What's Happening

International

The Trump Tariffs Are (Actually) Coming

What's going on: After a monthslong delay, President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico kick in today. His administration already placed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, and that number could double soon. For context: In 2024, the US imported more than $1.3 trillion in goods from China, Mexico, and Canada combined. Trump has said the tariffs will remain in place until these countries curb the flow of drugs (specifically fentanyl) into the US. The Dow didn’t take the news well — plunging more than 600 points yesterday as investors clung to hope the tariffs wouldn’t happen. But Trump said there was “no room left” for talks.

What it means: Federal layoffs, indiscriminate spending cuts, and the looming tariffs have put the US economy on edge, according to The New York Times. The trifecta could stunt economic growth and push inflation higher as many economists warn consumers — not foreign governments — will bear the brunt of the tariffs. As Warren Buffett put it, “the tooth fairy doesn’t pay ‘em.” Translation: Everyday items like cars, gas, t-shirts, beer, and electricity could get more expensive. Groceries? Likely those too — despite Trump spending months campaigning against rising food prices. It’s also setting the stage for a major trade war. Beijing is imposing up to a 15% tax on some American imports. Canada has moved forward with 25% counter-tariffs. And this might be just the beginning — Trump has floated a 25% import tax on goods from the European Union. Hope your wallet likes plot twists.

Related: Trump Hits Pause on Military Aid to Ukraine After Tense Oval Office Meeting (CBS)

Politics

Dems Attempt to Disassociate, Ignore the Present, and Look Ahead to 2028

What's going on: 2028 may feel far away, but the election year is top of mind for many Democrats. Party leaders are already weighing their bids for the White House and clashing over how to take on President Donald Trump and the GOP — falling into three camps: The fighters: Sen. Chris Murphy (CT) and Govs. Gavin Newsom (CA) and JB Pritzker (IL) are going head-to-head with the new administration, championing progressive policies. The bridge-builders: Govs. Gretchen Whitmer (MI) and Jared Polis (CO) are positioning themselves as moderates, emphasizing bipartisanship. The cautious observers: Govs. Josh Shapiro (PA), Wes Moore (MD), and Andy Beshear (KY) are selectively pushing back but steering clear of a full-blown fight. Gov. Tim Walz (MN) says he’s open to a run — if the timing (and his “skill set”) feels right.

Tell me more: The 2024 election exposed glaring issues for Democrats — including their struggle to connect with young male voters, who leaned significantly Republican. Now, the party is debating how to rebuild support across key demographics. Meanwhile, party unity is fraying as approval ratings hit their lowest point in nearly two decades, with more Democratic voters voicing frustration over congressional leadership. Earlier this year, Dems elected Ken Martin as DNC chair. While he calls it a “new DNC,” he hasn’t signaled any sweeping changes to the party. Not music to everyone’s ears. Even local candidates (hi, Andrew Cuomo) are calling for a reset: “It wasn't about rhetoric, but results.” As Democrats sort out a path forward for their party, one issue has brought them together — taking on Elon Musk.

Related: Why Trump’s Address to Congress Tonight Will Be Different From 2017 (AP)

Health

Scientists Are Still Exploring Why Women Outlive Men. It's Not Just Patience

What's going on: Failing to consider that we’re just a superior species and leave it at that, scientists have spent years trying to figure out why those assigned women at birth outlive men. This isn’t just true in humans but many mammals (think: lions, seals, and whales). So what’s the deal? A few major theories have come to light: People born with two X chromosomes seem to have a built-in survival edge (finally, a perk to having more exes). Hormones like estrogen also seem to be protective, particularly when it comes to bolstering the immune system, The New York Times reports. This tracks: One analysis found people who hit menopause later (when estrogen dips) tended to live longer than those who went through it earlier. Then there’s lifestyle — women are less likely to go to war and more likely to go to their regular doctor's appointments. 

What it means: So, are women superhumans? (Yes.) Do they just refuse to die until their to-do lists are done? (Also, probably yes.) In truth, more research and controlled trials are needed to pin down exactly what’s behind their longevity. And as scientists work to crack this femininomenon wide open, the clock is ticking — recent research found the longevity gap between men and women has been widening for over a decade. If experts can solve the mystery of what keeps women going (besides caffeine and Pinterest deep dives), that research could help develop new treatments to extend everyone's life. But age of death isn’t the only important factor. While women tend to live longer, their “healthspans” are shorter than men’s. That means they spend more of their lives dealing with health issues (while also being dismissed by doctors more than men). Immortal, but make it inconvenient.

Related: How Trump’s Funding Changes Harmed Women’s Health Care (NYT Gift Link)