Friday, February 20, 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
Wait — Seriously? An Unexpected Name Tops Crucial Dem Presidential Primary Poll
As our Andrew Malcolm wrote, the Democrat presidential field is certainly looking “underwhelming.” With a failed governor, a losing presidential candidate, and a mediocre former transportation secretary leading the early polls, you’d think conservatives would be celebrating.
UK Balks on Iran Strikes, Trump Fires Back Over Diego Garcia
Put plainly, the United States is preparing for potential confrontation with Iran. Britain is placing legal guardrails around how its territory can be used. At the same time, London is renegotiating sovereignty over the very asset that underpins U.S. power projection in the Indian Ocean.
Could Da Bears Spike the Ball in Chicago's Face? The Exit Plan Is Getting Real
Although it's complicated, one thing is crystal clear: The Bears would not be Da Bears in freakin’ Indiana (no offense, Indiana folks), and Chicago would be left without one of its crown jewels. That would be the team’s — and the city's — worst-ever defeat.
Trending Across Townhall Media
New Mexico Gun Ban Bill Fails to Reach House Floor Before Session Adjourns
Gun owners in the Land of Enchantment aren't out of the woods yet, but Second Amendment advocates can be assured that the most popular rifles and commonly owned magazines in the nation will remain available for purchase for now.
School Activism Now Sending Kids to Hospital
Will a child actually being hit by a car and sent to the hospital be enough to stop this madness?
Potentially, this was the week when Russia finally lost the Ukraine war. Putin can’t win a war of attrition if he runs out of money before Ukraine does. And now, for the very first time, Russia is truly, completely isolated.
The Trans Ice Rink Shooter Story Just Took a Wild Turn
One of Dorgan’s daughters added that her late father’s erratic behavior estranged him from the family, which is an understatement. Despite his aberrant interests, this guy was nuts.
America Owns Hockey: US Women Win OT Gold, Leave Canada Spiraling and Seething
Not everyone was excited about this win. The Canadians are big mad and it's glorious.
WHAT'S ON TAP?
Today on Capitol Hill...
No House or Senate committee hearings are scheduled for today, but the Critters will be back at it next week. Also, we may be on the brink of a tariff ruling from the Supreme Court, but congressional efforts to curtail the president's tariff authority may be running into some issues:
Democrats’ campaign to pressure the GOP with a flood of votes challenging President Donald Trump’s tariffs is already faltering.
The House passed a resolution to overturn Trump’s tariffs on Canada last week. But the resolution may not qualify for privileged consideration in the Senate.
That would be a blow to Democrats’ plans because it would mean they can’t force a vote at a simple majority threshold. It would likely save Trump from having to veto the resolution and face an embarrassing rebuke from Congress.
White House What's Up
On Friday, President Trump participates in a working breakfast with governors in the State Dining Room. He's set to participate in a private meeting at 10:30 AM in the Oval Office. (No indication yet as to who that meeting is with — we'll keep you posted.)
Keeping Up With the Cabinet
Attorney General - Pam Bondi — Bondi celebrated another legal victory for the administration at the 9th Circuit.
Our @thejusticedept attorneys are fighting daily in court to protect law enforcement — and we just secured another key victory.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) February 19, 2026
The 9th Circuit has now issued a FULL stay blocking California’s ban on masks for federal law enforcement agents.
Law enforcement officers risk their…
Full Court Press...
All eyes on the Supreme Court today as they're set to hand down opinions at 10:00 AM Eastern. Tariffs? Voting Rights Act? We'll be watching and reporting on any critical decisions.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Supreme Court oral arguments resume February 23.
Ongoing diplomatic developments related to Iran and U.S.–U.K. coordination.
MORNING MUSING
I'm off my game this week, friends. When you're traveling cross-country and listening to podcasts rather than scanning and covering the news, you quickly find yourself out of the loop. But I gather we're back to talking about aliens. And I'm not gonna lie...I am here for it. 👽
— Susie Moore ⚾️🌻🐶 (@SmoosieQ) February 20, 2026
In any event, I promise to be more with-it next week. For now, I'm just glad it's Friday.
LIGHTER FARE
Yep.
Mood.. 😅 pic.twitter.com/6CzQJAMWPr
— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) February 20, 2026
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