24 February 2026 General Brief
In domestic news, read about the shock Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s tariffs, the Department of Homeland Security’s partial government shutdown, growing concerns around AIPAC influence, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s recent testimony in a trial surrounding the risks of addictive social media algorithms. In international news, read about North Korea’s next potential successor, India’s global AI policy, and Trump’s moment of reckoning with Iran.
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Trump’s Moment of Reckoning With Iran
Even as aides continually warn him to focus on domestic economic policy, President Donald Trump has pushed the U.S. further and further to the brink of war with Iran, despite ever-depreciating woes of GOP midterm failure.
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India Steps Into Global AI Policy
Last week, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 took place in New Delhi, bringing together world leaders, tech CEOs, and researchers to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. It was one of the largest global gatherings on AI ever organized.
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The Next Kim: North Korea’s Leader Eyes Potential Successor
North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un appears to be eyeing his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, for the lofty position. It would be a surprisingly progressive move for an extremely socially conservative nation.
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Social Media Powerhouses Face Juries in Landmark Trial: “It’s Not Addiction”
On February 18, Meta founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg began testifying in the now-infamous landmark social media trial rooted in protecting American youth against dangerously addictive algorithms that may be specifically targeting adolescents.
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Has AIPAC Influence Gone Too Far?
AIPAC has fallen under intense scrutiny by the Democrats due to accusations of covert campaigning, who report that they’ve seen a rapid increase in ads focusing on critical political issues like immigration and healthcare.
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Department of Homeland Security is Facing A Partial Shut Down
Democrats have made a multitude of demands in order to limit the powers of ICE and end the shutdown. Such demands include banning face masks on immigration agents and mandating body cameras.
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Supreme Court Rules Trump’s Tariffs Unconstitutional
In a 6-3 ruling, the court said that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act’s language did not give President Trump the power to impose tariffs.