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Trump presents Rush Limbaugh with Medal of Freedom at State of the Union

President Trump gave talk show host Rush Limbaugh a Presidential Medal of Freedom at the State of the Union on Tuesday, just hours after it was announced that he'd be a recipient.

Driving the news: Limbaugh announced this week that he's been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. He's been one of the most influential conservative media figures over the last three decades and often featured high-power guests, including Trump, on his show.

What they're saying: Trump introduced Limbaugh by stating:

"Rush Limbaugh, thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country.  And Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and that you inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country's highest civilian honor."

Go deeper ... WATCH: Trump snubs Pelosi handshake State of the Union address

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Dan Primack, author of Pro Rata
33 mins ago - Podcasts

Robert Downey Jr. launches VC funds to help save the planet

Robert Downey Jr. on Wednesday announced the launch of two venture capital funds focused on startups in the sustainability sector, the latest evolution of a project he launched two years ago called Footprint Collective.

Between the lines: This is a bit of life imitating art, as Downey Jr. spent 11 films portraying a character who sought to save the planet (or, in some cases, the universe).

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Fadel Allassan
1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

DHS warns of "heightened threat" because of domestic extremism

Supporters of former President Trump protest inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Photo: Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday issued an advisory warning of a "heightened threat environment" in the U.S. because of "ideologically-motivated violent extremists."

Why it matters: DHS believes the threat of violence will persist for "weeks" following President Biden's inauguration. The extremists include those who opposed the presidential transition, people spurred by "grievances fueled by false narratives" and "anger over COVID-19 restrictions ... and police use of force[.]"

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Marisa Fernandez
1 hour ago - Health

OIG: HHS misused millions of dollars intended for public health threats

Vaccine vials. Photo: Punit Paranjpe/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel alerted the White House and Congress on Wednesday of an investigation that found the Department of Health and Human Services misused millions of dollars that were budgeted for vaccine research and public health emergencies for Ebola, Zika and now the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters: The more than 200-page investigation corroborated claims from a whistleblower, showing the agency's violation of the Purpose Statute spanned both the Obama and Trump administrations and paid for unrelated projects like salaries, news subscriptions and the removal of office furniture.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow