Here at F Newsmagazine, we know how hard it is to juggle class, work, and life — especially when you could fall asleep in the sun in the park instead. For those who wish to keep up, News in Brief is here to cover major Chicago, U.S., and global events. We gather our information from reputable sources like NBC, NPR, CBS, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and other journalism organizations. We’re here to be a trusted source for students to disseminate news that we feel is important to students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and our community. So while you browse this issue during lunch, take the time to briefly catch up on the news.
International
Gang Violence Erupts in Mexico After Cartel Leader’s Assassination
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Mexico’s most powerful drug cartel, was killed Feb. 22. El Mencho died in transport to medical care after being injured and captured by Mexico’s special forces. His death led to widespread gang activity resulting in violence, destruction of property, and panic. In Jalisco, home to El Mencho, over 25 National Guard members were killed. The Trump Administration designated the cartel a terrorist organization as part of its attempted fentanyl crackdown in Mexico.
Canada and France Open Consulates in Greenland in Light of Trump Threats
On Feb. 6, Canada and France opened new consulates in Greenland in a show of solidarity against U.S. President Trump’s threats to take control of the territory. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. The island is desirable for its natural resources. Trump argues that his invasion of Greenland is to protect the U.S. from Russian and Chinese threats, and that Denmark is incapable of doing so. At the recent World Economic Forum in January, Trump rolled back threats of additional tariffs for allies that had resisted his insistence on owning Greenland, and said he would not use force to assert American ownership.
Young Voters Love Japan’s Conservative Prime Minister
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi‘s governing party secured a two-thirds supermajority in parliamentary elections, largely due to Takaichi’s popularity in Japan, specifically among youths. Her goals include an increase in military power, more government spending, and ultra-conservative social policies. Takaichi wishes to “closely cooperate” with Trump on new infrastructure investments such as natural gas and oil plants. Takaichi is adept at appealing to audiences on social media and many of her increased government spending policies appeal to youth and young families.
Bombing at a Pakistan Mosque
On Feb 6, a suicide bomber opened fire at the gates of Khadijatul Kubra Mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, before triggering an explosion which killed 31 people and injured over 100. The attack occurred during prayers at the Shia mosque. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement that “attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable.” In November, a courthouse was bombed, making this the second attack on Pakistan’s capital within a year. The day after the mosque bombing, four individuals were arrested, one thought to be the lead conspirator behind the attack.
National
Republicans on Capitol Hill Rebuke Trump for Racist Satirical Video
On Feb. 5, Trump posted a now-deleted video to Truth Social that contained an image of the heads of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, set to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The video is a minute and two seconds long — the image is in the last two seconds, Trump said he “didn’t see” that part.
Senator Tim Scott said the video is “the most racist thing” he’s seen from the administration. Congressman Mike Lawler called for the video to be taken down immediately with an apology.
Early on Feb. 6, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in an official statement from the White House, said, “Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.” Trump later backpedaled, saying he also condemns the post, but it wasn’t a mistake, and he would not apologize.
Trump’s funding cuts are blocked by the Supreme Court
On Feb. 20, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump does not have the authority to impose global tariffs. Because of Trump’s repeated use of tariffs as threats, this ruling effectively took away some of his power. Many companies, such as FedEx and Costco, among others, are seeking refunds for their paid now-illegal tariffs. According to Bloomberg News, prior to this Supreme Court ruling, the administration had already faced more than 700 tariffs-related lawsuits as of Feb. 10.
Local
Chicago Muralist Sues Michaels
On Jan. 5, artist Jordan Nickel, who goes by PROSE, sent Michaels, North America’s largest arts and crafts retailer, a cease-and-desist. He claims the store used his image without his permission in an Ironlak spraypaint promotion on their website. Michaels is now suing Nickel because of his previous sponsorship with Ironlak’s parent company, ATV paints. Michaels claims it “understood it had permission or a license” to use Nickel’s image because of their relationship through ATV paints. The photo depicts Nickel’s arm as he uses Ironlak paint on a canvas.
