Worth Knowing, Probably Not Quite Threadworthy 2/18

[SVPete]

Epstein, The View, and the Permanent Double Standard

https://pjmedia.com/eric-florack/2026/02/18/epstein-whoopi-what-goes-around-comes-around-n4949632

It’s amazing how quickly things change when one finds oneself cornered. Case in point: Back on the sixth of this month, I offered a column on Whoopi Goldberg being in the Epstein files. I even posted the receipts. Her name pops up some 21 times. From her, nothing but denial at the time, calling it a “fake list.”

When the evidence became insurmountable, that changed into this. Fox News:

"In the name of transparency," Goldberg began as she asked for the email to appear on the screen. "My name is in the files."

Funny how she didn't seem all that worried about "transparency" when she was in denial. Now that the lie is exposed, she talks about "transparency" as if it were her idea to be transparent. That's like getting out in front of an angry mob, pretending it's a parade you're leading. Now, the correct interpretation is that Anyone can be on that list, and simply being on the list doesn’t indicate guilt. President Trump, unsurprisingly, is the exception.

Trouble is, of course, being on the list means guilt is exactly the standard Goldberg and so many other leftists have been using against their nemesis, Donald John Trump. She would have you believe that the standard she applies to Trump doesn’t apply to her and her co-hosts, who also show up on that list, many times. She’s now finding out what it’s like to have a bit of information out there and have it twisted into a tool against you.

Like the PJMedia article author, I do not believe she was a participant in Epstein's perversions. Epstein probably was interested in her for her potential $$ investments and/or for her potential in his connections-for-finding-fees business. The big point is that suddenly she is facing Dems' and other Trump-Haters' Mentions = Guilt standard they apply to Trump. Whoopster exemplifies the simple fact that the Epstein files embody mentions and contacts pertinent to Epstein's non-criminal businesses and his general, non-criminal, social interests.

[enslaved1]

Wildfires rage in Oklahoma as thousands urged to evacuate a small city

Warm, dry and windy weather in Oklahoma has fueled multiple wildfires and prompted authorities to urge nearly one-third of the residents of the small city of Woodward to flee.

Matt Lehenbauer, director of emergency management for Woodward and its nearly 12,000 inhabitants, said the evacuation recommendation covers roughly 4,000 people. It is voluntary, he said, because Oklahoma prohibits mandatory evacuations.

The wildfire in Woodward, about 140 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, is approaching a "worst-case scenario," Lehenbauer said, but it hasn't moved into the most populated area of the city.

These moved into parts of Kansas, some into my old stomping grounds.  Ash was falling deep into Kansas.  Does look like things are settling down quickly, but it still dangerous possibilities.

Some video updates of the impacts on Kansas The story itself is concerning, but the interesting lack of coverage is also concerning, especially how much attention California wildfires always get, since they are close to rich people. 

[SVPete]

California wildfire news coverage is not entirely due to proximity to "rich" people. For example, last year's Altadena fire, the city of Altadena is very middle class. For example, the Camp Fire, which erased the town of Paradise. Paradise - and the Chico area generally - are mostly middle class.

Please refrain from stereotyping.

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Education Department Investigates Portland Schools for Racism

https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/02/17/education-department-investigates-portland-schools-for-racism-n4949630

Woke Portland Public Schools (PPS) are in trouble for blatantly racist programs. I know you’re shocked.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has opened an investigation into PPS over its Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE). ED believes this CBSE could be illegal under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to a Feb. 17 press release. PPS has allocated millions of dollars specifically for black students, discriminating on the basis of skin color.

The new ED investigation is in response to a civil rights complaint that advocacy group Defending Education filed last year. Sarah Parshall Perry, vice president and legal fellow at Defending Education, reacted to the investigation in the following statement shared with PJ Media: “We at Defending Education are incredibly gratified that the Department of Education's Civil Rights Office is opening an investigation into Portland Public Schools over its Black Student Success Plan and the millions in associated taxpayer dollars it intends to expend in advancing learning for students of only one race.”

At the rate Trump's Education Department is going, even some Dems will be hating it and quietly hoping for its demise.