ANCHORAGE, Alaska – NORAD launched U.S. fighter jets and support aircraft Thursday after detecting five Russian military planes operating inside the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The encounter took place near the Bering Strait off Alaska’s west coast. Officials said the aircraft did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace. Instead, they described the intercept as a regular air defense mission, not an escalation.

What NORAD tracked and intercepted

Early Thursday, NORAD sensors picked up and followed a small Russian formation. The command identified the aircraft as:

• Two Tu-95 Bear long-range bombers
• Two Su-35 fighter jets
• One A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft (often compared to the U.S. E-3 Sentry)

The planes flew inside the Alaskan ADIZ, a buffer area in international airspace. Aircraft in this zone are expected to identify themselves so North American forces can keep track of activity near the border.

US aircraft involved in the response

After confirming the track, NORAD sent a mix of aircraft from Alaska and other locations, including:

• Two F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters
• Two F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters
• One E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft
• Four KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft

US crews intercepted the group, visually confirmed each aircraft, and stayed with them until they left the ADIZ. The mission focused on observation and control, with no reported issues.

In its statement, NORAD said Russian flights in the Alaskan ADIZ happen often and are not viewed as a direct threat. The Russian aircraft stayed in international airspace for the full event.

Russian flights near Alaska are a regular pattern.

Intercepts like this have become a familiar part of Arctic and sub-Arctic operations, especially near the Bering Strait. That area matters because Russia and the United States sit only a few miles apart at their closest point.

Recent examples include:

• September 2025: NORAD tracked four Russian aircraft (Tu-95s and Su-35s) in the ADIZ, sending F-16s, an E-3, and KC-135 support.
• August 2025: US forces responded to multiple flights involving a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over several days.
• Early 2025: Similar bomber-and-fighter packages operated near the zone during long-range training flights.

Russia often describes these sorties as scheduled training patrols over neutral waters, sometimes supported by aerial refueling. Meanwhile, US and Canadian forces treat them as chances to practice detection, identification, and escort procedures.

This latest intercept comes during a wider global strain and rising interest in the Arctic. Still, officials framed the flight as routine and contained.

Why the Alaskan ADIZ matters

The Alaskan ADIZ adds an early layer of warning beyond national airspace. It gives NORAD time to spot aircraft, confirm what they are, and respond in an organized way.

NORAD is a joint US-Canadian command based at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado. Its air defense toolkit includes ground-based radars, fighter units, airborne surveillance, and coordination with partners.

The aircraft mix used in this intercept reflects that layered approach:

• F-35 Lightning II: Stealth fighters with advanced sensors for safe intercept and tracking.
• F-16 Fighting Falcon: Flexible fighters commonly used for identification and escort.
• E-3 Sentry: Airborne radar and command platform for broad-area awareness.
• KC-135 Stratotanker: Refueling support that keeps jets on station longer in remote areas.

Together, these assets help NORAD keepan eyes on approaching aircraft without raising the temperature.

What it signals amid rising Arctic attention

Even when flights stay professional, they show how active the Arctic has become. As sea ice changes, interest has grown in new routes and resources, and Russia has expanded its military footprint in the region. That has kept US and NATO planners focused on northern defense.

NORAD’s quick response reinforced that North American approaches will be monitored and managed. Officials reported no unsafe maneuvers and no communication problems, matching the tone of many past intercepts.

The mission ended normally, with the Russian aircraft leaving the ADIZ as expected. This report is based on NORAD’s official release and defense sources confirming details of the February 19-20, 2026, event.

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NEW YORK – A strong nor’easter is bringing rare blizzard warnings to a large part of the Northeast, including New York City for the first time in almost 10 years.

The National Weather Service (NWS) expects 12 to 18 inches of heavy, wet snow, with higher totals in a few areas. At the same time, wind gusts could reach 55 mph. As a result, blizzard conditions may develop, with near-zero visibility and travel that turns dangerous fast.

Meteorologists say this coastal storm is strengthening quickly as it pushes north. It could affect tens of millions of people from Delaware to southern New England. Blizzard warnings include: New York City, Long Island, much of New Jersey, southern Connecticut, and nearby coastal areas.

The warning period runs from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. Because the snow will fall hard and the winds will stay strong, officials want people to prepare now and avoid unnecessary trips.

Storm Timeline and Rapid Strengthening

Snow should start lightly in some places Sunday morning, then ramp up quickly. By Sunday afternoon and into the night, the strongest snow bands move in. Forecasters expect 1 to 2 inches per hour in the heaviest bursts, and some bands could briefly hit 2 to 3 inches per hour.

• Sunday morning (Feb. 22): Light to moderate snow spreads into New York City and nearby areas.
• Sunday afternoon and evening: Snow turns heavier, winds increase, and visibility drops because of blowing snow.
• Sunday night into Monday morning: The storm reaches its worst, with whiteouts, peak totals, and the strongest gusts.
• Monday afternoon and evening: Snow fades from west to east, although impacts linger on Long Island and in some northern spots into Monday night.

Forecasters also expect the system to deepen fast offshore, which can drive very strong wind gusts near the coast.

Expected Snow Totals and Where the Worst Hits

Most projections show 12 to 18 inches across a wide stretch of the Northeast. The highest totals should sit closer to the coast and near the storm’s center. In New York City, many neighborhoods could pick up 13 to 17 inches. A few locations could push closer to 20 inches if the heaviest bands stall.

• New York City metro: 12 to 18 inches, with isolated totals of 20 inches or more possible.
• Long Island and coastal Connecticut: Some of the biggest totals, with pockets above 18 inches.
• Coastal New Jersey and Delaware: About 10 to 18 inches within blizzard warning areas.
• Boston and southern New England: Blizzard warnings expanding, with similar heavy snow expected.
• Farther inland: Winter storm warnings, with slightly lower totals but major travel impacts.

Because temperatures sit close to freezing, the snow should be heavy and wet. That raises the risk of downed branches, power outages, and slow, difficult snow removal.

Blizzard Warning Conditions and Major Travel Problems

Blizzard conditions happen when strong winds and heavy snow combine to keep visibility near or below one-quarter mile for at least three hours. That setup looks most likely Sunday night into Monday morning, when winds and snowfall both peak. In other words, whiteout conditions could appear quickly and linger.

Travel disruptions could be widespread:

• Major routes such as I-95, I-87, and the Long Island Expressway could become unsafe or even impassable.
• Public transit, including MTA subways, buses, and commuter rail lines, could face major delays or shutdowns.
• Airports in New York, Newark, and Boston expect many cancellations and long delays.
• Officials warn travel may turn life-threatening, so people should stay off the roads unless they must go out.

Along the coast, flooding also remains a concern. Higher tides could bring moderate to major flooding to vulnerable shorelines in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.

Government Response and Safety Tips

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the forecast changed quickly, and she called the storm dangerous and potentially life-threatening. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also urged residents to stay calm, get ready early, and avoid taking chances.

Officials recommend a few simple steps:

• Stock essentials, including food, water, medicine, batteries, and heating fuel.
• Get ready for power outages, charge devices, and plan for safe backup heat.
• Shovel early if you can do it safely, because heavy snow gets harder to move.
• Check on older neighbors and anyone with medical needs.
• Skip nonessential travel, and if you must drive, use extreme caution and carry proper winter gear.

Emergency crews are already on alert, with equipment and teams placed to handle plowing, towing, and stranded drivers.

Why This Storm Stands Out

New York City last saw a blizzard warning in 2017, so this level of alert is unusual for such a crowded area. Over the past two days, forecasts shifted from lighter snow to a major nor’easter, which shows how quickly coastal storms can change.

With Monday closures likely for many schools and some businesses moving to remote work, daily routines could pause across much of the Northeast. Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service and local officials, and stay inside if you can. This storm could rank among the region’s biggest in years.

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WASHINGTON D.C. – US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says revenue from tariffs should stay about the same in 2026, even after a major Supreme Court ruling knocked out a central part of Trump’s tariffs built on emergency powers.

Instead of relying on IEEPA tariffs, the White House says it will route new duties through other laws, including Section 122 authority, Section 232 tariffs, and Section 301 tariffs. At the same time, the decision raises fresh questions about tariff refunds and the direction of US trade policy in 2026.

On Friday, the Supreme Court struck down key parts of President Donald Trump’s emergency-based tariff program. Bessent said that tariff collections next year will be “virtually unchanged.” He argued the ruling blocks one legal tool, not the policy goal, and said the administration already has other ways to keep duties in place.

The Court ruled 6-3 on February 20, 2026. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote the majority opinion. The decision said the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not give the president power to impose broad, revenue-raising tariffs during a national emergency.

Still, in remarks at the Economic Club of Dallas, Bessent played down the practical hit. “The Court did not rule against President Trump’s tariffs,” he said in prepared comments. “Six Justices simply ruled that IEEPA authorities cannot be used to raise even one dollar of revenue.”

From the administration’s view, the fix is straightforward. It plans to move the tariff program onto other trade statutes that have long been used for duties.

What the Supreme Court Ruled On

The case focused on tariffs launched in 2025 under IEEPA, including:

• 25% duties on many imports from Canada and Mexico, tied to drug trafficking concerns
• 10% or higher tariffs on Chinese goods
• At least a 10% baseline tariff across imports from dozens of countries, aimed at trade deficits

The Court said IEEPA, passed in 1977, was built for sanctions and emergency actions tied to foreign threats, not for broad tariffs designed to raise revenue. The justices sent the case back to the Court of International Trade to sort out next steps, including how the ruling should be applied and what remedies may follow.

Supporters of the decision called it a firm limit on executive power. The White House, on the other hand, described it as a narrow legal setback.

Bessent Says 2026 Tariffs Revenue Won’t Drop

Bessent said Treasury projections show little change in total tariff revenue next year. To fill the gap left by IEEPA tariffs, the administration plans to use other authorities, including:

• Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows temporary tariffs up to 15% for 150 days in certain trade-imbalance situations
• Expanded use of Section 232 tariffs, based on national security findings
• Broader use of Section 301 tariffs, tied to unfair trade practices

Bessent described this approach as less direct and more complicated than the emergency route. Even so, he said it should keep collections steady.

“Treasury’s estimates show that the use of Section 122 authority, combined with potentially enhanced Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs will result in virtually unchanged tariff revenue in 2026,” Bessent said.

He also argued that earlier tariffs create a base level of collections, and that new actions will cover any shortfall from the ruling.

President Trump echoed that message soon after the decision. He announced a new 10% global tariff and criticized the justices who dissented.

Tariff Refunds Could Reach Into the Billions

Even if future revenue holds, past tariff collections may be at risk. Economists at the Penn-Wharton Budget Model estimated more than $175 billion in tariff payments could be eligible for refunds. Bessent put the number closer to $130 billion.

He criticized large-scale refunds as “ultimate corporate welfare.” In his view, many importers already passed higher costs on to consumers. If refunds go back to importers, he said, buyers may not see that money returned.

Bessent also warned that the timeline could be long. He said the process will likely involve lawsuits and could take “weeks, months, or more, maybe even years.”

Treasury, however, says it can manage the cash impact. Officials expect cash balances in the $850 billion to $900 billion range in the coming quarters, which they say would help cover any obligations without immediate strain.

What This Means for US Trade Policy in 2026

The decision and the administration’s response,puputeveral pressures back into focus for US trade policy 2026.

• Business impact: Some importers may get short-term relief from the invalidated IEEPA tariffs. Still, new tariffs under other laws could keep costs high.
• Global trade tensions: Trading partners may challenge replacement tariffs, which could escalate disputes.
• Congress and tariff power: The ruling reinforces that Congress controls broad tariff authority. As a result, lawmakers may face more calls to tighten or clarify trade statutes.
• Political fallout: Democrats said the workaround sidesteps the Court’s message. Supporters said the administration is sticking with its trade plan.

Bessent also pushed back on the idea that the ruling weakens US negotiating power. He argued the government still has tougher options available, including broader restrictions such as embargoes, if it chooses to act.

What to Watch Next

As the White House shifts away from IEEPA tariffs, several items will shape the next phase:

• How fast new tariffs roll out under Sections 122, 232, and 301
• How markets react to renewed trade pressure
• Whether new lawsuits target the administration’s next legal strategy
• How the courts handle refund claims, if refunds move forward

For now, Bessent’s message stays consistent. Despite the Supreme Court setback, he says tariff revenue will remain largely intact in 2026, and the administration will keep pushing its “America First” trade approach. The next few months will show whether the replacement plan holds up or sparks another round of legal and economic fights.

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