What's Happening

Economy

The Trump Tariffs Are Coming, and Things Are About to Get Expensive

What's going on: Over the weekend, President Donald Trump made good on his campaign promise to impose steep tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China — America’s three largest trading partners. Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs on all goods, except for Canadian oil and energy, which are subject to a 10% tariff. All Chinese goods also face a 10% tariff. The White House said the tariffs will remain in place until these countries curb the flow of migrants and illegal drugs into the US, but did not offer many specifics. However, the three countries aren’t taking this lying down. Mexico and Canada announced retaliatory tariffs (which happen to target goods from Republican-led states, like Florida orange juice and Kentucky peanut butter). China said it’s filing a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization. The impact of the tariffs began to unfold today as stock markets inAsia and Europe dropped. 

What it means: Trump’s tariffs won't only erode decades-long trade relations — they're also likely to spark a trade war and drive up the cost of everyday items. While the president has maintained that consumers won't feel the impact and that other countries will bear the brunt, he recently admitted Americans could feel “some pain.” Numerous economists think it’ll be a lot more than just “some.” Importers could always choose to absorb the tariffs or renegotiate with suppliers, but experts don’t think that’s likely. Consumers could be paying more for things like cherry tomatoes, avocados, gas, and cars. However, experts seem unsure of exactly how much the cost of goods will rise. An economist from ING told The New York Times that if Americans don't switch to cheaper alternatives and end up shouldering the full cost, it could mean an extra $835 per person. Aside from raising prices, the tariffs could slow economic growth and accelerate inflation.

Related: Elon Musk and DOGE Just Got Access to Sensitive Treasury Data (AP)

Abortion

New York Doctor Indicted for Sending Abortion Pills to Louisiana

What's going on: A Louisiana grand jury has indicted Dr. Margaret Carpenter for prescribing abortion pills to a pregnant teenager in the state. Her medical practice and the minor’s mother, who ordered the pills, were also charged with criminal abortion. Under Louisiana’s near-total abortion ban, which makes no exceptions for rape or incest, physicians face up to 15 years in prison, $200,000 in fines, and the revocation of their medical licenses for providing illegal abortions. Carpenter was operating under New York’s telemedicine abortion shield laws, which are aimed at protecting doctors who prescribe abortion pills to patients who live in states with bans. Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) says she will uphold the law, vowing never to turn Carpenter over to Louisiana.

What it means: The case appears to be the first time a doctor has faced criminal charges for sending abortion pills to a state with a ban. It also underscores the growing legal rift between anti-abortion states and those working to safeguard access nationwide, putting telemedicine abortion shield laws to the test. Enacted in eight states, these shield laws have allowed tens of thousands of people in states with bans or restrictions to access abortion without having to travel. Some anti-abortion advocates are also trying to revive a 152-year-old law to criminalize the mailing of abortion pills. Legal experts say Carpenter’s case will likely advance to federal court and could even reach the Supreme Court.

Related: Did Wyoming’s Anti-Abortion Bill Come for Chemotherapy? Some Experts Think So(The Guardian)

Entertainment

Oscar Hopeful’s Racist Tweets Resurface

What's going on: Despite drawing the ire of the internet, the Spanish-language French film Emilia Pérez (which follows a lawyer who helps a cartel leader transition into being a woman) picked up 13 Oscar nominations. The film’s lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, made history as the first openly trans person nominated for best actress. But with less than a month to go before the Oscars, her past derogatory tweets have come to light — some as recent as 2021. In the posts, Gascón said Islam is “an infection for humanity that needs to be cured urgently” and called George Floyd a “drug addict and a hustler.” Also not great: Gascón allegedly called co-star Selena Gomez a “rich rat” in 2022 (Gascón has denied writing this post). She has since deleted her X account and apologized: “As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain.”

What it means: Emilia Pérez was initially seen as the movie to beat at the Oscars and Gascón was a strong contender to win the best actress award. However, many in Hollywood now doubt the Academy will give her the honor following this scandal, and it could also affect the film’s chances in other categories. Others want to know why Netflix didn’t dig into the actress’s social media. Controversy has surrounded the movie since its premiere, despite its critical acclaim. Emilia Pérez is set in Mexico, but no Mexican actors were cast in leading roles. GLAAD, an LGBTQIA+ rights alliance, called the film “a profoundly retrograde portrayal of a trans woman,” and “a step backward for trans representation.” Co-star Zoe Saldana responded to Gascón’s tweets as well: “I don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group.”

Related: Mexicans Have Responded to Emilia Perez With Their Own Film Making Fun of France (The Guardian)