NewsRally - Agentic BS Detection

BBC News

NBC News

Daily Mail

BS:30%

Major Impact

US and Iran Hold Second Nuclear Talks in Geneva; Reach 'Guiding Principles' While Military Tensions Continue

US and Iranian negotiators met in Geneva for a second round of indirect nuclear talks, agreeing on broad 'guiding principles' but reaching no final deal. Simultaneously, Iran conducted live-fire military drills and partially closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz for several hours, while the US continued a regional military buildup including two aircraft carrier strike groups.

World·Politics

33 sources

Los Angeles Times

The New York Times

Bloomberg

BS:28%

Significant

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and Two-Time Presidential Candidate, Dies at 84

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a Baptist minister and protégé of Martin Luther King Jr. who ran twice for the Democratic presidential nomination and founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, died peacefully at home in Chicago on February 17, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 84 and had been living with progressive supranuclear palsy. Tributes poured in from political figures across the spectrum, including President Trump, former President Obama, and world leaders.

Politics·Culture

48 sources

Los Angeles Times

USA Today

Newsweek

BS:49%

Noteworthy

CBS Declines to Broadcast Colbert's Interview With Texas Senate Candidate Over FCC Equal-Time Guidance

CBS lawyers advised 'The Late Show' not to air a pre-recorded interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, citing the FCC's equal-time rule and January 2025 guidance from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Colbert announced the decision on-air and posted the interview to YouTube instead. CBS disputed Colbert's characterization, saying the show was given options and chose YouTube.

Politics·Technology

35 sources

USA Today

BBC News

CBS News

BS:58%

Noteworthy

Man Opens Fire at Rhode Island Hockey Game, Killing Ex-Wife and Son Before Dying by Self-Inflicted Gunshot

Robert Dorgan, 56, shot and killed his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan during a high school hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Monday. Three others were injured, including Rhonda's parents and a family friend. Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito and identified as transgender, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after bystanders intervened.

Crime·Politics

28 sources

Bloomberg

BBC News

Newsweek

BS:39%

Significant

Trump and Maryland Governor Dispute Responsibility for Major Potomac River Sewage Spill

A 72-inch section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line collapsed on Jan. 19 in Montgomery County, MD, releasing an estimated 200–300 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River. Trump blamed Democratic leaders, particularly Gov. Wes Moore, while Moore's office says federal oversight of the pipe makes it a federal responsibility. DC Water, the federally regulated utility operating the pipe, is managing emergency repairs.

Environment·Politics

22 sources

The New York Times

Fox News

Daily Mail

BS:40%

Significant

U.S. Military Strikes Kill 11 on Three Boats in Pacific and Caribbean, Bringing Total to 145 Deaths Since September

U.S. Southern Command announced strikes on three alleged drug-trafficking vessels on Monday, killing 11 men and raising the total death toll to at least 145 since the campaign began in September. The military cited intelligence confirming the boats were on known narco-trafficking routes but released no evidence of drug cargo. Legal experts, UN officials, and some lawmakers have questioned the strikes' legality under international law.

World·Politics

15 sources

The New York Times

Daily Mail

BBC News

BS:29%

Significant

Third Round of US-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Opens in Geneva Amid Russian Airstrikes

Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Geneva on Tuesday for a third round of US-mediated talks, with Russian hardliner Vladimir Medinsky leading Moscow's delegation as discussions shifted to territorial and political issues. Overnight, Russia launched ~400 drones and 29 missiles at Ukraine, killing three energy workers and damaging power infrastructure. Expectations for a breakthrough remained low, with both sides still far apart on territorial demands and postwar security guarantees.

World·Politics

17 sources

The New York Times

Fox News

Daily Mail

BS:44%

Significant

New Mexico Legislature Unanimously Approves Bipartisan Investigation Into Epstein's Zorro Ranch

New Mexico's House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation creating a bipartisan 'truth commission' to investigate alleged sexual abuse at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch property. The four-member panel has subpoena power, a $2–2.5 million budget, and must deliver an interim report by July and a final report by year-end. Previous state and federal investigations into the ranch were limited; a 2019 state probe was halted at federal prosecutors' request.

Legal·Politics

17 sources

BBC News

Newsweek

Fox News

BS:41%

Significant

Hillary Clinton Accuses Trump Administration of Epstein Files Cover-Up Ahead of Congressional Deposition

Hillary Clinton, in a BBC interview at the Munich Security Conference, accused the Trump administration of a 'cover-up' over Epstein file releases and said the Clintons are being used to distract from Trump's own Epstein connections. Both Clintons have agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee in late February after initially resisting subpoenas. Neither Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein victims or investigators.

Politics·Legal

17 sources

Fox News

Newsweek

CBS News

BS:22%

Noteworthy

18-Year-Old Arrested at U.S. Capitol After Running Toward Building with Loaded Shotgun

An 18-year-old man from Georgia was arrested Tuesday after running several hundred yards toward the U.S. Capitol's West Front carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing a tactical vest. He complied when officers ordered him to drop his weapon. His motive remains unknown and the investigation is ongoing.

Crime·Politics

23 sources

Fox News

New York Post

CBS News

BS:44%

Developing

DHS Public Affairs Chief Tricia McLaughlin Departing Agency Next Week

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, is leaving her post next week after planning her departure since December. McLaughlin delayed her exit following the fatal shootings of two Minneapolis residents by federal immigration officers. Her deputy Lauren Bis is expected to succeed her.

Politics·World

28 sources

The New York Times

CBS News

Bloomberg

BS:53%

Noteworthy

NYC Mayor Mamdani Presents Preliminary $127B Budget with Property Tax Hike as Backup Option

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled his preliminary $127 billion budget proposing a 9.5% property tax increase as a contingency measure to close a $5.4 billion deficit, while his preferred path relies on state approval of wealth and corporate taxes. Gov. Hochul has rejected both tax increases. The budget is in early stages and subject to revision before a June 30 deadline.

Politics·Economy

13 sources

Fox News

Daily Mail

New York Post

BS:45%

Noteworthy

Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders Removal of Army Public Affairs Chief Col. Dave Butler

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to remove Col. Dave Butler, chief of Army public affairs, who subsequently retired after 28 years of service. Butler had previously served as spokesman for former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, whom Trump and Hegseth have publicly criticized. Butler's removal also cleared a logjam blocking promotions for roughly three dozen other Army officers.

Politics·World

13 sources

Los Angeles Times

The New York Times

CNN

BS:28%

Noteworthy

Warner Bros. Discovery Opens 7-Day Negotiating Window for Paramount After Netflix Waiver

Warner Bros. Discovery has given Paramount Skydance until February 23 to submit a 'best and final offer' after Netflix granted a limited 7-day waiver from their merger agreement. WBD's board still unanimously recommends the Netflix deal and has set a March 20 shareholder vote. Paramount has signaled it would raise its bid to at least $31 per share, up from $30.

Business·Economy

21 sources

CBS News

Newsweek

BBC News

BS:28%

Noteworthy

Thomas Pritzker Steps Down as Hyatt Executive Chairman Following Epstein File Revelations

Thomas Pritzker, 75, retired as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation effective immediately after DOJ-released Epstein files showed he maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction. Pritzker acknowledged 'terrible judgment' in the association and said his departure was intended to protect Hyatt. He is among several high-profile executives and officials to leave their posts following the January 2026 document releases.

Business·Crime

19 sources

The New York Times

New York Post

Fox News

BS:63%

Developing

Ocasio-Cortez Faces Criticism Over Factual Errors and Hesitant Answers at Munich Security Conference

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended the Munich Security Conference and related events in Germany, where she spoke on panels about populism and U.S. foreign policy shifts. She drew widespread criticism for a lengthy pause before answering a question about Taiwan, incorrectly stating Venezuela is below the equator, and a disputed exchange about the origins of cowboy culture. She later told a newspaper her broader message about inequality and authoritarianism was being overshadowed by focus on her missteps.

Politics·World

15 sources

The New York Times

CNN

USA Today

BS:29%

Developing

DNA from glove found near Nancy Guthrie's home yields no match in national database

Investigators announced Tuesday that DNA recovered from a glove found approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie's Arizona home produced no matches in CODIS, the FBI's national DNA database. Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since Feb. 1. Investigators are continuing to analyze additional DNA found at the residence and exploring other leads including a backpack and pacemaker tracking.

Crime·Health

21 sources

Bloomberg

Daily Mail

The Independent

BS:27%

Noteworthy

Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh prime minister after BNP landslide election victory

Tarique Rahman took office as Bangladesh's prime minister after his Bangladesh Nationalist Party won 212 of 300 parliamentary seats in the country's first election since a 2024 uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina. The BNP returned to power after 20 years, with Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami forming the opposition after winning 68 seats.

Politics·World

9 sources

USA Today

Fox News

Daily Mail

BS:31%

Noteworthy

Democrats Send Counteroffer to White House as DHS Shutdown Continues

Senate Democrats submitted a counteroffer to the White House Monday night in negotiations to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which shut down Saturday after talks failed. Democrats are demanding immigration enforcement reforms following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, while Republicans oppose key demands like unmasking agents.

Politics·Legal

11 sources

Los Angeles Times

The New York Times

CBS News

BS:34%

Developing

LA Mayor Bass Calls for Wasserman to Resign as LA28 Chair Over Epstein File Emails

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass publicly called for Casey Wasserman to step down as LA28 chairman after his 2003 emails with Ghislaine Maxwell appeared in DOJ Epstein file releases. The LA28 board previously reviewed and backed Wasserman, citing outside counsel findings. Wasserman has not been accused of wrongdoing and has announced the sale of his talent agency.

Sports·Politics

15 sources

The New York Times

The Wall Street Journal

Newsweek

BS:47%

Developing

Anderson Cooper Announces Departure from '60 Minutes' After Nearly 20 Years

Anderson Cooper announced he will leave CBS News' '60 Minutes' at the end of the current season in May, citing his desire to spend more time with his young children. Cooper will retain his roles at CNN. His departure comes amid ongoing changes at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, though Cooper's stated reason is personal.

Culture·Politics

14 sources

Newsweek

Townhall

Al Jazeera

BS:42%

Developing

Federal judge orders restoration of slavery exhibit removed from George Washington's Philadelphia residence

A federal judge ruled that explanatory panels about nine people enslaved by George Washington must be restored at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia after the Trump administration removed them last month under an executive order. The judge cited agreements between Philadelphia and federal officials and stated the removal violated legal procedures.

Legal·Politics

9 sources

New York Post

CBS News

USA Today

BS:27%

Developing

Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, Wins Women's Monobob Gold at Milan Cortina Games, Setting Multiple Olympic Records

American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor won the women's monobob gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, beating Germany's Laura Nolte by 0.04 seconds after trailing by 0.15 seconds entering the final heat. The 41-year-old becomes the oldest individual Winter Olympic gold medalist, ties Bonnie Blair for most medals by a U.S. female Winter Olympian with six, and extends her record as the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history.

Sports

17 sources

Los Angeles Times

USA Today

Daily Mail

BS:28%

Developing

Gisèle Pelicot Publishes Memoir on Mass Rape Case That Prompted Change in French Law

French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot released her memoir 'A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides' in 22 languages on February 17, 2026, detailing the years of abuse she endured after her husband drugged and orchestrated her repeated assault. The 2024 trial convicted her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men, and Pelicot's decision to waive anonymity contributed to France revising its rape law.

Culture·Legal

13 sources

Bloomberg

BBC News

Daily Mail

BS:34%

Developing

Nigel Farage Announces Reform UK's First Senior Appointments

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage unveiled four senior spokesperson roles on Tuesday, appointing Robert Jenrick to economics, Suella Braverman to education and equalities, Richard Tice to business and energy, and Zia Yusuf to home affairs. Farage said the move shows Reform is no longer a "one-man band" and is preparing for government.

Politics

10 sources

The New York Times

BBC News

Fox News

BS:33%

Lindsey Vonn Returns to US After Four Surgeries for Complex Tibia Fracture Sustained at 2026 Winter Olympics

Lindsey Vonn, 41, returned to the United States after spending over a week hospitalized in Italy following a crash during the women's downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics. She sustained a complex tibia fracture requiring four surgeries abroad, with at least one more procedure expected in the US. Vonn had competed with a torn ACL sustained nine days before the race and has not been able to stand since the Feb. 8 crash.

Sports·Health

14 sources

The New York Times

Los Angeles Times

Newsweek

BS:30%

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano Announce May 16 MMA Return on Netflix via Jake Paul's MVP

Ronda Rousey (39, last fought 2016) and Gina Carano (43, last fought 2009) will return to MMA on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, in a featherweight bout streamed live on Netflix. The fight is promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, marking MVP's first MMA event and Netflix's first live MMA broadcast. Rousey said she approached Dana White first but the UFC declined.

Sports·Business

14 sources

The New York Times

Los Angeles Times

USA Today

BS:26%

Lunar New Year 2026 Celebrations Begin Worldwide, Ushering in Year of the Horse

The Lunar New Year began on February 17, 2026, marking the Year of the Horse with celebrations across Asia, diaspora communities, and beyond. Festivities included temple visits, fireworks, and China's Spring Festival Gala featuring humanoid robots performing martial arts. The holiday prompted mass travel and cultural events worldwide.

Culture·World

15 sources

The New York Times

Los Angeles Times

NBC News

BS:41%

Shia LaBeouf Arrested in New Orleans on Two Battery Charges After Mardi Gras Altercation

Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday in New Orleans and charged with two counts of simple battery after allegedly striking two men outside a Royal Street bar during Mardi Gras. Police say he was removed from the establishment for causing a disturbance, struck a staff member, left, then returned and assaulted the same person and a second man before bystanders restrained him until officers arrived. He was treated at a hospital for unspecified injuries and released before being taken into custody.

Crime·Culture

15 sources

The New York Times

Los Angeles Times

USA Today

BS:17%

Robert Duvall, Acclaimed Actor Known for The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, Dies at 95

Robert Duvall, one of Hollywood's most celebrated character actors with a career spanning over seven decades and nearly 100 films, died peacefully at home on February 15, 2026, at age 95. His wife Luciana announced the news. Tributes poured in from co-stars, directors, and fans highlighting both his extraordinary talent and personal warmth.

Culture

14 sources

USA Today

Newsweek

Daily Mail

BS:30%

Japan's Miura and Kihara win Olympic pairs skating gold after comeback from fifth place

Japan's Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won their country's first Olympic pairs figure skating gold medal, coming from fifth place after errors in the short program to deliver a world-record free skate. Georgia's Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava took silver, and Germany's Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin won bronze.

Sports

7 sources

The New York Times

Newsweek

TIME

BS:45%

Eileen Gu Wins Silver in Big Air, Becomes Most Decorated Women's Freeskier in Olympic History

Eileen Gu, competing for China, won silver in the women's freeski big air event at the Milan Cortina Olympics, failing to defend her 2022 gold. Canada's Megan Oldham took gold. With five career Olympic medals, Gu is now the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history.

Sports·Culture

7 sources

The New York Times

Fox News

NBC News

BS:24%

Italy wins Olympic men's speedskating team pursuit gold; Italian skater performs Steph Curry celebration

Italy's Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini and Michele Malfatti defeated the U.S. world record-holding team by 4.51 seconds to win gold in the men's team pursuit at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Giovannini performed Steph Curry's 'night-night' gesture after the race, a celebration he had pre-planned and shared with a teammate beforehand. The U.S. skaters, who won silver, reacted good-naturedly to the gesture.

Sports

11 sources

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

US and Iran Hold Second Nuclear Talks in Geneva; Reach 'Guiding Principles' While Military Tensions Continue

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and Two-Time Presidential Candidate, Dies at 84

CBS Declines to Broadcast Colbert's Interview With Texas Senate Candidate Over FCC Equal-Time Guidance

Man Opens Fire at Rhode Island Hockey Game, Killing Ex-Wife and Son Before Dying by Self-Inflicted Gunshot

Trump and Maryland Governor Dispute Responsibility for Major Potomac River Sewage Spill

U.S. Military Strikes Kill 11 on Three Boats in Pacific and Caribbean, Bringing Total to 145 Deaths Since September

Third Round of US-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Opens in Geneva Amid Russian Airstrikes

New Mexico Legislature Unanimously Approves Bipartisan Investigation Into Epstein's Zorro Ranch

Hillary Clinton Accuses Trump Administration of Epstein Files Cover-Up Ahead of Congressional Deposition

18-Year-Old Arrested at U.S. Capitol After Running Toward Building with Loaded Shotgun

DHS Public Affairs Chief Tricia McLaughlin Departing Agency Next Week

NYC Mayor Mamdani Presents Preliminary $127B Budget with Property Tax Hike as Backup Option

Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders Removal of Army Public Affairs Chief Col. Dave Butler

Warner Bros. Discovery Opens 7-Day Negotiating Window for Paramount After Netflix Waiver

Thomas Pritzker Steps Down as Hyatt Executive Chairman Following Epstein File Revelations

Ocasio-Cortez Faces Criticism Over Factual Errors and Hesitant Answers at Munich Security Conference

DNA from glove found near Nancy Guthrie's home yields no match in national database

Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh prime minister after BNP landslide election victory

Democrats Send Counteroffer to White House as DHS Shutdown Continues

LA Mayor Bass Calls for Wasserman to Resign as LA28 Chair Over Epstein File Emails

Anderson Cooper Announces Departure from '60 Minutes' After Nearly 20 Years

Federal judge orders restoration of slavery exhibit removed from George Washington's Philadelphia residence

Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, Wins Women's Monobob Gold at Milan Cortina Games, Setting Multiple Olympic Records

Gisèle Pelicot Publishes Memoir on Mass Rape Case That Prompted Change in French Law

Nigel Farage Announces Reform UK's First Senior Appointments

Lindsey Vonn Returns to US After Four Surgeries for Complex Tibia Fracture Sustained at 2026 Winter Olympics

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano Announce May 16 MMA Return on Netflix via Jake Paul's MVP

Lunar New Year 2026 Celebrations Begin Worldwide, Ushering in Year of the Horse

Shia LaBeouf Arrested in New Orleans on Two Battery Charges After Mardi Gras Altercation

Robert Duvall, Acclaimed Actor Known for The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, Dies at 95

Japan's Miura and Kihara win Olympic pairs skating gold after comeback from fifth place

Eileen Gu Wins Silver in Big Air, Becomes Most Decorated Women's Freeskier in Olympic History

Italy wins Olympic men's speedskating team pursuit gold; Italian skater performs Steph Curry celebration

Today’s BS Scoreboard