{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftodays-news.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Ftodays-news-february-20-2026-5VXPHSos","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"TODAY'S NEWS, February 20, 2026","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/01f7d4b2-716c-43f9-8a03-c96056c76782/4279b731-d285-41ad-bf13-bf78d8734b55/wwoptodays_news_cover.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"The Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s tariffs in a 6–3 decision without clarifying refund logistics, while the administration decertified 550 unsafe commercial driving schools, protected glyphosate production by executive order, and ordered full public release of government UFO files; DOJ expanded prosecutions in Minnesota’s “Feed Our Future” fraud case, Medicaid funding cuts loom for the state, and broader political tensions persist from California governance disputes to infrastructure controversies surrounding the Obama Presidential Library. Epstein-related fallout continued with scrutiny of Prince Andrew over alleged national security disclosures, Bill Gates withdrawing from an AI summit, Rep. Nancy Mace seeking CIA records, and mounting institutional repercussions across finance and academia. Immigration enforcement intensified as H1B visas dropped nearly 20%, police cooperation with ICE rose, and additional fatal crimes involving undocumented individuals drew attention. Cultural debates continued over religion and gender policy, including Kansas overriding a gubernatorial veto on a transgender bathroom bill. Economically, the DOJ blocked a major Alaska mining project over environmental concerns, Trump rallied at a fully operating steel mill, Boeing announced relocation plans to St. Louis, jobless claims fell to 206,000, and Q4 2025 GDP registered 1.4%. Internationally, Trump weighed possible action against Iran, while the State Department launched a portal aimed at bypassing European content restrictions; entertainment highlights included new seasons of Dark Winds and The Night Manager."}