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# 🏛️ POLITICS
Story 1 of 3 (~3 min read)
Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Global Tariffs in 6-3 Ruling, Splits Conservative Justices
The Supreme Court ruled Friday that President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in imposing sweeping global tariffs, striking down what the administration called "Liberation Day" duties in a rare rebuke of executive power. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, joined by three conservative justices and two liberal justices, finding that IEEPA does not grant the president power to unilaterally impose unbounded tariffs. Trump responded by announcing a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and called the justices "a disgrace to the nation." The decision leaves unresolved whether the government must refund an estimated $120-$175 billion already collected from the struck-down tariffs.
How it's being covered:
Washington Examiner reports that the 6-3 ruling did not fall on ideological lines and split the conservative majority down the middle, with Chief Justice Roberts finding IEEPA does not support Trump's tariff authority. (link)
NPR reports that companies including Costco and Bumble Bee Foods are lining up for refunds in the Court of International Trade, but notes the Supreme Court left a $133 billion question unanswered about what will happen to money already collected. (link)
BBC reports that the court's decision has led to questions over whether people can get refunds on unlawful tariffs, and notes the Supreme Court's ruling injects new uncertainty into global trade. (link)
The Guardian states that Trump called the six justices who voted against the tariffs a "disgrace to the nation" and later signed documents imposing a 10% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. (link)
Axios reports that Trump said he would sign an order increasing tariffs globally by 10% under Section 122 and that this might be just the beginning of a patchwork of new tariffs imposed by the administration. (link)
Fox News reports that Justice Kavanaugh called the Supreme Court's decision striking down Trump's emergency tariffs "illogical" and offered a roadmap for alternative approaches. (link)
Story 2 of 3 (~2 min read)
Trump Considers Limited Military Strike on Iran to Force Nuclear Deal
President Trump said Friday he is "considering" a limited military strike on Iran to pressure its leaders into agreeing to a nuclear deal, while simultaneously indicating his administration would consider allowing Iran "token" nuclear enrichment if it leaves no path to a weapon. The threat came one day after Trump appeared to give Iran about 10 days to agree to a deal constraining its nuclear program. Military options presented to Trump include directly targeting Iran's supreme leader, according to an administration official, while the U.S. has also deployed significant military assets to the Persian Gulf region.
How it's being covered:
BBC reports that Trump's threat of a limited military strike came a day after he appeared to give Iran about 10 days to agree to a deal to curb its nuclear programme. (link)
Fox News reports that Trump said Friday he is "considering" a limited military strike on Iran to pressure its leaders into a deal over its nuclear program, and notes that U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf has intensified with naval forces positioned near Iran. (link)
Axios reports that the Trump administration is prepared to consider a proposal allowing Iran "token" nuclear enrichment if it leaves no possible path to a bomb, suggesting there could be a small opening between red lines set by both countries. (link)
Story 3 of 3 (~2 min read)
DOJ Fires Virginia's Top Federal Prosecutor Hours After Judges Appointed Him
The Justice Department fired defense attorney James Hundley hours after a panel of federal judges selected him to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replacing Lindsey Halligan, the Trump appointee who had pursued cases against Trump opponents. The move represents the latest clash between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary over U.S. attorney appointments. Judges had appointed Hundley following the departure of Halligan, creating immediate tension over the authority to fill the position.
How it's being covered:
Washington Examiner reports that the Justice Department has fired a lawyer picked to serve as the top federal prosecutor in Virginia just hours after he was appointed by judges, and notes this is the latest clash over appointments of powerful U.S. attorneys. (link)
Newsmax reports that a lawyer picked by judges to serve as the top federal prosecutor for Virginia was swiftly fired Friday by the Justice Department, with the office having pursued cases against foes of President Donald Trump. (link)
🌍 WORLD
Story 1 of 2 (~2 min read)
Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens Across Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Tensions
Israeli military strikes killed at least 12 people across Lebanon on Friday, including attacks on the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp in the south, marking some of the deadliest strikes since a ceasefire ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah. The attacks came amid ongoing tensions and represent a significant escalation in the already fragile post-conflict environment. Lebanese media reported the strikes targeted civilian areas and infrastructure.
How it's being covered:
BBC reports that Israeli strikes killed at least 10 people in Lebanon, with the strikes among the deadliest since a ceasefire ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah. (link)
Al Jazeera reports that Israeli military carried out air attacks on eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and refugee camp Ein el-Hilweh, with videos showing the aftermath of deadly attacks. (link)
Al Jazeera also reports that Israeli attacks killed at least 12 people and injured dozens across Lebanon, with Israel targeting Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon and a building in the country's east. (link)
Story 2 of 2 (~2 min read)
Hungary to Block $90 Billion EU Loan to Ukraine Over Russian Oil Dispute
Hungary announced it will block a 90 billion euro EU loan to Ukraine in retaliation for Kyiv's decision to halt Russian oil flows through the country, escalating tensions within the European Union over aid to Ukraine. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Hungary "will not give in to this blackmail" after the oil flows ceased. The move threatens to derail critical financial support for Ukraine as the war enters its fifth year and European divisions over Ukraine policy deepen.
How it's being covered:
Al Jazeera reports that Hungary will block the 90 billion euro EU loan to Ukraine in a Russian oil dispute, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto saying Hungary will not give in to blackmail after oil flows from Ukraine halted. (link)
⚽ SPORTS
Story 1 of 2 (~2 min read)
USA and Canada Set for Men's Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game at Milan Cortina
The United States defeated Slovakia 6-2 in the men's ice hockey semifinal Friday evening, advancing to the gold medal game, while Canada advanced by scoring late in their semifinal contest. The two neighbors will meet for the gold medal on Sunday, the final day of the Milano Cortina Games, marking a blockbuster final in the first Olympic tournament to feature National Hockey League players in 12 years. For the U.S., the matchup offers a chance to win the team's first Olympic hockey gold since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980.
How it's being covered:
The Guardian reports that the United States and Canada men's ice hockey teams will play for the gold medal on Sunday after both teams came through semifinal contests, with Hughes and Eichel sparking the US rout of Slovakia. (link)
NPR reports that in the semifinal, Slovakia had few answers for the American onslaught, and that the U.S. men will now meet Canada for a chance to win the team's first Olympic hockey gold since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. (link)
Story 2 of 2 (~2 min read)
Alex Ferreira Wins 10th Gold Medal, Tying U.S. Winter Olympics Record
Freeskier Alex Ferreira clinched a tenth gold medal for the United States at the Milano Cortina Games, tying the U.S.'s all-time record for gold medals in a single Winter Olympics. The achievement comes as Team USA continues its dominant medal haul at these Games. Ferreira's performance marks a significant milestone for American winter sports achievement.
How it's being covered:
NPR reports that freeskier Alex Ferreira clinched a tenth gold medal for the U.S., tying the U.S.'s all-time record for gold medals in a Winter Olympics. (link)
The Guardian reports that Norway broke its own record for gold medals won in a single Winter Games after a biathlon triumph, and notes that South Korea won gold and silver in women's speed skating as new champions were crowned in men's freeski, men's aerials, men's biathlon and women's ski cross. (link)
📈 MARKET SIGNALS
U.S. Stocks Rally After Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Despite Weak GDP
U.S. stock markets closed higher Friday after the Supreme Court's tariff ruling, with the NASDAQ, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and S&P 500 all rallying following initial declines tied to weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter GDP data. The GDP report showed economic growth slowed to 1.4% annualized in the fourth quarter, down from economists' forecast of 3%, dragged down by the record-long government shutdown, declines in consumer spending, and trade headwinds. The tariff ruling provided relief to markets that had been uncertain about the scope of Trump's trade agenda.
How it's being covered:
Daily Wire reports that U.S. stocks closed up after a volatile session driven by tariff news, with all three indices—the NASDAQ, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and S&P 500—rallying after the Supreme Court ruling. (link)
Bloomberg reports that U.S. inflation was higher in December according to the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, with core PCE rising 0.4% month-over-month and 3% year-over-year, suggesting that reining in higher prices is proving more difficult than anticipated for the Federal Reserve. (link)
MarketWatch notes that business groups applaud the Supreme Court ruling on Trump tariffs, with the ruling seen as a win for companies that paid extra costs to import goods under the Trump tariff regime. (link)
⚡ QUICK HITS
⚡ Avalanche Deaths Mount Across Ski Regions — At least five people died in avalanches in the Austrian Alps on Friday, bringing the region's death toll this season to at least 21, while two more skiers were killed at Lake Tahoe following California's deadliest avalanche that claimed eight lives. (link) (link)
⚡ UK Weighs Removing Prince Andrew from Succession Amid Epstein Probe — The United Kingdom is considering removing ex-Prince Andrew from the succession line as police widen investigations into the former prince, including questioning his close protection teams in connection with Jeffrey Epstein-related misconduct. (link) (link)
⚡ NASA Targets Early March for Artemis II Moon Launch — NASA is eyeing March 6 to launch four astronauts to the moon on the Artemis II mission, a ten-day lunar fly-by that will send humans farther from Earth than any have ventured since 1972. (link) (link)
⚡ Democratic Response to Trump's State of the Union Becomes Crowded Affair — Top Democrats have instructed members not to interrupt President Trump's State of the Union speech next Tuesday, so instead they are planning individualized responses to show opposition to his agenda, with Rep. Summer Lee tapped to deliver the progressive Working Families Party response. (link) (link)
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