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Ash Wednesday 2026 Marks the Beginning of Lent for Millions Worldwide

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Ash Wednesday 2026 Marks the Beginning of Lent for Millions Worldwide
On February 18, 2026, Christians around the world will observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The date changes each year because it is tied to Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21. In 2026, Easter will fall on April 5, placing Ash Wednesday 46 days earlier. Image for illustration purposes
On February 18, 2026, Christians around the world will observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The date changes each year because it is tied to Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21. In 2026, Easter will fall on April 5, placing Ash Wednesday 46 days earlier. Image for illustration purposes

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On February 18, 2026, Christians around the world will observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The date changes each year because it is tied to Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21. In 2026, Easter will fall on April 5, placing Ash Wednesday 46 days earlier.

Ash Wednesday is recognized primarily by Roman Catholics and by many Protestant denominations, including Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, and some Reformed churches. The day is named for the practice of placing ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross. During the service, clergy often say the words Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return or Repent and believe in the Gospel. These phrases come from Genesis 3:19 and Mark 1:15 in the Bible.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Lent is described as a penitential season that prepares believers for the celebration of Easter. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops explains that Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and giving that mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Sundays are not counted in the 40 days, which is why Ash Wednesday falls 46 days before Easter.

Fasting and abstinence are key elements of the observance for many Christians. The Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church states that Ash Wednesday is a day of both fasting and abstinence for Catholics. Fasting generally means limiting food intake, while abstinence refers to refraining from eating meat. Other Christian communities may observe the day with prayer services, scripture readings, and personal reflection.

Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, yet it is one of the most widely attended liturgical services of the year. Churches often report large attendance as believers begin the Lenten season with a public sign of faith and repentance.

For many participants, the importance of Ash Wednesday lies in its call to self-examination and renewal. The imposition of ashes is a visible symbol of an inner desire to turn away from sin and grow spiritually. The following season encourages acts of charity, discipline, and deeper prayer.

As February 18, 2026, approaches, congregations across the United States and around the world are preparing for services that will begin the journey toward Easter. For millions of Christians, Ash Wednesday remains a solemn and meaningful start to a season focused on reflection, sacrifice, and hope.

“Saved by the Belt” Challenge Rolls Out Across Texas

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“Saved by the Belt” Challenge Rolls Out Across Texas
Teens and young adults ages 15–20 make up nearly 9% of the Texas population, yet they were involved in 19% of all motor vehicle crashes in 2024. Tragically, 132 of the young people killed in those crashes weren’t wearing a seat belt. Image: Screengrab from TxDOT video
Teens and young adults ages 15–20 make up nearly 9% of the Texas population, yet they were involved in 19% of all motor vehicle crashes in 2024. Tragically, 132 of the young people killed in those crashes weren’t wearing a seat belt. Image: Screengrab from TxDOT video

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AUSTIN – Skipping seat belts isn’t a flex—it’s a deadly risk. The new “Saved by the Belt” competition challenges Texas teens to wear a seat belt every seat, every ride.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the University Interscholastic League (UIL) are calling on high school students to pledge to buckle up every time they get in a vehicle, and always drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. 

Our future is on the line

Teens and young adults ages 15–20 make up nearly 9% of the Texas population, yet they were involved in 19% of all motor vehicle crashes in 2024. Tragically, 132 of the young people killed in those crashes weren’t wearing a seat belt.

“Teens will shape our communities for years to come, but the simple choice to buckle up—or not—can be the difference between a bright future or a young life cut short,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “By instilling these habits now, we can help the next generation of Texas drivers make safe driving decisions for the rest of their lives.” 

What TxDOT is doing

TxDOT’s partnership with the UIL is part of its annual teen-focused Click It or Ticket campaign. Students at more than 1,500 high schools across Texas have been invited to compete in the “Saved by the Belt” challenge. Through Feb. 27, students can go to TexasFootball.com to take the pledge to buckle up every time they get in a vehicle. The UIL will provide a grand prize of $5,000 to the school that gets the most pledges.

Seat belts save lives 

The real winners in the contest will be the students who are safer on the road because they always wear their seat belts, the best defense in a crash. If you’re not buckled up, you could be ejected from the vehicle or even thrown into other passengers. When you buckle up, you protect yourself–and your fellow passengers–from serious injury or death. 

Although “Saved by the Belt” is specifically aimed at teens and young adults, it’s important to remember that Texas law requires all drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt. Unbuckled drivers and passengers—even those in the back seat—face fines and court costs of up to $200. 

The Click It or Ticket campaign is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.

Information source: TxDOT

Allegations of Unauthorized Spending Shake Hidalgo County Democratic Party Leadership Race

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Allegations of Unauthorized Spending Shake Hidalgo County Democratic Party Leadership Race
Eduardo de la Rosa. Image FB
Eduardo de la Rosa. Image FB

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Early voting begins Tuesday, the 17th, in a closely watched race for Hidalgo County Democratic Party Precinct 7 Chairman. Candidate Eduardo De La Rosa says he entered the race after raising concerns about financial decisions made by the current Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman, Richard Gonzales.

In a public post, De La Rosa wrote that he is “running against an opponent because of concerns I raised about expenditures by the current Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman, Richard Gonzales, made without the approval of the Executive Committee.” He described the issue as one of “transparency and accountability,” adding, “Transparency and accountability are fundamental values that must be upheld. Chairman Gonzales did not.”

De La Rosa alleged that Gonzales “appointed a Chief Executive Officer for pay who subsequently hired his spouse as Marketing Director.” He further stated that “additional payments were made to political consultants already contracted by Democratic Party candidates for pay.” According to De La Rosa, his opponent in the Precinct 7 race “also benefited from these arrangements.” He questioned the spending directly, writing, “Why was that money spent without approval?”

De La Rosa also wrote that despite “repeated requests to resign, Chairman Gonzales declined.” He claimed that “this situation contributed to Hidalgo County shifting toward the Republican Party,” though no specific election data was included in the post.

Calling for a change in leadership, De La Rosa wrote, “It is clear that new leadership is necessary,” and announced his endorsement of Pete Garcia for Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman.

De La Rosa said he has received endorsements from former Hidalgo County Democratic Precinct 7 Chairman Eloy Trevino and former Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa, as well as “several other local leaders.”

He concluded by urging party unity and warning of political consequences if concerns are not addressed, writing, “It is essential that we unite against actions detrimental to our party; otherwise, our candidates and our community risk losing vital support and representation.” He encouraged voters to “Vote De La Rosa for Hidalgo County Democratic Party Precinct 7 Chairman.”

The allegations raised by De La Rosa center on questions of financial oversight, internal approval processes, and potential conflicts of interest within the local party organization, issues that could play a significant role as voters cast ballots in the upcoming election.

Richard Gonzales is invited to respond directly to these allegations by contacting us at info@tbbmega.com, as we do not currently have his direct contact information and want to ensure he has the opportunity to address these concerns.

Follow the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10241229429779434&id=1431934467&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=9HeM7KFH9SmsxLtm

Ille­gal Vot­ing Tipline Launched to Stop Unlaw­ful Vot­ing Activ­i­ty Ahead of March Primary

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Ille­gal Vot­ing Tipline Launched to Stop Unlaw­ful Vot­ing Activ­i­ty Ahead of March Primary
Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an email tip line where the public may report suspected violations of Texas election law and issued a legal advisory on election integrity. Image for illustration purposes
Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an email tip line where the public may report suspected violations of Texas election law and issued a legal advisory on election integrity. Image for illustration purposes

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an email tip line where the public may report suspected violations of Texas election law and issued a legal advisory on election integrity.

Attorney General Paxton will thoroughly investigate any suspected voter fraud and protect the integrity of our elections. In his legal advisory, he notes that, “Significant growth of the noncitizen population in Texas and a pattern of partisan efforts to illegally weaponize voter registration and the voting process to manipulate electoral outcomes have created urgent risks to local, state, and federal elections. The following guidance clarifies and emphasizes several key aspects of election law.”

“Under my watch, there will be no stolen elections in Texas. Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of a thriving republic, and with the authority granted to my office by the Legislature, we will stop at nothing to uncover and stop any illegal voting activity,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I invite all Texans to report suspected violations at our tipline, illegalvoting@oag.texas.gov. Your liberties and your representation in our government depend on secure elections. I will continue to protect the integrity of your vote and your voice.”

Citizens and governmental entities may review this guidance to better acquaint themselves with the relevant laws that govern who can register to vote, how voting may be conducted, and other legal requirements. Violations of the Texas Election Code carry serious penalties, including jail time and fines. 

To read the advisory, click here.

To report suspected election law violations, email illegalvoting@oag.texas.gov. 

Army 2nd Lt. Darwin Kyle: Medal of Honor

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Army 2nd Lt. Darwin Kyle: Medal of Honor
Army 2nd Lt. Darwin Kyle receives a battlefield commission in January 1951 after rescuing several soldiers during the evacuation of Hungnam, North Korea, a month earlier. Photo Credit: US Army via US Department of War

Army 2nd Lt. Darwin Kyle receives a battlefield commission in January 1951 after rescuing several soldiers during the evacuation of Hungnam, North Korea, a month earlier. Photo Credit: US Army via US Department of War

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By Katie Lange, Pentagon News / US Department of War

Army 2nd Lt. Darwin Kyle receives a battlefield commission in January 1951 after rescuing several soldiers during the evacuation of Hungnam, North Korea, a month earlier. Photo Credit: US Army via US Department of Warwas an experienced soldier who’d survived World War II and took pride in looking after his fellow soldiers. During a firefight during the Korean War, Kyle gave his life to ensure his platoon mates could survive. For his selflessness, he was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor

Kyle was born June 1, 1918, in the coal mining town of Jenkins, Kentucky, to Charles and Pearl Kyle. He had an older brother, also named Charles.

At some point in Kyle’s youth, the family moved to Racine, West Virginia, where he grew up and attended Sherman High School before enlisting in the Army in November 1939.


Supplies and equipment are evacuated from the onslaught of the Chinese communist forces bearing down on Hungnam, North Korea, during the Korean War, Dec. 11, 1950. Photo Credit: Army/National Archives via US Department of War

Kyle served valiantly during World War II, earning a Silver Star for his actions in France and Germany. According to a 2001 article in The Mountain Eagle newspaper out of Whitesburg, Kentucky, Kyle received the award for saving soldiers from six disabled Allied tanks that had been hit by enemy fire.

Kyle was discharged from the service in August 1945 and returned to West Virginia. At some point, he married Betty Totten. The couple went on to have two daughters, Donna and Nancy.

Civilian life didn’t seem to suit Kyle, though, so in July 1947, he reenlisted in the Army. The veteran soldier was assigned to the 6th Infantry Division in South Korea, where he served as part of the post-World War II occupation force.

By the summer of 1950, when war broke out on the Korean Peninsula, Kyle was back in the U.S., serving as a master sergeant in Massachusetts assigned to Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. By that autumn, however, Kyle was back in Korea, this time to fight.

In December 1950, when Americans were evacuated from the North Korean port city of Hungnam, Kyle helped move several injured soldiers to safety after an explosion ripped through the area. His leadership and bravery during that incident quickly earned him a battlefield commission to second lieutenant, according to the West Virginia Encyclopedia Online.

On Feb. 16, 1951, the platoon that Kyle was leading was ordered to remove Chinese defenders from snow-packed Hill 185 near Kamil-Ni, South Korea. When they got pinned down by intense fire, Kyle remained out in the open so he could move among his men and encourage them to continue advancing toward the strongly entrenched enemy.

The encouragement worked, and they made some forward progress, but they were quickly pinned down again by enemy machine gun fire that wounded six soldiers. Kyle immediately reacted by charging the machine gun nest and fighting its crew in hand-to-hand combat, taking out the position’s three enemy soldiers by himself.

Once the platoon started moving toward the hill again, they were met with intense automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy position on their right flank. This time, Kyle led his men in a bayonet charge against the position.

Kyle fired his carbine and threw grenades as he went. He took out four enemy soldiers before a burst from an enemy submachine gun killed him. 

Kyle’s leadership and extraordinary heroism during the chaos helped save his fellow soldiers’ lives. For his selfless sacrifice, Kyle was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor. His wife and daughters accepted it on his behalf from Defense Secretary Robert Lovett during a Pentagon ceremony on Jan. 16, 1952.  

Soon after his family received the award, the Army named Camp Kyle in western South Korea in his honor. The camp remained open until 2005.  

Kyle is buried in Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston, West Virginia.  

His heroics haven’t been forgotten. In 1955, an elementary school in South Charleston was named in Kyle’s honor. A bridge in West Virginia was renamed for him in 1996 before it was rebuilt and rededicated again in his name in 2023.  

In 2024, a new housing tower at Camp Humphries in South Korea was also named for Kyle.

Information source: US Department of War

Business Trends and Outlook Survey Data Release — February 12, 2026

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Business Trends and Outlook Survey Data Release — February 12, 2026
The U.S. Census Bureau released new data products from the Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS), a survey that measures business conditions and projections on an ongoing basis. The BTOS includes data for multiunit/multilocation businesses. Image for illustration purposes
The U.S. Census Bureau released new data products from the Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS), a survey that measures business conditions and projections on an ongoing basis. The BTOS includes data for multiunit/multilocation businesses. Image for illustration purposes

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The U.S. Census Bureau released new data products from the Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS), a survey that measures business conditions and projections on an ongoing basis. The BTOS includes data for multiunit/multilocation businesses. BTOS will continue to collect data complementary to key items found on other economic surveys, such as revenues, employees, hours, and inventories.

Follow the link below to read the data:

https://www.census.gov/hfp/btos/data

Sample of the data available. US Census Bureau Graphic.

BTOS data are representative of all employer businesses in the U.S. economy, excluding farms. BTOS provides insight into the state of the economy by providing continuous, timely data for key economic measures every two weeks. By providing continuous data with geographic and subsector detail, BTOS captures the impact of events like natural disasters and economic crises and assists in monitoring recovery efforts.

The BTOS sample consists of approximately 1.2 million businesses with biweekly data collection. Selected businesses are split into six panels (approximately 200,000 cases per panel) that will be asked to report every 12 weeks for a year. The Census Bureau estimates it takes the average respondent approximately nine minutes to complete the survey, including the time for reviewing the instructions and answers.  

Data will be released biweekly and available by sector, state and the 25 most populous metropolitan statistical areas. New questions on artificial intelligence were added November 17, 2025 and will be released in 2026. Survey results give local, state and federal officials essential, real-time data to aid in policymaking and decision-making. In addition, the information aids businesses in making economic decisions.

CBP Supervisor Among 413 Charged in Latest Southern District Border Enforcement Surge

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CBP Supervisor Among 413 Charged in Latest Southern District Border Enforcement Surge
A total of 413 individuals have been charged in immigration and border security enforcement efforts from Feb. 6-13. Image for illustration purposes
A total of 413 individuals have been charged in immigration and border security enforcement efforts from Feb. 6-13. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

HOUSTON – A total of 413 individuals have been charged in immigration and border security enforcement efforts from Feb. 6-13.

The cases include charges against 17 people allegedly involved in human smuggling. A total of 167 people were charged with illegal entry, while another 227 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felony convictions such as narcotics offenses, violent crimes and immigration crimes. The remaining four individuals charged this week relate to other immigration crimes and a false statement charge.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.

An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Paxton Launches Probe Into ISDs Accused of Allowing School‑Day Protests on Immigration Enforcement

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Paxton Launches Probe Into ISDs Accused of Allowing School‑Day Protests on Immigration Enforcement
Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced investigations into North East Independent School District (“NEISD”) in San Antonio, Dallas Independent School District, and Manor Independent School District (“MISD”) for facilitating and failing to keep students safe and accountable during various student protests against lawful immigration enforcement. Image for illustration purposes
Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced investigations into North East Independent School District (“NEISD”) in San Antonio, Dallas Independent School District, and Manor Independent School District (“MISD”) for facilitating and failing to keep students safe and accountable during various student protests against lawful immigration enforcement. Image for illustration purposes

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced investigations into North East Independent School District (“NEISD”) in San Antonio, Dallas Independent School District, and Manor Independent School District (“MISD”) for facilitating and failing to keep students safe and accountable during various student protests against lawful immigration enforcement.  

The investigations are being announced following concerns that ISD administration and faculty orchestrated the protests. It appears that these ISDs have taken little to no action to ensure the safety of students and to stop large-scale interruptions of classroom instructional time.  

“I will not allow Texas schools to become breeding grounds for the radical Left’s open borders agenda,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “Let this serve as a warning to any public school official or employee who unlawfully facilitates student participation in protests targeting our heroic law enforcement officers: my office will use every legal tool available to hold you accountable.” 

Attorney General Paxton has demanded that each of the three ISDs hand over information regarding policies related to allowing students to leave campus, excused absence policies, security protocols of the ISD, and internal communications regarding the protests. The Office of the Attorney General will investigate the use of public funds and whether any laws were violated. 

This investigation follows Attorney General Paxton’s similar actions towards Austin ISD as part of an ongoing investigation into their facilitation of anti-law enforcement protests. 

CBP Officers at World Trade Bridge Seize Over $6.8M in Cocaine

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CBP Officers at World Trade Bridge Seize Over $6.8M in Cocaine
On Feb. 10, 2026, CBP officers at World Trade Bridge seized over $6.8 million in cocaine. USCBP image
On Feb. 10, 2026, CBP officers at World Trade Bridge seized over $6.8 million in cocaine. USCBP image

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LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized cocaine that totaled over $6,800,000 in street value.

“This substantial cocaine seizure at the World Trade Bridge highlights the steadfast dedication of our officers in safeguarding our borders and communities from the threat of illicit drug trafficking,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “The discovery within a shipment of roses demonstrates the vigilance and expertise of our officers. Their commitment to the mission reflects the high standards of service CBP upholds, and their actions continue to make a meaningful impact in protecting our nation.”The seizure occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the World Trade Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2018 T3 International tractor and trailer manifesting a shipment of “roses/fresh flowers” for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 211 packages containing 516.76 pounds of alleged cocaine within the commodity.

The narcotics has a street value of $6,899,798.

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