SCOTUStoday for Friday, February 20

SCOTUSblog

by Kelsey Dallas and Nora Collins

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Supreme Court returned from its winter recess on Friday, February 20, with a packed agenda. The justices were expected to announce opinions as part of the first opinion day of the month, beginning at 10 a.m. EST. SCOTUSblog provided live coverage starting at 9:30 a.m., while the court held a private conference later in the day to discuss pending cases and vote on petitions for review. Orders from this conference were expected on Monday, February 23, at 9:30 a.m. EST. One key case under consideration involves California's policies on parental notification if students use different names or pronouns. The court could rule on this interim docket case at any time. Additionally, the justices heard arguments in two cases involving U.S. businesses seeking compensation for assets seized by Cuba’s communist government over 65 years ago. These cases—*Havana Docks Corporation v. Royal Caribbean Cruises* and *Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Corporación Cimex, S.A.*—highlight ongoing disputes over international asset seizures. The New York congressional map dispute remained a focal point as the court continued to weigh interim relief requests. A mid-level state court ruled in favor of Democrats seeking to redraw Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis’ district, citing violations of minority voting rights under New York’s Constitution. This ruling likely resolves the matter in New York’s judicial system, despite the ongoing legal battle at the federal level. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the Supreme Court’s delayed ruling

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Originally published on SCOTUSblog on 2/20/2026