Headlines

February 11, 2025

NPR

Musk and Trump Defend DOGE Work

President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk defended their efforts to reduce federal spending through the DOGE initiative, with Trump signing an executive order to cut the federal workforce. They also addressed legal challenges and transparency concerns surrounding the initiative.
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WGN 9 Chicago

Trump Pardons Blagojevich

A full and unconditional pardon was given to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of political corruption in 2011 and released from prison in 2020 after a commutation from Trump. The pardon doesn’t restore his law license or his eligibility for state office.
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Google Maps

Google Maps: “Gulf of America”

The Geographic Names Information System officially updated "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America." In the U.S., users will see "Gulf of America," while Mexico will retain "Gulf of Mexico," and the rest of the world will see both names, depending on their location settings.
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CNN

Trump Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports to close loopholes and reduce indirect Chinese imports — though it mostly affects Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. The move could boost domestic production but also raise costs for industries dependent on the materials.
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The Wall Street Journal

Musk Bidding for OpenAI

Elon Musk and a group of investors have made a $97.4 billion bid to take control of OpenAI’s nonprofit arm, challenging CEO Sam Altman’s plans to convert the company into a for-profit entity and intensifying their ongoing legal and strategic battle.
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Times of Israel

Saturday Deadline Set for Hostages

President Trump has urged Israel to end the Gaza ceasefire and resume military action if all remaining hostages are not freed by noon on Saturday, warning that Hamas will face severe consequences and will "find out what I mean" if his ultimatum is not met.
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Live 5 News WCSC

Mace Gives Scorched Earth Speech

SLED has confirmed an active investigation into allegations of assault, voyeurism, and harassment involving Rep. Nancy Mace’s former fiancé after she publicly accused him and three other men of serious crimes and claimed that state prosecutors failed to act despite receiving clear evidence.
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CBS News

Trump Says No Palestinian Return to Gaza

Trump said Palestinians would not be allowed to return to Gaza under his plan, proposing the U.S. take control and build better communities for them elsewhere. His comments, which reject a two-state solution, are expected to further spark strong reactions from Palestinians and their allies.
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The New York Times

Treasury Secretaries Sound Alarm

Five former U.S. Treasury Secretaries share concern about recent political appointments that are usually nonpartisan roles, fearing risks to data privacy, security, and the integrity of the nation's payment system. They emphasize the Treasury's role is to execute, not decide, on spending.
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Variety

Brad Pitt: "The Huddle"

Brad Pitt starred in a TV ad that aired during Fox's pre-game show for Super Bowl LIX. The commercial highlights resilience after the L.A. fires and Hurricane Helene, emphasizing unity and collective effort and using the huddle in football as a metaphor for shared purpose and strength.
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The Hill

Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Easter Eggs

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance was rich with hidden messages, addressing themes of Black history, political critique, mass incarceration, and cultural divides, with references ranging from Uncle Tom stereotypes to reparations and the power of media in shaping revolution.
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BBC

See: Birthright Citizenship Worldwide

Efforts by Trump to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented migrants faces legal challenges, as some argue it can't be enacted by executive action. Many countries adopt stricter policies or follow “jus sanguinis”, where citizenship is determined by parentage rather than birthplace.
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TIME Magazine

A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned

President Trump recently suggested eliminating the penny, citing its cost to produce and its diminishing utility. While many support this idea due to its environmental and economic implications, some argue it would hurt the poor, increase costs for the U.S. Mint, and impact certain charities.
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MSN

Progressives Froze the American Dream

The U.S. is experiencing an immobility crisis, with housing regulations and rising geographic inequality preventing many Americans, particularly low-income workers, from accessing better opportunities. Policymakers must embrace and prioritize zoning and housing supply reforms.
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ESPN

New 2025 NFL Power Rankings

This year's NFL Power Rankings are here after the Eagles' Super Bowl win, with a panel of 80+ experts ranking teams from 1 to 32, with the Chiefs in first and Eagles fourth. NFL Nation reporters also highlight each team's offseason focus, from new coaches to key free-agent decisions.
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Associated Press

Fort Bragg but With a Twist

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth restored the name of North Carolina’s Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, now honoring World War II hero Pfc. Roland L. Bragg instead of its original Confederate namesake, circumventing a law prohibiting the military from naming a base after a Confederate leader.
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The Hollywood Reporter

Selena Gomez Has No Regrets

Despite the controversy surrounding co-star Karla Sofia Gascón's past racist comments, Selena Gomez expressed no regrets about her role in "Emilia Pérez." At the Santa Barbara Film Festival, Gomez emphasized her pride in the film, saying she would "do this movie over and over again."
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Axios

FBI Finds More JFK Assassination Records

The FBI found 2,400 previously undisclosed records related to JFK's assassination, hidden among 14,000 pages of documents reviewed under Trump's order to release all related records. These documents may fuel further questions but are unlikely to resolve conspiracy theories.
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USA Today

All the Super Bowl Commercials Ranked

Budweiser won USA Today's Ad Meter 2025 with its Clydesdales commercial, "First Delivery," marking its ninth win. Michelob Ultra and Bud Light made the top eight. Lay's "The Little Farmer" came in second. Tubi's ad "The Z-Suite" ranked last, with Fetch and Coffee Mate at the bottom.
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NBC News

Ye Now Selling Swastika T-Shirts

Ye (formerly Kanye West) aired a Super Bowl ad promoting his website, which sold T-shirts featuring a swastika. The Anti-Defamation League condemned the shirts as antisemitic. Ye’s X account, where he had posted offensive remarks and got locked out in 2022, was deactivated.
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