Trump's "Liberation Day" Doesn't Feel So Liberating

What's Happening

Economy

Trump's "Liberation Day" Doesn't Feel So Liberating

What's going on: During yesterday’s so-called “Liberation Day” ceremony, President Donald Trump announced his most expansive tariffs yet. Starting Saturday, all imports — from cars to fashion — will face a 10% blanket tariff. And next week, about 60 countries will face higher “reciprocal tariffs” for treating the US unfairly, according to the Trump team. (Canada and Mexico are excluded.) Some of the biggest hikes include a 34% tariff on China (on top of existing tariffs), 24% on Japan, and 20% on the European Union. Trump summed up his reasoning: “Reciprocal, that means they do it to us and we do it to them, very simple.” He then held up some props to illustrate the plan and gave everyone his own definition of “groceries.” Markets were closed at the time of the announcement, but stock futures plunged on the news — with Dow futures dropping over 1,100 points. Unlikely to help: the new auto tariffs that went into effect overnight.

What it means: The tariffs are at the high end of economists’ expectations, and trading partners are already preparing to retaliate. Experts warn the move could drive up prices and push the US closer to a recession, with research showing tariffs tend to hit low-income Americans the hardest. Trump insists they will “Make America Wealthy Again” by bringing manufacturing jobs back, a claim backed by the United Auto Workers. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has adjusted its inflation forecast, now expecting a 32-year high. Bipartisan opposition is growing (Senate Republicans just joined Dems to reject new tariffs on Canada), with lawmakers warning that this trade war could backfire on the broader economy.

Related: Is Kesha’s New Song a “Recession Indicator”? Millennials Seem to Think So (USA Today)

US News

Crash Test Dummies Are Male and That's a Problem

What's going on: Multiple studies over the last five years have shown that women are 73% more likely to be seriously injured and 17% more likely to die in car crashes than men in the same collisions. And no, it’s not because of driving skills — it’s partly because safety systems weren’t designed with women in mind. The crash test dummies used to meet federal safety standards are still based on the “average” male body... from the 1970s. And the so-called “female” dummy? It stands at 4’11” and weighs 108 pounds — far from representative of most women. Now, a bipartisan effort in Congress is pushing for change. The She DRIVES Act, which has cleared a key Senate committee, would require modern crash test dummies that actually reflect women’s bodies. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is on board, calling the delays unacceptable.

What it means: This isn’t just about crash test dummies — it’s about how women’s health, safety, and bodies are routinely ignored in research and design. (Add it to the list, right next to seat belts and military gear.) Women hold more driver’s licenses than men today, face higher crash risks, and suffer more leg injuries — yet automakers still rely on outdated dummies. Updating crash test regulations could literally save lives by ensuring cars are built to protect everyone, not just the average man from 1976. It’s a reminder that when women lead in policy, science, or storytelling, equity gets a little closer to the driver’s seat.

Related: Supreme Court Signals Support in Planned Parenthood Medicaid Fight (CNN)

Health

For Better or Worse? New Study Reveals Potential Health Risk of Marriage

What's going on: ‘Til death do us part might not be the cognitive boost it’s long been made out to be. A new study of 24,000 adults over age 50 found that those who were widowed, divorced, or never married had a lower risk of developing dementia than their married counterparts. Researchers from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center tracked participants for up to 18 years and found that being single may come with surprising upsides for your mental acuity. Before you text your ex “thanks,” a few caveats: Most participants were white, married volunteers, and researchers note that some unmarried people may just be diagnosed later. Still, the findings challenge long-held ideas about marriage and brain health.

What it means: The benefits of marriage? Still real. But they might come with tradeoffs. The study’s co-author noted that unmarried adults often have stronger friendships, healthier habits, and more social engagement — all of which can help protect the brain. Meanwhile, married folks may face caregiving stress, smaller social circles, and a tendency to be less self-reliant, which could increase dementia risk. In other words, strong social ties and personal well-being may be just as (if not more) important to brain health than simply having a spouse. Since dementia can cause changes in the brain years before symptoms appear, researchers say midlife habits — not just relationship status — play a key role. The authors suggest future studies focus on marital quality for a clearer picture.

Related: One More Reason To Get the Shingles Vaccine? It Could Help Fight Dementia  (AP News) 

Together with Hulu

What to Watch

We all pretend we don’t want drama, but on TV? We need it. And now that Hulu has more drama episodes than any other streaming service, you can indulge in every twist, turn, and high-stakes decision without facing the consequences. Here’s where we’d start…  

• FX’s Shōgun: This show — which is set in 1600 as Japan teeters on a century-defining civil war — has won 18 Emmy^® Awards. We repeat: 18 Emmy^® Awards. 

• FX’s Sons of Anarchy: There’s something undeniably charming about this motorcycle club protecting their small town from drug dealers, corporate developers, and overzealous law officers. 

• FX’s anthology series, Fargo: The latest season centers on a Midwestern housewife (played by Juno Temple) who’s suddenly threatened by the evil ex (Jon Hamm) she thought she’d left behind.

Settle This

Glen Powell is starting a condiment line. No, really. What's the name?

Extra Credit

Read

All aboard — Emma Donoghue’s The Paris Express has arrived. Inspired by the real-life 1895 train crash at Paris’s Montparnasse station, the gripping historical-fiction novel tells the story of those on board. At the center is Mado Pelletier, a young anarchist fed up with working-class conditions and set on making a statement — one that involves the three members of Parliament seated in first class. But as the journey unfolds, she crosses paths with a medical student, a secretary trying to sell her boss on the future of movies, a Black artist, and other passengers who just might change her course.

Game Time

Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.