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| Good morning. It’s Wednesday, Feb. 18, and we have good news if you hate the tedious process of renewing your passport. You can now do it in six minutes — here’s how. Now let’s catch up. | |
 | Elected Democrats in major U.S. cities are banding together to try to block ICE. | - Where? Mayors in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and other cities have moved to limit ICE operations. The coordinated efforts could set up a clash with President Donald Trump.
- A fascinating case study: A WhatsApp group for D.C. parents broke apart over politics after an influx of federal agents in the city. See how the schism unfolded in these messages.
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 | Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the firing of a senior Army spokesman. | | |
 | Stephen Colbert said CBS blocked an interview with a Texas Democrat. | | | Stephen Colbert criticized the FCC’s equal time rule in two segments this week. (Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images) | - For the past two nights: Colbert has roasted his own network, saying that lawyers stopped him from airing an interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico — watch here.
- The disagreement: Colbert said the segment was blocked because of FCC rules requiring broadcasters to provide equal opportunity to candidates. CBS has disputed his account.
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 | Nine skiers are missing after an avalanche in Northern California. | | | At least 46 first responders are involved in the rescue effort in the Castle Peak area of Truckee. (AFP/Getty Images) | - What to know: A major rescue effort is underway near Truckee following an avalanche yesterday. Six survivors from a 15-person group have been located, authorities said.
- But snowy conditions are challenging rescuers: The West is being hit by powerful storms, with snow forecast in Truckee and surrounding areas through tomorrow night.
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 | Buying a new car has become shockingly expensive. | - In case you haven’t checked recently: The average sticker price for a new car or truck now sits above $50,000. The spike is in part being driven by wealthier buyers — here’s how.
- Many homeowners are struggling, too: A mortgage crisis is quietly hitting those who can least afford it, according to The Post’s personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary.
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 | A gut-wrenching essay in the Atlantic has sparked backlash. | - Last week: The magazine published an account of a mother’s experience of learning her child will die of measles complications. Some readers praised the essay as visceral and timely.
- So, what’s the problem? The story was a hypothetical scenario, and the child is a composite character based on the author’s research. Some people complained that they feel duped.
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 | This Winter Olympic skier has superhuman balance. | | | Hunter Hess is considered a strong bet to medal during the men’s halfpipe freeski competition. Qualifying starts tomorrow. (Kim Raff/For The Washington Post) | - Meet Hunter Hess: One of the best halfpipe freeskiers in the world, he pulls off amazing flips and twists while whizzing up and down the 22-foot walls of an icy halfpipe.
- You can learn a thing or two from him: Find five tips from Hess’s routine to improve your balance here. Start by trying to stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.
Before you go … spring is coming: It will deliver these 10 great TV shows. Plus: Here are the best movies of 2026 so far. One more good read: The best and worst moments at New York Fashion Week. We want to hear from you: Do you have questions about stories you’ve seen in The 7? Send them here. We’ll find the right person to answer them and share responses in our weekend edition. And finally … take a game break: | |
Jamie Ross and 
