Here’s your morning news rundown—but first, a quick thank you. If you believe in this kind of journalism, please consider subscribing or becoming a supporter. Every bit helps keep this work going strong. I will be doing a paid Q&A tonight around 8 PM EST, so stay tuned!
Now, let’s get into the news.
The "Hands Off" protest against Elon Musk and Donald Trump drew millions of participants worldwide—far surpassing organizers’ expectations. According to organizers, over 1,300 demonstrations are taking place today in cities around the globe, from London to Lisbon. In Washington, D.C. alone, more than 100,000 people gathered.
At least a dozen more protests are scheduled today at Tesla showrooms across the U.S., as backlash intensifies against CEO Elon Musk over his Department of Government Efficiency’s role in President Donald Trump’s sweeping overhaul of the federal government. Several Tesla locations also served as rally points yesterday for the broader “Hands Off!” movement, which drew millions of protesters in all 50 states and around the world.
Calling the Trump administration’s actions a “grievous error” that “shocks the conscience,” a federal judge has denied their request to lift her order requiring the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
The Justice Department has placed on indefinite paid leave the attorney who represented the government on Friday in a lawsuit filed by a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.
House Republicans are warning that “there is significant opposition to the Senate budget, and it will not pass next week.”
The Trump administration’s newly imposed tariffs are expected to drive up prices on everyday essentials like coffee, toilet paper, and bananas, according to the Consumer Brands Association. The trade group—which represents companies including Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola—says U.S. climate limitations make it difficult to source certain key ingredients domestically.
A second child has died from measles in Texas, part of a rapidly growing outbreak that has infected nearly 500 people statewide since January.
Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of more than seven years—87 months—for disgraced former Rep. George Santos, who pleaded guilty to federal fraud and identity theft charges.
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration violated a court order by suspending FEMA’s distribution of millions in grant funding to states.
NEW YORK — UBS warns that making Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs permanent could spike U.S. inflation to 5%.
Canada advises its citizens traveling to the U.S. to expect heightened border scrutiny, including potential phone and device searches (Bloomberg).
CNBC’s Jim Cramer warns that a 1987-style “Black Monday” stock market crash could hit this Monday.
WSJ Editorial Board says Chinese President Xi Jinping is emerging as a strategic winner in Trump’s escalating trade war.
The U.S. government has revoked all visas currently held by individuals with South Sudanese passports.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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