A Pentagon showdown over artificial intelligence, fresh warnings on any U.S. strike against Iran, and a startling royal twist topped a busy news cycle.

Pentagon vs. Anthropic over A.I. safety
A dispute between the Defense Department and Anthropic has broken into public view, underscoring how fast-developing A.I. tools are testing national‑security guardrails. The New York Times’ “The Headlines” roundup says the sides are at odds over safety and deployment standards for advanced models—an argument that could shape how the military vets and fields A.I. across intelligence, cyber, and battlefield systems [1].

Iran flashpoint: Build‑up and a bipartisan caution light
The U.S. has moved forces into position for potential strikes on Iran, according to the Times’ briefs, even as senior lawmakers warn that acting without allied backing would be a strategic mistake. Sen. Mark Warner told CNN that striking Iran without support from partners is “not the best plan,” highlighting the diplomatic stakes around any military option [1] [2].

BBC says Former Prince Andrew arrested in Epstein probe
The BBC reported that U.K. police arrested former Prince Andrew over ties to Jeffrey Epstein, per the Times’ digest—an extraordinary development that, if confirmed and detailed by authorities, would mark a new phase in the long‑running scandal surrounding the late financier’s network [1].

Aviation security scare in Houston
In Texas, a suspect attempted to storm the cockpit of a grounded Delta Air Lines jet at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport early Wednesday, local media reported. Houston police said they received the call at 5:38 a.m. local time; additional details were pending as the incident remained under investigation [3].

Markets watch: ‘Eye‑opening’ Fed minutes
On the economic front, Reuters reported that Federal Reserve minutes were “eye‑opening,” with discussion that included the possibility of a rate hike—prompting investors to reassess the path of policy after months of holding steady [4].

And a lighter note: Saints offseason drumbeat
In New Orleans, the Saints’ offseason calendar is ramping up, with team roundups highlighting early draft speculation and Mardi Gras cameos. Drew Brees’ Krewe of Bacchus ride and a looming scouting combine offer a welcome palate cleanser from a heavy news week [5].

References

1. An A.I. Fight at the Pentagon, and BBC Says Former Prince Andrew Is Arrested Over Epstein Ties (The New York Times) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/podcasts/the-headlines/ai-pentagon-transgender-rights.html
2. Sen. Mark Warner: ‘Not the best plan’ for the U.S. to strike Iran without support from allies (CNN) https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/18/world/video/iran-usa-president-trump-allies-lead-jake-tapper
3. Suspect Attempts to Storm Delta Air Lines Flight Cockpit (Newsweek) https://www.newsweek.com/houston-airport-delta-airlines-flight-cockpit-11542040
4. ‘Eye-opening’ Fed minutes show talk of rate hike (Reuters) https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idRW660418022026RP1/?chan=business
5. Morning Break: A look ahead to 2026 NFL draft – New Orleans news headlines (NewOrleansSaints.com) https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/morning-break-a-look-ahead-to-2026-nfl-draft-new-orleans-news-headlines-2-18-2026