Not even the Oscars could drown this out
Anti-ICE protests, threats to broadcasters, and the widening fallout from the Iran war made sure politics stayed center stage.
We’re kicking off the week with half the world captivated by the Oscars while the rest of it continues to burn. From what’s really happening in American television to the latest news out of Iran, here’s the news we’re watching as the week begins.
Not even the Oscars can escape politics
Before all the artists arrived at the Dolby in their finest attire, hundreds of anti-ICE protests erupted across Los Angeles. Amid slogans like “history will remember” and “ICE won’t quit,” activists called for the expulsion of the government’s paramilitary agents from cities including Minnesota and Portland.
While stars like Javier Bardem demanded an end to the war and freedom for Palestine, U.S. networks are now under direct threat.
Just before the Academy Awards ceremony, the current Federal Communications Commission chairman, Brendan Carr, threatened that TV broadcasters must “course correct” their coverage of the Iran war or “they will lose their licenses.” Carr’s threat came just one day after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth openly called for CNN to be taken over by Paramount, and just one hour after the president posted an image outlining his plan to “reshape the media” by defunding public news, firing late-night hosts and news anchors, and waging war on media companies.
Waco teacher fired for giving kids art supplies for ICE protest
Steve Gaines, an English teacher at the Harmony School of Innovation in Waco, was fired a month after students in his class organized a walkout to protest ICE. Gaines helped students make signs out of cardboard boxes and paint during school hours and said the principal did not instruct him to stay out of the protest until third period.
Gaines, who has 11 years of teaching experience, says he takes responsibility for the lost class time, but believes his dismissal was a disproportionate consequence and stands by his decision to support his students.
Finally, Iran’s long game
As the U.S.-Israel war on Iran escalates, Trump is urging NATO nations to help reopen shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through military support. Daily oil exports from the Persian Gulf, home to top exporter Saudi Arabia and other major producers, have dropped by at least 60%, driving up prices and intensifying fears of long-term economic fallout.
However, only 2% of the total petroleum products fueling the United States passes through the Strait of Hormuz, while 20% goes to Europe. That could push countries around the world to negotiate with Iran before joining the deranged and unsustainable quest the United States has launched on Israel’s behalf.