Another Wild News Week: Trump Wows, Football Stars Praise Jesus, the Vanishing Penny and More
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Today we’re highlighting the faith-filled Super Bowl LIX, whether or not the pennies collecting dust in your couch cushions are about to be extinct, an update on the unfolding USAID drama, and a look at the unraveling Israel-Hamas hostage deal.
Magnetic North: Faith
ICYMI, Super Bowl LIX took place Sunday. But it’s what happened before and after the game that has our attention. Proclamations of faith at this year’s Super Bowl took center stage with a performance from Christian artist Lauran Daigle to post-game shouts of “All glory to God!” from both teams.
Another noticeable change in this year's Super Bowl was the pro-American sentiment. Not only did Kendrick Lamar’s performance feature red, white, and blue costumed dancers, but “Uncle” Sam (Jackson), dressed in a flag-inspired suit and top hat, MC’ed the halftime show.
Plus, President Donald Trump, the first-ever sitting president to attend the game, received cheers when the camera panned to him during the National Anthem. There was even a moment of silence for the families and victims of the New Year's Eve attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Billy Hallowell spoke with one of the terror victim’s parents about that touching display.
To the East: Culture
Warning: Sarcasm incoming.
It’s been less than a week since Trump signed the Keep Men Out of Women’s Sports order and one Super Bowl ad readily pointed out the need for women’s only sports by advocating for women’s flag football to become a high school varsity sport in all 50 states.
We wonder how long it’ll take before the first biological male attempts to join a team…
To the South: Politics
Moving on: Trump aimed his budget-cutting sights on the penny this weekend and made moves for the U.S. Mint to review whether it’s worth making new pennies. In 2024, every penny minted cost $0.037 to make. Could the nickel be next? After all, it costs $0.14 for every nickel created.
Last week, we covered the unfolding drama between the Trump administration and USAID. As an update, a judge temporarily blocked the administration from recalling thousands of workers from abroad and placing them on administrative leave. The administration would have given the international USAID employees 30 days to move their families and households back to the U.S. The judge's order had nothing to say about USAID funding.
To the West: World
The Israel-Hamas hostage deal continued this past weekend – but for how much longer? The deal was struck on January 19 and was set to last 42 days. The deal was an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, the Israel Defense Force withdrawal from areas of Gaza, and increased aid supply shipments into the war-ravaged strip.
The ceasefire has not been without controversy. First, many think the deal is “blasphemous” and will only make it easier for Hamas to rebuild and attack Israel again. It has been compared to a “ransom payment” as Israel releases dozens of convicted Palestinian terrorists for every Israeli hostage returned.
Second, the handovers have been rife with propaganda and additional dangers for the Israeli hostages. Now, Hamas has claimed that Israel isn’t fulfilling its end of the bargain.
There have been 16 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals returned since the start of the ceasefire. Of the 251 captives taken on October 7, 2023, Israel officials say that 73 remain unaccounted for and believe that only 39 of them are still alive.
Compass Rose
What Super Bowl week is complete without the post-game ratings on commercials? Which were your favorite? Let us know!