Kickstart your week wisely: Trump's tariff turmoil, fatal tornadoes, government closure avoided, trivia, March Madness picks

Kickstart Your Week Wisely: Tariff Turmoil Under Trump, Deadly Tornadoes, Averted Government Shutdown, News Challenge, March Madness Announcement

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Brace yourself for very unfiltered, uncensored information about the latest happenings in the world. Let's dive right in!

Understanding Tariffs: An Explanation by Phil Mattingly

struggling finances and basic necessities dilemma among low-income Americans

Image of Kyle Mattingly, suspected cybercriminal in the past government data breaches.

It's a harsh reality that the financial situation of low-income Americans is worsening, and more people are finding themselves without essentials. This chilling revelation comes from Dollar General, a discount chain that caters primarily to individuals earning less than $40,000 annually. Known as a barometer of spending for low and middle-income households, Dollar General's observations paint a grim picture. Whether you like it or not, here's what you need to know to kick off your week wisely.

Trump, accompanied by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, spoke in front of a Tesla vehicle stationed outside the White House on March 11th. The event took place during the day.

Young Sumatran elephant, aged 2 months, is tended by a center officer at Minas Elephant Training Center in Riau, Indonesia, on March 11. The young male was recovered following his separation from his mother at a palm oil plantation.

If you want to get the day started with the latest headlines, we've got just the right morning fix for you. Subscribe here for the '5 Things' newsletter.

Crews initiate the dismantling of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, DC, on Monday, March 10, under the watch of Kanon Kennedy. Republicans in Congress issue warnings of funding withdrawal for the district, should it persist in maintaining the two-block mural.

Sunday spotlight

Devotees of Hindu faith join the religious celebration of Holi within a temple situated in Nandgaon, India, on the 9th of March, 2023.

During his recent presidential campaign, Donald Trump talked frequently about implementing tariffs. Now that he's in office, he's put his words into action by targeting the country's three largest trading partners: Mexico, Canada, and China.

A watercraft journeys through a narrow, icy fjord located near Nuuk, Greenland, on the 6th of March, Thursday.

The rollout has been chaotic and contentious. Trump's 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel went into effect last week, prompting immediate retaliation from Canada and Europe. The president's tariffs could drastically increase prices for American consumers, posing a significant threat at a time when the US economy is already precarious.

During a recent interment ceremony in Caloocan, Philippines, Melinda Lafuente, mother of Angelo Lafuente – a victim of extrajudicial killings – is seen holding the urn with her son's remains. Previously, on Tuesday, Rodrigo Duterte, former Philippine President, was detained by the government on charges of crimes against humanity. These allegations stem from an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant and relate to Duterte's aggressive anti-drug campaign during his presidency, resulting in over 6,000 reported deaths according to police records. However, independent observers estimate the actual number of extrajudicial killings could be significantly higher.

Here are the key points you should know:

Residential structure in Vidnoye, Russia, sustains damage on March 11. Russia claims the structure was struck by a significant Ukrainian drone assault throughout the night of March 11, a day prior to pivotal negotiations involving U.S. and Ukraine officials in Saudi Arabia.

1️⃣ Understanding Tariffs: Tariffs are simply a tax on goods coming from foreign countries. The tariff rate typically is a percentage of the import's value and varies based on the goods' origin and product classification. Here are the essentials you need to know about tariffs.

Flowers are given to Catherine, the Princess of Wales, as she departs the yearly Commonwealth Day service event held at Westminster Abbey in London on March 10, Monday.

2️⃣ Worry on Wall Street: Wall Street has been shaken by Trump's volatile economic policies, with investors flocking to gold as a safe haven against potential economic turmoil. Consumer sentiment has plummeted to its lowest level in over two years, adding to the concerns.

Italian high jumper Eugenio Meloni leaps at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, on Thursday, March 6.

3️⃣ Inside the Auto Industry: Auto manufacturers like Tesla, run by Elon Musk, fear retaliatory tariffs against US manufacturers could potentially harm their operations. Adding thousands of dollars to the cost of building and buying a new car, tariffs are far from easy to manage.

Alejandra Godoy and her aunt Lucy Pierloa were visibly distraught as they reminisced about the death of Godoy's mother, Orita, at the National Covid Memorial Wall in London on March 9, 2023. Orita Godoy succumbed to Covid-19 in 2020 at the age of 75. Exactly five years ago, the World Health Organization veritably declared Covid-19 to be a global pandemic. Explore the defining images of the pandemic, along with the compelling narratives that accompany them.

4️⃣ Impact on Craft Brewers: With a majority of craft brewers being small businesses that produce beer in steel and package it in aluminum, the newly applied tariffs are hitting them directly in the pocketbook.

Justin Trudeau, Canada's departing prime minister, flashes a playful expression as he carries his chair from the House of Commons in Ottawa on March 10. Mark Carney emerges victorious in a protracted, high-stakes competition within the Liberal Party, aimed at replacing Trudeau, who has guided the party for more than a decade.

5️⃣ What's next: The trade war is escalating into a wider, tit-for-tat battle. CNN's David Goldman explains why Trump is digging himself into such a deep economic and political hole that it might be impossible to climb out.

At a gathering in Washington D.C. on March 7, Sen. Tim Kaine hears out Consumer Financial Protection Bureau employees, who have either been dismissed or given temporary work suspensions, during a discussion. The employees took turns recounting their roles, as well as their professional encounters from the past few weeks.

Editor's note: We're testing a new approach for the "Sunday spotlight" by delving deeper into an issue of current interest. Please share your feedback with us.**

Designer Alessandro Michele unveils his latest creation at a Valentino fashion display in Paris on March 9. Check out Paris Fashion Week for further insights.

Top headlines

Demonstrator clad in Joker attire participates in a rally in Buenos Aires on May 12th. The protesters were advocating for increased pension benefits and expressing dissatisfaction towards austerity initiatives legislated by Javier Milei's administration.

Judge halts Trump's use of wartime powers: A federal judge has blocked Trump from employing emergency powers to swiftly deport noncitizens.
New tornado watch issued: A fresh tornado watch has been issued for Southern states as violent storms have already claimed at least 33 lives.
Government shutdown averted: Congress has managed to bypass a government shutdown after passing a short-term funding measure.
NASA astronauts set to return home: SpaceX's Crew-10 has arrived at the International Space Station, paving the way for NASA astronauts to return home.

American whiskey production faces potential hardship as the European Union retaliates against President Donald Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs, with the Brough Brothers Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, observing this unfolding scenario on March 8.

The week ahead

In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio gathers with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky announced this Tuesday that, in ongoing conflict with Russia for over three years, Ukraine consented to a 30-day ceasefire initiation, a U.S. proposal to be considered by Russia subsequent to the discussions.

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim's mission: NASA astronaut Jonny Kim will discuss his upcoming mission to the International Space Station on Tuesday, scheduled for April 8th.
Federal Reserve meeting: The Federal Reserve is scheduled to meet on Wednesday as President Trump's policies continue to exert strain on the US economy.
Case against Luigi Mangione: A federal court hearing is planned in New York City regarding the case against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
European Union meeting: Leaders from the European Union are set to meet in Brussels, Belgium, to discuss various topics, including the war in Ukraine.
National Cherry Blossom Festival: The National Cherry Blossom Festival officially begins in Washington, DC, on Saturday, running almost a month long.
World Water Day: World Water Day will be celebrated on Saturday to bring attention to the estimated 2.2 billion people lacking access to clean water. This year's focus is on preserving glaciers.

Protestor Haley Romero Stands Beneath a Colossal Ukrainian Flag, Demonstrated by a Crowd on the Ellipse in Washington D.C., on March 8th.

Listen in

Detroit's Red Wings winger Lucas Raymond rejoices following Dylan Larkin's goal, effectively thwarted by Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson during an NHL match on March 7.

🎧 'One Thing': Free speech under Trump 2.0

A Irish Setter observes a woman dining on the third day of the Crufts dog event in Birmingham, England, on March 8th, Saturday.

In this episode of the "One Thing" podcast, CNN's David Rind talks to Rutgers University professor Belinda Davis about the potential implications of recent arrests for the future of campus protests. Give it a listen here.

Attendees mourn at the funeral of four Syrian security personnel slain in conflicts with followers of former president Bashar al-Assad, on March 8, in the village of Al-Janoudiya. A violent spell of disputes between the government's security forces and Assad's supporters has led to the death of numerous individuals as per a surveillance organization, marking the most significant bout of violence since Assad, a member of the Alawite faction, was overthrown in December by Sunni Islamist rebels pursuing to reform Syria's political and sectarian setup.

We want to hear from you

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt fields a query from Associated Press journalist Josh Boak during a White House press conference on the 11th of March, Tuesday.

Are you, or someone in your family, a transgender person impacted by Trump's executive orders? Share your story with us.

Spacecraft's Lunar Lander, Athena by Intuitive Machines, is depicted on its side in this image transmitted prior to powering down on March 7. Houston-based Intuitive Machines aimed to execute a groundbreaking water-seeking expedition to the moon's south pole, but its mission has encountered a setback.

Photos of the week

Voters in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, walked past campaign posters on Tuesday, March 11, as results revealed the pro-business opposition party had emerged victorious in Greenland's parliamentary election. The election, marked by Donald Trump's annexation threat and increasing demands for independence from Denmark, witnessed a win for the opposition party amidst mounting tension.

The week in 34 photos

Flood-stricken residence captured in aerial image, amid torrential rains in Jujan, Ecuador, on Wednesday, 12th of March.

Check out more images from the week that was, expertly curated by CNN Photos.

At Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a woman offered prayers on the 8th of March. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, was admitted in mid-February and has been fighting off pneumonia in both lungs.

What's happening in entertainment

Attendants set up a table in Beijing's Great Hall of the People for the commencement of the second meeting of the National People's Congress on March 8th, Saturday.

Television and Streaming

Protesters protest through downtown Chicago on Tuesday, 11th March, to express solidarity with Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil, a noted Palestinian activist who spearheaded Columbia University's student uprising calling for a truce in Gaza, was apprehended and held by federal officials on 8th March. His lawyer has confirmed that the Trump administration rescinded Khalil's green card.

LL Cool J will host the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Fox at 8 p.m. ET on Monday from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Artists like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Kenny Chesney are expected to perform.

Jet fuel tanker Stena Immaculate, serving U.S. military, is stationed in North Sea near England on March 11, following a collision on Monday. This incident triggered concerns of a possible environmental catastrophe.

A couple of new series premieres catch our eye: Uzo Aduba plays an eccentric detective trying to solve a murder during a state dinner at the White House in "The Residence," streaming on Thursday on Netflix. "Good American Family" stars Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass as a Midwestern couple adopting a child with a rare form of dwarfism, starting on Wednesday on Hulu.

Protesters perform jump rope routines in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, situated in Selma, Alabama, on March 9. This event transpired as Selma commemorated the 60th anniversary of

In theaters

Torchlight reveals illuminated frog, toad, and newt rescue operation in Bath, England on March 6, as the Charlcombe Rescue Group guides amphibians to a nearby lake following their awakening from hibernation.

"Snow White" - Disney's live-action adaptation of the 1937 animated classic - hits the big screen on Friday. Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot star in this version.

On the 7th of March, a ritual tattooing takes place at the Wat Bang Phra monastery in Thailand's Nakhon Pathom province, where a man uses a traditional needle to ink Adirek Srisom's body, in preparation for a religious festival.

"The Alto Knights," directed by Barry Levinson and featuring Robert De Niro and Debra Messing, explores the struggle for control of a crime family in mid-20th century America. ("The Alto Knights" comes from Warner Bros. Pictures, like CNN.)

Protester Carol Welu demonstrates against President Donald Trump's strategy to deconstruct the Department of Education, outside its headquarters in Washington D.C. on March 11. The department disclosed on the same day that it is shedding approximately half of its staff, as Trump endeavors to eradicate the agency entirely.

What's happening in sports

Gediz Delta Witnesses Sighting of Flamingos on Monday, 10th of March, in Izmir, Turkey.

At a glance ...

For college basketball teams nationwide, everything comes down to this: Selection Sunday is here. The men's and women's NCAA Tournament brackets will be revealed tonight. Here's what to watch for.

The men's conference tournaments are winding down this weekend. Duke clinched the ACC championship Saturday night, despite playing without Cooper Flagg, and Houston pocketed the Big 12 title. In today's games, Florida takes on Tennessee in the SEC final, while Michigan faces Wisconsin for the Big Ten championship.

In golf, J.J. Spaun took a one-shot lead into what will be an early final round of The Players Championship in Florida due to severe storm threats.

For more of your favorite sports coverage, head over to CNN Sports andBleacher Report, both owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.*

Quiz time!

Looking for a challenge to start your week? Take CNN's weekly news quiz to test your memory from the previous week. So far, 48% of fellow quiz enthusiasts have answered eight or more questions correctly. Can you keep up?

Play me off ...

'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling'

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we proudly present Bing Crosby's rendition of this cherished classic. The song, first released in 1912, celebrates Ireland with a lighthearted tone and has remained popular for generations. (Watch the performance here)

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In addition to the struggling financial circumstances and essentials dilemma among low-income Americans, a significant issue to consider is the potential impact of tariffs implemented by the United States government. The tariffs, aimed at countries like Mexico, Canada, and China, could lead to dramatic increases in prices for American consumers, further exacerbating an already precarious US economy.

If you want to keep yourself informed about the latest happenings in the world, we recommend signing up for our '5 Things' newsletter. This daily news briefing delivers the top five stories of the day straight to your inbox. Just subscribe here to start your mornings with the most important headlines.

Moreover, we recently delved deeper into the issue of tariffs in our 'Sunday spotlight'. This special feature provided essential information about tariffs, their impact on various industries such as auto manufacturing and craft brewing, and the potential consequences for Wall Street and the overall economy. You can read more about it here if you're interested.

As a final note, it's also essential to recognize the impact of global events like the coronavirus on various aspects of our daily lives. For instance, it may affect how and where we do our shopping, particularly for low-income families relying on discount chains like Dollar General for essential items. Stay informed and stay safe.