Coast Guard sounds alarm on Kristi Noem and U.S. women hockey's road to gold

Plus, a look back at Rev. Jesse Jackson's life and legacy.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard has become increasingly strained, with officials raising concerns about her directives and use of Coast Guard resources. Meanwhile, the U.S. women's hockey team advanced to the gold medal game at the Olympics, and civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84.

Why it matters

Noem's focus on deportation quotas appears poised to further impact Coast Guard operations, raising concerns about the potential misuse of resources. The U.S. women's hockey team's continued success at the Olympics is a source of national pride, while the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson marks the end of an era for the civil rights movement.

The details

According to sources, Noem made decisions early in her tenure that rankled Coast Guard officials, including shifting resources away from a search-and-rescue mission to find a missing service member and putting them toward deporting migrants. The dynamic has only worsened in recent months, with Noem's top adviser Corey Lewandowski berating Coast Guard flight staff and threatening to fire them. Coast Guard officials have privately raised concerns about some of the secretary's directives and use of Coast Guard resources to service her priorities. Meanwhile, the U.S. women's hockey team continued its run of dominance, sweeping Sweden in a 5-0 victory to advance to the gold medal game, where they'll face Canada. The team is honoring the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who played for Team USA in six different international events before his tragic death in 2024.

  • Early in her tenure, Noem made decisions that rankled Coast Guard officials.
  • In recent months, the dynamic between Noem and the Coast Guard has only worsened.
  • The U.S. women's hockey team advanced to the gold medal game on Monday.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary whose relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard has become increasingly strained.

Corey Lewandowski

Noem's top adviser who berated Coast Guard flight staff and threatened to fire them.

Johnny Gaudreau

The late NHL star who played for Team USA in six different international events before his tragic death in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.