Associated Press journalists have been blocked from accessing spaces like the Oval Office after the organization opted not to use the term “Gulf of America.” We’ll unpack the conundrum this creates for other news outlets covering the White House. And, while the GOP eyes spending cuts to key social safety net programs, some Republican representatives are feeling pressure from their constituents. We’ll get into it. Plus, a penny for your thoughts on getting rid of the penny. We’ll weigh in during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• “Hagan Scotten, Adams’s Lead Prosecutor, Quits Defiantly” from The New York Times

• “Republicans rush to soften Trump’s cuts” from Politico

• “Vulnerable Republican fires warning shot on House budget” from Politico

• “Seeking a Mar-a-Lago Vibe, Trump Considers Paving Over Grass in Rose Garden” from The New York Times

• “White House Will Continue to Bar Associated Press in Gulf of Mexico Fight” from The New York Times

• “Opinion | ‘Gulf of America’ leads to AP removal from Trump White House events” from The Washington Post

• “This Is How Much the Average Couple Spends on Valentine’s Day” from U.S. News

• “Apple and Google Restore TikTok to App Stores in the U.S.” from The New York Times

• “Americans are turning to social media for financial advice” from Marketplace

• “So, This 2000s Denim Trend Is About to Blow Up for Spring 2025” from InStyle

• “What Trump’s Plan to Stop Minting Pennies Means for Consumers” from The Wall Street Journal

Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.