Politics: 2026Talks - February 16, 2026
Politics in the United States and around the world.
Daily Audio Newscast - February 16, 2026
Daily audio newscast with stories from across the United States and around the world.
Court ‘transparency’ bill that would require ‘cooling off’ period for judges heads to Utah House
A bill that would require Utah’s judiciary to make live court proceedings and records easier to access — and also enact more restrictions on judges by banning them from working at law firms after they leave the bench — narrowly survived its first legislative hurdle on Friday.
South Dakota House rejects proposal requiring neighboring cities, counties to permit data centers
The South Dakota state House of Representatives voted 41-21 to reject a bill that would have required data centers to obtain an additional permit.
End of enhanced Obamacare subsidies puts tribal health lifeline at risk
The financial crunch began when congressional lawmakers allowed enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to expire on Dec. 31.
South Dakota regulators approve wind farm that will be the largest in the state
South Dakota regulators approved a permit Thursday for a $750 million, 333-megawatt wind farm.
New Mexico environment officials issue nearly $16 million fines to Los Alamos National Lab over legacy waste
New Mexico environment officials this week unveiled close to $16 million in fines, along with other enforcement actions intended.
Senate committee OKs sales tax deductions for affordable housing construction
The New Mexico Senate Finance Committee Friday advanced a tax package that allows construction companies to deduct gross receipts tax.
Passage of federal science funds a lifeline for Colorado’s aerospace industry
The new law, approved by President Donald Trump on Jan. 23, funds NASA for fiscal year 2026.
Lawmakers call for investigation of Oklahoma student walkouts
A group of Republican lawmakers have urged the state’s top education official to investigate student walkouts.
