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1. Hegseth Confirmed

• Here's what happened: Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the U.S. Defense Secretary following a narrow 50-50 vote in the Senate on Friday, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Hegseth has pledged to remove what he terms “political correctness” from the military and emphasized his support for equality over equity. Three Republican senators—Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell—opposed his confirmation. (Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Patricia Zengerle, Reuters)

• Here's why it matters: Hegseth was quickly sworn in after a dramatic Senate vote, despite facing allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman at a Republican conference in California—claims he denies and calls consensual. He paid $50,000 to the woman and also promised during his confirmation hearings not to drink while on duty. (Thomas Beaumont, AP)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Some conservatives believe that the three Republican senators who voted against Hegseth missed the broader point of his leadership qualities, arguing they were focused on the wrong credentials. In particular, they emphasize Hegseth’s promise to reorient the military away from internal ideological battles. (David Marcus, Fox News)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Critics point out that Hegseth’s confirmation is a reminder of the challenges women face when men accused of sexual misconduct gain high-profile positions. They highlight how he has blamed the “left-wing media” for an alleged smear campaign rather than addressing concerns surrounding his conduct. (Danielle Campoamor, MSNBC)

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2. Federal Freeze

• Here's what happened: The Trump administration initially paused all federal grants and loans, but a federal judge blocked the move on Tuesday just before it was set to take effect. Following widespread confusion, the White House has now rescinded the memo instituting the freeze, effectively ending the pause. The reversal is expected to allow agencies to resume distributing funds, though questions remain about the legal and practical fallout. (Chris Megerian, Zeke Miller and Lisa Mascaro, AP)

• Here's why it matters: The sudden about-face has deepened uncertainty over how federal dollars are allocated and whether similar freezes could happen again. Legal experts and government agencies alike are examining the implications of the administration’s original pause, even as the White House insists it was necessary to ensure spending aligns with President Trump’s priorities. (Barbara Sprunt, Elena Moore, Deirdre Walsh, Asma Khalid, Tamara Keith, NPR)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Some Republicans in the Senate have questioned the scope of the freeze but largely defend Trump’s authority to order a review of federal grants and loans. They argue that a more methodical approach to federal spending is necessary to prevent misuse of taxpayer dollars. (Jeff Mordock, Mallory Wilson and Lindsey McPherson, The Washington Times)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning outlets emphasize that the judge’s injunction highlighted the risk of constitutional overreach by the executive branch, calling attention to potential “irreparable harm” if the freeze were allowed to proceed. They note that the administration’s reversal leaves unresolved questions about who ultimately controls how taxpayer money is allocated. (Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein, Politico)

3. Mass Deportations

• Here's what happened: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun implementing President Donald Trump’s mass deportation strategy, targeting unauthorized immigrants who have committed crimes or are deemed threats. Arrests at previously “protected areas” are now permitted, and deportation flights began within days of Trump’s inauguration. The administration maintains that the plan helps keep more money within the U.S. and supports the American working class. (Joel Rose, NPR)

• Here's why it matters: Communities across the country, including Chicago, report fear and uncertainty as ICE raids become more frequent. Critics warn these actions could have far-reaching effects on families and neighborhoods, particularly in areas where undocumented immigrants are vital to local economies. (Simon Montlake, Richard Mertens, and Caitlin Babcock, The Christian Science Monitor)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative commentators describe mass deportations as the “Christian thing to do,” arguing that upholding the rule of law benefits society at large. They contend that removing individuals who entered the country illegally is essential to protecting American sovereignty and resources. (Liz Wheeler, The Blaze)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressive voices warn that large-scale deportations could upend industries like agriculture, which depend heavily on migrant labor. They argue that abrupt removals risk destabilizing food production and increasing economic strains in both the U.S. and countries of origin. (Teresa Cotsirilos and Ted Genoways, Politico)

4. RFK’s Senate Hearing

• Here's what happened: During Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s first Senate hearings to become Secretary of Health and Human Services, lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee questioned him on vaccines, abortions, and Medicaid programs. Democrats focused on his previous vaccine skepticism, to which he replied, “I am supportive of vaccines.” He was also asked about his 2023 statement on abortions, where he deferred to President Trump’s stance by calling them a “tragedy.” On Medicaid, he incorrectly claimed the federal government bears the full cost and criticized it for high premiums, which are rarely required. (U.S. Senate Finance Committee)

• Here's why it matters: Kennedy’s stance on these issues could shape the direction of federal health policy, given the vast authority of the Department of Health and Human Services. His past comments on vaccines, abortion, and Medicaid have drawn intense scrutiny from both parties, raising questions about the administration’s priorities. (Niall Stanage, The Hill)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative voices accuse Kennedy of obfuscating his past remarks on issues like abortion and Medicaid, labeling his testimony as deceptive. They suggest his shifting stances signal he may not uphold policies traditionally associated with public health or women’s rights. (Isaac Schorr, New York Post)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Critics on the left accuse Kennedy of dishonesty, claiming he misrepresented his stance on major issues to appear more moderate under intense Senate scrutiny. They contend he dodged accountability for his past remarks, undermining his credibility as a potential cabinet member. (Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling, The New Republic)

Sponsored by Masterworks

Billionaires wanted it, but 66,930 everyday investors got it first.

When incredibly valuable assets come up for sale, it's typically the wealthiest people that end up taking home an amazing investment. But not always…

One platform is taking on the billionaires at their own game, buying up and securitizing some of the most prized blue-chip artworks for its investors.

It's called Masterworks. Their nearly $1 billion collection includes works by greats like Banksy, Picasso, and Basquiat. When Masterworks sells a painting – like the 23 it's already sold – investors reap their portion of the net proceeds.

In just the last few years, Masterworks investors have realized net annualized returns like +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5% (from 3 illustrative sales held longer than one year).

Now, you can skip the waitlist with OUR EXCLUSIVE LINK.

The content is not intended to provide legal, tax, or investment advice.

No money is being solicited or will be accepted until the offering statement for a particular offering has been qualified by the SEC. Offers may be revoked at any time. Contacting Masterworks involves no commitment or obligation. 

Contemporary art data based on repeat-sales index of historical Post-War & Contemporary Art market prices from 1995 to 2023, developed by Masterworks. There are significant limitations to comparative asset class data. Indices are unmanaged and a Masterworks investor cannot invest directly in an index.  

“Net Annualized Return” refers to the annualized internal rate of return, or IRR, net of all fees and costs, to holders of Class A shares from the primary offering, calculated from the final closing date of such offering to the date the sale is consummated. A more detailed breakdown of the Net Annualized Return calculation for each issuer can be found in the respective Form 1-U for each exit. The 3 median returns above represent the ones closest in percentage to the median of the 12 exits with holding periods over 1 year.

Net proceeds distributed back represents the total liquidation proceeds distributed back to investors, net of all fees, expenses and proceeds reinvested in Masterworks offerings, of all works Masterworks has exited to date.

See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

5. Guantonomo Bay

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump has directed officials at Guantanamo Bay to prepare for housing up to 30,000 migrants, a major expansion of the facility’s purpose. Plans reportedly include constructing additional housing and security infrastructure. The administration has indicated that detaining migrants at Guantanamo Bay could help maintain control over the southern border. (Jesus Mesa and Gabe Whisnant, Newsweek)

• Here's why it matters: Critics say using Guantanamo Bay for migrant detention raises ethical and logistical concerns, citing the facility’s controversial history and distance from U.S. courts. The move intensifies debate over the administration’s approach to immigration and handling of asylum seekers. (Brett Samuels, The Hill)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservatives argue that Guantanamo Bay could serve as an alternative to overflowing facilities at the border, maintaining strict control while adjudicating cases. They support Trump’s plan as a necessary measure to stop illegal immigration and assert American sovereignty. (Anna Giaritelli and Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressives argue the president’s directive to “begin preparing” a 30,000-person “migrant facility” at Guantánamo Bay raises serious ethical, legal, and logistical concerns. They emphasize the prison’s history of indefinite detentions, potential human rights abuses, and the risks of holding large groups of migrants in such a remote location. (Steve Benen, MSNBC)

Sunday Sneak Peak

A tidal wave of molasses turned Boston’s streets into a sticky death trap, leaving destruction—and an unforgettable scent—in its wake. How did this bizarre disaster reshape industrial safety?

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