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Sirens and Candles Verse 1 — Ukraine Years on, the bells are ringing from NATO halls to the UN floor, Vigils bloom across Europe, a silence heavy with the roar, EU hands in Kyiv’s cold, a promise made in winter’s prose, Britain’s sanction hammer falls on energy steel, while peace stays froze. Sources: NATO commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine LIVE: UN marks fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine Four years on, Russia's war in Ukraine has transformed conflict and shattered global security Devastation and frozen frontlines: Ukraine marks four years of Russia's war Chorus Oh, the world keeps turning under sirens and candles, From war‑torn roads to royal gates of scandal, Power meets its limits, truth steps into light, Hold the line, hold the light, through the longest night. Verse 2 — Mexico In Tapalpa’s pines the mountain whispered, El Mencho’s run was done, The army closed the canyon, the cartel lit the highways as they spun, Uniforms fell with bystanders when the roadblocks took the land, Flights went dark from shore to highlands, Cup dreams paused in Guadalajara’s hands. Sources: Mexico cartel leader 'El Mencho' killing sparks chaos Powerful cartel unleashes wave of violence across Mexico after its leader's killing Violence erupts in Mexico after killing of drug cartel kingpin 'El Mencho' Mexico fears more violence after army kills cartel leader 'El Mencho' What to know about the Mexican army's killing of the powerful cartel leader 'El Mencho' Verse 3 — U.S. and Iran Talks ran aground with Tehran as steel wings crowded dust and heat, Briefings in Washington before the grand address found steady beats, Tehran called distant thunder a mirage, said ready for war or for peace, And somewhere maps said “limited,” while wider fears refused to cease. Sources: The U.S. moves more than a hundred planes to Europe and Middle East February 24-25, 2026 — Trump administration news February 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode Verse 4 — Supreme Court and Tariffs The high court read the letters plain and trimmed a reach too wide, Said emergency powers can’t tax the world by one man’s stride, He scolded his own choices, grabbed an older trade‑law key, Now refunds haunt the corridors while fresh ink stains the sea. Sources: Supreme Court Decision on IEEPA Tariffs A breakdown of the court's tariff decision What's Next for Trump's Tariffs After SCOTUS Ruling Trump says he signed a 10% global tariff after Supreme Court decision Verse 5 — Former Prince Andrew A duke without a title met the knock upon his name‑day door, Suspected public breaches from the gilded days he toured, Emails traced a shadow, Asia briefings, Afghan schemes, The King bowed to the law of land; the line now tests its seams. Sources: Former Prince Andrew arrested following Epstein files revelations Former Prince Andrew arrested over suspected misconduct in public office revealed in Epstein files Ex-Prince Andrew arrested in widening fallout related to Jeffrey Epstein ties U.K. considers cutting ex-Prince Andrew from line of succession over his Epstein ties Verse 6 — Peter Mandelson An envoy from another era faced the dawn in London’s gray, Accused of market whispers while the banks were giving way, Arrested, bailed, he’d left the Lords, the embassy long gone, Old ties to a fallen financier still threading present on. Sources: U.K. ex-envoy to U.S. Peter Mandelson arrested in Epstein probe Former UK ambassador to US Peter Mandelson arrested amid Epstein probe Ex-UK ambassador Mandelson released on bail after arrest in Epstein probe Peter Mandelson, former U.K. ambassador, arrested amid Epstein revelations Chorus Oh, the world keeps turning under sirens and candles, From war‑torn roads to royal gates of scandal, Power meets its limits, truth steps into light, Hold the line, hold the light, through the longest night. Final Chorus and Outro Hold the line, hold the light, let the reckonings rise, From Kyiv’s squares to desert skies, From burned‑out roads to palace sighs, Raise your voice, make it right—through the longest night, Hold the line, hold the light—we will not close our eyes.

Blizzard, Borders, and Broken Crowns Verse 1 Under chandeliers and cameras, the Capitol held its breath, A new-term speech on law and order, wins claimed, wars to end, and debts. But the doorway’s jammed by a shutdown, the homeland lights half-dim, While far from home in Richmond, a Virginian answers him— A milestone voice in blue replying, steady as a drum, Two visions on the table while the votes refuse to come. Sources: February 23, 2026 - Mexico cartel leader 'El Mencho' killing sparks chaos | CNN Violence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader 'El Mencho' killed | CBS News Violence erupts in Mexico after killing of drug cartel kingpin 'El Mencho' | Al Jazeera Mexico fears more violence after army kills cartel leader 'El Mencho' | NPR Powerful cartel unleashes wave of violence across Mexico after its leader's killing | NBC News Chorus Headlines howl like winter wind, from marble steps to border lines, We brace between the thunderclaps and read the moving signs. Let the truth run bright, let the law stand tall, When the world leans hard, may we not fall. Hold on, hold out, sing loud, sing long— In the storm of the century, be the song. Verse 2 Engines idle on the runway, diplomats in quiet rooms, Geneva clocks keep ticking while a desert watches plumes. Deal or drums, we’re told to wait and see what time might bring, As senior voices warn the cost a wider war could sing. From war rooms to committee halls, a caution shapes the air: No strikes without the people’s say, no sleepwalk into snare. Sources: Former Prince Andrew arrested following Epstein files revelations | NBC News U.K. considers cutting ex-Prince Andrew from line of succession over his Epstein ties | NPR February 19, 2026 — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested | CNN Former Prince Andrew arrested over suspected misconduct in public office | CBS News Verse 3 A palace door swings open to a knock not heard in years, An aging prince in question on a day of cake and cheers. They say he shared the state’s own whispers with a man the world now knows, Released but under watchful eyes, as darker water flows. A father bows and tells the land, let justice take its course, A grieving family answers back: let law outlast its source. Sources: Live updates: Trump delivers 2026 State of the Union address | CNN Politics How to watch Trump's 2026 State of the Union address live tonight - ABC News WATCH LIVE: President Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union address | PBS News Verse 4 Across the aisle and ocean, another name is read, A statesman from the red benches faces what was left unsaid. Old emails from across the sea, market tremors in their wake, Crisis days and guarded words, which promises would break? He left the halls, he says he’s sorry for the company he kept, Denies the crime they ask about, while London hasn’t slept. Sources: February 23, 2026 — Trump administration updates | CNN Politics The News Roundup For February 20, 2026 | NPR February 21, 2026 — Trump administration updates | CNN Chorus Headlines howl like winter wind, from marble steps to border lines, We brace between the thunderclaps and read the moving signs. Let the truth run bright, let the law stand tall, When the world leans hard, may we not fall. Hold on, hold out, sing loud, sing long— In the storm of the century, be the song. Verse 5 High country pines in Jalisco heard a final, thundered word, El Mencho’s reign fell silent where the mountain sparrows stirred. With shadowed help from over north, the strike was swift and stark, Then fires bloomed on highways and the daylight turned to dark. Guard convoys hit, the markets burned, the roads were cut and scarred, And Guadalajara wonders what this summer might regard. Sources: Former UK ambassador to US Peter Mandelson released after arrest amid Epstein probe | CNN British police arrest former ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson in probe into Epstein ties | PBS News U.K. ex-envoy to U.S. Peter Mandelson arrested in Epstein probe | NPR Ex-UK ambassador Mandelson released on bail after arrest in Epstein probe | Al Jazeera Verse 6 Then the sky itself took sides and pulled the ocean’s breath to snow, Providence wrote records no one living yet could know. Coastal winds roared like a hurricane, lines went black with cold, Flights fell from the boards in strings, a story white and bold. A tree came down in Maryland; the Hill delayed its say, While city streets in midnight hush wore winter’s iron gray. Sources: Snowstorms in Northeast: After a bomb cyclone blizzard, more snowfall looms | CNN February 2026 North American blizzard - Wikipedia Historic blizzard of 2026 smashes snow records | Fox Weather Blizzard of 2026 wallops Northeast: Over 37 inches in Providence, 9,000+ flights canceled | AccuWeather Bridge/Finale So light the porch, keep watch, tune every string we’ve got, From courtrooms, runways, mountain roads, to storms that tie the knot— The jets, the gavels, burning tires, and stadium dreams that gleam, All crash into the chorus like a river into steam. If power fades and wires fail, we’ll be our own bright spark, Count the truth in human voices ringing through the dark— Final Chorus Headlines howl like winter wind, but we still choose the lines: Name the wrong, defend the right, and hold each other’s signs. Let the truth run bright, let the law stand tall, When the world leans hard, we won’t fall. Drums up, lights up, hearts up, on— Through blizzard, borders, broken crowns—be the song.

Signals in the Storm Verse 1 Years on, the sirens haven’t faded, Europe holds its breath in a longest fight. Homes turned to suitcases, names to prayers, The deadliest since the last great night. Yet rails run east with leaders standing, Kyiv hears the vow: we’re at your side— Paris and London gather the willing, While the Union sends its tide. Sources: Russia-Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year. Here's Where Things Stand Myriad fragments, one tragedy: How four years of war changed Ukraine President Costa to travel to Kyiv on the fourth anniversary Four years on: Europe stands with Ukraine Chorus Hold on, raise a light in all this thunder, When the headlines howl, we hold each other. From courtrooms to coastlines, from cables to war, We are the signal inside the storm. Verse 2 A gavel rang, said power overreached, Pulled blankets off a global fee. The bench wrote limits into daylight, The president fired back on TV— New levies under older statutes, But clocks will run without the Hill. He cursed the robes; the ports remember, Shops queue for refunds still. Sources: Supreme Court strikes down most of Trump's tariffs in a major blow to the president Trump to raise US global tariff to 15% after Supreme Court ruling Supreme Court tariff ruling: What is IEEPA, the law that Trump broke A breakdown of the court's tariff decision Chorus Hold on, raise a light in all this thunder, When the headlines howl, we hold each other. From courtrooms to coastlines, from cables to war, We are the signal inside the storm. Verse 3 In Geneva’s halls with Omani whispers, Quiet couriers cross the line. Tehran speaks of guiding fences, Washington sends more steel to brine— A narrow talk of sparks and sabers, A promise kept if words can save. Students march with candles lifted, Naming every unmarked grave. Sources: Iran hails 'encouraging signals' from US before nuclear talks on Thursday U.S.-Iran talks expected Friday if Iran sends nuclear proposal soon Oil pulls back as U.S.–Iran talks set to resume Iran says US military build-up 'unnecessary and unhelpful' Verse 4 The house that guards our doors is half-dark, Paychecks paused but duty on. After blood on a Minneapolis morning, The chamber asks for stricter dawn— Rein in roving boots and badges, Warrants drawn with cleaner ink, Cameras pinned to every jacket, While PreCheck blinked and back from brink. FEMA trims to life and shelter, Everything else taught to wait. Sources: DHS reverses course on TSA PreCheck suspension after confusion A partial government shutdown has hit the Department of Homeland Security How a DHS shutdown affects different components and employees Chorus Hold on, raise a light in all this thunder, When the headlines howl, we hold each other. From courtrooms to coastlines, from cables to war, We are the signal inside the storm. Verse 5 A winter bomb wrote white across the map, Hernando spoke in roaring squalls. Providence rewrote its story, New York heard rare blizzard calls— Runways slept, the ferries idled, Governors signed for quiet roads, Cables snapped like tired harp strings, Windows glowed with candle odes. Sources: Blizzard live updates: Bomb cyclone batters Boston, NYC, Philadelphia Live updates: Deadly blizzard 'bomb' paralyzes Northeast See the forecast for 12 cities that will be blasted by a bomb cyclone February 2026 North American blizzard Verse 6 Old blue stumbled on the trading floor, As a startup taught a code to dream— Reading ledgers from another century, Untangling rooms of legacy steam. The prophets of firewalls shivered last week, Today the wider street turns pale, When machines redraw the timelines, Consultants feel the shifting rails. Sources: IBM is the latest AI casualty. Shares tank 13% on Anthropic programming language threat IBM Shares Plunge as Anthropic Touts COBOL Modernization Efforts Anthropic AI Tool Triggers Historic IBM Stock Plunge Anthropic touts AI for COBOL, IBM stock takes a hit Bridge/Outro Let the carriers turn and the markets churn, Let the north wind sharpen its horn, Let courts draw lines and pens return, Let midnight meet a calmer morn. Count no figures, count these faces, Count the hands that keep us warm— Strike the match, ignite the chorus, We are the signal, not the storm. Final Chorus Hold on, raise a light in all this thunder, When the headlines howl, we hold each other. From courtrooms to coastlines, from cables to war, We are the signal inside the storm. We are the signal inside the storm.

Between Sirens and Statutes Verse 1 — Tides in the Gulf Carriers carve the horizon, jets paint the dawn, A deadline whispered, a fuse feeling long. Tehran vows thunder, drills with a northern friend, Geneva lights flicker, could this be the bend? Embassies thin their shadows, flights out run late, Steel in the straits, hope at the gate. Sources: Trump mulls Iran options as U.S. forces move into position Trump warns of 'bad things' if Iran doesn't make a deal Trump has discussed timeline for Iran strikes Iran says US risking 'crisis' as Trump sets deadline for deal Trump's Threatened Strikes to Compel Iran Deal Risk Backfiring Chorus Hold on, hold on, to the rail of the world, Between sirens and statutes, the flags still unfurl. Headlines crash like breakers, hearts learn to run, But if we lean into each other, we might see the sun. Verse 2 — Fire in Jalisco In pine-swept Tapalpa, a kingpin fell, An army’s breath ended a ruthless spell. Roads choked with smoke, towns held their breath, Buses turned back by the hands of death. Guadalajara whispered, doors barred and tight, Airlines climbed skyward, out of the night. Sources: Violence erupts in Mexico after killing of drug cartel kingpin 'El Mencho' Mexican army kills leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel Violence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader 'El Mencho' killed Mexican army kills Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader 'El Mencho' Mexican army kills leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel Chorus Hold on, hold on, to the rail of the world, Between sirens and statutes, the flags still unfurl. Headlines crash like breakers, hearts learn to run, But if we lean into each other, we might see the sun. Verse 3 — Midnight at a Gilded Gate Before the moon lowered, a fence line was crossed, An armed, restless traveler, frightened and lost. Agents held the line while the waves rolled ashore, A family had called him missing days before. The boss was in Washington, the beach stayed still, The Bureau asks why; old ghosts haunt the hill. Sources: Secret Service says an armed man was shot and killed at Mar-a-Lago Law enforcement shoots and kills armed man trying to enter Mar-a-Lago Armed man shot, killed after breaching Mar-a-Lago secure perimeter Armed man who entered Mar-a-Lago perimeter fatally shot Verse 4 — A Crown Under Question At Sandringham’s hedges, history blinked, A royal unstitched where velvet once winked. Trade secrets rumored to flow where they shouldn’t, Emails like footprints saying what they wouldn’t. The King said let justice walk where it must, A family of survivors spoke: law over lust. Sources: Former Prince Andrew arrested following Epstein files revelations Former Prince Andrew arrested over suspected misconduct in public office Ex-Prince Andrew arrested in widening fallout related to Jeffrey Epstein ties U.K. considers cutting ex-Prince Andrew from line of succession February 19, 2026 — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested Chorus Hold on, hold on, to the rail of the world, Between sirens and statutes, the flags still unfurl. Headlines crash like breakers, hearts learn to run, But if we lean into each other, we might see the sun. Verse 5 — Marble and Tariffs In a house of echoes, a gavel found voice, Emergency walls fell to a narrower choice. Some he appointed stood with the line, Others dissented, drew their design. He scorned the decision, wrote a new trade due, Importers knocked, asking cash to come through. Sources: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs Supreme Court strikes down most of Trump's tariffs February 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode Trump imposes new tariffs, denounces Supreme Court justices Can Trump still impose tariffs after the Supreme Court ruling? Verse 6 — Winter on the Steppe Another hard marker, a new year of war, A market struck open, grief on the floor. Families evacuated from towns near the fire, While cities abroad raised candlelit choirs. In Kyiv, a mayor honored for coming again, Sanctions on captains ferrying sanctioned men. Sources: Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,459 Portal:Current events/February 2026 - Wikipedia Final Chorus and Outro Hold on, hold on, to the rail of the world, Between sirens and statutes, the flags still unfurl. Let bells meet the thunder, let truth meet the gun, Let courts keep their courage, let mercy outrun. Raise up your lanterns, let the bright chorus shake, From palaces to beaches, from deserts to lakes. Sing loud as carriers rumble from port, Sing brave as the robed write the long, final report. Till the smoke thins to morning, and the headlines are done, We’ll hold on to each other—and call back the sun.

Storms, Courts, and Moonlight Verse 1 The high bench drew a line through an emergency dream, Said the reach of a pen can’t cover the whole wide sea. Chief Justice Roberts wrote it plain, steady as a drum, Two of the president’s own crossed over, others held their tongues. Tariffs that swept the globe now face a turning tide, The treasury’s heavy pockets may open up wide. He called the robed a disgrace, swore he’d try again, When the gavel falls that hard, the echo shakes the pen. Sources: Trump mulls Iran options as U.S. forces move into position February 20, 2026 — Trump administration news, SCOTUS tariffs ruling, US-Iran negotiations February 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode Chorus Hold on, the world is loud tonight, Courts draw borders, storms draw white. But we still find our way by the faintest light, Through war drums, headlines, and a silver flight. Hold on, even when the ground won’t stay, We’re stitched by truth, we’re built to sway, And somewhere past the noise, a better day. Verse 2 He moved in a heartbeat, reached for an older law, Announced a blanket duty that could beat the clock. Said it starts soon enough, might run just a short spell, Without the people’s house, it can’t ring the bell. From the port of Los Angeles came a worried tone, Hiring feels hollow, big plans postponed. Economists whisper what shoppers already know: When a price climbs up, it’s slow to let go. Sources: Former Prince Andrew arrested following Epstein files revelations Epstein files: Former prince Andrew released by police Former Prince Andrew arrested over suspected misconduct in public office February 19, 2026 — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested Verse 3 Out where deserts breathe, the airbase filled with wings, Jordan’s runways humming with metallic things. From Qatar came the buses, soldiers rolling out, Back at home, House leaders voiced a constitutional shout: No strike without a vote, that’s the promise we keep. But after the court’s rebuke, the hawks don’t sleep. Experts say domestic fires can push a hand to flame, And somewhere east of sunrise, Iran hears its name. Sources: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs Supreme Court strikes down most of Trump's tariffs in a major blow to the president Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs, rebuking president's signature economic policy Takeaways: Supreme Court stands up to Donald Trump on emergency tariffs Chorus Hold on, the world is loud tonight, Courts draw borders, storms draw white. But we still find our way by the faintest light, Through war drums, headlines, and a silver flight. Hold on, even when the ground won’t stay, We’re stitched by truth, we’re built to sway, And somewhere past the noise, a better day. Verse 4 Across the sea, a palace door opened on a shock, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faced the ticking clock. Arrested on his birthday, for power used and sold, Trade secrets in the shadows, a story long and cold. Released before the dark, but questions still remain, The King said let the law proceed, no shelter from the rain. First time in centuries the crown felt that weight, The Giuffres said their hearts rose, justice can’t be late. Sources: February 21, 2026 — Trump administration updates Trump previously said he would implement 10% global tariffs President responds to Supreme Court ruling Verse 5 Down in Houston’s hush, four names breathe the same air: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen there. Firsts on their shoulders—Black, woman, flag from beyond our shore— A Moon once left in memory calls them to explore. The dress rehearsal sang, though helium drew a frown, They might roll the giant back, then send her up and down. Early in the coming month, if all the answers fit, We’ll watch a silver arrow write our better myth. Sources: NASA eyes March 6 to launch 4 astronauts to the moon on Artemis II mission Artemis II Crew Enters Quarantine Ahead of March Launch Opportunity Artemis II: NASA's First Crewed Lunar Flyby in 50 Years NASA is sending Artemis II to the moon. Here's what to know Verse 6 The coast holds its breath as a nor’easter grows, A “bomb” in the barometer, the kind New England knows. New Jersey to Long Island, the warnings paint the sky, New York’s streets and shorelines brace for tides that climb high. Governors raise the flag, the city opens doors, Warming rooms and cots await the cold and poor. Winds that bend the bridges, snow that swallows sound, The mayor says this time could press us to the ground. Sources: Blizzard warnings for millions as blockbuster nor'easter takes aim at New York City, Northeast Blizzard conditions and high winds forecast for NYC, East coast A powerful storm will hit some cities with a foot of snow February 2026 nor'easter Final Chorus Hold on, the world is loud tonight, Courts draw borders, storms draw white. But rockets warm their engines, aiming past our sight, And neighbors light the windows in the longest night. Hold on, through thunder, scandal, ice, and war, We lean into each other, we remember what it’s for— Now strike the match, let the countdown roar, We rise, we rise—then lift and soar.

Winter of Reckoning Verse 1 Blue lights at the palace gate on a birthday night, A younger brother to a crown in the camera’s white. They say in the envoy years, whispers crossed the sea, Confidential shadows, Epstein’s company. Released to a waiting world, the monarch kept it plain: Let the law be the law, and let it bear the name. A rare page in royal books turned under stormy skies, After a flood of files where buried truth now rises. Sources: Former Prince Andrew arrested following Epstein files revelations Live updates: Former Prince Andrew arrested after Epstein files revelations Former Prince Andrew arrested over suspected misconduct in public office U.K.'s ex-Prince Andrew is released after his arrest over Epstein revelations Chorus This is the winter of reckoning, the hush before the roar, Where secrets meet the daylight and justice tests the door. Hold tight to the tender things, to the children and the shore, May truth be loud as thunder, and mercy even more. Verse 2 Across the desert water, metal gathers blue, Carriers and fighters, refuelers, submarines too. A deadline drawn in daylight, measured close to now, Talks set in Geneva, guiding words—but how? Tehran builds its shelter, ships drill in a strait, And weekend winds are whispering a strike could not wait. Between the brink and breathing, the gulf holds its breath, Where letters shape a future, or break it into death. Sources: US Military Buildup in Middle East Expands Trump's Options Against Iran US increases military pressure on Iran as countries discuss a deal Iran builds concrete shield at military site amid acute US tensions Chorus This is the winter of reckoning, the hush before the roar, Where secrets meet the daylight and justice tests the door. Hold tight to the tender things, to the children and the shore, May truth be loud as thunder, and mercy even more. Verse 3 From a mountain made of paper, from tapes and broken frames, Came a call from quiet chambers that dared to speak the names. They said the stain was global, a trafficking of pain, Women, girls, and silenced worlds, a long and cruel chain. No wallet is a fortress, no title hides a flaw, The message from the watchers: none stands above the law. A trove became a lantern, a thousand roads of light, To find the ones who suffered, and bring them home to night. Sources: Epstein files: UN experts demand accountability Chorus This is the winter of reckoning, the hush before the roar, Where secrets meet the daylight and justice tests the door. Hold tight to the tender things, to the children and the shore, May truth be loud as thunder, and mercy even more. Verse 4 In Seoul the gavel thundered where soldiers once were called, A leader faced the verdict for darkness draped as law. They wrote the word insurrection in letters deep and long, Life behind the iron for a power turned wrong. Generals and ministers counted out their years, The court refused the ending that history most fears. First time in a long time, a line was clearly drawn: No midnight march through parliament, no iron over dawn. Sources: Former South Korean President Yoon receives life sentence for imposing martial law Former South Korean President Yoon gets life sentence for rebellion Yoon Suk Yeol: Former South Korean President handed life sentence for leading insurrection Ex-South Korean president Yoon found guilty of insurrection Chorus This is the winter of reckoning, the hush before the roar, Where secrets meet the daylight and justice tests the door. Hold tight to the tender things, to the children and the shore, May truth be loud as thunder, and mercy even more. Verse 5 In a Los Angeles courtroom, a silicon suit took the stand, He said he steered the city with a careful, steady hand. They asked about the children, the filters, glowing skin, The youngest slipping past the gate, the lure to pull them in. Others took their bargains, two giants still remain, A wave of suits behind them, a question made of pain: If profit loves a habit, and eyes forget the day, Who pays the cost for childhood when design leads the way? Sources: Meta's Zuckerberg testifies about social media's effects on children Mark Zuckerberg grilled about underage Instagram users Mark Zuckerberg said he reached out to Tim Cook to discuss wellbeing of teens Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in landmark trial Chorus This is the winter of reckoning, the hush before the roar, Where secrets meet the daylight and justice tests the door. Hold tight to the tender things, to the children and the shore, May truth be loud as thunder, and mercy even more. Verse 6 By the lake in Geneva, two armies set down words, Difficult and sober, with hope that barely stirred. Guns felt a little lighter, on maps the lines still bled, One side spoke of leaving, the other shook its head. A plant of quiet danger kept glowing in the dark, Territory and memory—too hot to hold or mark. But hands did not let go yet; another round will come, As an old invasion’s shadow ticks closer to the sun. Sources: 'Difficult' Russia-Ukraine talks conclude without breakthrough Ukraine-US-Russia talks: 'Progress' on military track Land in focus at new Geneva peace talks between Russia and Ukraine Final Chorus This is the winter of reckoning, the hush before the roar, Where secrets meet the daylight and justice tests the door. Hold tight to the tender things, to the children and the shore, Let truth strike like an anthem, let mercy ask for more— And may we meet the morning with no need for war.

Signal Through the Static Verse 1 — The Files A vault sprang open and the night got loud, Pages like thunder, names in the cloud. Justice sent a ledger up the Hill, UN voices called it a bitter chill. Presidents, tycoons, silver-screen glow, Resignations ripple where the currents go. A northern statesman meets a courtroom door— No throne so high it can’t touch the floor. Sources: Epstein files: 'No one is too wealthy or too powerful to be above the law' Justice Department lists hundreds of prominent people named in Epstein files Powerful people, random redactions: 4 things to know about the latest Epstein files The Epstein files have brought a wave of resignations and investigations Chorus Hold the line, turn on the light, We’re the choir in a sleepless night. From closed rooms in Geneva to hometown streets, Where ballots are counted and heartbreak meets. Truth is a river, power a dam, We are the flood and we are the sand. Sing it loud, make it stick— Signal through the static. Verse 2 — The Stand in LA Under bright lights, a platform king took oath, A young voice spoke of promises that broke. Feeds that hooked and mirrors that lied, A childhood traded to an endless tide. He said the gates are meant for older years, Yet kids slip through while the engine steers. They call it a moment the giants dread— When profit meets what the parents said. Sources: Zuckerberg grilled about Meta's strategy to target 'teens' and 'tweens' Mark Zuckerberg grilled about underage Instagram users, social media addiction during landmark trial Meta's Zuckerberg testifies about social media's effects on children in landmark trial Zuckerberg testimony: Meta CEO said he reached out to Apple's Tim Cook Chorus Hold the line, turn on the light, We’re the choir in a sleepless night. From closed rooms in Geneva to hometown streets, Where ballots are counted and heartbreak meets. Truth is a river, power a dam, We are the flood and we are the sand. Sing it loud, make it stick— Signal through the static. Verse 3 — Geneva, East and West In a quiet hall by a wintered lake, Maps on the table, promises break. One side says the other draws time thin, The other says “hard, but we’ll begin.” Soil is the word that cuts like wire, Donbas burned into the ceaseless fire. Years since the first sirens tore the sky— Still the ink won’t learn to dry. Sources: Russia-Ukraine talks live: 'Difficult' negotiations end, more planned U.S.-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Cut Short in Geneva Talks break in Geneva with no end to Russia's war or hard-line demands First day of Ukraine-Russia talks to end war conclude in Geneva Verse 4 — Geneva, Shadows and Ships Across the street, another set of hands, Tracing lines, agreeing on strands. Oman whispers through a careful door, Warships pacing distant shores. Narrow waters briefly closed and still, Progress murmured, a tempered will. Hope in a folder, warnings in steel— Peace on paper, fate on the wheel. Sources: Iran says 'good progress' made in nuclear talks with US in Geneva U.S. and Iran say progress made in Geneva nuclear talks U.S. and Iran tout progress in nuclear talks as supreme leader warns Trump over military buildup Iran, US Set for Second Round of Nuclear Talks in Geneva Verse 5 — The House of Homeland Back home a shutter fell on a busy place, Still the guard shows up with a tired face. After gunfire sparked a nation’s doubt, They’re asking for rules to be written out— Rein in the roving, cameras to wear, New words for force to make it fair. The screeners, the sailors, the storms they meet, Wait for a vote with unpaid feet. Sources: Democrats send counteroffer on ICE reforms to Republicans as DHS shutdown continues 5 things to know about the shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security A partial government shutdown has hit the Department of Homeland Security Democrats send Trump DHS funding counteroffer as agency shutdown grinds on Verse 6 — The Ballot and the Barrier Up the Hill a vow to guard the rolls, Proof at the door for the voting souls. The House said yes, the Senate counts the floor, But an old tall rule stands at the door. One voice calls for a talking stand, Another says, “Don’t break the land.” Backed by a president, braced by a line— Process holds the fragile spine. Sources: Trump's election bill, the SAVE America Act, has 50 Senate votes but Democrats could block it Bridge No one too gilded to face the dawn, No child too small to carry on. No table too distant for truth to sit, No law so old it cannot be lit. Final Chorus and Ending Hold the line, turn on the light, We’re the choir in a sleepless night. From courtrooms and cables to border signs, From sea-lane shadows to winter pines. Truth is a river, power a dam, We are the flood and we are the sand. Beat on the drum, raise every hand— Let the doors fly wide when the people stand. Sing it now, make it stick— Signal through the static, loud and quick. Signal through the static—this is it.

Between Prayers and Thunder Verse 1 — Rev. Jesse Jackson Rainbow preacher, student of Dr. King, Laid his head in peace while family made a ring. Illness slowed his stride, but not the call he raised, He built a PUSH for rainbows, where every color stayed. He ran when doors were bolted, signed up legions new, Helped chart a road that later someone else walked through. Barack called him a giant, a builder of the way, And Donald said his thunder was a force that doesn’t sway. Sources: Reverend Jesse Jackson dies at age 84 Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader who ran for president, dies at age 84 Longtime civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84 Rev Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and Rainbow PUSH founder, dies at 84 Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson dies at 84 Chorus Hold fast, hold faith, in the crosswind of the day, Where candles meet the sirens and truth can lose its way. We learn to sing between the breaking and the bloom— Keep the door of daylight open in a crowded room. Verse 2 — Navalny poisoning findings Across the frozen distance, a widow names the deed, European labs say poison, from a dart frog’s creed. Epibatidine’s shadow, rare in northern climes, They argue state and secret had the chance and times. She calls it chemical murder, a weapon from above, The Kremlin stamps it baseless, denies the thing she loves. But somewhere in the paperwork, a jungle whisper stays, A truth that doesn’t thaw just because the winter says. Sources: Alexei Navalny likely killed by toxins from poison dart frog, Europeans say Russia accused of killing Navalny with dart frog toxin. What we know about the rare poison 5 European nations say Navalny was poisoned by the Kremlin Alexey Navalny: Russian opposition figure killed by toxin found in poison dart frogs Russia rejects claims of poisoning Navalny with dart frog toxin Chorus Hold fast, hold faith, in the crosswind of the day, Where candles meet the sirens and truth can lose its way. We learn to sing between the breaking and the bloom— Keep the door of daylight open in a crowded room. Verse 3 — U.S.–Iran talks in Geneva In Geneva’s quiet hallways, envoys lean and bend, Oman carries messages that try to make amends. They speak of guiding principles, a scaffold taking form, While carriers haunt horizons and a strait is sealed by storm. Drafts slide back and forward, the ink still warm with doubt, They say they’ll meet up soon to figure the rest out. Progress like a lantern cupped against a restless wind, The room holds fragile daylight, and something might begin. Sources: Amid threat of U.S. attack, Iran nuclear talks proceed without breakthrough U.S. and Iran say progress made in Geneva nuclear talks U.S. and Iran to hold a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva Iran Says It Temporarily Closed the Strait of Hormuz as It Held More Indirect Talks With the US Verse 4 — DHS shutdown Back home the homeland’s watchers work on borrowed light, Essential boots keep moving through an unpaid night. A stalemate over borders after grief in Minneapolis, Enforcement grinds unbroken on a separate apparatus. The Capitol takes a breather while the clock keeps on, A speech sits on the calendar, the worry lingers long. In the halls and on the tarmac, in the scanner’s steady hum, You can hear a country asking when the pay and peace will come. Sources: Democrats send Trump DHS funding counteroffer as agency shutdown grinds on DHS government shutdown is underway. Here are the services affected. 5 things to know about the shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security What to know on the DHS government shutdown Chorus Hold fast, hold faith, in the crosswind of the day, Where candles meet the sirens and truth can lose its way. We learn to sing between the breaking and the bloom— Keep the door of daylight open in a crowded room. Verse 5 — Board of Peace on Gaza In Washington they’re crafting a new board by that name, A fortune for the shattered coast, to cool the dust and flame. A long list signs the charter, with Israel in the thread, Some stalwart friends in Europe watch and shake their head. They promise boots for safety in a force to hold the line, While blue flags count the mountains that still must be climbed. Critics warn the framework might sidestep the old tune, But hope walks where it’s needed when the sirens meet the moon. Sources: Board of Peace members pledge more than $5bn for Gaza aid and reconstruction Trump's new Board of Peace to convene in Washington this week on Gaza reconstruction Trump says Board of Peace members promise $5 billion for Gaza rebuild Trump Says Board of Peace Members Pledge $5 Billion for Gaza Reconstruction Verse 6 — Ramadan begins A silver curve is sighted—fasting hearts awake, From gulf to western rooftops, prayers weave a gentle ache. In Paris, ash and crescent share a twilight-blue embrace, Morocco sends its scholars, many bound for that place. Kitchens hush by daylight, then open like a hymn, City lights and minarets breathe patience from within. The faithful draw the water, the hungry learn to give, And mercy marks the calendar with one more way to live. Sources: Saudi Arabia Announces Wednesday as First Day of Ramadan 2026 Ramadan in Qatar begins tomorrow, February 18, 2026 France Marks Start of Ramadan 2026 on Wednesday Final Chorus and Ending Hold fast, hold faith, in the crosswind of the day, Where candles meet the sirens and truth can lose its way. We learn to sing between the breaking and the bloom— Keep the door of daylight open in a crowded room. Bang the drum for ballots, ring the phones for peace, Feed the hands that tremble, let the tireless get release. Mourn the ones who left us, lift the ones who choose— Strike a match and pass it on—tonight we cannot lose.

Bridges Under Flickering Lights Verse 1 — Gaza and the Board of Peace They raised a banner over broken shores, A brand-new board with pledges for the wars. Billions promised for food and shattered stone, A peace institute now bearing one man’s name alone. They talk of boots to calm the shaken streets, Indonesia readies, the drumline meets, But Paris, Berlin, Rome, and London say no, They fear the chairman’s reach, and Moscow’s shadow. And while they count the hope like coins in a cup, The lenders whisper, it won’t be enough. Sources: Trump Says Board of Peace Members Pledge $5 Billion for Gaza Reconstruction Board of Peace to unveil $5 billion in Gaza reconstruction at inaugural meeting, Trump says Trump Announces $5 Billion in Gaza Commitments From Board of Peace Member States Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the static and the storm, These headlines break us open, but they can keep us warm. Between the promise and the price, between the fear and the fight, We keep building little bridges under flickering lights. Verse 2 — The DHS Shutdown A lock on the door and the phones still ring, Most hands still working without anything. A city remembers two names on a street, Demands for cameras, badges, and no more roving feet. The standoff hardens as winter sets its jaw, Funding split by a loophole in the law. Operations grind on like a ghost-run train, While Congress wanders back some later day again. Sources: Government Shutdown 2026: No clear path to ending DHS funding standoff A partial government shutdown has hit the Department of Homeland Security 5 things to know about the shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security DHS shutdown begins as funding expires without a deal in Congress Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the static and the storm, These headlines break us open, but they can keep us warm. Between the promise and the price, between the fear and the fight, We keep building little bridges under flickering lights. Verse 3 — US–Iran Talks in Geneva From Muscat’s whispers to a colder lake, Geneva waits to see what deal we make. Tehran says open, if the chains can lift, Sanctions on the table for a careful shift. The watchdog listened in a guarded room, While warships practiced where the straits narrow to gloom. Witkoff, Kushner step into the glare, But missiles stay sealed in a separate prayer. Sources: Iran meets UN nuclear watchdog in Geneva ahead of a second round of US talks Iran open to compromises to reach nuclear deal with U.S., minister tells BBC Iran says missile programme non-negotiable as Tehran, Washington eye talks Chorus Hold on, hold on, through the static and the storm, These headlines break us open, but they can keep us warm. Between the promise and the price, between the fear and the fight, We keep building little bridges under flickering lights. Verse 4 — The Washington Post Layoffs On a newsroom floor, the clocks ran slow, One of the darkest days you’ll ever know. Sports and books fell quiet like emptied halls, Foreign desks stripped down to ghosted walls. Cairo, Delhi, Sydney lights turned low, A river of bylines with nowhere to go. The boss blamed search, and machines that write, While the owner swore to hold the light. The cuts ran deeper than living memory, A wound in the paper’s long history. Sources: Washington Post lays off one-third of its newsroom Jeff Bezos remains committed to Washington Post amid brutal layoffs, top editor Matt Murray says Inside one of the 'darkest days in the history' of The Washington Post Sweeping layoffs at The Washington Post will do 'enormous damage,' former editor says Verse 5 — The Memory Chip Squeeze In server farms where night runs bright, AI swallows the harvest bite by bite. Prices climb like sparks from a wire, Every gadget paying for the fire. Apple counts margins, Tesla dreams steel, A factory of memory to make it real. But plants grow slow in a silicon year, So shortages echo from there to here. The clouds keep spending for minds that learn, While the rest of us wait our turn. Sources: AI Boom Driving a Global Memory Chip Shortage, Sending Prices Soaring Rampant AI demand for memory is fueling a growing chip crisis Memory chip shortage to last through 2027, semiconductor boss says How and When the Memory Chip Shortage Will End Verse 6 — Rubio in Munich In Munich’s hall he raised his hand, Said Europe and America are one same land. Softer than the thunder we heard before, A standing wave rose from the floor. He warned of tides in climate and in flight, Praised our bonds, then left out a fight. Brussels called the music reassuring and clear, But the page lacked lines some wanted to hear. Sources: Rubio tries to ease tensions with Europe with message of unity Marco Rubio wants to build a 'new Western century'. Will Europe join? Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference Final Chorus and Ending Hold on, hold on, through the static and the storm, These headlines break us open, but they can keep us warm. Between the promise and the price, between the fear and the fight, We keep building little bridges under flickering lights. So ring the bells in the data halls, Raise a pressroom from crumbling walls, Trade a sanction for a safer dawn, Patch a border where the seams are drawn. If the world is a wire and the news runs bright, We’ll sing across it, spark the night— Hold on, hold on, make the future ignite, On bridges we’re building under flickering lights.

Headlines in a Minor Key Verse 1 In Munich they spoke with the cold of a lab-lit room, Saying a dart frog’s poison rode a prison’s gloom. They named the means and motive, the open door they see, Rang the chemical watchdog, called it a broken treaty. His widow, voice steady, says the proof is in the light, Calls the man at the summit a killer who must face the night. Sources: NBC News PBS News TIME Al Jazeera CNN UK Government Chorus Hold up the light, write it plain, let the truth be told, From cells to squares, from courtrooms to the snowy roads. We’ve learned the cost of secrets, the way the dark takes hold— But we will not go quiet, we are made of dawn and gold. Verse 2 A Justice chief turned the key, flung wide a haunted vault, A tidal wave of pages where the powerful walk in chalk. A prince now under questions, old lords set down their crowns, A portside titan stepping back as ripples circle towns. From banks to ancient campuses, hands are pulled away, And in the House they’re asking who watched the watchers’ play. Sources: Fox News NPR CBS News Al Jazeera CNN Chorus Hold up the light, write it plain, let the truth be told, From cells to squares, from courtrooms to the snowy roads. We’ve learned the cost of secrets, the way the dark takes hold— But we will not go quiet, we are made of dawn and gold. Verse 3 An anchor’s mother vanished in the blue before the dawn, A doorbell’s eye went sightless, a heartbeat’s whisper gone. A glove with other DNA lay down a shadowed lane, A masked face at her threshold, and no one yet to blame. The tips fall like a rainfall, the maps glow on the wall, They’re chasing threads of midnight through the hum of every call. Sources: CNN NPR NBC News Verse 4 In Geneva, paper maps unfold like winter wings, They bargain over borders and the shield a promise brings. The clock is set in Washington, the room is thin with air, Alliance voices counting wounds, while Moscow claims new squares. They speak of eastern city names, of guardians who’d stay, Of how to keep a broken land from breaking one more day. Sources: Al Jazeera PBS News France 24 SBS News Verse 5 In Moscow’s narrow hallway came the echo of a gun, A spymaster went under and the ambulance did run. Sanctions marked his history, from Salisbury’s cold stain, To midnight code and headlines in a long, relentless rain. Another name in shadows where the blame lines cross and bend, Another page of quiet wars that never seem to end. Sources: NBC News Al Jazeera CNN Moscow Times Washington Post Verse 6 In Munich streets a river rose, a chorus fierce and clear, They called for Tehran’s rulers to be swept out of the year. They lifted Pahlavi’s name and asked for ballots, not a throne, He said he’d take the challenge, guide them through the unknown. A sea of flags and pleading hands beneath a winter sky, A promise in the open air that something new could rise. Sources: CNN Bridge So strike the match in every room where secrets learned to breathe, Unlock the file, trace the glove, and don’t let mercy leave. Let Geneva’s bells go ringing, let the prison gates unfreeze, Let stairwells purge their gun-smoke ghosts, let cities bend their knees. Final Chorus Hold up the light, write it plain, let the truth be told, From cells to squares, from courtrooms to the snowy roads. We’ve paid the price of silence, now hear the thunder roll— We will not go quiet, we are made of dawn and gold, We will not go quiet—bring the morning, break the hold.