What was Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl payday?
Grammy Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar headlined the NFL’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show on Feb. 9, an event that drew over 100 million viewers and continues to serve as one of the most coveted performance slots in the industry. But despite the months of preparation and massive production costs, Lamar didn’t cash in the way you might expect. In fact, he wasn’t paid much at all. That’s because Super Bowl halftime show performers don’t receive the type of paycheck they’re used to earning. In a statement to The Independent, an NFL representative confirmed that the league “covers all costs associated with the show” while ensuring performers get paid “union scale.” According to Forbes, this amounts to “a fraction of the six- and seven-figure sums” these headlining artists typically bank. So, why do artists like Lamar — and those before him — continue to take on such a high-profile gig with little financial incentive?
Grammy Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar headlined the NFL’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show on Feb. 9, an event that drew over 100 million viewers and continues to serve as one of the most coveted performance slots in the industry. But despite the months of preparation and massive production costs, Lamar didn’t cash in the way you might expect. In fact, he wasn’t paid much at all. That’s because Super Bowl halftime show performers don’t receive the type of paycheck they’re used to earning. In a statement to The Independent, an NFL representative confirmed that the league “covers all costs associated with the show” while ensuring performers get paid “union scale.” According to Forbes, this amounts to “a fraction of the six- and seven-figure sums” these headlining artists typically bank. So, why do artists like Lamar — and those before him — continue to take on such a high-profile gig with little financial incentive?
Trump targets tax breaks for sports team owners
In a meeting with Republican lawmakers, President Donald Trump outlined his tax priorities. The list included pledges he made on the campaign trail — such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security payments — but he also delivered a curveball. The administration wants to end “all special tax breaks for billionaire sports team owners,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Feb. 6 in a summary of the meeting. Owning a sports team has long been a hallmark of the ultra-wealthy. Forty-two of the world’s 500 richest people own U.S. sports teams, according to Bloomberg, and all but two of them are American. Those owners are worth a combined $869 billion. Beyond the prestige, ownership of a sports team comes with massive financial benefits. It’s unclear exactly which tax breaks Trump is focused on eliminating, or if lawmakers will ultimately go along with his proposals. Some experts, however, believe that any changes may only have a limited impact.
In a meeting with Republican lawmakers, President Donald Trump outlined his tax priorities. The list included pledges he made on the campaign trail — such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security payments — but he also delivered a curveball. The administration wants to end “all special tax breaks for billionaire sports team owners,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Feb. 6 in a summary of the meeting. Owning a sports team has long been a hallmark of the ultra-wealthy. Forty-two of the world’s 500 richest people own U.S. sports teams, according to Bloomberg, and all but two of them are American. Those owners are worth a combined $869 billion. Beyond the prestige, ownership of a sports team comes with massive financial benefits. It’s unclear exactly which tax breaks Trump is focused on eliminating, or if lawmakers will ultimately go along with his proposals. Some experts, however, believe that any changes may only have a limited impact.
Mortgage rate trends this week
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates came down again this week, from 6.87% last week, to an average of 6.85%. "The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has stayed just under 7% for five consecutive weeks and in that time has fluctuated less than 20 basis points," says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "This stability continues to bode well for potential buyers and sellers as we approach the spring homebuying season."
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates came down again this week, from 6.87% last week, to an average of 6.85%. "The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has stayed just under 7% for five consecutive weeks and in that time has fluctuated less than 20 basis points," says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "This stability continues to bode well for potential buyers and sellers as we approach the spring homebuying season."
What is the current US inflation rate?
The current annual inflation rate is 3.0%, compared to 2.9% last month. Inflation increased 0.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis in January, after rising 0.4 percent in December, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on February 12, 2025. Back in June 2022, inflation hit a 40-year high of 9.1%.
The current annual inflation rate is 3.0%, compared to 2.9% last month. Inflation increased 0.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis in January, after rising 0.4 percent in December, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on February 12, 2025. Back in June 2022, inflation hit a 40-year high of 9.1%.
Ron Paul warns of 'threat' to retirement funds
Former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul is stepping back into the spotlight. Earlier this month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on X, “Would be great to have Ron Paul as part of the Department of Government Efficiency!” Musk, along with former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, are leading President-elect Donald Trump the new Department of Government Efficiency. Paul, a longtime advocate for smaller government, appears eager to contribute. He recently announced on X, “Elon Musk asked me to advise the new Dept. of Government Efficiency. I’d love to help bring sanity back!” Musk has set ambitious goals for reducing the federal budget with this new entity. Speaking at a Trump campaign event, Musk claimed he could cut “at least $2 trillion” from the federal budget, though he did not specify which areas he would target for these reductions. Paul, who has spent decades championing limited government and fiscal responsibility, seems like a natural fit for the initiative. But the 89-year-old isn’t just focused on this new venture. He’s also sounding the alarm about what he sees as an urgent risk. “However, I still think Americans need to shield their retirement funds ASAP from this much bigger threat,” Paul warned in a post that linked to a letter addressed to his audience.
Former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul is stepping back into the spotlight. Earlier this month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on X, “Would be great to have Ron Paul as part of the Department of Government Efficiency!” Musk, along with former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, are leading President-elect Donald Trump the new Department of Government Efficiency. Paul, a longtime advocate for smaller government, appears eager to contribute. He recently announced on X, “Elon Musk asked me to advise the new Dept. of Government Efficiency. I’d love to help bring sanity back!” Musk has set ambitious goals for reducing the federal budget with this new entity. Speaking at a Trump campaign event, Musk claimed he could cut “at least $2 trillion” from the federal budget, though he did not specify which areas he would target for these reductions. Paul, who has spent decades championing limited government and fiscal responsibility, seems like a natural fit for the initiative. But the 89-year-old isn’t just focused on this new venture. He’s also sounding the alarm about what he sees as an urgent risk. “However, I still think Americans need to shield their retirement funds ASAP from this much bigger threat,” Paul warned in a post that linked to a letter addressed to his audience.
This man sold his Teslas to protest Musk
A man in Quebec is selling his two Teslas and canceled his order for a Cybertruck, reports Global News. The reason? He refuses to support Elon Musk. Alain Roy says the salute Musk made during the U.S. inauguration was the final straw. “That sign was too much for me. I immediately cancelled my Cybertruck order and both my Teslas are up for sale.” The salute occurred during a speech Musk gave following Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Musk tapped his open hand on his chest, then thrust his arm up with a flat hand. The tech billionaire called allegations that he performed a Nazi salute during the inauguration "dirty tricks" but did not deny the allegations. Later, Musk posted several remarks on X, formerly Twitter, that included puns referencing Adolf Hitler’s propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels and other Nazi leaders, including Rudolf Hess, Hermann Göring and Heinrich Himmler.
A man in Quebec is selling his two Teslas and canceled his order for a Cybertruck, reports Global News. The reason? He refuses to support Elon Musk. Alain Roy says the salute Musk made during the U.S. inauguration was the final straw. “That sign was too much for me. I immediately cancelled my Cybertruck order and both my Teslas are up for sale.” The salute occurred during a speech Musk gave following Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Musk tapped his open hand on his chest, then thrust his arm up with a flat hand. The tech billionaire called allegations that he performed a Nazi salute during the inauguration "dirty tricks" but did not deny the allegations. Later, Musk posted several remarks on X, formerly Twitter, that included puns referencing Adolf Hitler’s propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels and other Nazi leaders, including Rudolf Hess, Hermann Göring and Heinrich Himmler.
Advocates challenge deferred resignation program
A federal judge is weighing whether to grant a restraining order to prevent the Trump administration from carrying off mass layoffs across the federal government after a Tuesday hearing. The suit, which was filed last week by a coalition of five federal workers’ unions, alleges the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to downsize the federal workforce — including through its recent deferred resignation offer, which was delivered to more than 2 million federal workers — violates Congress’s power to establish and manage a federal workforce. The judge, George O’Toole Jr., says he intends to rule on the order “sooner than later.” The ruling is one of a series of challenges that have cropped up in response to the controversial deferred resignation offers that went out to federal employees at the end of January, offering them the chance to resign now and be paid out until Sept. 30. Last week, a federal judge in Boston ruled against a challenge from a group of labor unions in their attempt to halt the administration’s buyout program, which they argue is illegal. O’Toole found that the unions didn’t have legal standing to challenge the program, as they weren’t directly affected. In a statement issued by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National on Feb. 12, President Everett Kelley said that the “ruling is a setback in the fight for dignity and fairness for public servants.”
A federal judge is weighing whether to grant a restraining order to prevent the Trump administration from carrying off mass layoffs across the federal government after a Tuesday hearing. The suit, which was filed last week by a coalition of five federal workers’ unions, alleges the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to downsize the federal workforce — including through its recent deferred resignation offer, which was delivered to more than 2 million federal workers — violates Congress’s power to establish and manage a federal workforce. The judge, George O’Toole Jr., says he intends to rule on the order “sooner than later.” The ruling is one of a series of challenges that have cropped up in response to the controversial deferred resignation offers that went out to federal employees at the end of January, offering them the chance to resign now and be paid out until Sept. 30. Last week, a federal judge in Boston ruled against a challenge from a group of labor unions in their attempt to halt the administration’s buyout program, which they argue is illegal. O’Toole found that the unions didn’t have legal standing to challenge the program, as they weren’t directly affected. In a statement issued by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National on Feb. 12, President Everett Kelley said that the “ruling is a setback in the fight for dignity and fairness for public servants.”
Shoplifters and Retailers Play Cat and Mouse
A Tennessee woman has been banned from every Walmart in the U.S. in connection with a self-checkout scam. WREG News 3 Memphis reports that Ashley Cross, 37, was arrested at a Memphis Walmart for attempting to purchase $137.34 worth of goods — including jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and 11 packs of ramen noodles — for $1 each by scanning a barcode meant for a watch battery. Charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise less than $1,000, Cross was to appear in court Feb 19. Meanwhile, the Walmart chain has barred her from all its stores nationwide, issuing this statement: “We value our customers and associates and want them to have a pleasant shopping experience. Though rare, there are instances when someone is no longer welcome in our stores.”
A Tennessee woman has been banned from every Walmart in the U.S. in connection with a self-checkout scam. WREG News 3 Memphis reports that Ashley Cross, 37, was arrested at a Memphis Walmart for attempting to purchase $137.34 worth of goods — including jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and 11 packs of ramen noodles — for $1 each by scanning a barcode meant for a watch battery. Charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise less than $1,000, Cross was to appear in court Feb 19. Meanwhile, the Walmart chain has barred her from all its stores nationwide, issuing this statement: “We value our customers and associates and want them to have a pleasant shopping experience. Though rare, there are instances when someone is no longer welcome in our stores.”
Should retirees worry about DOGE?
Lawmakers have expressed concern over Elon Musk’s involvement with DOGE and its potential influence on Social Security funds. “Keep your hands off our Social Security, because this has nothing, nothing to do with government efficiency,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., at a rally outside the Social Security Administration’s headquarters in Maryland on Feb. 10. “Over the last 21 days, we have seen Elon Musk conducting illegal raids on federal agencies with his DOGE crew.” The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is a task force helmed by billionaire Elon Musk that aims to reduce wasteful spending and eliminate unnecessary regulations. The budget proposed by House Republicans calls for cutting $2 trillion from federal spending. While Musk has since said that $1 trillion is more realistic, that’s still a lot of money. Social Security is the federal government’s largest spending category (followed by Medicare and National Defense). It accounts for 21% or $1.5 trillion of the government’s annual budget and supports over 70 million Americans, including retirees, disabled people and children. It’s mainly funded through a payroll tax paid by employers and workers. Nearly 60% of retirees say Social Security is a major source of income for them, according to Gallup. Musk recently took to X to claim he had found serious fraud at the Social Security Administration (SSA) with millions of people over the age of 120 still receiving checks. “Maybe Twilight is real and there are a lot of vampires collecting Social Security,” he wrote. President Trump repeated this claim and added, “If you take all of those millions of people off Social Security, all of a sudden we have a very powerful Social Security with people that are 80 and 70 and 90, but not 200 years old." However, experts have pointed out that the Tesla CEO may have been confused because Social Security’s software system is based on the COBOL a programming language which has a lack of date type. The SSA says it automatically stops benefits when anyone reaches 115. A report from the SSA last year said it made nearly $72 billion in improper payments from FYs 2015 through 2022, most of which were overpayments and are less than 1% of the total benefits paid during that period.
Lawmakers have expressed concern over Elon Musk’s involvement with DOGE and its potential influence on Social Security funds. “Keep your hands off our Social Security, because this has nothing, nothing to do with government efficiency,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., at a rally outside the Social Security Administration’s headquarters in Maryland on Feb. 10. “Over the last 21 days, we have seen Elon Musk conducting illegal raids on federal agencies with his DOGE crew.” The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is a task force helmed by billionaire Elon Musk that aims to reduce wasteful spending and eliminate unnecessary regulations. The budget proposed by House Republicans calls for cutting $2 trillion from federal spending. While Musk has since said that $1 trillion is more realistic, that’s still a lot of money. Social Security is the federal government’s largest spending category (followed by Medicare and National Defense). It accounts for 21% or $1.5 trillion of the government’s annual budget and supports over 70 million Americans, including retirees, disabled people and children. It’s mainly funded through a payroll tax paid by employers and workers. Nearly 60% of retirees say Social Security is a major source of income for them, according to Gallup. Musk recently took to X to claim he had found serious fraud at the Social Security Administration (SSA) with millions of people over the age of 120 still receiving checks. “Maybe Twilight is real and there are a lot of vampires collecting Social Security,” he wrote. President Trump repeated this claim and added, “If you take all of those millions of people off Social Security, all of a sudden we have a very powerful Social Security with people that are 80 and 70 and 90, but not 200 years old." However, experts have pointed out that the Tesla CEO may have been confused because Social Security’s software system is based on the COBOL a programming language which has a lack of date type. The SSA says it automatically stops benefits when anyone reaches 115. A report from the SSA last year said it made nearly $72 billion in improper payments from FYs 2015 through 2022, most of which were overpayments and are less than 1% of the total benefits paid during that period.
Americans Don't Realize Impact of Energy Costs
With millions of Americans struggling with the rising cost of living, personal finance guru Dave Ramsey believes he’s spotted the primary culprit: the cost of energy. “I don't know if people realize that 10% to 15% of the entire economy is energy and it weaves its tentacles through everything else,” the radio host told Donald Trump during an interview in 2024. “So $5 gas affects the bread truck [that’s] delivering the bread and that affects the cost of the bread then and so getting that plentiful changes everything.” President Trump agreed and promised Ramsey his administration would reduce energy prices by 50% within the first year of taking office. Several economists have raised similar concerns about the far-reaching impacts of energy prices, however, they’ve also expressed concerns about the Trump administration trade and tariff policies that may increase the cost of energy instead of reducing it.
With millions of Americans struggling with the rising cost of living, personal finance guru Dave Ramsey believes he’s spotted the primary culprit: the cost of energy. “I don't know if people realize that 10% to 15% of the entire economy is energy and it weaves its tentacles through everything else,” the radio host told Donald Trump during an interview in 2024. “So $5 gas affects the bread truck [that’s] delivering the bread and that affects the cost of the bread then and so getting that plentiful changes everything.” President Trump agreed and promised Ramsey his administration would reduce energy prices by 50% within the first year of taking office. Several economists have raised similar concerns about the far-reaching impacts of energy prices, however, they’ve also expressed concerns about the Trump administration trade and tariff policies that may increase the cost of energy instead of reducing it.
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