What's Happening
Economy
The Forecast? Pessimism with a Chance of Recession
What's going on: New data just confirmed what many Americans already felt in their bones: The economy is wobbling. The Commerce Department’s latest GDP report showed that US economic growth declined in the first three months of the year — the first drop since 2022. (GDP stands for “Gross Domestic Product,” though right now it might as well mean “Girl, Don’t Purchase.”) Part of the slowdown came from businesses scrambling to get ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariffs — stocking up early and frontloading exports — which dragged growth and put pressure on supply chains (that’s one reason all eyes seem to be on the ports). Trump blamed former President Joe Biden and told Americans to be patient — but not everyone’s buying it. Even Dave Portnoy, Barstool’s founder and resident manfluencer, called him out: “This is his market, not Biden’s… Don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining.”
What it means: On a big week for economic bellwethers (big tech earnings and a major jobs report are still to come), the US economy appears to be on shaky ground, largely due to self-inflicted factors. And Americans are feeling pessimistic, which could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Consumer confidence just hit its lowest point since 2011 (people are so down bad, they’re even spotting recession indicators in the new casting of Hamilton). Combine that with whispers of “stagflation,” and experts warn that a recession really could be on the horizon. The good news? This is just one report, and Friday’s jobs data — along with moves in the bond market — should offer a clearer view of where we’re headed. The bad news? A survey of economists expects hiring to slow. If that’s true, as JT would say, this is going to ruin the tour.
Related: We Asked What You Thought of Trump’s 100 Days — You Didn’t Hold Back (theSkimm)
Education
Holy Funding Fight: SCOTUS Weighs Religious Charter School
What's going on: The Supreme Court heard fiery arguments Wednesday in a case that could open the floodgates for public funding of religious schools. At the center: St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School in Oklahoma, which is trying to become the country’s first religious public charter school. The state’s Supreme Court struck down the school’s attempt as unconstitutional, so St. Isidore took the fight to SCOTUS. The conservative-leaning court seemed open to using government funds, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh calling the state’s rejection “rank discrimination against religion.” Liberal-leaning justices warned the case could turn public schools into religious battlegrounds and leave minority faiths out in the cold. Since Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself (she didn’t say why, but there are clues), eyes are on Chief Justice John Roberts as the potential deciding vote. If there’s a tie, Oklahoma’s rejection stands. A decision is expected this summer.
What it means: A win for the school could redefine charter schools as private entities — reshaping how education is financed. For parents who value school choice, it could mean more taxpayer-funded options with religious programming. But critics warn it could drain money from underfunded public schools and chip away at the legal wall between church and state. Some charter schools could even lose state support if they’re no longer considered “public” under the law. At the federal level, where current rules ban funds from going to sectarian schools, this ruling could set off a new round of legal battles. Either way, the decision could change what public schooling looks like — and who it’s built to serve.
Related: One Detained Columbia Student Freed as Court Pushes Back on Trump (The Guardian)
Sports
So, What's This About Bill Belichick?
What's going on: As one of the most famous football coaches in history, Bill Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl rings before leaving the NFL in 2024. In his post-Patriots era, Belichick wrote a book titled “The Art of Winning: Lessons From My Life in Football,” took a new job as head coach at the University of North Carolina, and — perhaps most notably — the 73-year-old emerged on social media alongside his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson. The public has followed their relationship, with Hudson sharing beachside yoga sessions and their Halloween costumes on Instagram. While the couple is no stranger to scrutiny (see their age difference), they’re now at the center of a media firestorm following Belichick’s interview with CBS’s Tony Dokoupil. The moment everyone’s replaying? When Dokoupil asked Belichick how the couple met, and Hudson — who was off screen — cut in to say, “We’re not talking about this.”
Tell me more: The moment — which, of course, became a meme — has prompted responses from both inside and outside the sports world. (See: comments from Charles Barkley and Dave Portnoy.) While some express concern, the couple is playing defense. In a statement, the UNC coach said Hudson was “simply doing her job to ensure the interview stayed on track” and alleged that CBS violated his request to only ask questions about his book. CBS responded, disputing that arrangement. As the saga unfolds, others say the line between the couple’s personal and professional lives is increasingly blurred. After Belichick accepted the head coaching job at UNC, he requested that Hudson be looped into all university emails, according to The Athletic. She’s also been spotted on the sidelines at spring practices and working with the university's media team. Both on Instagram and IRL, Belichick may have found his ultimate hype woman.
Related: NFL Fines Falcons How Much for Prank Call? (ESPN)
Extra Credit
Eat
If the joy of driving in the car, with the windows down and music blasting, could be captured in a cookie, it would be Broma Bakery’s Lemon Blueberry Cookie. In addition to being super simple to make (case in point: no mixer needed), the obsessively good treats deliver “classic blueberry lemon muffin vibes, but in cookie form.” Meaning, you can expect bursts of juicy blueberries, lots of zesty lemon flavor, melty white chocolate chunks, perfectly chewy edges, and supremely soft centers. Essentially, they’re edible serotonin.
For more recs...
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?
ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including:
Decreased ability to drive or do other dangerous activities. ZURZUVAE may decrease your awareness and alertness, which can affect your ability to drive safely or safely do other dangerous activities
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose during your 14-day treatment course of ZURZUVAE
You may not be able to tell on your own if you can drive safely or tell how much ZURZUVAE is affecting you
Decreased awareness and alertness [central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects]. ZURZUVAE may cause sleepiness, drowsiness, slow thinking, dizziness, confusion, and trouble walking
Because of these symptoms, you may be at a higher risk for falls during treatment with ZURZUVAE
Taking alcohol, other medicines that cause CNS depressant effects, or opioids while taking ZURZUVAE can make these symptoms worse and may also cause trouble breathing
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms, or if they get worse during treatment with ZURZUVAE. Your healthcare provider may decrease your dose or stop ZURZUVAE treatment if you develop these symptoms
ZURZUVAE is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it contains zuranolone, which can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep ZURZUVAE in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not sell or give away ZURZUVAE, because it may harm others and is against the law.
Before taking ZURZUVAE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
drink alcohol
have abused or been dependent on prescription medicines, street drugs, or alcohol
have liver or kidney problems
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZURZUVAE may harm your unborn baby
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ZURZUVAE passes into breast milk, and it is not known if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding and about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ZURZUVAE
Females who are able to become pregnant:
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE.
You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZURZUVAE and for 1 week after the final dose
There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to ZURZUVAE during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to ZURZUVAE and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with ZURZUVAE, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visit online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ZURZUVAE and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. ZURZUVAE may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way ZURZUVAE works.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take antidepressants, opioids, or CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines.
What should I avoid while taking ZURZUVAE?
Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each dose of ZURZUVAE because ZURZUVAE may make you feel sleepy, confused, or dizzy
Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking ZURZUVAE without talking to your healthcare provider
See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?”
ZURZUVAE may cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about ZURZUVAE?”
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. ZURZUVAE and other antidepressant medicines may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people 24 years of age and younger. ZURZUVAE is not for use in children
How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions?
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
attempts to commit suicide
thoughts about suicide or dying
new or worse depression
feeling very agitated or restless
trouble sleeping (insomnia)
new or worse anxiety
panic attacks
new or worse irritability
acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
acting on dangerous impulses
other unusual changes in behavior or mood
The most common side effects of ZURZUVAE include:
Sleepiness or drowsiness, dizziness, common cold, diarrhea, feeling tired, weak, or having no energy, and urinary tract infection
These are not all of the possible side effects of ZURZUVAE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is ZURZUVAE® (zuranolone) CIV?
ZURZUVAE is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with postpartum depression (PPD).
It is not known if ZURZUVAE is safe and effective in children.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.
Sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen Inc.
ZUR-US-1093v2 03/25
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