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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

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has become the lead House sponsor of Senator Elizabeth Warren's Child Care for Every Community Act, replacing former Representative Mikie Sherrill who recently became New Jersey's governor. The legislation would cap child care costs at $10 per day for half of American families and use a sliding scale based on income, similar to the military's child care program, though no funding mechanism has been attached. This push comes as prominent Democratic strategists suggest making universal child care a central platform issue for the 2028 presidential election, while Republicans have struggled to develop concrete policies despite calling for larger families. Several Democratic-led states and cities, including New Mexico, New York City, and San Francisco, have already begun implementing free or reduced-cost child care programs locally.

Springfield, Ohio narrowly avoided an ICE raid targeting its substantial Haitian population after a federal judge intervened, but the city now faces a new threat from viral misinformation campaigns on social media. Self-described pro-immigrant TikTok creators have falsely accused local faith groups and community organizations helping Haitians of child trafficking and withholding aid, echoing the "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory from 2016. Pastor Carl Ruby and other community leaders assisting immigrants have received threatening calls and harassment after creators shared their information online, prompting FBI involvement. The crisis forced Springfield schools and downtown areas to close due to security threats, demonstrating how online misinformation can destabilize entire communities even when immigration enforcement never materializes.

Actor James Van Der Beek has passed away at age 48 following a battle with bowel cancer that he was diagnosed with in late 2023 and publicly disclosed in November 2024. The actor, best known for playing Dawson Leery in the television series Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003, has been mourned by numerous co-stars and celebrities who praised his kindness, bravery, and talent. His former castmates Katie Holmes and Busy Philipps led the tributes, with Philipps urging support for Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly and their six children through a fundraising campaign. The outpouring of grief from the entertainment community highlights Van Der Beek's impact both as a performer and as a person who faced his illness with dignity and grace. # Key Takeaways

The US federal government abruptly closed airspace over El Paso, Texas for what was initially announced as 10 days, triggering widespread panic in the border city before lifting the restriction within hours. According to CBS News, the closure resulted from the Pentagon testing high-energy laser technology intended to shoot down cartel drones, but the test reportedly targeted a party balloon instead of an actual drone threat. The military proceeded with testing before completing scheduled safety meetings with the FAA, forcing the aviation regulator to halt flights without advance warning to local officials or residents. El Paso's mayor sharply criticized the chaotic response, noting the city hadn't experienced such flight restrictions since 9/11, and emphasized that regular drone activity in the area doesn't justify shutting down a major city. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated her government had no information indicating drone activity at the border and requested direct communication if US agencies possess relevant evidence. # Key Takeaways

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to eliminate President Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports, with six Republicans breaking party ranks to join Democrats in a 219-211 vote. Despite this legislative victory, the measure faces significant obstacles as it requires Senate approval and the president's signature, both of which are highly improbable given Republican majorities and Trump's strong opposition. The president warned Republican lawmakers on social media that voting against his tariff policies would result in electoral consequences, while supporters of the resolution argued the trade barriers have damaged relationships with allies and increased costs for American consumers. This resolution, introduced by Democrat Gregory Meeks, represents the first of multiple planned attempts to dismantle Trump's trade policies targeting various countries. Beyond Congress, the Supreme Court is also preparing to rule on the president's legal authority to impose such tariffs.

The House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act on Wednesday along partisan lines, establishing stringent new voter registration and ballot-casting requirements that critics warn could disenfranchise millions of Americans. The legislation mandates documentary proof of citizenship during registration and photo identification for voting, creating potential obstacles for an estimated 69 million women and 4 million men whose current legal names don't match their birth certificates due to marriage, gender identity changes, or other reasons. Republicans claim the bill prevents noncitizen voting, which is already illegal, while opponents argue the bureaucratic requirements would create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters and could be implemented too quickly for proper election administration. The bill faces significant challenges in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, and some Republican senators have already expressed concerns about federalizing elections.