It costs 3 cents to make a penny. Trump says it’s time to stop.
Feb 11, 2025
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Discover the riveting clash between Trump and CBS over media coverage and election interference allegations. Explore how churches are defying immigration enforcement to protect individuals from deportation. Dive into the perplexing debate over the cost of minting pennies and the political hurdles of abolishing the 1-cent coin. Additionally, uncover rising tensions in Israel and the surprising dismissal of corruption charges against New York's Mayor. This conversation weaves together law, journalism, and community responses in today's complex landscape.
Trump's lawsuits against media outlets, viewed as attempts to control narratives, highlight concerns over press freedom in his political campaign.
Clergy's pushback against ICE arrests at churches showcases the tension between sanctuary protections and federal immigration enforcement in local communities.
Deep dives
Trump's Legal Battles with Media Companies
President Trump is actively suing several media organizations, claiming defamation and election interference, with notable settlements already secured from Disney and Meta. These lawsuits, particularly one against CBS News, highlight Trump's assertion that the network distorted information to undermine his political position. Legal experts have criticized Trump's claims as weak and frivolous, suggesting that they lack credible legal basis. Trump's ongoing legal actions are perceived as attempts to intimidate the press and exert control over media narratives during his presidential campaign.
Impact of ICE Actions on Churches
Recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests at churches have raised concerns among faith leaders about the sanctity of their institutions. One case involved a churchgoer apprehended during a service, demonstrating how the revocation of sanctuary protections has endangered communities seeking refuge. Faith leaders assert that those they protect from deportation are not criminals, underscoring their commitment to help individuals with deep roots in the community. In response, religious institutions are preparing to implement strategies reminiscent of the underground railroad to safeguard vulnerable members against ICE enforcement.
The Case Against the Penny
The ongoing debate about the relevance of the penny in modern currency is gaining traction, as its production costs exceed its face value. Advocates for eliminating the penny argue that it represents a larger inefficiency in government spending, echoing sentiments expressed by political figures like Presidents Trump and Obama. Past congressional attempts to abolish the coin have faced significant obstacles, including strong lobbying from interest groups and regional pride tied to the penny's history. The financial implications of maintaining the penny raise questions about usability and practicality in a cashless society.
On today’s show: NPR’s David Folkenflik explains why CBS stands at the epicenter of Trump’s assault on the media.
Immigration arrests in churches? Some clergy say not so fast. Andrea Castillo, federal-immigration reporter for the L.A. Times, has details on the pushback.
Trump says minting the 1-cent coin is “wasteful.” Time has what to know about the yearslong debate over whether to stop.
Plus, federal authorities appealed an order to unfreeze certain federal spending, Hamas said it will delay the release of the next round of Israeli hostages, and the DOJ ordered prosecutors to drop charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
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