The Favor System
POLITICAL POWER · WHITE HOUSE
February 17, 2026
At Mar-a-Lago, the mingling of
political donors and executives
illustrates how executive
discretion in federal agencies…
The Story
Who Keeps the Lights On?
LABOR · IMMIGRATION · HOSPITALS
February 16, 2026
The United States relies
heavily on immigrant labor
across critical sectors
including healthcare…
The Shutdown Is the Show
CONGRESS · IMMIGRATION · POLITICAL POWER
February 15, 2026
The government shutdown
prominently disrupts visible
services like TSA operations
and public-facing offices, yet…
The Vote That Wouldn’t Close
CONGRESS · WHITE HOUSE · LAW AND COURTS
February 14, 2026
A procedural House vote
intended to block challenges to
Trump-era emergency tariffs
failed after three Republicans…
The Distance a Day Can
Collapse
WAR AND SECURITY · TRADE · COST OF LIVING
February 13, 2026
Cuba faces escalating fuel
shortages amid U.S. sanctions
targeting oil imports, leading…
The Sound Before the Doors
Open
IMMIGRATION · POLITICAL POWER
February 12, 2026
A federal immigration raid at a
racetrack in Caldwell, Idaho,
illustrates how enforcement…
Leaving Without Moving
IMMIGRATION · LAW AND COURTS · MAINE
February 11, 2026
In Lewiston, Maine, increased
federal immigration enforcement
has prompted fear and
behavioral changes within the…
Who’s Reading My Google?
IMMIGRATION · LAW AND COURTS
February 10, 2026
Federal authorities
increasingly use administrative
subpoenas to obtain subscriber
data from companies without…
Arch de Trump
POLITICAL POWER · WHITE HOUSE
February 9, 2026
A proposed 250-foot ceremonial
arch for the National Mall,
linked to America’s 250th
anniversary, reflects Donald…