Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Good morning, and welcome to RedState's "Morning Minute" — a brief glimpse at which stories are trending at the moment and a look ahead at what the day may bring. Consider this your one-stop shop for news to kickstart your day.
TOP O' THE MORNIN'
Red-Hot at RedState
New Yorkers Wake to the Islamic Call to Prayer
Religious liberty should protect the mosque and the church equally. It should not empower the state to amplify one faith’s call into unwilling homes.
Rubio Drops the Hammer on Tufts Visa Case: 'No One Is Entitled'
If immigration court procedure could effectively override executive visa authority, the State Department’s statutory power would be reduced to suggestion. Rubio made clear that it is not happening.
'Clown': Gavin Newsom Files Hurt Feelings Report on Ted Cruz, Commits Embarrassing Self-Own Instead
In any event, methinks the Golden State governor has sort of just proven the old saying about how it is "better for people to think you're a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt," bless his heart.
Trending Across Townhall Media
Alabama Man Shoots Armed Burglar Wearing Ballistic Vest
Sadly, it's not just strangers we have to worry about when it comes to our personal safety. In fact, while stranger on stranger violence generally gets more press coverage, violence between friends, acquaintances, and family members is just as if not more common. In at least two of these cases the suspect was shot by their intended victim's new boyfriend, and the incident in Alabama may very well turn out not to be a completely random encounter either.
It's Racist to Like Dogs, Apparently
It's not bigotry to say "No" to a minority of people—especially newcomers we welcomed in—when they demand we change our way of life to fit their preferences.
Nick Shirley Just Took a Look at California Voter Rolls and OMG
This is an issue so important to the West Coast, Messed Coast™, and indeed the entire country, because California's breezy way of voting is so insecure it turns voter integrity on its head.
Look What the Rhode Island Hockey Rink Shooter Posted on X Before the Attack
Dorgan targeted his ex-wife and three of his children in the attack, before turning the gun on himself. Two victims are dead. Three others were also injured in the attack and are in critical condition.
‘Do Not Wonder Why We Go BERSERK’: More on the Transgender Hockey Shooter’s Background
We tend to think that if a woman marries a dude, and he claims to be a woman now, that is a pretty irreconcilable difference for many people.
WHAT'S ON TAP?
Today on Capitol Hill...
Is there potentially some movement on Shutdown Part 3? Maybe...
1) Congressional Democrats late Monday evening submitted their latest counteroffer to the White House on overhauling ICE operations as part of President Donald Trump’s harsh immigration crackdown. The offer is the newest ping-pong between the White House and Hill Democrats over DHS funding.
But it’s tough to call this a traditional negotiation. Congress is gone for the week, and there’s unlikely to be any face-to-face meetings until next week at the earliest.
I wouldn't advise holding your breath over it (unless it's because you're plugging your nose in response to the Swamp's current sewage woes...
READ MORE: Kristi Noem Lays Bare the Democrat Dishonesty As FEMA Works Without Pay to Clean Up DC Sewage
White House What's Up
President Trump is back in D.C. and will participate in "Ambassador Credentialing" in the Oval Office at 2:00 PM Eastern. At 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, he participates in policy meetings in the Oval Office.
Keeping Up With the Cabinet
Sec. State - Marco Rubio — People are still buzzing about Rubio's fantastic speech over the weekend in Munich. The man of countless hats has become the embodiment of a statesman — and not even an elder one.
Full Court Press...
The Supreme Court has indicated that it may announce opinions this Friday, Feb. 20, and possibly on Tuesday, Feb. 24, and Wednesday, Feb. 25. We'll be watching closely, of course.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Speaking of the Supreme Court, they'll resume hearing oral arguments next week, as well.
MORNING MUSING
I spent the vast majority of Monday on the road, so I was largely out of the loop news-wise (an odd feeling!), but I did catch the latest example of an activist stepping in the proverbial dog-doo, and all I could think of in response was: Lady, you are barking up the wrong tree.
READ MORE: Hot Takes: It's No Contest, Between a Pro-Palestine Activist and Americans' Love for Their Dogs
You think Americans are protective of their guns? Try coming for their dogs.
Woof.
LIGHTER FARE
Sneaky doggo!
Stealth mode activated.. 😂 pic.twitter.com/gX91bMEkvj
— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) February 17, 2026
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