This Week Briefs

Congress returns to Washington with renewed focus on the Iran conflict and energy prices. The Senate is expected to vote on confirming Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair. Debate is expected over Federal Reserve independence as Jerome Powell’s term nears its end. The White House is pushing plans to suspend the federal gas tax amid rising fuel prices. Congress is expected to debate emergency energy and economic measures linked to the Iran crisis. The Trump administra

Keir Starmer faces growing pressure after Labour’s heavy election losses across the UK. Labour MPs are expected to debate leadership challenges following calls for Starmer to step down. Plaid Cymru will begin talks to form the next Welsh government after becoming the largest Senedd party. The SNP is expected to hold cross-party negotiations to secure support for a minority Scottish government. Reform UK continues consolidating gains after winning more than 1,200 council seats

🌍 1. Major Global Issue: Conflict with Iran Why it matters: This is the biggest driver of events affecting both the UK and the US right now. The US and Israel’s conflict with Iran is escalating and affecting global politics and energy markets. Oil prices have surged to around $100 per barrel , raising concerns about inflation worldwide. Because a large share of global oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz , any disruption could affect energy supply globally. Implications

this week (week of 16–22 February 2026) — focusing on national-level developments and key political news (not local or entertainment events): 📅 Political Calendar & Key Events Annual National Governors Association (NGA) gathering — 19–21 Feb :• Traditionally a bipartisan meeting of governors and the White House, but this year has become politically contentious due to disputes over invitations. • President Trump is hosting a meeting with governors on 20 Feb at the White Ho

Here’s a summary of this week’s major UK political events that have happened and ones coming up 📌 Summary of This Week’s UK Political Events Government U-Turn on Council Elections The UK government under Keir Starmer dropped its plan to delay local council elections slated for May 2026 following legal advice that postponing them could be unlawful and after a legal challenge by Nigel Farage and Reform UK . The reversal is being framed by opponents as a victory for democr