02.10.26 - ICE funding stalled, Trump threatens U.S.–Canada bridge, Judge blocks mask ban, U.S. speedskater comes out, Funding increase for the 211 hotline

Visit this link for additional materials, resources, and content.An episode in Slow English for those who want to follow American news without the stress.Per l’episodio in Italiano, visita questa link.Sources:Arrieta, Rolando. “U.S. skater Connor McDermott-Mostowy joins record number of out LGBTQ Winter Olympians” NPR. 09 Feb 2026. https://www.npr.org/2026/02/09/nx-s1-5703620/speedskater-connor-mcdermott-mostowy-lgbtq-olympianBurdelski, Julia. “Lt. Gov. Austin Davis stumps in Pittsburgh for boosting 211 help line budget” TribLive. 09 Feb 2026. https://triblive.com/local/lt-gov-austin-davis-stumps-in-pittsburgh-for-boosting-211-help-line-budget/Cheney, Kyle, and Gerstein, Josh. “Judge blocks enforcement of California’s law banning masks for ICE agents” Politico. 09 Feb 2026. https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/09/judge-blocks-enforcement-california-ice-agents-masks-00772396Gold, Michael. “Talks on Immigration Enforcement Limits Still Stuck With Deadline Nearing” New York Times. 08 Feb 2026. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/us/politics/dhs-funding-immigration-shutdown.htmlHarvey, Lex, and Waldenberg, Samantha. “Trump threatens to block opening of new US-Canada bridge” CNN. 10 Feb 2026. https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/10/politics/gordie-howe-bridge-canada-trump-threat-intl-hnkThese stories are summaries.The United States Today — Slow English is narrated, recorded, and produced by Samantha Watkins. Music by Ol’ Matty G.