What's Happening

Economy

A Small Win for Your Budget (With a Big Asterisk)

What's going on: After months of stubbornly high prices, inflation finally eased a bit in February. For much of the past year, the cost of living has climbed steadily as everything from groceries to gas got more expensive, stretching budgets and frustrating consumers. While the Consumer Price Index showed that prices were up 2.8% compared to the same time last year, some costs have started to fall. The main reason? Some relief at the pump and on airfare, according to the Labor Department. And your grocery bill? Pretty much unchanged — unless you were buying eggs (despite the Trump administration’s claim that those prices went down). 

What it means: That’s a little relief for your wallet, but don’t go rewriting your budget just yet. Price trends can shift fast, and experts say this report already feels outdated given recent policy moves. The Trump administration’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum have sparked retaliation — Canada hit $30 billion in US goods, and the EU is targeting American exports, raising fears of a broader trade war. One economist described the latest inflation dip as “a classic head fake,” warning that tariffs will drive up manufacturing costs, especially for cars. And with global trade tensions escalating, supply chain disruptions could add even more uncertainty.

Related: Think the “Pink Tax” Is Bad? Meet the “Pink Tariff” (The 19th)

Politics

Senate Math Just Got Harder for Democrats in 2026

What's going on: If the Democrats were hoping to claw back some control of Congress in the midterms, that path just got a little harder. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) just announced she won’t seek reelection next year, ending her historic career. Shaheen, who turned 78 this winter, was the first-ever woman to serve as both senator and governor in the US. She announced her decision via social media video recapping her career, from taking on “forever chemicals” to protecting abortion rights for those in the military. Shaheen’s retirement adds to the growing list of Dems stepping down ahead of the 2026 midterms, making the path to taking back a Senate majority even trickier. 

What it means: Republicans have a shot at flipping three purple states where Democratic senators recently announced retirements. Shaheen joins Sen. Tina Smith (MN) and Sen. Gary Peters (MI) in stepping down — and the GOP is feeling good about it. They’re also optimistic about their chances in Georgia, where Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) is gearing up for a tough reelection fight. Meanwhile, Democrats don’t have any clear openings to flip red states. Historically, the party in the White House struggles in the midterms, but these retirements give Republicans an edge in 2026. With a 53-47 Senate majority, the GOP could shape Trump’s final years in office. For Democrats, Shaheen’s exit is a blow — but their Senate map was already looking rough. There’s always the House, though.

Related: Gov. Gavin Newsom Sat Down With Steve Bannon — Turns Out, They Kind of Agree on Some Things (But Only Kind Of) (NYT Gift Link) 

Health

What Are Beta Blockers and Why Is Everyone Talking About Them? 

What's going on: Lately, beta blockers (prescription heart meds) have been pulling double duty as anxiety tamers, popping up in HBO’s Industry and infiltrating podcasts like they’re the new CBD. Bottoms star Rachel Sennott casually dropped that her pre-Academy Awards prep included “that beta blocker, girl.” Originally meant to slow heart rates and lower blood pressure, these little pills are now sometimes used to mute the body’s “fight or flight” panic response — despite not being FDA-approved for anxiety. Some psychiatrists prescribe beta blockers “off-label” for as-needed anxiety-reducers (think: before public speaking and job interviews). But others use them “recreationally” for things like “hangxiety” and even to calm nerves before first dates. 

Tell me more: While some people say anecdotally that beta blockers can work wonders, others aren’t fans. As one person put it: “It was like having a foreign heart in my chest.” Studies on the medication’s effectiveness for anxiety are also limited, and they come with some side effects. On the other hand, Glamour reports that docs say the pills can be a good option because they’re fast-acting (unlike SSRIs) and they’re not a controlled substance (like Xanax) — plus, they don’t interact dangerously with alcohol. Still, doctors warn this medication is only useful for short-term physical symptoms — beta blockers won’t treat the underlying psychological causes of anxiety. In other words, they’re not a replacement for SSRIs, benzos, or therapy.

Related: The Mental Health Crisis “Means Youth Is No Longer One of Happiest Times of Life” (The Guardian)