NewsRally - Agentic BS Detection

Los Angeles Times

BBC News

Daily Mail

BS:43%

Noteworthy

CBS Lawyers Warned Colbert That Airing Talarico Interview Could Trigger FCC Equal-Time Rule; Host Publicly Disputed Network's Account

CBS lawyers advised The Late Show that airing a pre-recorded interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico could trigger FCC equal-time obligations requiring airtime for rival candidates. Colbert aired the interview on YouTube instead, then publicly disputed CBS's characterization of events. FCC Chair Brendan Carr denied censorship occurred and called the ensuing controversy a 'hoax.'

Politics·Culture

41 sources

Newsweek

BBC News

CNN

BS:31%

Major Impact

Russia-Ukraine Geneva Talks End Without Breakthrough as Territorial Disputes Remain Unresolved

Two days of US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva concluded without agreement, with both sides describing negotiations as 'difficult.' Key sticking points include Russian demands for full control of eastern Donetsk, the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and Ukraine's insistence on security guarantees before territorial concessions.

World·Politics

24 sources

Los Angeles Times

Newsweek

NBC News

BS:35%

Significant

Zuckerberg Testifies in Social Media Addiction Trial Over Instagram's Effects on Youth

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand in Los Angeles Superior Court in a landmark trial examining whether Instagram was deliberately designed to addict young users and harm their mental health. The case, brought by a 20-year-old woman identified as KGM, is a bellwether for roughly 1,600 similar lawsuits. Zuckerberg defended Meta's practices while being questioned about internal documents, underage users, and usage goals.

Legal·Technology

27 sources

The New York Times

Bloomberg

The Wall Street Journal

BS:36%

Significant

Les Wexner Testifies Before House Oversight Committee, Denies Knowledge of Epstein Crimes

Retail billionaire Les Wexner, 88, gave closed-door testimony to the House Oversight Committee at his Ohio home, denying any knowledge of or participation in Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Wexner stated he was 'conned' by Epstein and called himself 'naive, foolish, and gullible.' Democratic lawmakers expressed skepticism, while no Republican members attended the deposition.

Legal·Politics

26 sources

The New York Times

Fox News

Daily Mail

BS:42%

Major Impact

Environmental Groups Sue EPA Over Repeal of 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

A coalition of over a dozen health and environmental organizations filed suit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the EPA's repeal of its 2009 endangerment finding, which determined greenhouse gases threaten public health. The Trump administration revoked the finding last week, calling it the largest deregulatory action in US history. The case is expected to reach the Supreme Court, where the ideological composition has shifted significantly since the 2007 Massachusetts v. EPA ruling.

Legal·Environment

15 sources

Newsweek

Daily Mail

New York Post

BS:36%

Significant

Trump's Board of Peace Holds Inaugural Meeting Amid International Skepticism, $5B Pledged for Gaza

Trump's Board of Peace convened its first meeting Thursday in Washington with delegations from over 20 countries, announcing $5 billion in pledges for Gaza reconstruction. Major Western allies declined to participate, the Vatican cited UN primacy concerns, and key questions about Hamas disarmament remain unresolved.

Politics·World

24 sources

Bloomberg

The Wall Street Journal

USA Today

BS:41%

Significant

Trump Adviser Calls for Discipline of NY Fed Economists Over Tariff Cost Study

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett publicly criticized a New York Federal Reserve paper finding that 90% of 2025 tariff costs were borne by U.S. companies and consumers, calling it the worst Fed paper he has ever seen and suggesting the authors should be disciplined. The paper's findings are consistent with research from multiple independent institutions including the Kiel Institute, Yale Budget Lab, and the Congressional Budget Office.

Economy·Politics

17 sources

Los Angeles Times

The New York Times

Fox News

BS:24%

Noteworthy

Eight Backcountry Skiers Killed, One Missing in California Avalanche Near Castle Peak

Eight backcountry skiers were found dead and one remains missing after an avalanche struck a guided group of 15 near Castle Peak in California's Sierra Nevada on Feb. 17, 2026. Six survivors were rescued after sheltering in place for approximately six hours. The avalanche is the deadliest in California history and the deadliest in the U.S. in 45 years.

Health·Environment

29 sources

The New York Times

Newsweek

Fox News

BS:48%

Significant

NYC Mayor Mamdani Unveils $127B Budget with Dual-Path Deficit Plan; Reverses Homeless Encampment Policy

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a $127 billion preliminary budget proposing either a millionaire income tax hike (requiring state approval) or a 9.5% property tax increase as fallback to close a $5.4 billion deficit. Separately, Mamdani reversed a campaign pledge and reinstated homeless encampment sweeps after at least 19 outdoor deaths during a winter cold snap, using a social-services-led approach rather than police.

Politics·Economy

18 sources

The New York Times

Bloomberg

New York Post

BS:42%

Noteworthy

FDA Reverses Course, Agrees to Review Moderna mRNA Flu Vaccine After Initial Refusal

The FDA agreed to review Moderna's mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine application after initially refusing to file it over a clinical trial design dispute. Moderna amended its application to seek full approval for adults 50–64 and accelerated approval for those 65+, with a post-market study requirement. The FDA set an August 5 decision deadline.

Health·Politics

20 sources

Los Angeles Times

The New York Times

Newsweek

BS:38%

Developing

Jesse Jackson Dies at 84; White House Event, Tributes, and Legacy Assessments Follow

Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at 84 after a battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. President Trump honored him at a White House Black History Month event, calling him 'a piece of work' but 'a real hero.' Tributes, retrospectives, and legacy analyses poured in from across the political spectrum.

Politics·Culture

27 sources

The New York Times

Bloomberg

The Wall Street Journal

BS:33%

Significant

NIH Director Bhattacharya Named Acting CDC Director Amid Ongoing HHS Leadership Restructuring

Jay Bhattacharya, current NIH director, will also serve as acting CDC director while the Trump administration searches for a permanent replacement. He replaces Jim O'Neill, who was removed as part of a broader HHS restructuring. The CDC has had three leaders in under a year.

Health·Politics

15 sources

Newsweek

Fox News

TIME

BS:44%

Noteworthy

White House Press Briefing Covers Iran Talks, DHS Shutdown, Racism Accusations, and Pardon Process

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a Wednesday briefing addressing multiple issues: Iran nuclear negotiations, a DHS partial shutdown, Trump's assertion of being falsely called racist, and US military buildup in the Middle East. The briefing also touched on Truth Social posts being official policy and Cuba's political situation.

Politics·World

17 sources

NBC News

Fox News

New York Post

BS:46%

Significant

Potomac River Sewage Spill Triggers Dispute Over Federal vs. State Jurisdiction

A January 19 collapse of the 72-inch Potomac Interceptor sewer pipe has released over 240 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River, one of the largest such spills in U.S. history. President Trump has blamed Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and other Democratic officials, while Moore and Maryland lawmakers contend the pipeline falls under federal jurisdiction. DC Water leads repairs, with a bypass installed by January 24.

Environment·Politics

12 sources

Los Angeles Times

The New York Times

NBC News

BS:26%

Developing

Mikaela Shiffrin Wins Women's Slalom Gold at 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics

Mikaela Shiffrin won the women's slalom at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics with a combined time of 1:39.10, finishing 1.50 seconds ahead of silver medalist Camille Rast of Switzerland. The victory, her third Olympic gold, came after an eight-year Olympic medal drought and followed earlier disappointments at these Games. After the win, Shiffrin spoke emotionally about her late father, Jeff, who died in 2020.

Sports

28 sources

Bloomberg

BBC News

Daily Mail

BS:31%

Noteworthy

Trump Reverses Support for UK-Mauritius Chagos Deal, Warns Against Ceding Diego Garcia

President Trump posted on Truth Social opposing the UK's plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it a 'big mistake,' one day after the State Department officially backed the deal. This marks Trump's third position shift on the agreement, which would give the UK a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia military base. Trump cited potential military use of the base against Iran as justification.

Politics·World

15 sources

Los Angeles Times

The Wall Street Journal

USA Today

BS:30%

Developing

Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation: DNA Evidence Yields No Match, FBI Contacts Mexico

DNA from a glove found near Nancy Guthrie's Tucson home produced no match in the FBI's CODIS database after 18 days of investigation. The FBI has contacted Mexican authorities and investigators are pursuing investigative genetic genealogy, additional surveillance footage, and a growing reward now totaling $202,500.

Crime·Legal

20 sources

The New York Times

Fox News

NBC News

BS:40%

Developing

Dozens of Democrats Plan to Skip Trump's 2026 State of the Union, Host Counter-Events

About a dozen Democratic lawmakers announced plans to boycott President Trump's State of the Union address on Feb. 24 and attend a 'People's State of the Union' rally on the National Mall organized by MoveOn and MeidasTouch. House Minority Leader Jeffries said he plans to attend the speech, advising members to either sit in 'silent defiance' or skip it. A separate counter-event called 'State of the Swamp' is also planned at the National Press Club.

Politics

16 sources

Raw Story

Washington Examiner

HuffPost

BS:60%

Developing

Rep. Randy Fine Faces Calls for Censure After Posting Dogs vs. Muslims Comment

Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) posted on X that 'the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one,' responding to a Palestinian-American activist's post about dogs being unclean. The activist said the post was satirical commentary on NYC dog waste complaints. Democrats called for Fine's censure or resignation; one Republican, Megyn Kelly, also criticized the post.

Politics·Crime

8 sources

New York Post

Newsweek

Daily Mail

BS:59%

Developing

Ocasio-Cortez Draws Mixed Reviews After Stumbling on Taiwan Question at Munich Security Conference

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended the Munich Security Conference, where she participated in multiple panels on populism and foreign policy. Her hesitant answer on Taiwan troop commitments and a factual error placing Venezuela south of the equator drew wide criticism. Her overall messaging on authoritarianism and global alliances received less media attention than her verbal stumbles.

Politics·World

13 sources

Bloomberg

BBC News

Daily Mail

BS:26%

Noteworthy

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Announces 2028 Presidential Bid Amid Impeachment Threats and Family Legal Troubles

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, 47, announced on Wednesday she will run for president in the 2028 election, accusing incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of corruption and broken campaign promises. The announcement comes as Duterte faces multiple impeachment complaints and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, faces an ICC pre-trial hearing for crimes against humanity.

Politics·World

9 sources

USA Today

CBS News

BBC News

BS:46%

Developing

Robert Dorgan Kills Ex-Wife and Son at Rhode Island Hockey Game Before Dying of Self-Inflicted Wound

Robert Dorgan, 56, shot and killed his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Monday. Three others were critically injured before a bystander intervened and Dorgan died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police describe the attack as targeted domestic violence; no official motive has been established.

Crime·Politics

9 sources

The New York Times

USA Today

New York Post

BS:41%

Developing

Eileen Gu Reports Physical Assault and Death Threats Over Decision to Represent China at Olympics

Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, born in San Francisco and competing for China at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, stated she was physically assaulted, robbed, and received death threats over her 2019 decision to represent China. VP JD Vance expressed he hoped American-born athletes would compete for the US, while ex-NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom called Gu a 'traitor.' Gu has won five Olympic medals total, becoming the most decorated female freestyle skier in history.

Sports·Politics

15 sources

The New York Times

Daily Mail

BBC News

BS:29%

Developing

IPC Awards Russia and Belarus Slots to Compete Under National Flags at 2026 Winter Paralympics

The International Paralympic Committee has awarded Russia six and Belarus four athlete slots for the March 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics, with both nations competing under their national flags and anthems for the first time since 2014. This follows a December Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling overturning a ski federation ban. Ukraine's sports minister announced an official boycott of all Paralympic events, though Ukrainian athletes will still compete.

Sports·World

13 sources

The New York Times

Bloomberg

Daily Mail

BS:22%

Developing

Seattle Seahawks Officially Begin Sale Process Days After Super Bowl Win

The estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen announced it has commenced a formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise, just over a week after the team won Super Bowl 60. The sale fulfills Allen's directive to sell his sports holdings and donate proceeds to charity. Investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins will lead the process, expected to run through the 2026 offseason.

Sports·Business

13 sources

The New York Times

Los Angeles Times

USA Today

BS:31%

Women's Olympic Figure Skating Short Program Concludes With Japan Leading, U.S. Split in Results

Japan's 17-year-old Ami Nakai led the women's figure skating short program at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics with 78.71 points, followed by compatriot Kaori Sakamoto. American Alysa Liu finished third at 76.59, while teammate Amber Glenn fell to 13th after popping a required triple loop to zero points under ISU rules.

Sports

17 sources

Bloomberg

The Wall Street Journal

Daily Mail

BS:24%

Developing

BAE Systems Reports Record 2025 Sales and Order Backlog Amid Global Defense Spending Increase

BAE Systems reported record 2025 sales of £30.7 billion (up 10%) and a record order backlog of £83.6 billion, with operating profits rising 12%. The results come as NATO governments accelerate defense spending. The company also faces ongoing strikes by over 1,200 workers at its Lancashire factories over pay disputes.

Business·World

8 sources

The Wall Street Journal

Bloomberg

BBC News

BS:24%

Developing

UK Inflation Falls to 3% in January, Lowest in 10 Months

UK CPI inflation dropped to 3% in January 2026, down from 3.4% in December, reaching its lowest level since March 2025. The decline was driven by lower petrol, airfare, and food prices. Economists expect inflation to reach the Bank of England's 2% target by April, reinforcing expectations of an interest rate cut in March.

Economy·World

9 sources

Los Angeles Times

USA Today

Newsweek

BS:33%

Bad Bunny Lands Lead Role in Puerto Rico Historical Film 'Porto Rico' Amid Billboard Milestones

Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny has been cast as the lead in 'Porto Rico,' an epic Caribbean western directed by fellow Puerto Rican artist Residente, co-starring Javier Bardem, Viggo Mortensen, and Edward Norton. The announcement follows Bad Bunny's record-breaking Super Bowl halftime show and first solo Billboard Hot 100 No. 1. The FCC also requested transcripts of his halftime performance after a Republican lawmaker raised indecency concerns.

Culture·Politics

12 sources

The New York Times

BBC News

NPR

BS:19%

Dog Runs Onto Olympic Cross-Country Course During Women's Team Sprint Qualifying Heat

A two-year-old Czechoslovakian wolfdog named Nazgul escaped from a nearby bed-and-breakfast and ran onto the cross-country ski course in Tesero during the women's team sprint qualifying heat at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The dog crossed the finish line alongside several competitors, triggered the official photo-finish camera, and was later returned unharmed. The same day, Norwegian skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won his 10th Olympic gold medal.

Sports·World

19 sources

The New York Times

The Wall Street Journal

New York Post

BS:23%

Federal Judge Dismisses Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings Lawsuit, Rules Term Not Deceptive

A federal judge in Illinois dismissed a 2023 lawsuit by Aimen Halim against Buffalo Wild Wings, ruling that the term 'boneless wings' is not deceptive under consumer fraud law. Judge John Tharp Jr. found that reasonable consumers are not misled by the label, even though the product is made from chicken breast rather than deboned wing meat. Halim has until March 20 to file an amended complaint.

Legal·Business

14 sources

The New York Times

BBC News

New York Post

BS:18%

NFL Announces San Francisco 49ers Will Play 2026 Regular-Season Game in Mexico City

The NFL announced the San Francisco 49ers will play a regular-season game at the renovated Estadio Banorte (formerly Azteca) in Mexico City during the 2026 season. The date and opponent are yet to be determined. This is the first of a three-year NFL commitment to host games in Mexico City through 2028.

Sports·Business

7 sources

The New York Times

CBS News

Newsweek

BS:18%

Kyrie Irving ruled out for remainder of 2025-26 NBA season as ACL recovery continues

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will not play during the 2025-26 season as he continues rehabilitating a torn ACL in his left knee sustained in March 2025. Irving and the team announced the decision Wednesday, with Irving citing it as the right choice for his long-term health. The Mavericks are currently 19-35 and on a nine-game losing streak.

Sports

7 sources

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

CBS Lawyers Warned Colbert That Airing Talarico Interview Could Trigger FCC Equal-Time Rule; Host Publicly Disputed Network's Account

Russia-Ukraine Geneva Talks End Without Breakthrough as Territorial Disputes Remain Unresolved

Zuckerberg Testifies in Social Media Addiction Trial Over Instagram's Effects on Youth

Les Wexner Testifies Before House Oversight Committee, Denies Knowledge of Epstein Crimes

Environmental Groups Sue EPA Over Repeal of 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

Trump's Board of Peace Holds Inaugural Meeting Amid International Skepticism, $5B Pledged for Gaza

Trump Adviser Calls for Discipline of NY Fed Economists Over Tariff Cost Study

Eight Backcountry Skiers Killed, One Missing in California Avalanche Near Castle Peak

NYC Mayor Mamdani Unveils $127B Budget with Dual-Path Deficit Plan; Reverses Homeless Encampment Policy

FDA Reverses Course, Agrees to Review Moderna mRNA Flu Vaccine After Initial Refusal

Jesse Jackson Dies at 84; White House Event, Tributes, and Legacy Assessments Follow

NIH Director Bhattacharya Named Acting CDC Director Amid Ongoing HHS Leadership Restructuring

White House Press Briefing Covers Iran Talks, DHS Shutdown, Racism Accusations, and Pardon Process

Potomac River Sewage Spill Triggers Dispute Over Federal vs. State Jurisdiction

Mikaela Shiffrin Wins Women's Slalom Gold at 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics

Trump Reverses Support for UK-Mauritius Chagos Deal, Warns Against Ceding Diego Garcia

Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation: DNA Evidence Yields No Match, FBI Contacts Mexico

Dozens of Democrats Plan to Skip Trump's 2026 State of the Union, Host Counter-Events

Rep. Randy Fine Faces Calls for Censure After Posting Dogs vs. Muslims Comment

Ocasio-Cortez Draws Mixed Reviews After Stumbling on Taiwan Question at Munich Security Conference

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Announces 2028 Presidential Bid Amid Impeachment Threats and Family Legal Troubles

Robert Dorgan Kills Ex-Wife and Son at Rhode Island Hockey Game Before Dying of Self-Inflicted Wound

Eileen Gu Reports Physical Assault and Death Threats Over Decision to Represent China at Olympics

IPC Awards Russia and Belarus Slots to Compete Under National Flags at 2026 Winter Paralympics

Seattle Seahawks Officially Begin Sale Process Days After Super Bowl Win

Women's Olympic Figure Skating Short Program Concludes With Japan Leading, U.S. Split in Results

BAE Systems Reports Record 2025 Sales and Order Backlog Amid Global Defense Spending Increase

UK Inflation Falls to 3% in January, Lowest in 10 Months

Bad Bunny Lands Lead Role in Puerto Rico Historical Film 'Porto Rico' Amid Billboard Milestones

Dog Runs Onto Olympic Cross-Country Course During Women's Team Sprint Qualifying Heat

Federal Judge Dismisses Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings Lawsuit, Rules Term Not Deceptive

NFL Announces San Francisco 49ers Will Play 2026 Regular-Season Game in Mexico City

Kyrie Irving ruled out for remainder of 2025-26 NBA season as ACL recovery continues

Today’s BS Scoreboard