UNBIASED Politics – February 19, 2026

Episode Theme:
This episode delivers a fact-based, impartial overview of major U.S. political developments, with legal explanations and context behind headlines. Topics include the EPA’s repeal of the Endangerment Finding, the Colbert/Talarico FCC/CBS drama, the SAVE American Act and new voter registration requirements, rapid changes in immigration enforcement, and more.
Host: Jordan Berman

Main Episode Sections

1. EPA’s Repeal of the Endangerment Finding (01:19 – 12:45)
2. Colbert/Talarico Late Show Drama & The Equal Time Rule (12:46 – 19:36)
3. Quick Hitters – Major Brief News Items (25:13 – 27:27)
4. Rumor Has It: Deep Dive on The Save America Act (27:28 – 37:32)
5. Rumor Has It: ICE Agents Allegedly Lying Under Oath (37:33 – 40:00)
6. Recommended Nonpartisan News Sources (40:01 – End)

1. EPA Repeals "Endangerment Finding"

(01:19 – 12:45)

Context & Background

• The 2009 Endangerment Finding was based on a Supreme Court decision (Massachusetts v. EPA, 2007) requiring the EPA to determine if greenhouse gas emissions from cars endanger public health.
• The Obama administration found that six GHGs (CO₂, methane, nitrous oxide, HFCs, PFCs, and sulfur hexafluoride) threatened public health, making regulation mandatory under the Clean Air Act.
• This finding served as the legal foundation for subsequent climate rules on vehicles and, indirectly, other sectors like power plants.

What’s Changed:

• The EPA finalized a rule overturning this finding, specifically for cars and trucks.
• Other federal climate regulations (e.g., power plants) are not automatically repealed, but the legal foundation for those is weakened.

Legal/Administrative Explanation:

• The current EPA’s position: the threshold in the Clean Air Act [Section 202(a)] was not properly met and Congress didn't clearly give the EPA power to regulate GHGs as "air pollutants".
• The Trump administration's legal rationale pivots on the "Major Questions Doctrine": major agency actions need explicit congressional authorization.
• Their narrower argument: Only “traditional localized air pollutants” (smog, soot, SO₂) should be regulated under this provision, not globally mixed GHGs.

Supporters’ Arguments:

• The original finding overreached executive power.
• Removing it will reduce compliance costs ($1.3 trillion estimate) and lower average vehicle prices by $2,400 (EPA figures).

Critics’ Arguments:

• Climate and health impacts of GHG emissions remain dire.
• The repeal is projected to increase U.S. GHG emissions by 10% over 30 years (citing New York Times).
• Multiple lawsuits have already been filed by environmental and health groups.

Key Quote:

“The repeal argues that Congress didn’t clearly intend for section 202 to be used as this mechanism for regulating global climate change.” (08:44)

Memorable Moment:

“Several environmental and public health organizations have already filed a lawsuit … It’s ultimately going to come down to the court’s interpretation of section 202A and what the court feels the EPA has the authority to regulate under the law.” (11:53)

2. The Colbert/Talarico FCC/CBS Drama Explained

(12:46 – 19:36)

Summary of Events:

• Stephen Colbert said on air that CBS lawyers prevented him from airing an interview with Texas State Rep. and Senate candidate James Talarico, purportedly due to FCC Equal Time Rule risks.
• CBS responded, stating they did not prohibit the interview but offered legal guidance/options due to possible FCC obligations for Talarico’s opponents.
• Colbert read CBS’s rebuttal on air, maintaining that lawyers had guided the script and that refusal was unprecedented.

FCC Equal Time Rule Context:

• Origin: Communications Act of 1934.
• Requires broadcast TV/radio to give equal access to all legally qualified candidates for the same office if any candidate is given airtime—unless falling under one of several exemptions, like bona fide news interviews (historically applies to late shows).
• In January 2026, FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued guidance suggesting closer scrutiny of talk/entertainment shows using this exemption.
  • Networks became cautious, wanting to avoid regulatory penalties.
• Jasmine Crockett (Talarico’s opponent) claimed the FCC was not involved; instead, CBS/Colbert avoided giving her equal time.

Key Quotes:

• Colbert:

  "And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this." (13:31)
  "They know damn well that every word of my script was approved by CBS’s lawyers, who, for the record, approve every script that goes on air." (15:20)

Host Clarification:

“On one hand, the FCC’s new guidance is just that, guidance. It’s not a new regulation... but broadcast network lawyers are naturally going to become more cautious…” (17:19)

Memorable Moment:

• The host warns about background construction noise and keeps the tone conversational and reassuring.

3. Quick Hitters: Major Brief News Items

(25:13 – 27:27)

• Possible Iran Strike:
  U.S. reportedly prepared to strike Iran as soon as this weekend. President has not decided; discussions ongoing after failed U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva. Iran signaling combat readiness.

• Pride Flag Legislation:
  Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposes making the Pride flag a federally authorized symbol — would offer it federal protections like the U.S. flag, following recent removals from federal sites.

• Surge in 287(g) ICE Agreements:
  ICE now has 1,168 agreements allowing local law enforcement to assist with immigration arrests—a 950% increase since Trump’s second term began.

• DHS Refugee Detention Memo:
  New memo extends authority for immigration officers to detain legal refugees who have not become green card holders within a year of U.S. entry.

4. Rumor Has It: SAVE American Act – Voter Registration Requirements

(27:28 – 37:32)

Rumor Addressed:
"Will the SAVE American Act take away the right to vote for married women who have changed their last names?"

Host Clarification:

• The “SAVE American Act” (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) would require documentary proof of citizenship to register for federal elections.
• Most current states only require applicants to attest under penalty of perjury; this bill would require physical proof (passport, EDL, birth certificate, etc.).
• Only specifically marked “Enhanced Driver’s License” (EDL) or passport would count as a single proof; most Real ID-compliant IDs would not suffice, as they do not confirm citizenship.
• Those who have changed names or lack documentation would need matching paperwork (birth certificate + name change docs).

Key Quotes:

• “The law says you need either a passport or a ‘form of ID issued consistent with the requirements of real ID that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States.’” (33:56)
• “A standard real ID compliant ID is not sufficient. It would have to be an EDL based on the text of the law, which is only offered in a handful of states…” (35:04)

Other Notable Points:

• Each state would decide what alternative documentation could suffice if someone lacks “official” proof.
• Law would likely face significant court challenges if passed.
• Bill passed the House, appears unlikely in Senate due to cloture rule (needs 60 votes).

Host’s 4 Takeaways:

1. The Act is unlikely to pass the Senate in current form.
2. Requires strong documentary proof—especially difficult for those with changed names or without enhanced IDs.
3. States must create new documentation processes for discrepancies and lacking paperwork.
4. Will likely be challenged in courts, so could face delays or changes.

5. Rumor Has It: ICE Agents’ Testimony and Investigation

(37:33 – 40:00)

• Two ICE agents are under federal investigation for allegedly lying under oath about the shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis.
• Video evidence reportedly contradicted agents’ testimony about being assaulted with a broom and shovel.
• Charges against two Venezuelan men dropped after the government found new, materially inconsistent evidence.
• ICE agents are on leave; DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “it appears as if the agents did lie.”

6. Nonpartisan News Source Recommendations

(40:01 – End)

Host’s Picks & Reasoning:

“I’m not guaranteeing that you are going to find these people to be totally unbiased ... but they do a very good job at trying to maintain neutrality.” (40:15)

• Mo News: Very active, regular Instagram updates and Substack.
• Roka News: Socials and a free newsletter.
• Straight Arrow News: Offers features for detecting bias in media coverage.
• Ground News: (No added detail.)
• Alexander Kellerman: Instagram and Substack for news with a lighthearted touch.

Host’s Parting Note

Jordan Berman heads on maternity leave as “Unbiased University” begins; listeners are encouraged to keep learning, stay updated using recommended sources, and look forward to regular shows resuming in April.

Notable Quotes

• Jordan Berman:
  • "I cannot emphasize enough how excited I am for just how much you are going to learn." (00:38)
  • “As much as I’m going to miss you guys, I am really excited for this series. I have put so much into this series.” (End)

Conclusion

This dense, well-organized episode exemplifies UNBIASED Politics’ mission—breaking down politics, law, and policy with clarity and accuracy, omitting spin, and highlighting both sides on controversial issues. It leaves listeners informed and equipped to follow political developments even during the host’s upcoming leave.