Pres. Trump announces new ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on what he declares “Liberation Day”

President Donald Trump unveiled new tariffs at a White House Rose Garden event yesterday, in which the President detailed sweeping ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on goods imported into the United States, in order to promote US manufacturing.

Mr. Trump opened his remarks declaring, “This is Liberation Day,” stating that “April 2, 2025 will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed and the day that we began to make America wealthy again.”

The President aid he would sign a “historic executive order instituting reciprocal tariffs on countries throughout the world … Reciprocal. That means they do it to us and we do it to them. Very simple. Can’t get any simpler than that.”

Trump confirmed that his administration will impose 25% tariffs on auto imports starting Thursday at midnight: “None of our companies are allowed to go into other countries. That’s why, effective at midnight, we will impose a 25% tariff on all foreign made automobiles.”  He later held up a chart while speaking, showing the United States would charge a 34% tax on imports from China, a 20% tax on imports from the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan and 32% on Taiwan.

In announcing the tariffs the President said: “It’s our declaration of economic independence. For years, hardworking American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful, much of it at our expense. But now it’s our turn to prosper. Taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years … But it is not going to happen anymore.”

Trump added that “jobs and factories will come roaring back” and that the reciprocal tariffs will usher in a “golden age” for the country: “We will supercharge our domestic industrial base, we will pry open foreign markets and break down foreign trade barriers and ultimately more production at home will mean stronger competition and lower prices for consumers.”

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NYC Mayor Eric Adams has corruption case dismissed with prejudice

A federal judge in New York on Wednesday permanently dismissed corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be revived.  While the Justice Department sought to have the case dismissed to free up Adams to cooperate with the mayor’s immigration agenda, they had wanted the case dismissed without prejudice – meaning it could be brought again.

Judge Ho said he could find no other example of the government dismissing charges against an elected official to enable the official to facilitate federal policy goals.  In a 78-page opinion, Judge Ho wrote Tuesday: “DOJ’s immigration enforcement rationale is both unprecedented and breathtaking in its sweep, and DOJ’s assertion that it has ‘virtually unreviewable’ license to dismiss charges on this basis is disturbing in its breadth, implying that public officials may receive special dispensation if they are compliant with the incumbent administration’s policy priorities. That suggestion is fundamentally incompatible with the basic premise of equal justice under the law.”  Ho added: In light of DOJ’s rationales, dismissing the case without prejudice would create the unavoidable perception that the Mayor’s freedom depends on his ability to carry out the immigration enforcement priorities of the administration, and that he might be more beholden to the demands of the federal government than to the wishes of his own constituents. That appearance is inevitable, and it counsels in favor of dismissal with prejudice.” (per CNN.)

The Department of Justice moved to dismiss the charges in February, saying that continuing them interfered with the mayor’s ability to govern, thereby threatening “federal immigration initiatives and policies.” The department asked that the charges be “dismissed without prejudice,” allowing for the case to be potentially carried out at a later date.

Adams, who is up for reelection this fall, was indicted last year in the Southern District of New York on five counts in an alleged long-standing conspiracy connected to improper benefits, illegal campaign contributions and an attempted cover-up. He has said the charges are politically motivated and pleaded not guilty.

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See Jon Hamm in trailer for Apple TV+ series ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

Apple TV+ is previewing the upcoming drama series Your Friends & Neighbors, starring Jon Hamm.

The new trailer for Your Friends & Neighbors, debuting Friday, Apr. 11, stars the ‘Mad Men’ alum as hedge fund manager Andrew “Coop” Cooper ,” who resorts to robbing houses in his upscale neighborhood after being fired – not long after going through a divorce.

The show, which was already renewed for a sophomore season back in November, also stars Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Hoon Lee, Mark Tallman, Lena Hall, Aimee Carrero, Eunice Bae, Isabel Marie Gravitt and Donovan Colan.

Season 1 is slated to premiere April 11; see the trailer – HERE.

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Famous friends pay tribute to Val Kilmer after his death at age 65

Famous friend and former colleagues of Val Kilmer are paying tribute to the actor, after news broke of his death yesterday at the age of 65.

Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes told The New York Times in a statement that her father died of pneumonia on Tuesday. Kilmer had battled throat cancer, which robbed him of his voice, for more than a decade.

Kilmer was also known for his roles in Top Gun, Willow, Top Secret, Real Genius, The Doors, Thunderheart, True Romance, Batman Forever, Prince of Egypt, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Top Gun: Maverick. Prime Video also released a documentary in 2021 about the Kilmer titled Val, who stepped away from Hollywood at the height of his career

Director Francis Ford Coppola posted on Instagram: “Val Kilmer was the most talented actor when in his High School, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life. He was a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know — I will always remember him.”

Actor Josh Brolin wrote: “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you,” Brolin wrote. “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts. ❤💔❤💔❤💔💎 #valkilmer #marktwain.”

Cher – who was romantically involved in the 1980s with Kilmer and remained friends with him after their relationship ended – wrote in a post on X: “VALUS Will miss u,” actress and hitmaker. U Were Funny, crazy, pain in the a–, GREAT FRIEND, kids💜U, BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness.”

Actress Jennifer Tilly posted: “A long time ago, I was auditioning for the movie The Doors. It was kind of a cattle call. They paired together potential Jims with potential Pamela’s. And they were running behind so we were spilling out of the casting office, sitting on the porch, the lawn, and the driveway. All of a sudden, a sixties convertible came screeching up, blaring Doors Music at top volume. And a guy jumped out and strode inside: He had wild hair and he was barefoot, shirtless, and wearing nothing but a pair of tight leather pants. We all looked at each other like… Who is this guy? We were more than a little shook by the sheer audacity of his entrance. Well of course it was Val Kilmer and from that minute on, nobody else stood a chance. Rip King.”

Kilmer was previously married to actress Joanne Whalley from 1988 until their divorce in 1996. The former couple shared daughter Mercedes Kilmer and son Jack Kilmer.

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AG Pam Bondi orders Justice Department to seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione

Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced Tuesday she is directing federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione if he is convicted of the December murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione is accused of gunning down Thompson outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan as the CEO headed to an investors conference on Dec. 4, and was later arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania five days after the murder.

Mangione is facing federal charges for stalking and killing Thompson as well as the use of a silencer in a crime of violence. One of the federal charges against Mangione, murder through use of a firearm, makes him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Bondi said in a statement that “Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson — an innocent man and father of two young children — was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.  After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President [Donald] Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.”

Bondi called the killing of Thompson “an act of political violence,” and further alleges that “Mangione’s actions involved substantial planning and premeditation and because the murder took place in public with bystanders nearby, may have posed grave risk of death to additional persons.”

Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, called the decision to seek the death penalty “political,” and said it “goes against the recommendation of the local federal prosecutors, the law, and historical precedent. While claiming to protect against murder, the federal government moves to commit the pre-meditated, state-sponsored murder of Luigi. By doing this, they are defending the broken, immoral, and murderous healthcare industry that continues to terrorize the American people.  We are prepared to fight these federal charges, brought by a lawless Justice Department, as well as the New York State charges, and the Pennsylvania charges, and anything else they want to pile on Luigi. This is a corrupt web of government dysfunction and one-upmanship. Luigi is caught in a high-stakes game of tug-of-war between state and federal prosecutors, except the trophy is a young man’s life.”

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his legal team confirmed he consents to a preliminary hearing under the Speedy Trial Act.  He has yet to enter a plea on the federal charges, including murder through the use of a firearm, which would make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. He is due back in federal court on April 18.

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Sen. Cory Booker breaks record with marathon 24-hour speech on Senate floor protesting Trump administration

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker broke a record Tuesday evening after speaking for more than 24 hours in a marathon speech, in which he protested the Trump administration and what he called the national “crisis” that President Trump and Elon Musk has created.

Booker began delivering the marathon speech starting on Monday evening and continuing into Tuesday for at least 24 hours and 19 minutes — which surpassed (at 7:19 ET) the previous record set by Sen. Strom Thurmond, who filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1957 for 24 hours and 18 minutes. Booker’s speech, however, is not considered a filibuster, as it is not occurring during debate on a specific measure to block proceedings.

Booker, 55, took the floor at 7 p.m. Monday, announcing that he intended to disrupt “the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able.”  The senator painted his speech as a warning over the “grave and urgent” threat Americans faced from the Trump administration, arguing that “bedrock commitments to the country are being broken. Unnecessary hardships are being borne by Americans of all backgrounds, and institutions which are special in America, which are precious, which are unique in our country, are being recklessly — and I would say even unconstitutionally — affected, attacked and even shattered.”

The Senator from New Jersey cited the legacy of leaders including late congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis, whom he said stood up “when this country was facing crossroads, was facing crises, they stood up. I rise today in an unusual manner. Tonight, I rise with the intention of getting in some good trouble. I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis… These are not normal times in America, and they should not be treated as such.” Booker spent time reading letters from constituents who say they have been harmed by the Trump administration’s policies, and condemned the administration’s policies, including trade wars and mass firings of government workers, as well as deportation issues.

On occasion, Booker yielded to his Democratic colleagues on the floor who encouraged his effort – including Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, Andy Kim of New Jersey, Peter Welch of Vermont, Dick Durbin of Illinois and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. At noon on Tuesday, Booker briefly paused for the chaplain to say a prayer (as is required under Senate rules during a continuous session) but continued to hold the floor.

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‘An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile’ concert special airing April 6 on CBS

CBS announced that the new concert special “An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile” will air April 6th at 8 p.m. EDT, and stream live for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers. The show will be available on-demand the next day on Paramount+.

Filmed March 26 at the Palladium Theatre in London, the one-hour special will feature live performances and a look at their upcoming album, Who Believes In Angels? (set for release April 4).  John, 77, and Carlile, 43, will also perform some of their individual songs and classics from John’s discography, with Carlile sharing an unreleased track.

In addition, a press release states that John and Carlile invite “the audience into an intimate sit-down conversation on stage that will pull back the curtain on their 20-year friendship, the profound journey behind their latest collaboration and share intimate footage from their process.”

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Lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs dismissed after accuser refuses to reveal identity

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ had a small win in civil court after one of the lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault was dismissed by a judge due to the plaintiff’s decision not to reveal her identity.

Per PEOPLE, on Monday, March 31, 2025, a federal judge tossed the case after the plaintiff did not newly file a complaint under her real identity. The woman had sued Combs in the Southern District of New York under the name ‘Jane Doe’ in October 2024, accusing him of assaulting her at a party in 1995. The woman was represented by Tony Buzbee, a high-profile Houston attorney who previously announced he was representing hundreds of people accusing Combs of sexual misconduct. Buzbee said in a statement: “In this particular case, Jane Doe opted not to proceed. There is a lot of fear amongst these plaintiffs. I thus can’t blame her. These are tough cases and they are many times re-traumatizing for those who pursue them. Each case stands on its own merit. This woman chose not to proceed and subject herself to the media circus and the perceived danger she felt. We have to respect that.”

U.S. District judge Lewis J. Liman wrote in her ruling: “On March 6, 2025, the Court denied Plaintiff’s motion to proceed anonymously and ordered her to file a complaint in her own name by March 20, 2025, or the case would be dismissed. As of [March 3], Plaintiff has not filed a complaint in her own name, nor has she sought an extension of time to do so. Accordingly, the case is dismissed.”

Combs’ legal team said in a statement: “Today a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against Mr. Combs by Texas attorney Anthony Buzbee and his local counsel Antigone Curis on behalf of an anonymized plaintiff. This is now the second case brought by these attorneys against Mr. Combs that has been dismissed in its entirety. It will not be the last. For months, we have seen case after case filed by individuals hiding behind anonymity, pushed forward by attorneys more focused on media headlines than legal merit. The other claims, like the one dismissed today, also will not hold up in a court of law.”

Combs has been named a defendant in several dozen lawsuits accusing him of misconduct, and is also facing criminal charges following a September indictment on federal sex crimes, including sex trafficking and racketeering. He has pleaded not guilty, and denied any wrongdoing.

Combs remains behind bars in Brooklyn after being denied bail, with his criminal trial set to begin on May 5.

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3 U.S. soldiers found dead, 1 still missing after training mission in Lithuania

Military officials said Monday that the bodies of three U.S. Army soldiers — who went missing in Lithuania during a training exercise last week after their armored vehicle sank in a body of water — have been found. Search and recovery efforts were ongoing to locate a fourth missing soldier.

The soldiers had been deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, and were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Lithuanian armed forces and law enforcement worked alongside them during last week’s training exercise. The Army later shared in a statement that the soldiers’ identities were being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.

The soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing the morning of March 25 after their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle became submerged in a peat bog during a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle. The submerged armored recovery vehicle was found by the Army and Lithuanian authorities last Wednesday; in an update from over the weekend, the Army said the vehicle was under at least 15 feet of water, clay-like mud and silt. Their 63-ton armored vehicle was removed from the peat bog early Monday morning.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, said in a statement: “our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that echoes across the whole Marne Division, both forward and at home. We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time.”

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda expressed his condolences to President Trump and the United States in a post on social platform X. “It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I received the news of the tragic loss of three U.S. soldiers during a US-led training exercise in Lithuania. The search and rescue operation will continue until the fourth soldier is found. @realDonaldTrump, Lithuania mourns together with the American nation. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, as well as those of the Lithuanian people, to you, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, and all the people of the United States of America. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

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Online mortgage company Rocket to acquire Mr. Cooper in all-stock $9.4 billion deal

The financial technology platform Rocket Companies — , which includes real estate, title and personal finance businesses, and mortgages under its umbrella — has acquired the mortgage company Mr. Cooper Group Inc. in an all-stock deal valued at $9.4 billion.  The acquisition of Mr. Cooper by Rocket creates an entity that will represent nearly 20% of all mortgages in the United States.

Per AP News: Rocket said Monday that the purchase of Mr. Cooper Group Inc. will create a business representing one in every six mortgages in the United States and give it almost 7 million additional clients. The deal will boost loan volumes, while lowering client acquisition costs; with Rocket stating in a press release that “it will bring its industry-leading mortgage recapture capabilities to a combined servicing book of $2.1 trillion across nearly 10 million clients, representing one in every six mortgages in America.”

The move comes just weeks after Rocket acquired real estate listing company Redfin in an all-stock deal worth $1.75 billion.. The acquisitions of Mr. Cooper and Redfin will allow Rocket to speed up its AI-powered platform “and remove the friction and complexities plaguing today’s homebuying process,” according to the release.

The combined company will see Mr. Cooper Group Chairperson and CEO Jay Bray become President and CEO of Rocket Mortgage, who will work under Rocket CEO Varun Krishna. Bray said in a statement: “By combining Mr. Cooper and Rocket, we will form the strongest mortgage company in the industry, offering an end-to-end homeownership experience backed by leading technology and grounded in customer care.”

Rocket shareholders will own approximately 75% of the combined company, while Mr. Cooper stockholders will own about 25%. The combined company’s board will have 11 members, with nine being from Rocket and two from Mr. Cooper.

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