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Sunday, February 22, 2026

Category: News
February 16, 2026
Immigration
News

Police Chief Investigates His Own Officers for Allegedly Helping ICE Uphold Immigration Law.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison announced that officers accused of working with federal immigration agents will face accountability measures, as part of the city’s effort to maintain its “welcoming” status.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, and unnamed Detroit police officers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Incidents occurred on December 16 and February 9; comments were made during a recent hearing in Detroit.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Of our officers, 98-99 percent do it the right way each and every day. But I do have one or two percent that decide to violate our rules, our policies, and our procedures, and to those officers, I will hold them accountable.” – Todd Bettison

🎯IMPACT: The Detroit Police Department is considering disciplinary action for the officers involved, with a decision expected before February 19.

IN FULL

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison has warned that officers who violate department policy by coordinating with federal immigration authorities will face discipline, reaffirming Detroit’s commitment to maintaining its sanctuary city status. Speaking before the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners last Thursday, Bettison described two incidents that are now under internal review.

The first occurred on December 16, when a Detroit sergeant contacted U.S. Border Patrol after an officer requested translation assistance during a traffic stop involving a non-English-speaking individual. According to Bettison, Border Patrol agents determined the person was not a U.S. citizen and took them into custody.

The second case took place on February 9, when an officer allegedly reached out to Border Patrol while investigating an individual wanted on a felony warrant. Bettison said body-worn camera footage confirmed that federal agents responded and detained the suspect.

Emphasizing departmental standards, Bettison told commissioners, “Of our officers, 98-99 percent do it the right way each and every day. But I do have one or two percent that decide to violate our rules, our policies and our procedures, and to those officers, I will hold them accountable.” The board is expected to determine whether the officers involved will be suspended ahead of a February 19 hearing.

The incidents come amid broader national tensions over cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. In Chicago, police leadership faced criticism after reports that officers were told not to respond to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a confrontation, drawing backlash from law enforcement advocates.

In Minneapolis, the police chief publicly encouraged residents to report masked individuals believed to be ICE agents conducting operations, pledging local intervention if necessary.

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February 16, 2026
News
Politics

Dem Officials Sued for Defunding Police Department.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democrat city officials in Dallas, Texas, are being sued for failing to comply with Proposition U, a voter-approved public safety measure requiring increased police funding.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The lawsuit names the City of Dallas, its city manager, and its chief financial officer as defendants. Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading the legal effort.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed in Dallas County following claims of noncompliance with the 2024 voter-approved initiative.

💬KEY QUOTE: “When voters demand more funding for law enforcement, local officials must immediately comply.” – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit seeks to enforce compliance with Proposition U, including proper funding calculations and police compensation measures.

IN FULL

Democrat officials in Dallas, Texas, are facing a lawsuit alleging they failed to comply with Proposition U, a public safety measure approved by voters in November 2024 that requires increased funding for police and other safety-related priorities. The lawsuit, filed in Dallas County, names the city, its city manager, and its chief financial officer as defendants. Plaintiffs claim the city did not properly calculate excess revenue when determining police funding levels, as required under the city charter.

According to the complaint, Dallas reported $61 million in excess revenue for the most recent fiscal year, though the suit alleges the correct figure should have been closer to $220 million.

In addition to the revenue dispute, the lawsuit alleges the city failed to hire an independent third-party firm to conduct an annual police compensation survey, another requirement under Proposition U. Public information requests reportedly found no evidence that such a survey was conducted. Plaintiffs argue that the omission violates the city charter.

“When voters demand more funding for law enforcement, local officials must immediately comply,” Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said. He emphasized the importance of fully supporting law enforcement amid increasing challenges and attacks on police from radical left-wing factions.

Proposition U was adopted following broader national debates over policing that began in 2020 and 2021, when some cities moved to reduce or reallocate police funding. Supporters of the Dallas measure say those policies led to public safety concerns in certain jurisdictions. In Baltimore, for example, critics of defunding efforts pointed to violent crime incidents, including a 2023 mass shooting that left two people dead and dozens injured, as evidence that reducing police resources can have serious consequences.

The Dallas lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the city to include all unrestricted revenue in its funding calculations and to allocate additional resources for police pensions, officer pay, and hiring. The legal action follows a separate lawsuit filed by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which accused Dallas officials of failing to repeal or amend dozens of ordinances it contends conflict with state law.

Image by Brendenmrogrs.

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February 16, 2026
News
War

Taliban Promises ‘Full Support’ to Iran in War With U.S.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Taliban declared it is willing to offer “full support” to Iran in the event of an American attack, according to remarks by its spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban regime, Iranian officials, and the Trump administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments were made on Sunday during an interview with Radio Iran and shared on social media.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The people of Afghanistan will offer various forms of solidarity and support to their Iranian brothers.” – Zabihullah Mujahid.

🎯IMPACT: The Taliban’s remarks signal a potential alignment with Iran amidst ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and nuclear negotiations.

IN FULL

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has said it would back Iran in the event of a war with the U.S., underscoring deepening ties between Kabul and Tehran amid renewed tensions with Washington. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Sunday that the group is prepared to offer “full support” to Iran if the United States launches an attack. Speaking in an interview with Radio Iran, Mujahid added, “The people of Afghanistan will offer various forms of solidarity and support to their Iranian brothers.” He later shared the remarks on social media.

The statement comes as officials linked to President Donald J. Trump engage in preliminary talks with Tehran over sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program. Discussions reportedly began in February through Omani intermediaries. Iran has been under intensified economic pressure since the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found it in violation of international nuclear obligations, triggering the reimposition of “snapback” sanctions.

Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob said separately that Afghanistan “poses no threat to any party” but would cooperate with Iran if necessary to counter American action.

Iran and the Taliban have had a fraught history, including disputes over water rights along the Helmand River and tensions related to Afghan refugees in Iran. In 1998, the two sides nearly went to war after Iranian diplomats were killed in Mazar-i-Sharif. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, however, relations have shifted toward pragmatic engagement, with diplomatic contacts and expanding cross-border trade.

The Taliban’s military capabilities have grown significantly since the U.S. withdrawal, with reports indicating that American weapons left behind in 2021 by the former Biden regime now form a core part of the group’s arsenal. Additional reporting has alleged that at least $239 million in U.S. aid reached Taliban-controlled Afghanistan due to vetting failures.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen in recent weeks. Americans have been warned to leave Iran as the risk of conflict increases, while analysts say Iran’s leadership fears U.S. strikes could embolden domestic protest movements. Trump has emphasized urgency in reaching an agreement, stating, “We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic—very traumatic.”

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February 16, 2026
Culture
Immigration
Religion

Trump Admin Launches Investigation Into Islamic EPIC City.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The state of Texas and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are investigating the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) over alleged violations of the Fair Housing Act and other state laws.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R), HUD Secretary Scott Turner, the Texas Workforce Commission, and EPIC’s affiliates, including Community Capital Partners (CCP).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Investigations began in 2023 and continue into 2024, focusing on EPIC City (now renamed “The Meadow”) near Josephine, Texas, in Collin and Hunt counties. The HUD investigation was announced on February 13, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The Meadow was marketed as an exclusively ‘Muslim community’ intended to serve as ‘the epicenter of Islam in America.’ … Together, we will hold anyone involved in violating the law accountable.” – Governor Abbott

🎯IMPACT: Multiple state and federal investigations into EPIC and its affiliates, including allegations of discriminatory practices, securities fraud, and permit violations, have led to lawsuits, settlements, and regulatory actions.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is joining a State of Texas investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), probing whether the Islamic group’s land development project has violated federal and state laws, including the Fair Housing Act. HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the investigation, led by the agency’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, into EPIC last Friday, following a request from Texas state officials.

“It is deeply concerning the East Plano Islamic Center may have violated the Fair Housing Act and participated in religious discrimination,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner after announcing the probe, adding, “As HUD Secretary, I will not stand for illegal religious or national origin discrimination in housing and will ensure that this matter receives a thorough investigation so that this community is open to all Texans.”

At the center of the investigation is EPIC City, an Islamic real estate development project near Josephine, Texas, now rebranded as “The Meadow” after the launch of a state probe and lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Planned by Community Capital Partners (CCP), an EPIC affiliate, the project includes 1,000 homes, a K-12 Islamic school, athletic fields, and retail spaces. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) previously found evidence suggesting the development was marketed as an exclusively “Muslim community” and that discriminatory financial terms were imposed on buyers.

In response to TWC findings, EPIC agreed to complete a fair housing training program. However, further investigations by HUD and state agencies have raised additional concerns. Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has directed over a dozen state agencies to examine EPIC’s activities, including alleged securities fraud, failure to obtain environmental permits, and operating without proper licenses for funeral services. Some investigations have led to lawsuits, cease-and-desist orders, and settlements.

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “The Meadow was marketed as an exclusively ‘Muslim community’ intended to serve as ‘the epicenter of Islam in America.’ … Together, we will hold anyone involved in violating the law accountable.” While EPIC has denied wrongdoing, its attorney, Dan Cogdell, criticized the investigations, calling them politically motivated. Despite some probes being dropped, such as one by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), others remain ongoing.

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February 16, 2026
Education
Politics

Study Finds 88% of College Students Fake Being Leftists to Fit In, Score Better Grades.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A study revealed that a significant majority of college students misrepresent their views to align with progressive ideologies socially or academically.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Researchers Kevin Waldman and Forest Romm from psychFORM conducted the study, interviewing 1,452 undergraduate students.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The research took place between 2023 and 2025 at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan.

🎯IMPACT: The findings highlight concerns about free expression and intellectual growth being stifled on college campuses.

IN FULL

According to new data, most American college students publicly present themselves as holding more progressive political opinions than they actually believe in order to be more advantaged socially or academically. The research, conducted by Kevin Waldman and Forest Romm with psychFORM, included confidential interviews with 1,452 undergraduate students at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan between 2023 and 2025.

The study found that 88 percent of college students surveyed responded yes when asked, “Have you ever pretended to hold more progressive views than you believed to be accepted socially or academically?” Additionally, 82 percent of students stated that they submitted assignments that misrepresented their true beliefs to align with what they perceived as expected ideologies.

Meanwhile, 80 percent of students reported receiving negative feedback on work that challenged these expected views. A substantial 72 percent of participants stated that reasoned disagreement with progressive views is not treated with respect.

Notably, topics like gender identity, political beliefs, and family values were among the most self-censored, with 78 percent, 72 percent, and 68 percent of students, respectively, admitting to avoiding open discussion. Furthermore, when asked about their stance on whether “gender identity should override biological sex in athletics, healthcare, or legal documents,” 77 percent disagreed, but 91 percent of those who disagreed said they would not express this opinion publicly.

The findings also highlighted reputational concerns, with 81 percent of students agreeing that “silence is safest when unsure how views will be received,” and 74 percent acknowledging that expressing moderate views could harm their reputation. Even among close friends, 73 percent said they avoid sharing their values, and nearly half reported concealing beliefs in intimate relationships.

Image by Tony Webster.

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February 16, 2026
Crime
Immigration

CBP Officer Arrested for Sheltering Illegal Immigrant ‘Girlfriend’ Who is Also His Niece.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, Andres Wilkinson, was arrested for aiding his illegal immigrant “girlfriend,” who is reportedly also his niece, by failing to report her immigration status.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Andres Wilkinson, a CBP supervisor, and the illegal immigrant.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The investigation lasted several months in Laredo, Texas, culminating in Wilkinson’s arrest in February 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative… to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” – U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei

🎯IMPACT: Wilkinson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

IN FULL

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supervisor Andres Wilkinson of Laredo, Texas, has been arrested for aiding his illegal immigrant “girlfriend” by failing to report her to immigration authorities in order to shield her from deportation. According to a criminal complaint, Wilkinson used his position to unlawfully aid the woman, who officials believe is also his niece, even traveling with her through Border Patrol checkpoints near the southern border.

The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility secretly investigated Wilkinson for months after observing him with the woman and her daughter. The complaint revealed that Wilkinson was aware of her illegal immigrant status but maintained a romantic relationship with her, providing financial support, housing, credit cards, and access to his vehicle.

Further complicating the case, the woman is believed to be Wilkinson’s niece. Investigators determined she was the daughter of a man Wilkinson listed as his brother in a 2023 background check. She had overstayed a temporary visa issued in August 2023 and has been living with Wilkinson since August 2024.

Wilkinson, who joined CBP in 2001 and was promoted to a supervisory role in 2021, now faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. “This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative… to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) noted Wilkinson’s actions violated his oath to enforce immigration laws. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing, with the case being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Manuel Cardenas.

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February 16, 2026
Jack Montgomery
News

Bannon Issues Statement on Epstein Chat Logs, Commits to Film Release THIS YEAR.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: WarRoom host and former Trump White House Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon has addressed his appearance in the Jeffrey Epstein files, and the upcoming release of his documentary on the deceased pedophile.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Stephen K. Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein.

📍WHEN & WHERE: February 2026, the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I am a filmmaker and TV host with decades of experience interviewing controversial figures. That’s the only lens through which these private communications should be viewed.” – Stephen K. Bannon

🎯IMPACT: Bannon intends to release a documentary exposing Epstein this year.

IN FULL

WarRoom host and former Trump White House Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon has addressed his appearance in the Jeffrey Epstein files and confirmed the upcoming release of a documentary on the deceased pedophile. Bannon, an America First stalwart, exchanged many texts with Epstein in the months before his death in federal custody in 2019, as he was preparing a documentary on him.

“I am a filmmaker and TV host with decades of experience interviewing controversial figures,” Bannon said of the exchanges in comments to the press.

“That’s the only lens through which these private communications should be viewed—a documentary filmmaker working, over a period of time, to secure 50 hours of interviews from a reclusive subject,” he continued, adding that his documentary would be released later in 2026 and “destroy the very myths [Epstein] created.”

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Documentarians spending time with subjects they intend to cover critically is not uncommon.

Famously, Martin Bashir was recorded comforting Michael Jackson and telling him he was a “wonderful father” before the release of the 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson, which ultimately portrayed the singer in a highly negative light.

A spokesman for Bannon confirmed that his interactions with Epstein were an attempt to ingratiate himself with him for the documentary.

Notably, Bannon argued strongly for the release of the Epstein files when it appeared that Attorney General Pam Bondi was not going to disclose any meaningful new information, saying on his WarRoom show: “If DOJ can’t move off the dime, and FBI can’t move off the dime, [there] should be a special counsel to go through everything and release it all.”

Bannon was one of the earliest and most steadfast supporters of President Donald J. Trump during his first run for the presidency in 2015-16, and spent four months in prison for contempt of Congress in 2024 for refusing to testify before the corrupt January 6 Committee after President Trump invoked executive privilege.

President Trump recently posted a photograph of Bannon on his Truth Social platform, saying he was a “very good [guy]… treated so unfairly by Sleepy Joe Biden.” The Trump Justice Department is currently seeking to have Bannon’s conviction dismissed.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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February 16, 2026
Health
News

Pootomac: Worst-in-History D.C. Sewage Spill Poisons River.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A sewer pipe collapse has released an estimated 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., impacting a large swath of the waterway.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: D.C.’s Department of Energy and Environment, DC Water, capital residents, and environmental advocates.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on January 19, near Cabin John, Maryland, with several additional spills in the following weeks, before the ongoing flow of raw sewage was diverted into a nearby canal.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s going to have a profound impact on the river beyond what I think anybody can imagine.” – Dean Naujoks of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network

🎯IMPACT: The spill affects recreation, wildlife, and the local economy, with high E. coli levels and potential long-term environmental damage.

IN FULL

Nearly a month after a sewer pipe collapse, an estimated 250 million gallons of raw sewage have been released into the Potomac River, leading to significant environmental and recreational concerns. The collapse initially occurred on January 19 near Cabin John, Maryland, about seven miles north of Georgetown, and released approximately 40 million gallons of raw wastewater into the river daily. Some experts believe the spill is now the most significant unintentional release of untreated sewage in U.S. history.

Despite initial efforts to get the spill under control, officials acknowledged setbacks, including subsequent sewage releases into the Potomac River. Even more troubling is that the flow through the broken sewer pipeline, which runs below the river between Virginia and Maryland, is currently being diverted into a segment of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal), creating an open-air sewer channel that itself is quickly becoming an environmental hazard.

The crisis has forced the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment to issue a warning to residents of the capital to avoid contact with the river, advising against fishing, boating, and allowing pets near the water. Despite the spill, officials claim that drinking water remains safe, as tap water is sourced upstream from the spill.

Dean Naujoks of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network warns that the spill is “going to have a profound impact on the river beyond what I think anybody can imagine.” Notably, spot tests just downstream of the spill have shown E. coli levels near the site to be significantly higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits for swimming. Officials have also detected bacteria linked to staph infections and MRSA.

Concerningly, local government leaders in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have suggested the spill is unlikely to be resolved before the end of the year. This means a large section of the Potomac River in the heart of the nation’s capital is unlikely to be safe for recreational use, including boating, swimming, or fishing, as the country is set to celebrate its 250th Anniversary later this summer.

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February 16, 2026
Health
News

MAHA: States Begin Restricting Food Stamps for High-Sugar, Low-Nutrition Products.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Several states have introduced new restrictions on what can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, a.k.a. food stamps, targeting items like soda, candy, and energy drinks.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and various state officials, including Idaho Governor Brad Little (R).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Restrictions begin February 15 in Idaho and Oklahoma, and February 18 in Louisiana. Other states are rolling out changes through 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump has made it clear: We are restoring SNAP to its true purpose—nutrition.” – Brooke Rollins

🎯IMPACT: Over a million SNAP recipients across multiple states will be affected by the new restrictions.

IN FULL

Eighteen states are implementing new rules for receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, limiting purchases of items such as soda, candy, and energy drinks. Idaho and Oklahoma began enforcing restrictions starting February 15, while Louisiana is set to follow on February 18. Meanwhile, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia have already begun enforcing new rules, while the remaining states will begin enforcement between now and the end of the year.

The changes follow a series of federal waivers approved last year, which granted states greater authority to specify what SNAP funds can be used to purchase. Pushed by the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, the waivers are intended to allow state governments to reduce access to high-sugar and low-nutrition products.

“President Trump has made it clear: We are restoring SNAP to its true purpose—nutrition,” Secretary Rollins said of the changes, adding, “Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long.” She added that the waivers “empower states to lead, protect our children from the dangers of highly processed foods, and move one step closer to the President’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.”

The waivers have also received praise from some governments. Idaho Governor Brad Little (R)—one of the states to obtain an approved waiver—stated, “Idaho proudly welcomes the MAHA movement because it is all about looking for new ways to improve nutrition, increase exercise, and take better care of ourselves and one another, especially our children. We are excited to partner with the Trump administration in bringing common sense to the government’s food assistance program with the approval of our SNAP waiver.”

While the SNAP program has been a critical source of aid for many Americans in need, it has also seen its fair share of abuse and fraud. The National Pulse reported in early February that a Minnesota woman was sentenced to one year in prison for defrauding the federal government of more than $325,000 in SNAP benefits. Meanwhile, a duo of Haitian immigrants in Massachusetts was federally charged last December with orchestrating a $7 million fraud scheme targeting SNAP.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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February 16, 2026
Corruption
Media
UK

Group Behind UK PM Starmer’s Rise Paid U.S. Lobbyists to Smear Journalists as Russian Stooges.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Labour Together, led by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, is facing investigation for hiring U.S. lobbyists to do opposition research on journalists behind a critical Sunday Times article.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Labour Together, U.S. lobbying firm APCO, journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke, and leading Labour Party figures including Morgan McSweeney and Keir Starmer.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The investigation occurred in late 2023 and early 2024, following a Sunday Times report on undeclared donations by Labour Together.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The freedom of the press and the ability of journalists to work free from harassment and intimidation is a vital foundation of our free society.” – Nick Timothy, Member of Parliament (MP)

🎯IMPACT: The revelations have sparked calls for investigations into APCO and Labour Together, and raise questions about Labour Together’s role in Starmer’s leadership campaign.

IN FULL

Labour Together, which played a key role in helping Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer win the leadership of Britain’s governing Labour Party, brought in the U.S. lobbying firm APCO Worldwide to look into the personal, political, and religious backgrounds of reporters who wrote a critical article about them in The Sunday Times. That article revealed that £730,000 (~$1m) in donations made between 2017 and 2020 had not been properly declared—an issue later found by the Electoral Commission to be in violation of Britain’s campaign finance rules.

APCO’s findings, compiled under the codename “Operation Cannon,” reportedly contained unfounded and highly personal allegations about Sunday Times journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke. The document attempted to undermine their reporting by suggesting that the information on the unlawful donations had been obtained through Russian hacking of the Electoral Commission, and asserting without evidence that the “likeliest culprit is the Russian state, or proxies of the Russian state.”

According to reports, the document was circulated informally among Labour figures, including cabinet ministers and special advisers, and was used to fuel a whispering campaign targeting the journalists. Member of Parliament (MP) Nick Timothy called the report an “appalling” act of “harassment and intimidation” against the press. Notably, similar unfounded claims of Russian collusion have been circulated against Brexit leader Nigel Farage, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, and other anti-establishment figures across the West for many years.

Josh Simons, now serving as a Cabinet Office minister, acknowledged that he had commissioned APCO’s work. He said he asked for that material to be removed before passing the report to the National Cyber Security Centre, which ultimately decided not to pursue a full investigation.

The disclosures have led to calls for an investigation into Labour Together and ACPO’s conduct. Starmer has claimed he has no knowledge of ACPO’s activities and that he would support an investigation. Notably, Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney was the leader of Labour Together. His resignation was forced over his role in the elevation of Jeffrey Epstein-linked Lord Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the U.S., which has caused huge embarrassment for Starmer’s government over recent weeks.

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