A pro-Trump social media account, @johnnymaga, with 280,000 followers, was secretly run by Garrett Wade, a 27-year-old White House staffer managing the Trump administration’s social media. Wade used the account to promote pro-Trump content and attack political enemies while concealing his connection to the White House, raising ethical concerns about transparency and astroturfing. Wade's wife, also a White House employee, has reposted his tweets without disclosure, further complicating questions of influence and trust.
Raye Los, an activist protesting against ICE operations in Minneapolis, was detained for nearly seven hours after peacefully demonstrating at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, where she was maced, restrained, and placed in ankle cuffs and zip ties. She describes her experience as part of a broader effort by community members to monitor ICE activities and support protesters, despite facing arrests and harassment. Los emphasizes her commitment to social justice, viewing her activism as a response to systemic inequality and a rejection of complacency. A court injunction limiting ICE’s tactics on peaceful protesters was temporarily paused by an appeals court shortly after being issued.
Despite the announced withdrawal of some ICE agents from Minneapolis, immigration enforcement operations continue in the city, often with increased stealth and deception. A strong community resistance involving organized watch groups, mutual aid networks, and widespread public engagement persists, highlighting how residents actively oppose ICE raids and protect vulnerable populations. The city's ongoing activism contrasts with the decline in public attention, emphasizing local efforts' importance in countering enforcement actions.
The Maryland House advanced a bill that would provide state officials and residents with new legal tools to challenge federal agents who violate constitutional rights, including measures to identify masked agents and file civil claims under the "No Kings Act." The bill, which combines two separate proposals, faced opposition from Republicans who warned it could lead to excessive lawsuits and drain resources, but Democrats rejected amendments that would have limited its scope. The legislation is expected to be approved in the House and includes provisions for the attorney general to use surveillance data in investigations.
During a sold-out concert at Radio City Music Hall on February 24, singer Miguel publicly expressed his opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies by writing "ICE OUT" on a prop car and leading the crowd in chants. He also shared his anguish about the state of the world and the divisiveness in society, referencing President Trump's first State of the Union address. Miguel emphasized the importance of solidarity and moral clarity amid political tensions.
The release of millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents by the Justice Department reveals extensive ties between Epstein and elite academics, including funding conversations, personal exchanges, and associations with prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and MIT. These documents highlight how higher education institutions and scholars sought financial support and connections from Epstein despite his criminal background, raising concerns about the sector’s obsession with money, prestige, and power. The revelations also expose the hierarchical and often opaque fundraising culture within academia, prompting questions about systemic issues and potential reforms in the relationship between universities and wealthy donors.
Senator Schumer stated that Pam Bondi does not have the authority to selectively release Epstein files. The article does not provide further details on the context or the specific files involved.
The FBI has dismissed additional agents involved in the investigation into former President Donald Trump's classified documents, according to AP sources. The removals are part of ongoing personnel changes related to the high-profile probe. No further details on the reasons for these firings or the identities of the agents have been provided.
Bipartisan members of the US Helsinki Commission have urged the Department of Justice to strongly enforce the Foreign Extortion Protection Act (FEPA), which allows the prosecution of foreign officials demanding bribes from US companies or individuals. They emphasized the importance of enforcement for national security and economic sectors, noting that no public reports on FEPA enforcement have been submitted despite its significance. The congress members highlighted FEPA’s role in addressing foreign bribery and called for increased efforts to utilize the law effectively.
Børge Brende, CEO of the World Economic Forum, has resigned following an independent investigation into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which revealed Brende attended dinners with Epstein in 2018-2019 and communicated with him via emails and texts. Brende stated he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities and regrets not investigating further. The WEF concluded no additional concerns were found, and appointed Alois Zwinggi as interim CEO while searching for a permanent successor.
A coalition of 15 states, led by California and Arizona attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Trump administration, and health agencies over what they call an "unprecedented attack" on the evidence-based childhood immunization schedule. The suit alleges that Kennedy's promotion of debunked theories linking vaccines to autism, along with the removal of qualified experts from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and recent changes to CDC vaccine recommendations, will undermine public health and increase illness. The coalition argues that these actions are scientifically unsound and unlawful.
A student-led protest against ICE actions and political violence is planned on the Maryville College campus on February 25 at noon. Organized by students Leilani Carden and Michel Gonzalez with college approval, the demonstration aims to raise awareness about ICE's detention practices and broader issues of political violence, especially targeting minority communities. The march will involve student participation and is expected to last about an hour, with college officials ensuring safety but not endorsing the protest's message. Organizers hope the event will foster solidarity and support for undocumented individuals and impacted communities.
