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The Anderson Economic Group has calculated that delaying the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening would cost approximately $7 million weekly, with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority losing $5 million and taxpayers bearing $2 million in customs plaza expenses. President Trump has threatened to block the bridge's opening—despite Canada funding all upfront construction costs—unless Canada meets unspecified demands related to trade negotiations, tariffs, and other grievances. The bridge, connecting Detroit to Windsor and under construction since 2018, represents a critical trade link given the integrated nature of US-Canada manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector. Trump's threat has generated pushback from Michigan Democrats and some Republicans, though certain GOP leaders view it as appropriate negotiating leverage, while business leaders warn of severe economic consequences for both nations.

The Trump administration has eliminated the EPA's 2009 "endangerment finding" that classified greenhouse gases as harmful to public health, removing the legal basis for federal climate regulations on power plants, vehicles, and industry. While officials claim this deregulation will save industry over $1.3 trillion and reduce consumer costs, these projections ignore health impacts from increased pollution and higher fuel expenses from less efficient vehicles. Michigan faces particularly severe economic consequences, with projections showing the state could lose approximately $5.5 billion in GDP by 2035 from these environmental rollbacks. The changes create uncertainty for Michigan's auto industry, which needs regulatory stability for long-term planning, though state utilities must still comply with Michigan's 2023 law requiring 100% clean energy by 2040. Legal challenges are expected, with critics arguing the EPA has abandoned its public health protection mission.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is implementing major security enhancements following two violent incidents involving students with weapons at separate schools. The school board approved $4.3 million in funding to hire 38 additional security guards for the remainder of the academic year, bringing the total number of guard vacancies the district is working to fill to 41. A pilot program introducing new security screening technology will be tested at 10 schools, and the district has already begun requiring all school visitors to present photo identification, be photographed, and wear badges displaying their name and image. These measures respond to an October stabbing at Gompers Elementary-Middle School and a January boxcutter incident at Denby High School that prompted board members to demand increased security personnel.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending the Munich Security Conference amid significant transatlantic tensions, marking what he describes as a new geopolitical era requiring reassessment of international roles. The gathering occurs against a backdrop of strained US-European relations following President Trump's threats to annex Greenland from NATO ally Denmark and questions about American commitment to the alliance. Approximately 50 world leaders will discuss European defense, the Ukraine conflict, and the transatlantic partnership's future, with French President Macron advocating for European independence from America while NATO's leadership emphasizes continued cooperation. The conference comes after NATO members agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, though European officials acknowledge they cannot immediately shoulder the security burden currently carried by the United States.

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of news anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Tucson home approximately two weeks ago in what authorities believe was a kidnapping. After analyzing doorbell camera footage, the FBI has released the first physical description of a male suspect, describing him as 5'9" to 5'10" with an average build and wearing a specific Ozark Trail backpack. The investigation has generated significant public interest, with over 13,000 tips received, prompting the FBI to double its reward to $100,000 for information. Law enforcement has expressed concern about Nancy's health, as she requires medication and was reportedly in poor physical condition before her disappearance.

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that tariffs imposed in 2025 by President Trump caused the average tariff rate on imports to surge from 2.6% to 13%, with US companies and consumers bearing approximately 90% of these increased costs. Rather than reducing prices to maintain US market demand, exporters from countries like Mexico, China, Canada, and the European Union maintained their pricing, forcing American importers to pass the additional expenses onto shoppers. Multiple independent analyses, including studies from the Kiel Institute and National Bureau of Economic Research, confirmed that tariff costs were almost entirely transferred to US buyers rather than absorbed by exporting nations. The Tax Foundation estimates these tariff increases cost American households an average of $1,000 in 2025, rising to $1,300 in 2026, effectively negating any economic benefits from Trump's tax cut legislation.

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The US Senate failed to pass a procedural vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security before a Saturday midnight deadline due to disagreements over immigration enforcement policies. Democrats are demanding new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, including body camera requirements and bans on mask-wearing by agents, following the deaths of two US citizens. While ICE will continue operations due to separate funding from previous legislation supporting deportation efforts, other DHS agencies like FEMA and TSA face potential disruptions, with airport security screeners and disaster response workers at risk of going unpaid. Republicans are seeking provisions that would compel state and local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, creating an impasse between the parties. The Senate has entered recess but could reconvene if negotiators reach a compromise agreement.

African leaders are convening in Addis Ababa as the continent faces a shifting global landscape marked by declining multilateralism and increased great-power competition. The Trump administration's America First strategy represents a dramatic pivot from previous US engagement, focusing on transactional bilateral deals for critical minerals rather than comprehensive partnerships. While countries like China, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE are also pursuing their own interests in Africa, experts warn that African nations lack the unified bargaining power and strategic depth to secure favorable terms. Ghana's President Mahama is advocating for continental self-reliance and coordinated negotiation, though domestic challenges and slow progress on integration initiatives like the African free trade area continue to hinder collective action. The fundamental question remains whether African nations can develop effective common strategies before being left behind in the new global order.

The US labor market is experiencing an unusual phenomenon where economic growth continues at a robust 4.4% annual pace, yet job creation has slowed dramatically to just 15,000 new positions monthly, with hiring rates at multi-year lows. Job seekers like former tech project manager Jacob Trigg are submitting thousands of applications without success, while the unemployment rate remains stable at 4.3% and layoffs stay limited outside of high-profile corporate cuts. Experts debate whether this "jobless growth" represents a temporary disruption caused by uncertainty over Trump administration policies, or a permanent structural shift driven by artificial intelligence and automation that enables companies to maintain productivity with fewer employees. The disconnect between strong economic performance and weak job creation is historically rare, leaving workers and economists uncertain whether conditions will improve or represent a troubling new normal for the American workforce. # Key Takeaways

A 21-year-old US Marine, Lance Corporal Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, died after falling overboard from the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean on February 7th during Operation Southern Spear, an anti-drug trafficking mission. This makes him the first known American casualty of the Trump administration's Caribbean and Pacific operation, which has conducted 38 lethal strikes on suspected drug vessels since September and facilitated the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The circumstances of his fall remain under military investigation, despite an extensive search involving multiple ships and aircraft. The operation has drawn legal criticism and bipartisan scrutiny, with some experts arguing the strikes violate international law, and families of killed civilians have filed lawsuits alleging unlawful killings.

President Donald Trump announced a major reversal of US climate policy by revoking the 2009 endangerment finding that classified pollution as harmful to public health and the environment. This scientific determination had served as the legal foundation for nearly 17 years of federal emissions reduction policies affecting vehicles, power plants, and other pollution sources. Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin characterized the move as eliminating burdensome regulations that harm economic growth, particularly claiming benefits for the auto industry and lower energy costs for consumers. The decision drew strong criticism from Democrats and environmental organizations who warn it will severely damage America's capacity to address climate change. This rollback represents Trump's most extensive dismantling of Democratic climate initiatives and appears designed to energize Republican voters ahead of the November midterm elections, though polling suggests growing public concern about global warming.

After standing vacant for 17 years, the historic Highland Towers building in Highland Park will be demolished using pandemic relief funds at an estimated cost of $1 million. The Art Deco apartment building, which once housed wealthy auto executives, has been empty since 2009 when DTE shut off power for non-payment and residents were forced to leave. City and Wayne County officials announced the demolition as part of a larger $5 million blight elimination initiative, though community members express mixed feelings about losing the historic structure. The building now mainly serves as shelter for homeless individuals and has deteriorated beyond preservation efforts. Local residents hope to have input on what replaces the site while expressing concerns about potential gentrification.

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the SAVE America Act, which mandates that voter registration applicants submit documentary evidence of citizenship such as passports or birth certificates, along with photo identification at polling places. The measure has sparked controversy, with Republicans arguing it prevents electoral fraud and Democrats contending it will prevent legitimate voters from participating, particularly affecting the estimated 21 million Americans without readily accessible citizenship documentation. The legislation cleared the House along partisan lines but faces significant obstacles in the Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune lacks the necessary 60 votes for passage and at least one Republican senator opposes it. President Trump has championed the bill as essential to election integrity, though his claims of widespread voter fraud remain unsupported by evidence.

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction preventing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from demoting Senator Mark Kelly from his retired Navy captain rank, ruling that the action constitutes unconstitutional retaliation against Kelly's First Amendment rights. The case stems from a video Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers released advising service members they could refuse illegal orders from the Trump administration. Judge Richard Leon strongly criticized the government's position, asserting that retired military members retain full free speech protections unlike active-duty personnel. While a grand jury previously declined to indict the lawmakers on seditious conspiracy charges, Hegseth has announced plans to immediately appeal the judge's ruling.

President Trump's border chief Tom Homan announced the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, citing significant cooperation from local authorities and the arrest of over 4,000 undocumented immigrants. The operation, which Trump intensified after an ICE shooting death, faced widespread criticism and protests, particularly following the killing of two US citizens by immigration officers. Minnesota officials expressed concern about lasting economic and social damage despite welcoming the drawdown, with Governor Walz planning emergency funding for affected businesses. The controversy has now escalated into a potential government shutdown, as Senate Democrats demand ICE reforms before approving Department of Homeland Security funding beyond Saturday's deadline. # Key Takeaways

At Michigan's first gubernatorial forum featuring all major candidates, independent candidate and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan defended his administration's approach to federal immigration enforcement, stating the city has refused for twelve years to sign agreements making local police extensions of ICE. While Duggan emphasized Detroit police don't inquire about immigration status to maintain community trust, he acknowledged the city honors federal detainer warrants for undocumented immigrants arrested for crimes. Democrats and immigration activists criticized Duggan for not doing enough to protect residents, citing incidents where Detroit police assisted ICE operations that resulted in chaotic arrests and detentions. The forum also included Democratic candidates Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, who offered their own perspectives on resisting aggressive federal immigration enforcement. # Key Takeaways

A small gravesite near Goodlette-Frank Road and Pine Ridge Road in Collier County, Florida, contains eight unmarked graves believed to hold African Americans who lived during segregation and are connected to the historic Rosemary Cemetery. County officials have recently formally acknowledged this segregated burial section as the resting place of eight unknown Black pioneers, which has sparked renewed interest in identifying those buried there. The Collier County NAACP is exploring DNA testing to determine the identities of the deceased, though this would require exhuming remains and could take at least a year to gain necessary approvals from state and county authorities. Local leaders view this identification effort as an important step toward providing dignity and enabling families to reconnect with lost relatives from the segregation era. # Key Takeaways

Zaila Avant-Garde, who made history in 2021 as the first African American girl to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee by correctly spelling "Murraya," is now attending the University of Maryland, College Park. The accomplished student is pursuing a degree in cell biology and genetics with plans to eventually earn a PhD and become a biomedical researcher. Beyond her spelling bee victory, Avant-Garde has achieved remarkable success as a New York Times bestselling author through a Random House publishing deal and holds multiple Guinness World Records for basketball dribbling skills. After completing her education, she aspires to work with NASA's Human Research Program on projects related to human habitation of other planets.

Colorado has enacted legislation requiring all K-12 public schools to incorporate comprehensive Black history and cultural studies throughout their curriculum by 2028. The law, signed in June 2025, establishes a committee of 17 members tasked with creating educational standards that highlight Black contributions and experiences beyond the traditional February celebration. Educational leaders and students, including a fourth-grader who advocated for the measure, emphasize that the legislation ensures Black history is taught year-round rather than being confined to a single month. The initiative will provide educators with free bilingual resources and aims to benefit all students by fostering greater understanding of African American contributions to society.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is hosting a Black-Owned Business Market on February 14th as part of its Black History Month celebration, featuring nearly 30 local Black-owned small businesses in its Museum Promenade. The free marketplace, running from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will showcase diverse products including specialty foods, handmade jewelry, personal care items, books, apparel, and art, with no museum admission required. Vendors were carefully selected based on their products, community initiatives, and connections to American history themes that align with the museum's mission. The event aims to support Black entrepreneurship while providing metro Detroit residents an accessible opportunity to shop locally and invest in their community during the Valentine's Day weekend. # Key Takeaways

This brief article serves as an introduction to a weekly news quiz that tests readers' knowledge of current events from the past seven days. The piece highlights three major news stories from the week: the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, a controversial social media post by President Trump featuring racist imagery of the Obamas that was subsequently deleted, and Hollywood's recognition of actor James Van Der Beek from Dawson's Creek. The article invites readers to participate in the quiz to assess how closely they followed other news developments throughout the week, while also offering links to previous quizzes for those seeking additional challenges.

The California State Assembly passed Assembly Joint Resolution 25 on February 5, which calls on Congress and President Trump to restore enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that were eliminated through Trump's H.R. 1 legislation. The resolution, authored by Democratic Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Dawn Addis, passed along party lines with a 59-6 vote and now advances to the State Senate for consideration. California Democrats warn that the federal budget reconciliation law will strip billions from the state's healthcare system and force approximately 3.4 million Californians off Medi-Cal coverage. Assemblymember Bonta conducted a six-stop statewide tour gathering testimony from healthcare providers and advocates about the impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations including low-income families, disabled and elderly individuals, homeless people, and LGBTQ communities. # Key Takeaways

The District of Columbia has filed a major civil racketeering lawsuit against the Razjooyan family, accusing them of running an illegal real estate operation spanning over a decade. The family allegedly controlled more than 70 apartment buildings through a network of shell companies, obtaining fraudulent loans and over $16 million in housing subsidies while subjecting hundreds of tenants to dangerous living conditions including mold, gas leaks, and electrical hazards. Prosecutors claim the family secured excessive loans by promising renovations that never occurred, instead using funds to buy more properties and enrich themselves. Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated the city is abandoning its building-by-building approach in favor of dismantling the entire operation at once. # Key Takeaways

Black-led organizations across California are reclaiming outdoor spaces and challenging the historical erasure of Black Americans from environmental narratives through community programs, leadership development, and land stewardship initiatives. Groups like Outdoor Afro and Black Girls Hike are creating welcoming outdoor experiences that reconnect Black communities with nature while emphasizing that this relationship has always existed, rooted in traditions of fishing, hunting, camping, and gardening. California state agencies are supporting these efforts by building career pathways into public land management and working to ensure diverse representation among park staff and decision-makers. The 40 Acre Conservation League has become California's first Black-led land trust, acquiring over 650 acres in the Sierra Nevada with state funding, demonstrating a tangible expansion of Black environmental leadership and land ownership.

The 61st and Division Streets Church of Christ announced the passing of their Minister Emeritus, Dr. Taylor A. McKenzie, who died on January 16, 2026, at the age of 90. Dr. McKenzie served as the congregation's pastor for an impressive 57 years, during which he provided spiritual leadership, counseling, and teaching centered on Jesus Christ. The church expressed profound gratitude for the community's support during this difficult period and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing his legacy through worship, Christian character, and community service. A memorial service was held on February 7th at the church's San Diego location. # Key Takeaways

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled her final budget proposal, totaling $88 billion, with $21.4 billion dedicated to school aid that includes raising the minimum per-student state funding to $10,300. The education-focused budget emphasizes early literacy improvement through substantial investments in tutoring, teacher training, and research-based reading curricula, responding to Michigan students' continued struggles with reading proficiency. Additional proposals include a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August and various tax increases on cigarettes, vaping products, and casino internet services to offset federal revenue declines and rising costs. The budget now moves to the state legislature, which must approve it by July 1, though lawmakers failed to meet this deadline last year, creating uncertainty for schools and other organizations.

Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and Democrat, is challenging four-term Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, making the state's severe measles outbreak a central campaign issue. With over 900 measles cases reported in South Carolina since fall 2024—part of a national surge exceeding 700 cases—Andrews connects the outbreak to health misinformation spread by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose confirmation as health secretary prompted her to enter the race. While Andrews has outraised Graham in recent quarters and polling shows a competitive race, she faces significant challenges as a Democrat in a state Graham has represented for over two decades. Her campaign resonates particularly with mothers of school-aged children concerned about public health threats, and she represents a growing trend of medical professionals seeking elected office, with 314 Action receiving 200 applications from doctors interested in running for office. # Key Takeaways

Two US Navy vessels collided during a refueling operation at sea near South America, resulting in minor injuries to two personnel who are now stable. The incident involved the USS Truxtun destroyer and the USNS Supply support ship, both of which were able to continue sailing after the collision. US Southern Command has confirmed the accident but has not disclosed the cause, stating that an investigation is underway. The collision occurred as the US military has increased its Caribbean presence for counter-narcotics operations and Venezuela sanctions enforcement under President Trump's orders. # Key Takeaways