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Twelve Conversational Headlines From The Past Week:
- TRUMP PAUSES TARIFFS ON CANADA AND MEXICO BUT KEEPS THEM ON CHINA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed a “fentanyl czar” and established a joint task force with the U.S. to address organized crime. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard members to strengthen border enforcement. China announced retaliatory tariffs, including 15% on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas, and 10% on crude oil and automobiles, set to take effect on February 10.
- EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WORKERS SUSPENDED OVER DIVERSITY TRAINING FROM TRUMP’S FIRST TERM: These initiatives often include training sessions, resource groups, and policy reforms aimed at fostering inclusive work environments. The Department of Education, among others, has actively participated in such programs to enhance diversity and support underrepresented groups within the federal workforce.
- TRUMP WHITE HOUSE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH AS PENTAGON DECLARES ‘IDENTITY MONTHS DEAD’: President Donald Trump issued a proclamation recognizing February as National Black History Month. Concurrently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued guidance titled “Identity Months Dead at DoD,” effective the same day, January 31, 2025.
- PANAMA ENDS TIES WITH CHINA’S FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROGRAM AFTER US PRESSURE: Panama announced it would not renew its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) upon the agreement’s expiration in 2026. This decision followed discussions between Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- TRUMP SAYS US WILL ‘TAKE OVER’ GAZA STRIP, REBUILD IT TO STABILIZE MIDDLE EAST: President Donald Trump announced a plan for the United States to assume control over the Gaza Strip, aiming to redevelop the area and stabilize the Middle East. The proposal includes leveling existing structures, clearing unexploded ordnance, and rebuilding Gaza into a prosperous region, potentially dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
- USAID STAFF BARRED FROM HEADQUARTERS AFTER MUSK CLAIMS TRUMP AGREED TO CLOSE IT: On February 3, 2025, staff members of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were instructed to avoid entering the agency’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. This directive followed statements from Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), asserting that President Donald Trump agreed with the decision to shut down USAID.
- TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING MEN FROM WOMEN’S SPORTS: In response to the order, the NCAA announced compliance by amending its policies to restrict participation in women’s sports to athletes assigned female at birth. This policy change has been met with criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that it unfairly excludes transgender athletes.
- CHINA WEIGHS SHUTTING DOWN TIKTOK OVER TRUMP-BROKERED SALE DEAL: Recent reports indicate that ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, appears to be delaying negotiations for selling the app’s U.S. operations, awaiting approval from the Chinese government.
- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON ADMITS EQUIPMENT LIKELY SPARKED LA FIRESTORM BLAZE: Preliminary findings suggest that an inactive transmission line, out of service since 1971, may have become energized, potentially sparking the blaze. The utility is examining damage to this idle line and its grounding equipment to determine the exact cause.
- FAA REDUCES FLIGHTS AT REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT FOLLOWING DEADLY CRASH: The FAA announced a reduction in the maximum number of flight arrivals per hour at the airport, decreasing from 28 to 26. This adjustment aims to mitigate risks and alleviate stress on air traffic controllers, who have been under increased pressure following the incident.
- NETFLIX SHOCKS FANS WITH CONTROVERSIAL ‘LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE’ ANNOUNCEMENT: Megyn Kelly warned against “wokeifying” the series, reflecting apprehension among some viewers about significant changes to the beloved classic. In response, Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls in the original series, highlighted that the show historically addressed various progressive topics.
- PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL PREDICTS SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER ON GROUNDHOG DAY: On February 2, 2025, during the 139th annual Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerged from his burrow and saw his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter.
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