Debt hawks spar with blue-state Republicans over tentative SALT deal

The humble penny, a fixture in American pockets and piggy banks since 1793, is finally on its way out. The U.S. Mint is slowing production of the one-cent coin due to rising costs and dwindling use—basically, it costs more to make a penny than it’s worth, and most people barely notice them anymore. While they won’t disappear overnight, this marks the beginning of the end for an iconic (if often annoying) piece of currency.

Editor’s Note: Love ’em or hate ’em, pennies are a quirky slice of American history. But let’s be real—how often do you actually use them? This shift reflects broader trends in how we pay for things (hello, digital wallets) and the practical realities of inflation. It’s not a crisis, just a quiet acknowledgment that even traditions have a shelf life when they stop making sense.

A recent shooting in Washington, D.C., has heightened fears among Jewish communities already grappling with a surge in antisemitic incidents. Authorities are ramping up security measures in response, signaling growing concerns over targeted violence.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crime story—it’s part of a troubling pattern. Jewish groups have been sounding the alarm about rising antisemitism for years, and this attack underscores how real those threats are. When hate spills into violence, it shakes entire communities and forces a reckoning with how deep these tensions run. That’s why the response—both from law enforcement and society—matters.

The Trump administration has barred Harvard from enrolling international students, escalating tensions between the government and the prestigious university. This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s part of a broader push to pressure the Ivy League institution, though the exact motives aren’t spelled out.

A former manager at Harvard Medical School's morgue, Cedric Lodge, just admitted in court to stealing and selling human body parts that were donated for research. He’s looking at a possible 10-year prison sentence for illegally transporting remains across state lines.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just some random theft—it’s a gross violation of trust. People donate their bodies (or their loved ones’ bodies) to science with the expectation of dignity and respect. Cases like this shake public confidence in medical institutions and raise big ethical questions about how donated remains are handled. Plus, it’s a reminder that even prestigious places like Harvard aren’t immune to shocking misconduct.

After months of political back-and-forth, the House has approved Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill—dubbed "big beautiful" by the president—sending it to the Senate for the next round of negotiations. Meanwhile, unrelated to the bill, a violent incident at an American Jewish Committee event has left the community reeling, with leaders expressing grief and solidarity.