An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: Colbert roasts CBS; Atlantic essay backlash; five ways to improve your balance; and more

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By Jamie Ross and Izin Akhabau

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Good morning. It's Wednesday, Feb. 18, and we have good news if you hate the tedious process of renewing your passport. You can now do it in six minutes — here's how. Now let's catch up.

Elected Democrats in major U.S. cities are banding together to try to block ICE.

Where? Mayors in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and other cities have moved to limit ICE operations. The coordinated efforts could set up a clash with President Donald Trump.
A fascinating case study: A WhatsApp group for D.C. parents broke apart over politics after an influx of federal agents in the city. See how the schism unfolded in these messages.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the firing of a senior Army spokesman.

Who? Col. David Butler, an adviser to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. The ouster marks the latest clash at the Pentagon as tensions simmer between two of Trump's top appointees.
Meanwhile: A DHS spokeswoman who became a face of Trump's deportation efforts has quit. And Trump picked his White House assistant for the panel reviewing his ballroom.
In Congress: A Republican lawmaker is facing calls to resign after saying he supports dogs over Muslims.

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Stephen Colbert said CBS blocked an interview with a Texas Democrat.

Stephen Colbert criticized the FCC's equal time rule in two segments this week. (Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images)

For the past two nights: Colbert has roasted his own network, saying that lawyers stopped him from airing an interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico — watch here.
The disagreement: Colbert said the segment was blocked because of FCC rules requiring broadcasters to provide equal opportunity to candidates. CBS has disputed his account.

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Nine skiers are missing after an avalanche in Northern California.

At least 46 first responders are involved in the rescue effort in the Castle Peak area of Truckee. (AFP/Getty Images)

What to know: A major rescue effort is underway near Truckee following an avalanche yesterday. Six survivors from a 15-person group have been located, authorities said.
But snowy conditions are challenging rescuers: The West is being hit by powerful storms, with snow forecast in Truckee and surrounding areas through tomorrow night.

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Buying a new car has become shockingly expensive.

In case you haven't checked recently: The average sticker price for a new car or truck now sits above $50,000. The spike is in part being driven by wealthier buyers — here's how.
Many homeowners are struggling, too: A mortgage crisis is quietly hitting those who can least afford it, according to The Post's personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary.

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A gut-wrenching essay in the Atlantic has sparked backlash.

Last week: The magazine published an account of a mother's experience of learning her child will die of measles complications. Some readers praised the essay as visceral and timely.
So, what's the problem? The story was a hypothetical scenario, and the child is a composite character based on the author's research. Some people complained that they feel duped.

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This Winter Olympic skier has superhuman balance.

Hunter Hess is considered a strong bet to medal during the men's halfpipe freeski competition. Qualifying starts tomorrow. (Kim Raff/For The Washington Post)

Meet Hunter Hess: One of the best halfpipe freeskiers in the world, he pulls off amazing flips and twists while whizzing up and down the 22-foot walls of an icy halfpipe.
You can learn a thing or two from him: Find five tips from Hess's routine to improve your balance here. Start by trying to stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.

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Before you go … spring is coming: It will deliver these 10 great TV shows. Plus: Here are the best movies of 2026 so far.

One more good read: The best and worst moments at New York Fashion Week.

We want to hear from you: Do you have questions about stories you've seen in The 7? Send them here. We'll find the right person to answer them and share responses in our weekend edition.

And finally … take a game break: