Voter roll crusade, Epstein files fallout, expert financial advice: Catch up on the day's stories

CNN's 5 Things PM brings you the stories you might have missed during your busy day.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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President Donald Trump's administration has sued 25 mostly Democratic state election chiefs to gain access to voter information, encountering quiet resistance from some Republicans. The controversy over the Epstein files has exploded into public view, with several top clients dropping powerhouse talent agent Casey Wasserman. Wall Street veteran Howard Silverblatt shares financial advice, and American fashion designers are drawing inspiration from themselves amid industry challenges.

Why it matters

These stories cover a range of important topics, from election integrity and high-profile scandals to personal finance tips and the state of the fashion industry. They provide insight into key political, social, and economic issues affecting the country.

The details

The Trump administration's lawsuit against state election officials is part of a broader effort to gain access to voter information, which some Republicans have resisted. The fallout from the Epstein files has led to the departure of several top clients from talent agent Casey Wasserman. Wall Street analyst Howard Silverblatt, with nearly 50 years of experience, shares his advice on personal finance. American fashion designers are turning to themselves for inspiration as the industry faces challenges like tariffs and the collapse of department stores.

  • The Trump administration has sued 25 mostly Democratic state election chiefs.
  • The controversy over the Epstein files has exploded into public view in recent days.
  • Howard Silverblatt worked on Wall Street for nearly 50 years.
  • American fashion designers are currently drawing inspiration from themselves.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who has led the effort to gain access to voter information.

Casey Wasserman

A powerhouse talent agent whose clients have dropped him in the fallout from the Epstein files.

Howard Silverblatt

A markets analyst and data wizard who worked on Wall Street for nearly 50 years and is sharing his financial advice.

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What they’re saying

“You have been warned”

— Ian Claughton (CNN)

The takeaway

These stories highlight the ongoing political battles over voter information, the fallout from high-profile scandals, the value of expert financial advice, and the challenges facing the fashion industry. They provide a comprehensive overview of the day's news and the broader trends and issues shaping the country.