Today’s mini-report highlights a sweeping climate-policy rollback, the winding down of a controversial federal operation in Minnesota that left two citizens dead, and internal chaos over an FAA airspace closure above El Paso. The FTC probed allegations of ideological curation by Apple News, federal prosecutors downgraded charges against many Minnesota protesters, DNI Tulsi Gabbard disbanded a reform task force, and personnel disputes continued at the Religious Liberty Commission and CBS News.
Mini-Report — Feb. 12, 2026: Climate Rollback, Minnesota Raid Ends, FAA Chaos and Media Fallout
Here are today’s quick headlines and developments across U.S. politics, national security and media.
A Major Rollback On Climate Rules: On Thursday, the Trump administration moved to rescind federal limits on greenhouse-gas emissions and repeal a landmark 2009 finding on global warming, prompting sharp criticism from environmental groups and lawmakers.
Minnesota Enforcement Operation Winds Down: Border czar Tom Homan announced that the federal law-enforcement operation in Minnesota — a raid that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens and ignited nationwide protests — is ending. Officials cautioned that the political and social fallout will be difficult to reverse.
Chaos Over El Paso Airspace: The Federal Aviation Administration’s abrupt closure of the skies over El Paso, Texas, led to internal finger-pointing inside the administration as officials traded blame over the decision and its handling.
FTC Raises Questions About Apple News Bias Claims: The Federal Trade Commission has contacted Apple about accusations that Apple News favors left-leaning outlets and suppresses conservative publications. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson told CEO Tim Cook the agency lacks authority to force platforms to take political stances or curate news by ideology, though it is monitoring the allegations.
EL PASO, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 23: An American and Texas flag are seen flying in front of the skyline of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez on September 23, 2022 in El Paso, Texas. Venezuelans have arrived in increasing numbers in El Paso, putting a strain on the city, as well as charitable organizations, to help migrants find housing and other aid. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)(Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
Justice Department Prosecutions Under Scrutiny: Federal prosecutors initially accused dozens of Minnesota anti-ICE demonstrators of assaulting officers and ramming federal vehicles. Weeks later, many of those cases were filed with reduced charges — about 20 were downgraded and at least three were dismissed — prompting former federal prosecutors to call the shift highly unusual.
DNI Task Force Disbanded: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the end of the Director’s Initiative Group, a task force she created to examine alleged politicization of intelligence, potential spending reductions and whether certain high-profile reports (including those on COVID-19) should be declassified. The group operated for less than a year.
Religious Liberty Commission Turmoil: The federal Religious Liberty Commission removed member Carrie Prejean Boller after a contentious hearing focused on the definition of antisemitism. Prejean Boller had defended commentator Candace Owens, who has been criticized for spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Trouble At CBS News: A producer for the "CBS Evening News," Alicia Hastey, sent a fiery farewell to colleagues this week, blaming a shifting editorial vision under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss for making it increasingly difficult to pursue the stories she wanted to report. Hastey is one of several recent departures.
That’s all for today — check back tomorrow for the next mini-report.
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