T(abel) Reads 11

Friday February 7th, 2025 - Edition 011

EVERYONE'S FAVORITE BI-WEEKLY NEWS SOURCE... UNLESS YOU'RE NOT EVERYONE

THE TRUMP TARIFF TOLL

In Reaction to Trump's Tariff Plan, The US Stock Market Got a taste of What's to Come

DOMESTIC NEWS

This week, President Donald Trump announced significant tariffs: 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on Chinese goods. The immediate market response was negative, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both declining by approximately 1.6%. The Canadian dollar hit a 20-year low, and the Mexican peso experienced heightened volatility. Shortly after, the administration postponed the Canadian and Mexican tariffs by one month, leading to a partial market recovery. However, concerns about a potential trade war persist, with investors wary of prolonged economic uncertainty and potential inflationary pressures. Analysts caution that these tariffs could reduce S&P 500 company earnings by approximately 2.8%, either through increased input costs or decreased sales if higher prices are passed to consumers. The situation remains fluid, with markets closely monitoring further policy developments and their potential economic impacts.

MUSIC

While Kanye and Bianca made a statement at the Grammys, the TDE team also had a night to remember. SZA added her fifth Grammy to her collection, winning Best R&B Song for Saturn. Rising star Doechii made history, joining Lauryn Hill and Cardi B as one of the only women to win Best Rap Album, earning the award for her third studio album, Alligator Bites Never Heal. Rap icon Kendrick Lamar had a dominant night, sweeping five Grammys, including a major win for his track Not Like Us. Meanwhile, Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter stirred controversy after winning Best Country Album, leaving many country fans puzzled—especially following country radio stations’ refusal to play her music, claiming it wasn’t “country enough.” Despite the backlash, the global superstar also took home Album of the Year, solidifying her legacy once again.

ART AND FASHION

One of Donald Trump’s first actions after his inauguration was dismantling the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH). Established in 1982, the committee served as an advisory body to the executive branch on arts policy and engagement with the philanthropic and private sectors. This move copies his decision in 2017 when he disbanded the committee after all its members resigned in protest of his response to a white nationalist rally and ensuing violence in Virginia. Meanwhile, the art and fashion world had its own headline moment this week with the Grammys. As with any major award show, the red carpet was nearly as significant as the awards themselves, with celebrities using it as a platform for bold self-expression. Case in point: Jaden Smith attended the event wearing a miniature house on his head. And no, I wasn’t hallucinating while watching it live.

SPORTS

Despite the looming Super Bowl, the sports world has been dominated by a blockbuster NBA trade that no one saw coming. Late Saturday night, Shams Charania sent shockwaves through X, reporting that the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and additional assets. Fans were so stunned that many initially believed Shams had been hacked—why would Dallas move its 25-year-old franchise cornerstone for a 31-year-old All-Star nearing the latter stages of his career? Reports suggest the Mavericks hesitated to offer Dončić a supermax extension this summer due to conditioning concerns. However, backlash against GM Nico Harrison has been fierce, with fans frustrated that he didn’t put Dončić on the open market to field better offers. Elsewhere in the league, De’Aaron Fox was dealt to the Spurs in a three-team trade that sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento, while Jimmy Butler was traded to Golden State for Andrew Wiggins and additional assets.

TV AND FILM

DreamWorks Animation’s “Dog Man,” released on January 31, 2025, debuted at number one, earning $36 million in its opening weekend. Based on Dav Pilkey’s graphic novel series, the film features voices from Pete Davidson and Isla Fisher. It holds a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89% audience score. “Severance” Season 2 continues to captivate audiences with its intricate storytelling. Recent episodes have introduced significant plot twists, deepening character development and expanding the show’s universe. Critics praise its compelling narrative and character depth. Anticipation is high for “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” set to release on February 13, 2025. Advance ticket sales in the UK have surpassed those of “Barbie,” indicating a potential box office hit. The film portrays Bridget navigating life as a widow and single mother, with Renée Zellweger reprising her role and Hugh Grant returning as Daniel Cleaver.