Minnesotans lobbied Congress to withhold Homeland Security funding over federal immigration enforcement as the Senate failed to pass a DHS funding bill and officials warned the department could face a funding lapse this weekend.
The U.S. and Taiwan signed a reciprocal trade agreement in which Taiwan agreed to remove or reduce roughly 99% of its tariff barriers and Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. would face a 15% rate or the U.S. Most Favoured Nation rate. Taiwan will submit the pact and its investment plans to its legislature for approval.
Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act against members of the Razjooyan family, alleging a network of shell companies and deceptive practices tied to roughly 70 rent-controlled properties; the suit seeks restitution for affected tenants and to bar the defendants from doing business in the District.
Two Mexican Navy ships carrying food and powdered milk docked in Havana as Cuba faces fuel shortages tied to a U.S. blockade; Mexico said it will send additional shipments and pursue diplomatic channels to restore oil supplies.
Communities in Newfoundland and Labrador have expressed grief after a shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., where police reported nine people were killed. Several towns with personal or family ties to Tumbler Ridge posted condolences and lowered flags.
Premier Danielle Smith announced $143-million to fund about 1,400 extra teachers and educational assistants for elementary classrooms identified as complex, drawn from the 2025–26 ministry budget. Officials say the funding is part of a wider pledge to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 educational assistants over three years.
Air Transat says it plans to repatriate all its customers in Cuba by next Wednesday after Cuban fuel shortages led airlines to wind down Canada–Cuba service. Canada’s travel advisory now urges people to avoid non-essential travel to Cuba.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is promoting the theme "Love Out Loud, Backed by Science" for Random Acts of Kindness Week, Feb. 15–21, and is offering free resources for individuals, schools and workplaces. The foundation cites research linking acts of kindness to oxytocin release and other brain responses that support trust and well‑being.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada mourns after a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., that left 10 people dead; he suspended a trip to Germany, asked for flags on Parliament Hill to be lowered, and will deliver a statement in the House of Commons.
Alberta is allocating $143 million to add about 1,400 teachers and educational assistants to support strained elementary classrooms, with the funds coming from the ministry's 2025-26 budget.
