Tuesday Scoop: #Free21Savage

The big story…

Rapper 21 Savage Released From Detention Center

Rapper 21 Savage has been freed from a federal immigration detention center in South Georgia, according to ajc.com, but he could still be deported for other reasons. The discharge comes after a flurry of social media posts from various rappers and producers, calling for 21’s freedom. The musician was arrested earlier this month on an expired visa charge. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that the rapper (also known as She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph) is originally from the U.K, and argued that he was illegally staying in the U.S.

Artists such as Meek Mill and Metro Boomin’ took to Instagram and Twitter to protest against the deportation case, with Metro posting a picture in which “Free 21 Savage” was written on the back of his jacket. As a frequent collaborator with 21 (Without Warning), it was no surprise to see the producer stick by the rapper’s side. Read more in Ryan Feyre’s report for CMN.

In national news…

Amazon Goes Back to the Drawing Board for HQ2

Amazon has officially stopped plans for its HQ2 location in Long Island City, NY after major pushback from the local community. Although the company will still continue building facilities in Nashville and Crystal City, VA, this last-minute change has the country wondering whether the search for HQ2 is still on.

In immigration…

States Sue Over Trump’s State of Emergency for Border Wall

Last week, President Trump signed a border security measure, as well as declared a state of emergency to fund a border wall, momentarily ending a dispute with Congress over his signature campaign promise. CNN reports, “The news of Trump’s decision came via Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said he would drop his opposition to the national emergency move in order to advance the government funding measure.” McConnell spoke on the Senate floor Thursday, followed by a vote on the plan – which falls short of the $5 million Trump demanded – that passed by 82-16.

Sixteen states are now suing Trump saying that he has misused his presidential power.

In politics…

Former Astronaut Mark Kelly Will Run for Senate in 2020

Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly announced on Tuesday, February 12 that he will run for U.S. Senate in Arizona in 2020. Kelly, who is the identical twin brother of former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and husband of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, will run against incumbent Republican Senator Martha McSally, who was a former congresswoman. McSally replaced former Arizona Senator and Congressman Jon Kyl in January 2019 after he served a temporary term in the wake of former Arizona Senator John McCain’s death in August 2018 due to cancer. Read more in Duane Paul Murphy’s report for CMN.

In crime…

New evidence Suggests Jessie Smollett Planned His Own Attack

Two law enforcement sources with knowledge of Jessie Smollett’s case have said Chicago Police believe the actor paid two men to orchestrate an attack on him that he reported in January. CNN reports, “Smollett denies playing a role in his attack, according to a statement from his attorneys. The men, who are brothers, were arrested Wednesday but released without charges Friday after Chicago police cited the discovery of ‘new evidence.’ The sources told CNN the two men are now cooperating fully with law enforcement.” Smollett told police he was attacked early on January 29 by two men who yelled homophobic and racial slurs at him while one of the men put a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him.

Trending today…

Jonas Bros Reunion

Is the band getting back together? Fans seem to hope so.

Last but not least…

Ed Sheeran and a World in Which The Beatles Never Existed

What if the Beatles never existed… but Ed Sheeran did? Our favorite ginger singer-songwriter is known for donning many hats. For example, that time he sang in Italian with legendary opera singer Andre Bocelli, for his then new single “Perfect.” You know, the one that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Known for his chilled out and down to earth demeanor, Ed Sheeran has grown into one of the biggest British music exports since The Beatles. Read more in Charlotte Kohlberg’s report for CMN.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Duane Paul Murphy, Charlotte Kohlberg, Ryan Feyre, Natalia Kolenko, and the CMN Staff. GrubHub revealed that the biggest Valentine’s Day order for singles was pizza puffs. Needless to say, we feel betrayed. P.S. Was this newsletter forwarded by a friend? Subscribe here to get the Morning Scoop straight to your inbox every day.