This week’s edition covers stories
from March 6th to March 12th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 750 words, a 6-minute read.
Happy Thursday friend, Isabella here.
It’s almost the weekend, and somehow, we’re inching toward 70-degree weather. Last weekend, I spotted people lining up outside restaurants, bars, and clubs — clearly, we’re ready to defrost. Meanwhile, drivers are as chaotic as ever, because, of course, we collectively forget how to handle seasonal transitions. It’s like the first icy day of winter, despite six months of snow every year, we act like it’s a brand-new concept.
If you’re a social butterfly, you might be gearing up for St. Paddy’s celebrations early since the holiday lands on a Monday this year. If you’re a runner, heads up—today is the last day for online registration for the Luck O’ The Lake Run on Saturday, March 15. Run a 5K, then reward yourself with a beer, a magician, and some Irish dancing at Excelsior Brewing Company (more info here).
Looking for something a little more low-key? Tomorrow, the Landscape Arboretum is hosting its Full Sugar Maple Moon Hike at 7 p.m. Stroll along a tealight-lit trail through the maple trees, sample maple treats and drinks, watch syrup-making in action, and listen to American Indian storytelling (more info here).
Riding the Economic Rollercoaster: Recession Fears and Market Volatility
Oh, the economy — a perpetual rollercoaster ride where everyone clings to their seats, eyes wide, waiting for the next thrilling drop. According to a recent AP News article, the latest loop-de-loop in this financial amusement park is the looming threat of a recession. Stock markets, those fickle beasts, have decided to throw a tantrum. The Nasdaq has entered correction territory, and the S&P 500 is teetering on the edge. This comes after a brief period where investors were popping champagne, buoyed by dreams of tax cuts and deregulation under President Trump.
And let’s be real, maybe you’re not exactly in the mood for a spending spree anyway. Egg prices are hitting records just in time for Easter and Passover, up 10.4% from last year, according to the latest Consumer Price Index. Not only that, but thanks to a nationwide bird flu outbreak, there’s an egg shortage too. Trader Joe’s even had to beg customers to stick to just one dozen eggs per trip. If that’s not recession vibes, I don’t know what is.
While the economy hasn’t flatlined yet, there’s a growing sense of unease. Tariffs are expected to jack up consumer prices and make businesses think twice before investing. The Federal Reserve’s Atlanta branch even hinted at a possible economic contraction in the first quarter, adding fuel to the recession anxiety fire.
Economists are split on the odds of a recession. Goldman Sachs throws out a 20% chance, while Harvard’s Larry Summers goes full coin-flip with a 50-50 prediction. Key recession indicators, like rising unemployment and job losses, haven’t sounded the alarm yet, but the economic crystal ball remains as murky as ever.
Trump’s Tariff Tantrum: Steel, Aluminum & Trade War Chaos
Trump’s at it again — this time with a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, claiming he’s reclaiming “stolen wealth.” Reality check? This could just make everything from beer cans to buildings pricier. The EU and Canada aren’t amused. The EU is firing back with $28B in counter-tariffs, while Canada, America’s biggest steel supplier, plans a $20.7B tax hit on U.S. goods like computers and sports gear. Translation: get ready to pay more. Economists warn this could backfire, raising costs, killing jobs, and fueling a trade war. Meanwhile, Canada’s incoming PM might meet with Trump, if the U.S. remembers Canada’s not just “America’s Hat.” Big win for the economy? Or another self-inflicted wound? Your wallet will let you know soon enough.
Who is Mahmoud Khalil?
Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian activist and Columbia grad, has become the poster child for the U.S. government’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian protestors. Arrested and facing deportation under Trump’s regime, Khalil’s crime? Being vocal about Gaza. While his lawyers argue free speech, the government claims he’s too close to Hamas (without any proof). The whole ordeal, filled with legal battles and public outcry, has sparked fierce protests, with activists and civil rights groups decrying it as an attack on the First Amendment. Looks like protesting in America might soon come with a one-way ticket out.
As we strap in for another ride on the economic rollercoaster, one can’t help but wonder: Will we coast smoothly to the end, or are we gearing up for a stomach-churning plunge? Only time will tell, but in the meantime, maybe don’t hoard the eggs.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team
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We’re Communications Specialists by day and celebrating St. Paddy’s by night!
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