Headlines

February 4, 2025

Reuters

“The Riviera of the Middle East”

President Trump proposed the U.S. take control of the Gaza Strip, rebuild it, and resettle its Palestinian population elsewhere, facing immediate criticism for violating international law. It aligns with some Israeli far-right views but has been rejected by Arab nations and human rights groups.
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The Wall Street Journal

Trump Blinked on N. American Tariffs

President Trump temporarily paused his 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico after securing minor concessions on border security and drug enforcement, but the move raises questions about his broader trade strategy and the potential for renewed economic volatility.
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Politico

Cassidy Vote Could Be Vital for Rfk

GOP Senator Bill Cassidy is caught between his professional duty as a doctor to protect public health and political pressure to support Trump’s health secretary nominee RFK, Jr. His decision will be pivotal, potentially shaping his political future and influencing national health policy, particularly on vaccines.
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Portland Press Herald

Susan Collins Will Support Tulsi Gabbard

It's looking like Senator Susan Collins will support Tulsi Gabbard’s national intelligence director nomination, despite concerns over her past views on Edward Snowden and wiretapping. Her vote could determine Gabbard’s confirmation, as other Republicans still express reservations.
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USA Today

Musk Now "Special Govt. Employee"

Trump officially designated Elon Musk as a "special government employee," granting him a formal role in his administration just hours after Musk announced plans to dismantle USAID, a move that cements their close collaboration while sparking concerns over conflicts of interest and Musk's growing influence over federal operations.
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HuffPost

Kaine on Trump's Real DEI Reasonings

Sen. Tim Kaine criticized Trump for blaming diversity hiring for the deadly midair collision in D.C., suggesting that the baseless accusation was a strategic distraction from his administration’s aviation safety failures, including the forced resignation of the FAA administrator and the dismantling of key safety oversight committees.
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CBS News

USAID To Be Merged With State Department

The Trump administration plans to merge USAID into the State Department, cutting its workforce but preserving its humanitarian role. Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has been involved in the process, leading to security issues and internal disagreements among advisers.
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NPR

Why Is USAID in Crosshairs?

Elon Musk, backed by President Trump, is working to dismantle USAID, citing inefficiency and corruption. The agency’s website and social media were taken down, raising legal concerns as its dissolution would need congressional approval, sparking backlash from lawmakers and aid groups.
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NBC News

Some Arrested Migrants Released to U.S.

As part of Trump's mass deportation effort, over 8,000 immigrants have been arrested. However, due to detention facility space constraints and court rulings, many of those arrested have been released on a monitoring program, such as ankle monitors and phone check-ins, while their cases proceed.
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The New York Times

Climate Is Devouring Your Home Value

ProPublica reporter Abrahm Lustgarten said climate-driven disasters are pushing up home insurance costs. High-risk areas in the West and Southwest could see property values drop, while safer regions may see increases. This could trigger migration patterns and widen the wealth gap.
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Mediaite

Baier Lands Trump Super Bowl Interview

Trump will sit down with Fox News' Bret Baier on Feb. 9 before Super Bowl LIX, marking their first one-on-one interview in almost a year and a half. The conversation will cover his early policies and the 2025 political landscape, airing as part of the network's pregame coverage.
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The Hollywood Reporter

Joe Biden Signs With CAA

Joe Biden signed for post-presidential representation with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), who worked with him after his vice presidency. While he hasn't announced major projects, this comes as the Democratic Party prepares for a future without him or Kamala Harris at the helm.
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The Washington Post

Still a Nation of Small Business?

While small businesses remain central to America's identity, the dominance of large corporations has grown, with over half of U.S. workers now employed by companies with 500 or more employees—though small restaurants stand out as a rare success story amid this shift.
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Deadline

Lively vs. Baldoni: "Litigated in Press"

In their first court hearing, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni were warned by a judge to stop making public statements that could sway the jury. The case involves sexual harassment and defamation claims, with both sides accusing each other of media manipulation.
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StudyFinds

Scientists Pour Cold Water on Ice Baths

A recent study reveals that while cold-water immersion offers some delayed health benefits, these effects are time-dependent and context-specific. The research also highlights safety concerns for people with pre-existing health conditions and expresses a need for further studies.
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Las Vegas Review-Journal

Books Brace for Barkley Prop Bets

Super Bowl LIX features a rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs, with Saquon Barkley making his debut after a standout season. Barkley is a popular MVP pick and has strong prop bets, though sharp bettors are wary of his performance against Kansas City's tough defense.
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WGN 9 Chicago

A Day Without Immigrants

Restaurants and businesses in several cities, including Chicago, closed for "A Day Without Immigrants" to protest recent immigration policies. The campaign aimed to highlight the vital role immigrants play in local economies and communities, with some business owners expressing frustration.
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ESPN

MLB Umpire Called Out

Umpire Pat Hoberg has been fired for sharing legal sports betting accounts with a friend who bet on baseball. He admitted to poor judgment and apologized, but the MLB upheld his termination due to concerns about the integrity of the game and his failure to uphold high standards of personal conduct.
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The Guardian

Get a Dumbphone

August Lamm shares her personal journey of downgrading from a smartphone to a “dumbphone,” offering practical tips and insights on how to navigate life without constant digital distractions while rediscovering the benefits of presence, time, and peace of mind.
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Vox

Emilia Perez’s Oscar Campaign in Doubt

Karla Sofía Gascón, the star of Emilia Pérez, is facing a backlash after offensive tweets resurfaced, including derogatory remarks about marginalized communities, threatening her Oscar campaign despite her historic nomination as an openly trans actress.
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