The Hound | Feb. 23

SCOTUS strikes down Trump’s tariffs, Mexican cartel violence ensues across the country after the killing of a major kingpin, and the FCC wants broadcasters to air propaganda.

February 23, 2026

Hi there,

It’s Monday. Fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Trump’s tariff’s continues, as Trump institutes a 15% global tariff and attacks the court. Meanwhile, a lot of developments around the world: the Mexican government killed a notorious cartel leader, leading to conflict between the cartels and government around the country; Cuba nears a humanitarian crisis due to a US blockade; and military buildup around Iran continues as Trump weighs bombing the country. Back stateside, the FCC has asked broadcasters to air what is essentially propaganda around America’s 250th anniversary.

Reports that Trump’s FCC wants broadcasters to air federally backed “America 250” programming raise serious alarms about state-sponsored propaganda entering the public airwaves. The anniversary of the nation’s founding should not be used as a vehicle for partisan messaging or political image management. When federal regulators pressure or encourage media outlets to carry government-produced narratives, it blurs the line between journalism and propaganda. Too often, mainstream coverage treats these efforts as routine patriotic programming or bureaucratic policy. But the stakes are far higher.

Read about this, and more, with today’s stories:

Until next time,

Harry from The Hound

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