THE INTERCEPT

FEBRUARY 24. 2026

Trump Demanded El Mencho’s Head. Mexicans Are Paying the Price.

The violence in Mexico is fueled by U. S. guns and money. Killing a cartel boss won’t change that — whether Trump knows it or not.

FEBRUARY 23. 2026

Nonprofit Coalition Asks Courts to Prevent Coercive Federal Investigation Tactics

Seventeen organizations filed an amicus brief calling out pretextual federal investigations and arguing for judicial oversight.

Kristi Noem Repeatedly Claimed ICE Deported a Cannibal. It Was “Completely Made Up. ”

Law enforcement sources told The Intercept that Noem’s tale about a cannibal was a fabrication.

FEBRUARY 20. 2026

What Does Trump Want With Cuba?

How the Trump administration is pushing Cuba into a deeper humanitarian crisis, with guests Michael Bustamante and Andrés Pertierra.

FEBRUARY 19. 2026

Trump Menaces Iran With Massive Armada Capable of Prolonged War

The amount of military forces gathering near Iran dwarfs even the monthslong build-up before the U. S. coup in Venezuela.

More U. S. Troops Are Headed to Nigeria

The Trump administration is sending more troops to a region where U. S. military presence has coincided with increased violence.

A New PAC Wants to Counter Israel’s Influence. It Also Welcomes Hitler Apologists.

AZAPAC's Michael Rectenwald wants to fight pro-Israel interests in politics. He's courted Nick Fuentes and endorsed white nationalists.

FEBRUARY 18. 2026

Philadelphia Could Elect Its First Muslim Congressman. He’s Not Sure Where He Stands on Israel.

With no stated policy on Israel and Palestine, Sharif Street is trying to walk a fine line in a crowded Pennsylvania primary.

FEBRUARY 17. 2026

Can Trump’s Plan for Warehouse Immigrant Detention Camps Be Stopped?

ICE has the money it needs to turn warehouses into prisons for immigrants. But local pressure stopped one project in its tracks.

It’s Correct and Moral to Use the Olympics to Speak Out About Politics

The Winter Olympics can't be separated from our national project — so athletes have every right to criticize the Trump administration.

U. S. Sent a Rescue Plane for Boat Strike Survivors. It Took 45 Hours to Arrive.

In seas that could kill a person within an hour, it took nearly two days for a rescue plane to arrive.

Air Force Maintenance Staff Can’t Stop Buying Fancy Knives With Tax Dollars

“Everyone knew we didn’t need them. ” Air Force maintainers have been on a decadelong knife-ordering spree.

FEBRUARY 16. 2026

Prison-Style Free Speech Censorship Is Coming for the Rest of Us

The outcome of a court case could decide whether the Trump administration can criminalize simply possessing political literature.

FEBRUARY 15. 2026

Palantir Gets Millions of Dollars From New York City’s Public Hospitals

Activist are urging New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation to cut ties with the ICE contractor.