including tariffs, resides solely with Congress. The decision was supported by conservative justices and contrasted with liberal justices who were accused of partisanship. The ruling limits the president's ability to unilaterally impose tariffs but does not affect other executive powers or the president's diplomatic actions.
The article explores how President Trump's administration and allies are engaging in a modern version of the "Lost Cause" narrative, which historically sought to justify slavery and oppose racial equality after the Civil War. It draws parallels between past efforts to restrict Black political participation and current tactics such as gerrymandering and misinformation to undermine democracy and exclude marginalized groups. The writers emphasize the importance of acknowledging honest history and resisting efforts to distort it, framing the fight to preserve democracy as linked to uncovering and truthfully representing America's full history.
American Bitcoin reported a $59 million loss in Q4 2026 and an $227 million unrealized loss for the year due to falling Bitcoin prices, leading to a 90% decline in its stock value since September 2025. The company's strategy of solely mining and holding Bitcoin, without diversification into AI infrastructure like competitors, has intensified its vulnerability amid the market downturn. Broader pressures include declining investor confidence, Bitcoin's volatility, policy barriers, and stiffening hardware costs, raising options such as a capital raise or potential acquisition. The company's future depends on Bitcoin's price recovery, strategic adjustments, or possible merger opportunities.
The NTSB Chairwoman, Jennifer Homendy, criticized the House aviation safety bill as "watered-down" and misleading, claiming it does not fully implement the agency's January recommendations to prevent midair collisions like the 2005 crash that killed 67 people. Homendy expressed concern that the bill's provisions on aircraft locator systems, particularly ADS-B In technology, are insufficient and exclude certain aircraft, reducing their effectiveness. House leaders defended the bill, asserting it addresses the NTSB's recommendations, but victims' families and the NTSB have voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the need for comprehensive adoption of locator systems to improve safety. The legislation remains under review, with disagreements over its scope and effectiveness.
Rep. Al Green may face a House censure following his display of a controversial sign during President Trump's State of the Union address, which led to his removal from the chamber. Censure is a formal public rebuke that requires a House vote, and Green has previously been censured for similar conduct. A resolution to censure Green could be introduced when the House reconvenes on February 23, 2026, although Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to such a vote.
In his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump emphasized recent legislative achievements such as the "Big Beautiful Bill" and highlighted his economic and immigration policies, while also facing legal setbacks like the Supreme Court ruling against his tariffs. His speech aimed to bolster Republican support ahead of the November midterms but revealed challenges in garnering congressional support and addressing legal and public perception issues. Trump also reiterated claims of election fraud and called for legislation to tighten voting requirements, amid ongoing political polarization.
Most Senate Republicans oppose implementing a 'talking filibuster' to advance the voter ID bill, citing concerns over prolonged floor time and procedural implications. While some GOP members support the idea, Senate leadership, including Majority Leader Thune, has expressed disapproval, reflecting a lack of unified support within the party. The bill, known as the SAVE America Act, has passed the House but faces obstacles in the Senate due to the need for 60 votes or alternative tactics that could undermine Senate rules. House Republicans continue to advocate for the filibuster strategy, emphasizing the importance of the bill and challenging Senate inaction.
An estimated 32.6 million people watched President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, marking a decline of four million viewers from his 2025 speech and the smallest audience in his tenure. The address, the longest televised State of the Union by any president, was broadcast on 15 networks and drew a predominantly older audience, with 23.6 million viewers aged 55 and up. Fox News was the most-watched network, with 9.1 million viewers.
Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory during a hearing on election integrity about the January FBI raid on a Fulton County election office, which involved seizing ballots and sensitive voter data related to the 2020 presidential election. The raid was part of a Department of Justice investigation into alleged voter fraud, but no evidence was found to substantiate claims of widespread election theft. Warnock criticized ongoing efforts by President Trump and others to spread misinformation about the 2020 election and expressed concern over threats to election security and voter suppression tactics.
