Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

By JILL COLVIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin.

“For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!” Trump wrote in a post Sunday night on his Truth Social site. “I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies.”

The move by Trump is the latest in what has been a rapid-fire effort by his new administration to enact sweeping change through executive order and proclamation on issues ranging from immigration, to gender and diversity, to the name of the Gulf of Mexico.

Trump had not discussed his desire to eliminate the penny during his campaign. But Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency raised the prospect in a post on X last month highlighting the penny’s cost.

The U.S. Mint reported losing $85.3 million in the 2024 fiscal year that ended in September on the nearly 3.2 billion pennies it produced. Every penny cost nearly $0.037 — up from $0.031 the year before.

The mint also loses money on the nickel, with each of the $0.05 coins costing nearly $0.14 to make.

It is unclear whether Trump has the power to unilaterally eliminate the lowly one-cent coin. Currency specifications — including the size and metal content of coins — are dictated by Congress.

But Robert K. Triest, an economics professor at Northeastern University, has argued that there might be wiggle room.

“The process of discontinuing the penny in the U.S. is a little unclear. It would likely require an act of Congress, but the Secretary of the Treasury might be able to simply stop the minting of new pennies,” he said last month.

Members of Congress have repeatedly introduced legislation taking aim at the zinc coin with copper plating. Proposals over the years have attempted to temporarily suspend the penny’s production, eliminate it from circulation, or require that prices be rounded to the nearest five cents, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Proponents of eliminating the coin have cited cost savings, speedier checkouts at cash registers, and the fact that a number of countries have already eliminated their one-cent coins. Canada, for instance, stopped minting its penny in 2012.

It wouldn’t be the first time the U.S. eliminated its least valuable coin. The half-cent coin was discontinued by Congress in 1857.

Trump’s new administration has been sharply focused on cutting costs, with Musk, who has been brought on to lead the task, targeting entire agencies and large swaths of the federal workforce as he tries to identify a goal of $2 trillion in savings.

“Let’s rip the waste out of our great nations budget, even if it’s a penny at a time,” Trump wrote in his post.

Trump sent the message as he was departing New Orleans after watching the first half of the Super Bowl.

___

AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

Valentines Day

Valentines Day

The History and Celebration of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love and romance. While many associate it with chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt gestures, its origins date back centuries and have evolved significantly over time.

The History of Valentine’s Day

raphaels angels - two putti as seen in the painting sistine madonna by raphael 1881 - history of valentines stock illustrations
Photo by Getty Images

The history of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome. The most widely accepted origin story involves Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young soldiers. Valentine continued to perform secret weddings, leading to his imprisonment and eventual execution on February 14th around 270 AD. Legend has it that he wrote a farewell letter to a loved one, signing it “From your Valentine.”

Over time, the Catholic Church recognized multiple saints named Valentine, and their stories merged with the pagan festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration held in mid-February. By the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day, and it gradually became a day to celebrate romantic love. The tradition of exchanging love notes, known as “valentines,” gained popularity in the Middle Ages and flourished during the Victorian era with the rise of printed greeting cards.

Fun Valentine’s Day Activities

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, or friends, or enjoying self-love, there are plenty of activities to make Valentine’s Day special:

  • Romantic Dinner Date – Cook a fancy meal at home or dine at a cozy restaurant.
  • Movie Marathon – Watch classic romance films or lighthearted romantic comedies.
  • DIY Gift-Making – Create handmade cards, love letters, or personalized gifts.
  • Baking Together – Try baking heart-shaped cookies or a decadent chocolate cake.
  • Scavenger Hunt – Organize a fun love-themed treasure hunt.
  • Spa Night – Relax with candles, face masks, and soothing music.
  • Game Night – Play board games or trivia with a Valentine’s theme.
  • Outdoor Adventure – Take a scenic hike, go ice skating, or have a picnic (if the weather allows).

Must-Watch Valentine’s Day Movies

If you’re planning a cozy night in, here are some great Valentine’s Day movie picks:

  • The Notebook (2004) – A timeless love story filled with passion and devotion.
  • Pride & Prejudice (2005) – A classic romance based on Jane Austen’s novel.
  • Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) – A mix of humor and romance with a stellar cast.
  • La La Land (2016) – A musical love story that captures the magic of romance.
  • 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) – A modern take on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.
  • To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) – A charming teen romance.
  • When Harry Met Sally (1989) – A heartwarming and witty take on friendship and love.

Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

If you want to step away from traditional celebrations, consider these unique ideas:

  • Love Letter Time Capsule – Write love letters to each other and open them years later.
  • Recreate Your First Date – Relive your first moments together.
  • Virtual Valentine’s – If you’re apart, plan a virtual date night.
  • Volunteer Together – Spread love by helping out at a shelter or charity event.
  • Bookstore Date – Pick out books for each other and enjoy coffee and conversation.

Celebrating Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day, made famous by the TV show Parks and Recreation, is celebrated on February 13th as a day dedicated to honoring female friendships. It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the amazing women in your life and spend quality time together. Here are some fun ways to celebrate:

  • Brunch with the Girls – Gather your best friends for a festive breakfast or brunch.
  • DIY Wine & Paint Night – Unleash your creativity with a painting session while sipping on wine.
  • Themed Movie Marathon – Watch empowering and feel-good movies like Legally Blonde or Bridesmaids.
  • Self-Care Night – Have a spa night at home with facials, manicures, and comfy pajamas.
  • Friendship Gift Exchange – Exchange small, thoughtful gifts as a token of appreciation.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic relationships—it’s a celebration of love in all forms. Whether you’re spending it with a significant other, or friends, or taking time for yourself, there are countless ways to make the day special.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“No” Foods for Dogs

“No” Foods for Dogs

Human foods that are bad for dogs

Humans have discovered and made some of the most delicious foods throughout history and we have shared our delicacies with many cultures around the world. Sadly there are a few things that we cannot share with out furry friends. Here is a short list of some of those “no-no” foods.

  1. Chocolate- This candy has a chemical called theobromine, which is extremely toxic to dogs, depending on the amount eaten and on the size of the dog. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting and seizures so if you pooch eats any chocolate, take them to their veterinary immediately.
  2. Grapes – This one surprised me when I found out grapes were toxic and can be fatal to dogs. Though the full reason why it is toxic to dogs is still unknown, the cause of eating grapes is well documented. If they eat grapes they could experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pains or in extreme cases some have gone into comas. So it’s best just to keep those yummy fruits to humans only.
  3. Cinnamon – Though not necessarily bad for dogs it can cause dogs to have irritated mouths. It can also lower their blood sugar so it’s a good idea to keep cinnamon and cinnamon oils away from your furry friends.

There are quite a few other foods to keep from your dog on this list provided by the American Kennel Club and in this article from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Pieces of dark chocolate with almonds and fruits (Getty Image)
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Lox Bagel

Lox Bagel

Lox Bagel

Photo by Getty Images

Lox Bagel Recipe from Tastes Better from Scratch

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: N/A

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 bagels
  • 2/3 cup herb and chive cream cheese (or plain cream cheese)
  • 10 oz cold smoked salmon or lox slices
  • 3 tablespoons capers
  • Small chunk of red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • Optional Toppings: Thinly sliced cucumber, tomato, avocado
bagels, cream cheese and lox - lox bagel ingredients stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Directions

  • Prepare the Bagels:
    Cut each bagel in half and spread each half generously with cream cheese.
  • Add the Toppings:
    Layer thin slices of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese.
  • Garnish:
    Add a few slices of red onion, capers, and a sprinkle of fresh dill for flavor.
  • Optional Additions:
    Enhance the bagel by adding optional toppings like thinly sliced cucumber, tomato, or avocado.
  • Serve:
    Enjoy your bagel open-faced or turn it into a sandwich. Serve fresh!
Photo by Getty Images
Eagles deny the Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat with dominant defense in 40-22 rout

Eagles deny the Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat with dominant defense in 40-22 rout

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.

It wasn’t even close.

DeJean got a pick-6 on his 22nd birthday, Sweat tormented Mahomes and the Eagles routed the Chiefs 40-22 on Sunday to secure the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship.

Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score on a tush push, and Vic Fangio’s defense was so dominant that the Eagles didn’t need much from Saquon Barkley.

The game-changing running back finished with 57 yards, breaking Terrell Davis’ record for yards rushing in a season, playoffs included. Hurts threw for 221 yards.

With Donald Trump becoming the first president in office to attend a Super Bowl, the Eagles outplayed Kansas City in every facet, delighting a raucous pro-Philly crowd that celebrated each score with a familiar rendition of “Fly! Eagles! Fly!”

Even Taylor Swift’s presence couldn’t help the Chiefs. They lost for the first time in 10 games this season with the pop superstar in a suite watching boyfriend Travis Kelce, who didn’t catch a pass until late in the third quarter.

Not in Kansas City’s worst nightmares could its fans have imagined such a lackluster performance. The Chiefs had won three of the previous five Super Bowls, losing 31-9 to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers four years ago.

Mahomes was 8-0 against Fangio’s defenses before the longtime coordinator and former Broncos head coach outcoached Andy Reid, capping his first season with his hometown team. Reid fell to 3-3 in Super Bowls, including a loss with the Eagles.

The Eagles sacked Mahomes six times, the most of his career, including 2 1/2 by Sweat. And they did it without Fangio calling a single blitz.

Barkley, the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, only had 31 yards rushing in the first half when Philly built a 24-0 lead.

The Chiefs were aiming to become the third team in NFL history to win three straight championships and the first to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.

Hurts nearly led the Eagles to victory against the Chiefs two years ago in Arizona, but Mahomes led a comeback and Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning field goal in the final minute for a 38-35 victory. Mahomes rallied Kansas City to an overtime victory over San Francisco last year for the Chiefs’ second straight title.

This time, a revamped Philly defense featuring eight new starters from the 2022 team made sure Mahomes had no chance to pull off his magic.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, who mocked fans chanting “Fire Nick!” during a victory over Cleveland in October and was called a “clown” on national television, should finally silence critics by adding a championship ring to a resume that includes the fifth-best winning percentage in league history.

Sirianni was showered with Gatorade with nearly three minutes left in the game while backup QB Kenny Pickett took snaps in mop-up duty.

Barkley helped push Hurts into the end zone from the 1 to give Philadelphia a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Up 10-0 after Jake Elliott’s 48-yard field goal, Sweat and Jalyx Hunt sacked Mahomes on consecutive plays. Mahomes then rolled out and made an errant throw that was picked by DeJean, who returned it 38 yards for a 17-0 lead.

It was Mahomes’ first pick-6 in 21 career playoff games and ended a streak of 297 straight passes without an interception.

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun picked Mahomes again late in the second quarter, and Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a 12-yard TD pass for a 24-0 lead.

Hurts threw a perfect 46-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith to make it 34-0 late in the third.

Mahomes fired a 24-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy to avoid the shutout, but the 2-point conversion failed. He threw two late, mostly meaningless TD passes, one to DeAndre Hopkins and another to Worthy.

After two weeks of discussions about questionable calls that led to public perception that officials favor the Chiefs — a theory NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called “ridiculous” — the first penalty of the game only fueled critics.

A 32-yard pass from Hurts to Brown to the Chiefs 18 on fourth-and-2 was negated by a penalty for offensive pass interference. Brady, now a Fox analyst, and officiating analyst Mike Pereira both disagreed with the call, although Brown shoved Trent McDuffie’s facemask.

On the next possession, the Eagles benefited from an unnecessary roughness penalty on McDuffie against Dallas Goedert following an incomplete pass on third-and-5.

Hurts then connected with Jahan Dotson on a 27-yard pass to the 1 and scored on the next play.

Hurts’ streak of 217 passes without a pick ended in the first half when he was intercepted deep in Kansas City territory, but the Chiefs didn’t capitalize.

The Green Bay Packers are the only NFL team to win three championships in a row, doing it from 1929-31 and 1965-67.

The NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers from 2000-02, led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neill, are the last team in the major American professional leagues to win three straight titles.

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview

By JILL COLVIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow.

“Yeah it is,” Trump told Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier when asked whether his talk of annexing Canada is “a real thing” — as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently suggested.

“I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen,” he said. “Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?”

The U.S. is not subsidizing Canada. The U.S. buys products from the natural resource-rich nation, including commodities like oil. While the trade gap in goods has ballooned in recent years to $72 billion in 2023, the deficit largely reflects America’s imports of Canadian energy.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada would be better off if it agreed to become the 51st U.S. state — a prospect that is deeply unpopular among Canadians.

Trudeau said Friday during a closed-door session with business and labor leaders that Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state is “a real thing” and is linked to his desire for access to the country’s natural resources.

“Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing. In my conversations with him on,” Trudeau said, according to CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster. “They’re very aware of our resources of what we have and they very much want to be able to benefit from those.”

In the interview, which was pre-taped this weekend in Florida, Trump also said that he has not seen enough action from Canada and Mexico to stave off the tariffs he has threatened to impose on the country’s two largest trading partners.

“No, it’s not good enough,” he said. “Something has to happen. It’s not sustainable. And I’m changing it.”

Trump last week agreed to a 30-day pause on his plan to slap Mexico and Canada with a 25% tariff on all imports except for Canadian oil, natural gas and electricity, which would be taxed at 10%, after the countries took steps to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking.

While traveling Sunday on Air Force One to the championship game in New Orleans, Trump said that he would on Monday announce a 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., including from Canada and Mexico and a plan for reciprocal tariffs later in the week.

“Very simply it’s if they charge us, we charge them,” he said.

Trump’s participation in the interview marked a return to tradition. Presidents have typically granted a sit-down to the network broadcasting the Super Bowl game, the most-watched television event of the year. But both Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, were inconsistent in their participation.

Biden declined to participate last year and in 2023, when efforts by his team to have Biden speak with a Fox Corp. streaming service instead of the main network failed. During his first term, Trump participated in three out of four years.

Trump on Sunday will also become the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl in person — something he told Baier he was surprised to learn.

“I thought it would be a good thing for the country to have the president at the game,” he said.

During his flight to New Orleans, Trump signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 9 “the first ever Gulf of America Day” as Air Force One flew over the body of water that he renamed by proclamation from the Gulf of Mexico.

Trump in the interview, also defended the work of billionaire Elon Musk, whose so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has been drawing deep concern from Democrats as he moves to shut down whole government agencies and fire large swaths of the federal workforce in the name of rooting out waste and inefficiency.

Musk, Trump said, has “been terrific,” and will target the Department of Education and the military next.

“We’re going to find billions, hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse,” Trump predicted. “I campaigned on this.”

He was also asked about his dancing, which has become a popular meme on social media.

“I don’t know what it is. I try and walk off sometimes without dancing and I can’t. I have to dance because it’s just that – something special about it,” Trump responded.

___

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed reporting from Air Force One.

He’s back, baby! ESPN’s Dick Vitale makes return to commentating following 4th bout with cancer

He’s back, baby! ESPN’s Dick Vitale makes return to commentating following 4th bout with cancer

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer

CLEMSON. S.C. (AP) — He’s back, baby!

ESPN’s Dick Vitale received a standing ovation Saturday night at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum in his first game back as a commentator since recovering from his fourth bout with cancer.

About 30 minutes before Clemson faced Duke, Vitale was greeted by a roar from the crowd as he arrived on the floor from a tunnel and began to make his way to his courtside seat to call the game. Clemson’s PA announcer chimed in with his best Vitale impersonation, saying “Dickie V, you’re awesome, baby!”

The 85-year-old Vitale appeared emotional as he waived to the crowd as they stood and cheered for nearly a minute.

Vitale hadn’t called a game for ESPN in two years.

He has battled four types of cancer over the past four years, including vocal cord cancer.

However, Vitale announced in late December he’s cancer-free after his fourth bout with the disease in just over three years.

“SANTA CLAUS came early as Dr Rick Brown called & said that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER !” Vitale posted on X on Dec. 23. “OMG thanks so much to ALL of YOU for your (prayers). Yes I’m cutting the nets down baby it’s my National Championship!”

Vitale had surgery in the summer to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his neck. He was previously treated for melanoma and lymphoma, and had radiation treatments last year for vocal cord cancer.

Parmesan Basil Orzo

Parmesan Basil Orzo

Orzo with Parmesan & Basil

creamy garlic and parmesan orzo pasta with lemon zest and parsley - orzo with parmesan & basil stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Orzo with Parmesan & Basil from Taste of Home

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serving size: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta or pearl couscous
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Thinly sliced fresh basil (optional)
cooked italian pasta, risoni, orzo in a bowl on wooden table - cooking orzo stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

Directions

  1. Toast the Orzo:
    • In a large cast-iron or heavy skillet, sauté the orzo in butter over medium heat until lightly browned, about 3–5 minutes.
  2. Cook the Orzo:
    • Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender, about 10–15 minutes.
  3. Finish with Flavor:
    • Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the orzo is creamy.
  4. Garnish and Serve:
    • If desired, top with thinly sliced fresh basil for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
creamy garlic and parmesan orzo pasta with lemon zest and parsley - orzo with parmesan & basil stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
Photo by Getty Images

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