1. Tariffs
The US is scaling back auto tariffs for Canada and Mexico amid heightened trade tensions and GOP pushback. President Donald Trump granted a one-month exemption on auto tariffs for the two countries — a move he said would protect the Big Three US automakers from financial harm. The decision followed Trump’s discussions with leaders from Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, who argued the tariffs could disadvantage their American-based businesses in favor of foreign carmakers. All other 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada remain in effect. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump would remain open to other tariff exemptions, reversing a previous stance that there would be none. The stock market rallied on Wednesday following the news, after experiencing a downturn earlier in the week.
2. Ukraine
European leaders are convening for a special summit today as the Trump administration reduces critical support for Ukraine. This week, the US president suspended military shipments to Kyiv after a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The most significant challenge for Ukrainian troops is the potential loss of US-made Patriot air defense systems, which are currently irreplaceable and essential for protecting Ukraine against Russia’s powerful ballistic missiles. French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Wednesday that his country needs to be prepared for the US to potentially “not remain by our side” in the Ukraine-Russia war, adding that France must “do more” to strengthen its “independence in matters of defense and security.”
3. Government Cuts
Two rulings have highlighted deep divisions within the Supreme Court regarding the extent of the federal judiciary’s power to prevent President Trump from implementing certain plans. On Wednesday, the high court rejected President Trump’s request to maintain the freeze on billions in foreign aid approved by Congress. Separately, a federal appeals court allowed the president to remove the head of a government watchdog agency while a legal challenge to his firing is ongoing. The Supreme Court’s approach to supporting lower court decisions will be crucial as judges consider the president’s actions to fire leaders of independent agencies and freeze spending, among other things.
4. Gaza Ceasefire
The US is now directly negotiating with Hamas militants regarding the hostages and ceasefire in Gaza. This represents a significant shift in US policy, which has historically refused to engage with groups it considers terrorists. The US designated Hamas a terrorist organization in 1997. President Trump also issued what he described as a “last warning” to Hamas on Wednesday, demanding the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he would send Israel “everything it needs to finish the job,” and warned that “not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
5. Social Media Safety
Utah has become the first state to enact legislation requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors to download apps on their devices. Meta and other social media companies support placing the responsibility for age verification on app stores, amidst criticism that they do not adequately protect children or verify that no children under 13 are using their platforms. App stores, however, argue that app developers are better equipped to handle age verification and other safety measures. Similar bills have been introduced in at least eight other states, highlighting the ongoing debate over children’s online safety.
Breakfast Browse:
- An Expensive Snack: Following a multimillion-dollar banana taped to a wall, a Pokémon-shaped Cheeto has now sold for nearly $90,000 at an auction.
- Cleveland Cavaliers Clinch Playoff Spot: The NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers are heading to the playoffs after defeating the Miami Heat for their 12th consecutive win.
- The 2026 World Cup Final Will Include a Halftime Show: FIFA’s president has confirmed that the 2026 men’s World Cup final, hosted in the US, will include a halftime show for the first time.
- Alibaba Launches New AI Model: Artificial intelligence leaders OpenAI and DeepSeek may face competition. Chinese tech giant Alibaba unveiled its latest AI reasoning model today, causing its stock to surge.
- US Stops Sharing Air Quality Data from Embassies Worldwide: The US government will stop sharing air quality data gathered from its embassies and consulates. Some scientists are concerned, stating that this data was vital for improving public health.
Today’s Number:
- 9,400: This is approximately the number of structures destroyed in the Eaton Fire, which devastated Altadena, California, in January and resulted in 17 deaths. Los Angeles County announced on Wednesday that it is suing Southern California Edison, alleging the utility’s equipment sparked the deadly blaze.
Today’s Quote:
- “Who would have thought a little balloon would crash here?”: A resident of Quinlan, Texas, after a US Customs and Border Protection surveillance blimp—resembling a large, white hot air balloon—crash-landed in the rural city this week. Strong winds dislodged the balloon from its base in South Padre Island, off the southern coast of Texas, sending it nearly 600 miles across the state.
Today’s Weather:
- Check your local forecast here>>>
And Finally…
- Flight attendants give tips on how to beat jet lag: Flight attendants provide advice for overcoming jet lag when traveling on long-haul flights.
