What's Happening

Politics

Justice Roberts Just Gave Trump a Civics Lesson

What's going on: Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts just drew a stark line in the sand with President Donald Trump. In a rare public statement yesterday, Roberts rejected Trump’s latest push to impeach a federal judge who ruled against his administration’s deportations. Trump posted about US District Judge James Boasberg on Truth Social, calling him a “troublemaker and agitator” for trying to stop deportation flights carrying hundreds of Venezuelan migrants (reminder: the planes didn’t turn around). In response, Roberts wrote: “For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.” The White House hasn’t commented on Roberts’s statement. 

What it means: Roberts isn’t just defending his colleagues — he’s making it clear the judiciary won’t be bullied. It comes as the Trump administration ramps up executive actions, with several cases making their way through the courts. Analysts call Roberts’s move an “extraordinary display of conflict” between the executive and judicial branches, as there’s already tension over whether Trump ignored Boasberg’s deportation ruling — a potential sign the president will disregard other attempts to check his power. Roberts and the president have had a rocky relationship for years (despite Trump recently thanking him publicly). While SCOTUS has largely given Trump room to maneuver (remember that whole presidential immunity thing?), Roberts’s latest message suggests the court isn’t about to become his rubber stamp.

Related: JD Vance Is Looking More and More Like the 2028 Face Of MAGA (Axios) 

International

Trump and Putin Agree to Partial Ukraine Ceasefire — but It's Not a Done Deal

What's going on: A phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin paved the way toward a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. Yesterday, Putin agreed to an immediate 30-day pause on strikes targeting Ukrainian power plants and electric grids. But the deal would hinge on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreeing to do the same in Russia. For now, Zelenskyy is asking for more “details” before accepting the truce. As for a permanent ceasefire? Putin said that’ll require an end to all foreign military and intelligence support to Ukraine. But European officials aren’t buying it.

What it means: The call tests whether Trump’s Russia-friendly approach — even if it strains ties with US allies — can help end the conflict. Before starting his second term, Trump repeatedly promised to “solve” the war within 24 hours (though he later admitted he was “being a little bit sarcastic”). But Ukraine’s firm demands for entering negotiations — including security guarantees — clash with Russia’s conditions, making it difficult for Trump’s team to find common ground. Still, the White House framed the call as progress, saying both leaders agreed that better US-Russia relations could lead to major wins for global stability and business.

Related: Skating Into Diplomacy: Trump and Putin Float US-Russia Hockey Games (ESPN)

Career

Switching Jobs for a Raise? Don't Count on It

What's going on: People used to say it pays to switch jobs. Now, it might not pay at all. New federal data shows the pay gap between job-hoppers and loyal employees is the smallest it’s been in a decade. On average, staying put earned people a 4.6% pay bump, while switching jobs only bumped pay by 4.8%. Some job-hunters told The Wall Street Journal that listings for roles similar to their past jobs are offering salaries of up to $40,000 less than they used to. The finance industry seems to be the exception, where some candidates are still landing solid raises. It might be time to grab a Patagonia vest.

What it means: The labor market is stuck in a weird place. Unemployment is low and things seem stable, but hiring has slowed and fewer people are quitting — a sign that worker confidence is shaky. Companies are trying to have their HR-approved cake and eat it too. They want top-tier talent but aren’t willing to budge on salary. Some are even handing out title bumps and more work without the extra cash. But even so, many employees are sticking it out amid concerns that the labor market could change at any moment. Experts warn the Trump administration’s tariffs and mass federal layoffs could push the country into a recession, triggering more pink slips.

Related: Everyone Wants To Go to Law School This Year (WSJ Gift Link)