Feb 12, 2026
Important News
The State Department held a press briefing with Assistant Secretary Caleb Orr to discuss outcomes of the Critical Minerals Ministerial held in Washington, D.C., on February 4, 2026. The U.S. and partners launched the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), signed bilateral framework agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru, and announced joint projects totaling over $30 billion to bolster mining, processing and recycling across the Americas. The U.S. highlighted DFC financing for Brazilian projects, interest in building processing capacity regionally, a proposed price-floor mechanism (led by USTR), and emphasized diversification and high standards rather than targeting specific countries.
Feb 12, 2026
Important News
HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced HUD actions to support Mississippi residents after the January 23-27, 2026 winter storm, following a presidential major disaster declaration on February 6, 2026. HUD instituted a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures for FHA-insured mortgages (including certain Native American Section 184 borrowers) and automatic 90-day extensions for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, and is offering mortgage insurance and financing options (Sections 203(h) and 203(k)). The department is also sharing housing resources with FEMA and the state, offering program waivers and administrative flexibility for multiple grant programs, and providing counseling and fair housing assistance.
Feb 12, 2026
Important News
HUD announced federal disaster assistance and financial-flexibility measures for residents of Tennessee after a severe winter storm on Jan. 22–27, 2026, following a major disaster declaration by the president on Feb. 6. Actions include a 90-day foreclosure moratorium for FHA-insured mortgages (including certain Native American borrowers), automatic 90-day extensions for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, availability of FHA mortgage-insurance programs (Sections 203(h) and 203(k)), information-sharing with FEMA and the state, and waivers/flexibilities for federal housing and community development grantees and tribal housing entities. HUD also highlighted housing counseling, discrimination complaint processes, and contact points for affected homeowners.
Feb 12, 2026
Niche News
The United States and the Republic of North Macedonia announced a framework for a bilateral trade agreement aiming to expand market access for exporters and deepen transatlantic ties. Key provisions include North Macedonia eliminating customs duties on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods, the U.S. keeping reciprocal tariffs at 15% with some products designated for a zero percent rate, cooperation on non-tariff barriers, supply-chain and national security measures, and commitments on environmental protections, intellectual property, labor, digital trade, and services. Both countries intend to finalize, sign, and complete domestic procedures to bring the Agreement into force.
Feb 12, 2026
Important News
President Trump hosted a "Champion of Coal" event at the White House on February 11, 2026, where he signed an executive order directing federal purchases of coal-generated power and praised renewed coal commitments by entities like the Tennessee Valley Authority. The event featured industry leaders, lawmakers, and miners and highlighted administration plans to invest in coal-fired plants, assert energy independence, and link coal use to national security and job creation. The announcement drew broad media coverage and endorsements from Republican officials and coal-industry groups.
Feb 12, 2026
Niche News
Peter Bernegger filed suit on December 31, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleging the Federal Election Commission failed to act on his July 31, 2025 administrative complaint. The complaint accuses Senator Lindsey Graham, Team Graham, Inc., WinRed, and related actors of accepting about $11,090,385 in unlawful contributions and filing inaccurate reports. Bernegger seeks declaratory and injunctive relief under the Federal Election Campaign Act, asking the court to declare the FEC’s inaction unlawful and to require the agency to comply within 30 days.
Feb 12, 2026
Important News
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman David L. Isom testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee about service member and family quality of life, emphasizing that "Warfighters are the foundation of War Department lethality." The testimony focused on issues affecting service members and their families.