Violence erupted in Jalisco, Mexico, following the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Mexican security forces killed Oseguera Cervantes during a confrontation, leading to immediate unrest in the region. The violence has severely impacted travel, with flights grounded and American vacationers stranded in Puerto Vallarta during the mid-winter break. Some hotels have advised guests against attempting to reach the airport, heightening fears among tourists.
One traveler from Seattle, Colleen EchoHawk, reported seeing smoke from her resort while her family anxiously monitored flight updates. The US Embassy has issued a warning for American citizens to shelter in place and avoid law enforcement activities as airlines cautiously reschedule flights. This incident reflects a troubling pattern in Mexico: high-profile cartel takedowns often result in retaliatory violence that endangers civilians.
In the United States, former President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about tariffs following a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed his previous tariffs an overreach. Trump claims he can now implement tariffs in a “more powerful and obnoxious way.” Confusion arises over whether the new global tariff rate will be set at 10 percent or 15 percent, leaving international partners seeking clarity on the implications for trade relations. European officials have expressed concerns, hinting at a potential pause in ratifying existing deals.
As tensions rise internationally, reports indicate that Trump is considering a “targeted” military strike against Iran, with the possibility of escalating to regime change if nuclear negotiations in Geneva fail. The mobilization of two US carrier groups in the region underscores the seriousness of the situation, as negotiators seek a diplomatic solution that may allow limited uranium enrichment for medical purposes.
On the domestic front, a recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll reveals that a majority of Americans feel the nation is not strong, with 57 percent indicating the union is weak. The survey also found that 60 percent believe the country is worse off than a year ago, and many feel Trump’s policies have negatively impacted their lives. Concerns about democracy persist, with 78 percent viewing it as a serious threat.
In immigration news, an analysis of nearly 140,000 Department of Homeland Security records found that 77 percent of individuals facing deportation had no criminal convictions. The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, suggests that many deportations target long-time residents over minor infractions, rather than substantial criminal activity.
In the entertainment industry, the BAFTA Awards faced criticism for a series of missteps during their live broadcast, including the omission of a politically charged message and the airing of an involuntary slur. Despite this, the awards highlighted progress in diversity, featuring wins for Wunmi Mosaku and Ryan Coogler, suggesting changes are being made to address past concerns over representation.
In a tragic incident, Austin Tucker Martin, a 21-year-old from North Carolina, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after breaching the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago with a shotgun. Authorities stated Martin raised his weapon despite commands to drop it. Neighbors described him as a quiet young man who had recently graduated high school, adding complexity to an already difficult situation.
Weather patterns are also making headlines, as a blizzard affects the Northeast while Western Washington braces for heavy rain and mountain snow. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Cascades, where up to 12 inches of snow is expected at lower elevations. In contrast, gas prices in Washington have surged nearly $0.50 over the past month, averaging $4.29 per gallon, primarily due to seasonal fuel changes and global oil market fluctuations.
Amid ongoing issues with funding at the Department of Homeland Security, protests have erupted in cities like Bellevue and Tacoma, demanding an end to ICE operations. As the government shutdown continues, ICE enforcement activities remain unaffected, with deportation flights still occurring.
As the nation observes Black History Month, today marks the birthday of W.E.B. Du Bois. It serves as a poignant reminder of the contributions of influential scholars and activists who have shaped our understanding of history and social justice.
