{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftodays-news.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Ftodays-news-february-26-27-2026-fFq_uIF6","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"TODAY'S NEWS, February 26-27, 2026","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/01f7d4b2-716c-43f9-8a03-c96056c76782/79dc4031-9fda-4a60-bc6c-0935c7cdaf73/wwoptodays_news_cover.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"Trump’s State of the Union drew strong approval ratings in post-speech polls, with emphasis on economic progress, border security, and cultural contrasts with Democrats. The DOJ sued five states over voter roll access, Kash Patel reportedly removed FBI agents tied to the Mar-a-Lago raid and halted $260 million to Minnesota over fraud concerns, and internal GOP tensions surfaced around the SAVE Act and Senate procedure. Additional headlines include Greenpeace ordered to pay $345 million over pipeline damages, a mistaken military shootdown of a Border Patrol drone, alleged misuse of funds in California, corporate exits from major cities, and inflation pressures despite strong earnings from NVIDIA and workforce reductions at Block. Epstein-related fallout continues with resignations, closed-door testimony, reported file movements before prior investigations, and renewed scrutiny of public figures and institutions. Cultural disputes span DEI litigation, education settlements, and advertising policies, while Maryland parents secured a settlement over school gender curriculum and reports highlighted Medicaid spending on gender-transition procedures. Internationally, developments include a deadly incident off Cuba, tensions in Germany over cultural policies, threats tied to Shen Yun supporters, conflict involving Pakistan and Afghanistan, Russian advances in Ukraine per Indian media, Apple’s global age restrictions, and research affirming a biblical-era earthquake. Entertainment updates note Paramount’s bid activity involving Warner Bros., Denise Richards’ financial claims, and broader media shakeups. Medical claims range from criticism of DEI in science to controversial Israeli data on teen heart attacks post-vaccination. The roundup closes with debate over human composting laws."}