TODAY’S VIDEO | TODAY’S AUDIO | SUBSCRIBE | BUY ME A COFFEE
Today’s Sponsor: Ground News
Twelve Conversational Headlines From The Past Week:
- CANADA’S LIBERAL PARTY SELECTS MARK CARNEY TO SUCCEED JUSTIN TRUDEAU: Carney secured a decisive 85.9% of the votes in the party’s leadership election, defeating former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. He served as Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 to 2013, where he was lauded for steering the country through the global financial crisis. Subsequently, he became the first non-Briton to govern the Bank of England, holding the position from 2013 to 2020.
- PENTAGON TO REMOVE ‘ENOLA GAY’ WWII PHOTOS FOR VIOLATING DEI GUIDELINES: The U.S. Department of Defense is undertaking a comprehensive removal of content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across its platforms, following an executive order from President Donald Trump. This initiative has led to the flagging of over 26,000 images for deletion, with projections suggesting the total could reach up to 100,000.
- SEN. MARCO RUBIO SAYS 83% OF USAID PROGRAMS CUT FOLLOWING SIX-WEEK GOVERNMENT PURGE: This decision led to the cancellation of approximately 5,200 out of 6,200 contracts, deemed misaligned with U.S. national interests. The remaining 17% of programs will be integrated into the State Department for more efficient management.
- DOJ LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO MAJOR EGG PRODUCERS AS PRICES SKYROCKET: Over the past year, the average cost of a dozen eggs has risen by approximately 50%, reaching $4.95—a 240% increase compared to five years ago. This escalation has raised concerns about potential antitrust violations, prompting the DOJ to examine whether producers have colluded to inflate prices or restrict supply.
- WENDY WILLIAMS REMOVED FROM ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY BY NYPD, TAKEN TO HOSPITAL: Williams, 60, has been under a court-appointed guardianship since May 2022 due to concerns about her health and finances. In February 2024, she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. However, Williams has publicly disputed these diagnoses, asserting she is not cognitively impaired and describing her living situation as akin to being in “prison.”
- SOUTH CAROLINA EXECUTES FIRST PRISONER BY FIRING SQUAD IN 15 YEARS: On March 7, 2025, South Carolina carried out its first execution by firing squad in 15 years, executing 67-year-old Brad Sigmon. Convicted for the 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, David and Gladys Larke, Sigmon became the fourth person in the United States to be executed by firing squad since 1976, and the first since 2010.
- GENE HACKMAN AND WIFE BETSY ARAKAWA’S CAUSES OF DEATH REVEALED: Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare but severe respiratory disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodent excreta. Hackman passed away from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, conditions exacerbated by advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Given his cognitive state, it’s plausible that Hackman was unaware of his wife’s preceding death and was unable to seek assistance.
- TRUMP APPOINTS LAURA INGRAHAM AND MARIA BARTIROMO TO KENNEDY CENTER BOARD: President Trump dismissed several existing board members, including chairman David Rubenstein and former press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, citing a need for alignment with his vision for the arts. He appointed himself as chairman and installed Richard Grenell, a longtime ally, as interim president. This move finalizes the restructuring of the board.
- TRUMP ASKS SUPREME COURT TO END BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP: The administration argues that the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause does not apply to children of undocumented immigrants, challenging longstanding interpretations. Critics contend that this reinterpretation contradicts established constitutional law and could create a class of stateless individuals.
- HIGH SCHOOL RUNNER CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AFTER HITTING OPPONENT WITH BATON: The viral nature of the incident has led to significant public backlash, including threats and racially charged comments directed at I.C. Norcom High School’s senior, Alaila Everett. The Portsmouth NAACP has defended Everett, highlighting her exemplary academic and athletic record, and cautioning against premature judgments that could infringe upon her due process rights.
- SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ENDS FREE CHECKED BAGS POLICY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 54 YEARS: The new checked baggage fees will apply to tickets purchased on or after May 28, 2025. Exemptions provide A-List Preferred Members and Business Select Fare Passengers to continue to get two free checked bags, with A-List Members and Southwest Credit Card Holders now getting one free checked bag.
- WISCONSIN 4-YEAR-OLD CALLS COPS ON MOM FOR EATING HIS ICE CREAM, GETS FROSTY SURPRISE: The child informed the dispatcher, “My mommy is being bad,” and requested, “Come and get my mommy.”
Special Thanks To The Conversation Project Partners:
- Cup Of Coffee: Harold Braxton, Colby Green, Eldon Kydd
- Spare Change: Joy Winters
Consider Becoming A Partner Via buymeacoffee.com/jclevelandpayne
Email the show at TheConversationInbox@gmail.com
Find The Story Of The Week Podcast at podpage.com/network/morebettermedia/show/the-story-of-the-week/
Our revenue comes from a combination of direct subscriptions from users and commissions earned by affiliate commissions from sponsors’ links and banners. Some of the links you click may be affiliate links that generate that revenue.
