Trumpcession
Tuesday, March 11th, 2025
World Events — Cutting Columbia’s Aid Over Alleged Anti-Semitism Is Illegal
The Economists
The Trump administration's decision to cancel $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University over alleged antisemitism is likely illegal. The action bypasses established legal procedures for withdrawing federal funding, which require a program-by-program evaluation, an opportunity for a hearing, and a 30-day notice period to Congress. None of these statutory requirements were met in this case. This move fits a pattern of the administration taking unlawful actions without regard for consequences, creating fear among research universities reliant on federal funding. While Columbia may negotiate quietly with the administration, legal experts suggest that challenging the action in court could be inevitable if the administration demands actions inconsistent with academic freedom principles. The situation is closely watched by other universities, as it sets a potentially dangerous precedent for political interference in federal funding decisions.
Tech — A New Apple Software?
Bloomberg
Apple is preparing a major software overhaul for its iPhone, iPad, and Mac platforms, set to be unveiled later this year. This redesign, reportedly the most significant since iOS 7 in 2013 for iPhones and macOS Big Sur in 2020 for Macs, aims to create a more consistent look across Apple's devices. The update will include changes to icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons, drawing inspiration from the Vision Pro's visionOS interface. Codenamed "Luck" for iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, and "Cheer" for macOS 16, the overhaul is expected to simplify navigation and control while maintaining distinct operating systems for each device type. The redesign, overseen by Apple's vice president of human interface design Alan Dye, is set to be a key highlight at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025.
Economics — Trumpcession
The Economists
The recent stock market sell-off in the United States has been largely attributed to President Trump's unpredictable trade policies and growing concerns about the American economy's future. The S&P 500 index dropped 3% on March 10th, 2025, bringing its total decline to nearly 9% since its peak last month, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq has fallen 13%.Trump's implementation of 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, though temporarily suspended, has significantly contributed to investor anxiety. Unlike during his first term, when the "Trump put" reassured investors, the current administration appears less concerned with market reactions, focusing instead on long-term goals and "Main Street" over Wall Street. This shift in approach, combined with disappointing economic data and rising inflation expectations, has led some analysts to predict a potential recession. As a result, investors are increasingly looking to European and Chinese markets for better returns, with Europe's stocks outperforming American peers by 12 percentage points in dollar terms over the past four weeks.
Health — Can Your Attachment Style Change?
While attachment styles, which dictate how we interact in close relationships, are often seen as fixed, it is possible to change them, especially from an insecure style (anxious, avoidant, or disorganized) to a more secure one. This change, often referred to as "earned secure attachment," requires conscious effort, self-awareness, and often the guidance of a therapist, who can offer insights and model healthy boundaries. Factors influencing this change include transitioning to healthier relationships, recognizing and addressing past attachment injuries, learning effective communication and emotional regulation skills, and addressing any underlying trauma. Being around securely attached individuals can also promote change through mirror neurons and co-regulation. However, challenges exist, as insecure attachment styles can feel familiar, and individuals may unconsciously choose relationships that perpetuate negative patterns. Setbacks can also occur due to life events, requiring consistent effort, patience, and self-awareness to maintain a more secure attachment style.
Baking — Chocolate Chip Cookie
Boasting 21 million page views since 2013, my super soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a web favorite, and for good reason: melted butter, a higher ratio of brown to white sugar, cornstarch, and an extra egg yolk create an irresistibly chewy texture, all without the need for a mixer!
Song Rec - Handlebars (JENNIE and Dua Lipa)
Quote of the Day
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreased by being shared." -Buddha