Major News Since February 4, 2026

I. U.S. Politics and Governance

Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

One of the most significant domestic stories in early February was the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down most of President Donald Trump’s tariff program. The court ruled that he exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by imposing broad global tariffs without explicit congressional approval. The ruling invalidated tariffs that had generated roughly $175 billion in revenue and raised questions about whether refunds might be owed to importers for duties already paid.

In response, President Trump sharply criticized the justices and announced plans to impose alternative tariffs using other legal avenues. He claimed these measures would protect U.S. industries and address trade imbalances. The ruling caused immediate reactions in the financial markets, with U.S. stock indexes rallying as investors recalibrated expectations around trade policy.

Trump’s International Engagement

President Trump announced that he would not attend the men’s ice hockey gold medal game between the United States and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The administration emphasized that domestic priorities required his attention and highlighted other official engagements scheduled during the same period.

In parallel, U.S. and Iranian officials scheduled talks in Oman to discuss nuclear negotiations. While progress remains uncertain, both parties signaled willingness to continue dialogue to avoid escalation in the region.

Science and Innovation

Federal funding shifts dominated headlines in the scientific community. Cuts to research budgets have raised concern among experts about America’s ability to retain top scientific talent. Reports indicated that many researchers are increasingly attracted to overseas institutions with stronger funding environments, prompting worries about a long-term brain drain in critical fields.

Public Health

Following the Trump administration’s withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, New York City and Illinois independently joined the network. This move ensures continued access to coordinated global disease monitoring and response systems, critical for public health preparedness.

Environmental Health

On February 4, Hanoi, Vietnam, was reported as one of the most polluted cities in the world, with extremely high levels of particulate matter posing serious health risks to residents. That same day, the CIA announced the retirement of The World Factbook, a decades-old resource providing basic country information to researchers and the public.

II. International Security and Conflict

Russia–Ukraine War

The conflict in Ukraine remains active, with Russian forces continuing missile and drone attacks on infrastructure, particularly targeting the electrical grid during winter months. Civilian areas have experienced prolonged power outages, and humanitarian concerns remain severe. Both sides continue to sustain significant military casualties.

Ukraine and its allies have pressed for concrete security guarantees and deeper integration with Western institutions. At the 62nd Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of sustained international support and negotiations, noting that diplomatic channels are vital to reducing civilian harm and stabilizing the region.

Iran and Middle East Tensions

Diplomatic and military tensions involving Iran dominated global headlines. February saw ongoing negotiations in Oman and Geneva aimed at resolving nuclear and security issues. Despite dialogue, regional military posturing continued, including the deployment of U.S. naval assets to the Persian Gulf. Global oil prices rose amid fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting international concern over the stability of energy supply chains.

Global Security Conferences

The Munich Security Conference brought together senior officials to discuss transatlantic defense cooperation, Middle East stability, and emerging cyber threats. Concurrently, global protests in support of Iranian pro-democracy movements highlighted widespread public attention on human rights in the region.

III. Economic Trends and Financial Markets

U.S. Economic Performance

U.S. GDP growth for the fourth quarter slowed to 1.4%, partly due to a government shutdown in early February. Inflation pressures remain persistent, with core inflation showing continued upward movement. Analysts note that these conditions complicate expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate decisions and create uncertainty in both domestic and global markets.

Trade and Global Markets

The Supreme Court’s tariff ruling, combined with President Trump’s swift reintroduction of alternative trade measures, created volatility in financial markets. While stock markets initially rallied, concerns about ongoing trade disputes with China and Europe persisted. The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in December as imports outpaced exports, highlighting the complexity of balancing domestic industrial policy with global commerce.

Corporate Investment

Corporate confidence experienced notable developments. Microsoft, for example, saw a significant increase in investor confidence after a board director purchased $2 million in company shares, signaling continued faith in the company despite recent stock performance fluctuations.

IV. Global Events and Culture

2026 Winter Olympics

The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, held from February 6 to February 22, showcased nearly 3,000 athletes from 92 nations competing across a variety of winter sports. Notable highlights included:

• Eileen Gu of China winning gold in women’s ski halfpipe.

• Sweden capturing gold in the women’s 50 km cross-country classic.

• Germany achieving strong performances in bobsleigh.

• Curling and ice hockey competitions drawing massive audiences, with the U.S. women’s hockey team clinching a thrilling overtime victory over Canada.

• The closing ceremony in Verona marking the culmination of the 17-day global event, attended by over 1.5 million spectators.

The Olympics also reflected broader social issues, including protests and demonstrations highlighting human rights and environmental concerns.

V. Environmental and Climate Events

North American Cold Wave

Early February brought a severe cold wave across North America, affecting Canada, the United States, and parts of Mexico. Temperatures dropped to record lows in several regions, causing widespread disruptions to transportation, power grids, and daily life. The extreme weather underscored the continuing impact of climate variability and infrastructure vulnerability.

European Flooding

In France, unusually heavy rainfall caused significant river flooding, cutting off towns and damaging infrastructure. Emergency services worked to evacuate residents and provide relief. These events are part of a global pattern of increasingly frequent extreme weather incidents.

VI. Humanitarian Crises

Haiti

Haiti continues to face a severe humanitarian emergency, driven by escalating gang violence, political instability, and economic collapse. Millions of people require urgent assistance, including food, water, and health services. Access to relief efforts remains limited due to security concerns.

Sudan

Conflict in Sudan between the national army and paramilitary forces has caused significant civilian displacement and casualties. Estimates indicate hundreds of thousands have died and over 11 million have been displaced. International organizations and UN bodies continue to call for diplomatic solutions to the ongoing crisis.

VII. Health and Medical Developments

Vaccination Programs

India implemented updates to its Universal Immunization Programme, introducing new vaccine formulations for tetanus and diphtheria that target broader populations, including pregnant women. The initiative aims to strengthen nationwide disease protection and public health outcomes.

Global Disease Monitoring

States in the U.S., such as New York and Illinois, independently joined the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network to maintain participation in coordinated global disease monitoring, following the federal withdrawal from the program.

VIII. Looking Forward

The period from February 4 to February 22, 2026, highlights the complex interplay of geopolitical tensions, domestic politics, economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and humanitarian crises. From Supreme Court decisions affecting global trade to ongoing wars and diplomatic negotiations, and from the excitement of the Winter Olympics to record-breaking weather events, the headlines demonstrate a rapidly shifting world stage.

The coming weeks will likely see continued international diplomacy, responses to climate and humanitarian emergencies, and market reactions to ongoing policy decisions. Observers worldwide will be closely watching developments in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North America as nations navigate both opportunity and crisis in early 2026.