What's Happening

Politics

Trump's CEO Playbook Faces Oval Office Test

What's going on: President Donald Trump’s The Apprentice days may be over, but his corner-office instincts are alive and well. His heavy hand in recent economic deals and personnel decisions has some analysts comparing him more to a CEO than a president. In just the past two days, he called for Goldman Sachs to replace its top economist — over what Trump called a “bad prediction” about his tariffs. He also picked a Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner who floated suspending one of the most crucial measures of the economy (though later took it back). That’s after Trump demanded Intel’s CEO step down, and announced the government will get a 15% cut of Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices' chip sales from China in exchange for export licenses. It’s all got some experts warning about the risks of an Oval Office that seems to be operating more like a glorified boardroom.

What it means: This isn’t the first time the government’s influenced the corporate world. But Trump’s approach varies from post-Reagan Republicans, who’ve argued the government should step back and let the free markets do their thing. One analyst says the president’s influence in the private sector is moving toward “state capitalism” — more similar to how China operates. Trump’s direct role also isn’t limited to economic deals. The president has tested his authority in areas like immigration, foreign policy, and education. Analysts warn Trump’s direct ties to so many issues could spur efforts to try to influence or corrupt the presidency. Depending on how Trump fares, future presidents could adopt the same sticky strategy.

Related: US Inflation Held Steady, But Tariffs Might Be Starting To Take a Toll (AP News)

US News

Everything Is Bigger in Texas, Including the Fight Over Abortion Pills

What's going on: It’s been nearly four years since Texas led the charge on effectively banning abortion before Roe v. Wade was overturned. But the fight over abortion access is far from over. Earlier this week, a Texas woman filed a wrongful-death suit in federal court against a global abortion pill supplier and her former partner. The lawsuit, believed to be the first of its kind, claims her partner used pills from Aid Access to induce an abortion without her consent. The woman’s lawyer argues the company violated the law because “they knowingly aided his provision of abortion-inducing drugs to a pregnant woman.” It comes as Texas Republicans introduced a bill during a special session that would allow legal challenges against anyone involved in the delivery, manufacture, or distribution of abortion pills.

What it means: These two separate efforts in Texas could pose a threat to shield laws that protect the out-of-state providers who prescribe the pills. In 2024, Texas had the highest rate of medication abortions in the country in part due to shield law protections. While other lawsuits have targeted one of the last remaining ways to access abortion in the state, most have failed or are still making their way through the courts. Meanwhile, if Texas lawmakers successfully push their bill through, a legal challenge could likely emerge and make its way to the Supreme Court. What happens in Texas could set a national precedent and pave the way for other states to follow suit.

Related: Trump Says Abortion Is for States, His Judges May Decide Otherwise (AP)

Health

Stalking Is Increasing Women's Risk of Heart Disease

Disclaimer: The following story mentions stalking, which could be triggering to some readers.

What's going on: A sweeping new Harvard study revealed chilling findings about the impact stalking has on women's heart health. Women who’ve been targeted face up to a 41% higher risk of cardiovascular disease — which spikes to 70% for those who sought restraining orders. Both groups were more likely to have a heart attack or stroke within 20 years despite other lifestyle, health, and medication factors. Researchers say this harassment can cause psychological distress that may hinder the nervous system, prevent blood vessels from functioning normally, and wreak havoc on the body. The findings are based on 66,270 American women ages 36 to 56 who began the trial free of heart disease but reported stalking or related harassment.

What it means: Stalking affects nearly one in three women and one in six men in their lifetimes — and this study shows the damage doesn’t end when the harassment stops. Although it is typically seen as a form of violence that doesn’t automatically get physical, this study shows there are very real repercussions on the body. As one researcher put it: “Stalking can be chronic, and women often report making significant changes in response, such as moving.” In the last decade, more American athletes and celebrities have experienced stalking and attacks than in all of previous US history, The Athletic reports. But you don’t have to be famous to be stalked. The problem is pervasive — and potentially deadly — for everyday people, too. 

Related: Alyson Stoner Opened Up About Stalking & the Dark Side of Child Stardom (USA Today)