News from the Note…
A round up of the day’s news that might be of interest to you.
This is an OPEN THREAD, folks. Chat about any of the stories listed, share links to stories that caught your eye today, and generally have a good time discussing whatever you want.
EXCLUSIVE: The DOT wants to block transit money going to states that aid migrants — the latest in a series of moves to encroach on local transportation decisions.
— Politico (@politico.com) February 18, 2026 at 12:47 PM
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The latest U.S.-brokered talks between envoys from Moscow and Kyiv over Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine ended Wednesday with no sign of a breakthrough and with both sides saying the talks were "difficult," as the war's fourth anniversary approaches next week. https://to.pbs.org/4qNtS26
— PBS News (@pbsnews.org) February 18, 2026 at 2:04 PM
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Ukraine's national sports minister said Wednesday that officials from the country would not attend the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, in protest over a decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags.
— CBS News (@cbsnews.com) February 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
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Files have revealed years of FBI interest in billionaire retail magnate Les Wexner, a key player in Epstein's rise to extreme wealth. https://cnn.it/3ZLrzS3
— CNN (@cnn.com) February 18, 2026 at 10:01 AM
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Oil jumps more than 2% after Vance says Iran ignored key U.S. demand, military strikes on the table
— CNBC (@cnbc.com) February 18, 2026 at 9:04 AM
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White House says it's in 'best interest' of Cuba to make big changes soon reut.rs/4kLseg7
— Reuters (@reuters.com) February 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM
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Hassett says Fed staff should be 'disciplined' for reporting the US pays tariff costs
— Politico (@politico.com) February 18, 2026 at 1:51 PM
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Stephen Colbert isn’t backing down in an extraordinary public dispute with his bosses at CBS over what airs on his late-night talk show.
— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) February 18, 2026 at 11:20 AM
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US single-family housing starts rebound in January, building permits decline reut.rs/46WmM3Y
— Reuters (@reuters.com) February 18, 2026 at 11:05 AM
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Applications filed by the Trump Organization with the federal trademark office are seeking exclusive rights to use the president's name on airports and dozens of related things found there, from buses shuttling passengers to umbrellas and travel bags to flight suits. https://to.pbs.org/4kQUduQ
— PBS News (@pbsnews.org) February 18, 2026 at 3:32 PM
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FDA reverses course and will review Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, the company says. https://cnn.it/3ZIcfpq
— CNN (@cnn.com) February 18, 2026 at 9:14 AM
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At least a dozen Democratic members of Congress plan to boycott President Trump’s State of the Union address and are scheduled to attend a rally on the National Mall instead.
— NBC News (@nbcnews.com) February 18, 2026 at 2:40 PM
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E.coli bacteria levels in the Potomac were hundreds of times higher than the level the EPA considers safe when the water was tested this week at the site of the spill, officials from utility company DC Water say.
— NBC News (@nbcnews.com) February 18, 2026 at 3:20 PM
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