Good Morning! Today’s edition is 1,088 words, a 4-minute read.

What’s on tap: 

• Mayor Adams’ corruption charges dropped

• Dangerous weather in the Midwest and South

• How to wander

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Big Story

“Liberation Day” Tariffs (Cont.)

President Trump unveiled his “Liberation Day” tariffs which include a baseline 10% tariff on all US imports alongside higher "reciprocal" tariffs targeting specific countries.

• The reciprocal tariffs will hit major trading partners particularly hard: the European Union, Japan, and South Korea face rates of 20%, 25%, and 25% respectively, while Vietnam (46%) and Taiwan (32%) will see the steepest increases. The rates are reportedly half of what was initially expected.

• Trump is also imposing a 54% total tariff rate on Chinese imports, effective April 9. China was already paying 20% tariffs and another 34% in reciprocal tariffs is being tacked on top of that.

• US stocks fell sharply during after-hours trading in response to the news. Multinational companies were hit hard—Nike dropped 7% and Apple 6%, while retailers of imported goods took an even bigger beating, with Five Below and Dollar Tree spiraling 12% and 11%.

• Meanwhile, the Senate voted 51-48 to undo Trump’s 25% Canadian tariffs. Four Republican senators—Paul, Collins, Murkowski, and McConnell—crossed party lines to support the resolution. It doesn’t carry the weight of law but it signals potential resistance to the President's broader trade agenda.

Big Story

Val Kilmer Passes

Actor Val Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles at age 65.

• His daughter revealed that he died of pneumonia. He had previously recovered from throat cancer diagnosed in 2014, which required two tracheotomies.

• Kilmer's career spanned four decades, beginning with comedies like "Top Secret!" before reaching its peak in the 1990s. His iconic roles included Iceman in "Top Gun," Batman in "Batman Forever," and Jim Morrison in "The Doors."

• Known for his method acting approach, Kilmer often immersed himself deeply in characters—wearing leather pants constantly for his Morrison role and filling his bed with ice to feel Doc Holliday's tuberculosis symptoms in "Tombstone."

• After his 2014 throat cancer diagnosis, Kilmer faced health challenges that transformed his final decade. The treatment took his ability to speak, requiring his son Jack to voice his 2021 documentary "Val." Despite this, he returned to screen in 2022’s "Top Gun: Maverick," published a candid memoir, and continued creating poetry and art.

Big Story

Mayor Adams' Corruption Charges Dropped

Federal judge Dale Ho dismissed corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams this week.

• However, the dismissal came with a significant caveat that the Trump administration didn’t want. Ho dismissed the case "with prejudice," meaning it can never be reopened.

• New York indicted Adams last year on five counts in an alleged conspiracy involving improper benefits, illegal campaign cash, and cover-up attempts. He pleaded not guilty.

• The Justice Department had wanted to dismiss the case temporarily, allegedly to secure Adams' cooperation with Trump's immigration agenda. Judge Ho's 78-page opinion refuted the rationale, warning it suggested “public officials may receive special dispensation if they are compliant with the incumbent administration's policy priorities.”

• The decision follows acting US Attorney Danielle Sassoon's resignation letter alleging DOJ leadership was aware of a potential quid pro quo involving Adams' support for Trump's immigration policies in exchange for dropping charges.

Quick Stories

US News

• The USDA has frozen federal funds for some Maine education programs because the state refused to ban transgender students from girls' sports, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. (More)

• The FAA is increasing safety measures at Reagan National Airport after January's collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter. This includes more support and oversight for air traffic controllers. (More)

• A dangerous tornado outbreak is expected across the Midwest and South. Weather experts have issued a rare "high risk" severe weather alert, warning of multiple powerful tornadoes that could hit the Mississippi and Ohio valleys. (More)

World

• Slovakia's cabinet has approved shooting around 350 brown bears - about a quarter of the population - after a man was killed by a bear in Central Slovakia. The government cites human safety concerns following multiple attacks. (More)

• Sydney beachfront homes were flooded and coastal structures damaged after huge swells combined with king tide hit Australia. Officials reported 18-foot waves at Bondi Beach. (More)

• Israel's defense minister says they'll take over "large areas" of Gaza to expand security zones and wants residents to evacuate. Netanyahu confirmed the new strategy includes seizing territory, striking terrorists, and destroying infrastructure. (More)

Business & Economy

• US stock markets closed high on Wednesday (S&P +0.67%, Nasdaq +0.87%, Dow +0.56%). Stocks climbed during regular trading hours as Wall Street waited for President Trump’s tariff rollout. (More)

• United Airlines will launch daily flights to Vietnam and Thailand in October, plus add a second daily flight to Manila and a new service to Adelaide, Australia. (More)

• Amazon has made a last-minute bid to buy TikTok before it faces a US ban this Saturday, according to an unnamed Trump official. The offer was sent directly to VP Vance and Commerce Secretary Lutnick. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• Steph Curry dropped 52 points against the Grizzlies, helping the Warriors win 134-125. The scoring outburst pushed him past Jerry West to 25th on the NBA's all-time scoring list. (More)

• Carmelo Anthony has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, according to sources. The ten-time NBA All-Star was drafted third overall in 2003, behind LeBron James and ahead of Dwyane Wade. (More)

• David Fincher is directing a "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" sequel for Netflix with Quentin Tarantino writing. Brad Pitt will return as Cliff Booth in this follow-up to Tarantino's Oscar-winning film. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• Nintendo announced the Switch 2 console will launch on June 5, featuring interactive chat, screen share functions, a more vibrant display, a larger screen, and several launch games to connect players. (More)

• A three-year-old Israeli girl discovered a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab amulet while on a family trip. The beetle-shaped items served as seals and amulets, often symbolizing religious beliefs or status in ancient times. (More)

• An Australian research study shows antibiotics given to newborns can lower their immune response to vaccines later in infancy. This is likely because antibiotics change gut bacteria. (More)

Extra Credit

🚶‍♂️ How to wander (and why we should).

🌩️ …and why you shouldn’t crouch during a lightning storm.

🔨 Visualizing the cost of building a home in the US.

😴 Why you might be tired despite getting enough sleep.