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Today’s major stories highlight significant developments affecting both the global economy and public health in the United States.

Global Markets in Decline

Global financial markets have experienced a sharp decline following President Donald Trump's announcement of a trade war against numerous countries. This dramatic policy shift, initiated just last Wednesday, has sent Asian and European stock markets into a tailspin overnight. In the United States, leading economists are now raising concerns about the potential for a recession, with investment bank Goldman Sachs estimating that the likelihood of such an economic downturn has surged to nearly 50%. This forecast is predicated on the assumption that the president will not implement his plan to introduce sweeping tariffs starting this Wednesday. Should these tariffs come into effect, Goldman Sachs predicts that the U.S. economy may face a recession.

According to NPR’s Maria Aspan, while Trump has referred to the tariffs as “medicine” for the economy, many analysts and economic experts warn that these measures could have detrimental effects on consumers, investors, businesses, and the broader global economic landscape. Even in scenarios where the U.S. and global economies evade a recession, the ongoing market selloff is likely to impose real hardships on everyday consumers. This is particularly concerning considering that approximately 60% of American households are invested in the stock market, with many individuals relying on these investments for their retirement funds and long-term savings.

Moreover, economists predict that grocery prices could rise significantly due to the tariffs, causing further strain on families. A report has cited a list of ten common items that are likely to see price hikes as a direct result of the tariffs. Interestingly, amidst these concerns, the United Auto Workers president, Shawn Fain, has unexpectedly voiced support for the tariffs affecting the auto industry, despite previously backing Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Measles Outbreak in Texas

In a tragic turn of events, Texas health officials have reported the second measles-related death of a child in the state. The deceased child, identified as eight-year-old Daisy Hildebrand, was not vaccinated and had no known underlying health issues prior to her illness. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended her funeral on Sunday, underscoring the seriousness of the outbreak, which has now reached a staggering 481 confirmed cases in Texas alone. Remarkably, prior to this year, the United States had not recorded a measles death for nearly a decade.

According to NPR’s Maria Godoy, Hildebrand was hospitalized after contracting measles and ultimately succumbed to complications from the illness, specifically measles pulmonary failure. Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, highlighted that the risk of death from measles, though relatively low, still exists, estimating a one to two in a thousand chance with each case. Kennedy, who has previously referred to vaccination as a “personal choice”, emphasized that vaccines remain the most effective method for preventing measles outbreaks. While President Trump has downplayed the significance of the outbreak, he did indicate that if it escalates further, the U.S. may be compelled to take robust actions.

The State of the First Amendment

In other news, President Trump recently proclaimed during a congressional address that he has effectively halted government censorship and restored free speech in America. This week, the Morning Edition team will delve into who feels empowered to express themselves under Trump’s administration and who believes they are being silenced. The inquiry also aims to assess whether the protections afforded by the First Amendment are eroding or improving amidst these changes.

Leila Fadel and the Morning Edition hosts have embarked on conversations with Americans nationwide who are voicing their concerns about potentially losing this fundamental right. They are soliciting listener input to explore the current perception of free speech across various demographics. In their discussions, some participants expressed a desire to remain anonymous or requested that their words not be recorded, citing fears of retribution or government repercussions. Conversely, many others have reported feeling emboldened to speak up, reflecting a complex landscape of opinion and experience.

To provide further insight, the series will feature commentary from leading scholars on First Amendment rights, Lee Bollinger and Jonathan Turley, who hold differing views on the subject. However, their discussions reveal a surprising consensus among individuals from across the political spectrum regarding the importance of free speech.

Hands Off! Demonstrations Nationwide

In a powerful display of civic engagement, thousands of Americans participated in the Hands Off! demonstrations on Saturday. Protests were coordinated by more than 150 organizations across over 1,200 locations in all 50 states, with participants addressing critical issues including federal budget cuts, layoffs, mass deportations, and more. NPR member stations captured striking images of the rallies, showcasing the collective voice of the public.

In Other News

In sports, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his 895th career goal, making him the NHL’s new all-time scoring leader. The story of Nancy Willis, whose family once frantically searched for her missing son during the New York City Marathon, has also resurfaced, highlighting the kindness of a stranger who ensured the boy’s safety. Additionally, as National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day approaches on April 30, NPR is inviting pet owners to share how their furry companions have transformed their lives, with the possibility of featuring their stories in the Up First newsletter.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.