In today’s fast-paced world, the U.S. stock market is feeling the pressure as uncertainty grips investors. Meanwhile, a heartbreaking farewell is in order for fans of classic television as Jay North, known for his iconic role as Dennis the Menace, has passed away.
Here’s your essential morning rundown.
U.S. Stock Market Futures Plunge Amid Global Turmoil
**The U.S. stock market is bracing for a challenging day ahead** as futures took a nosedive late Sunday. Following a substantial decline last week, where investors witnessed an alarming **$6.6 trillion** in market value evaporate, fears surrounding President **Donald Trump’s** sweeping tariffs have heightened. As dawn broke on Monday, **S&P 500 futures dropped approximately 3.6%**, with **Nasdaq futures down almost 4.5%** and **Dow Jones Industrial Average futures plummeting** more than 1,000 points.
In a striking reflection of market sentiment, **futures for the Russell 2000**, which highlights smaller companies, fell by about **4.4%**. The futures market indicative of traders’ expectations, typically signals how stocks might perform when trading begins, which is usually around **9:30 a.m. ET** on weekdays.
The turmoil isn’t just restricted to the U.S. **Asian markets opened on Monday with significant losses**, with Hong Kong’s **Hang Seng Index** suffering an **11%** plunge and Japan’s **Nikkei 225** index shedding over **7%** of its value.
Remarkably, Bitcoin, which had previously shown resilience, did not escape the downturn, dropping by as much as **5.6%**. Crude oil prices also faced a setback, falling below **$60 per barrel**, marking the lowest level since **April 2023**.
Trump remains steadfast on his tariff proposals, encouraging Americans to “**hang tough**” in a social media post. During a flight on **Air Force One**, he commented on the market’s decline, suggesting that sometimes **“taking medicine”** is necessary, while mentioning no trade deal with China would materialize unless the U.S. trade deficit is addressed. In a retaliatory move, China announced a **34% tariff on all U.S. imports**, effective Thursday.
Despite Trump’s cabinet backing his approach, a chorus of economists and business leaders criticizes the tariffs, with even tech billionaire **Elon Musk** voicing opposition. For a deeper dive, **[read the full story here.](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/us-stock-futures-plunge-ahead-monday-open-trump-tariffs-shock-continue-rcna199924?cid=eml_mrd_20250407)**
The Political Landscape: Crucial Hearings Ahead
In political news, two prominent **Democratic lawmakers** are set to host a **“shadow” hearing** today, focusing on what they claim are Trump’s attacks on the rule of law. Meanwhile, **Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent** reassured audiences during an appearance on **NBC News’ “Meet the Press”**, emphasizing that individuals nearing retirement are generally **“not worried about day-to-day fluctuations”** in the stock market.
Urgent Deadline for Mistakenly Deported Man
In a matter concerning immigration, a federal judge has declined the Trump administration’s request to delay the return of **Kilmar Abrego Garcia**, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to a maximum-security prison in **El Salvador**. The government must act by **11:59 p.m. tonight** to comply with the judge’s order. Garcia, a green card holder since 2011, had previously been protected from deportation amid fears for his safety due to potential torture or death upon return.
The administration recently labeled the deportation as an **“administrative error,”** yet claimed they were powerless to return Garcia while he remains in Salvadoran custody—an argument rejected by U.S. District Judge **Paula Xinis**.
This case has stirred noteworthy controversy within the Justice Department, with **DOJ attorney Erez Reuveni** being placed on leave following a challenging hearing regarding Garcia’s deportation. More on this can be found by **[clicking here.](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/maryland-man-kilmar-abrego-garcia-deported-to-el-salvador-rcna199831?cid=eml_mrd_20250407)**
Updates on Immigration Policy
In related news, visas for more than three dozen students and recent alumni from **California universities** have seen revocations, with **Stanford University** being the latest institution to announce changes to students’ and alumni’s visa statuses.
A Farewell to Jay North: Icon of Classic Television
**Jay North**, the actor who epitomized the postwar American child as the lovable troublemaker in TV’s **“Dennis the Menace,”** has sadly passed away at the age of **73**. He died peacefully at his Florida home after a prolonged battle with cancer, as confirmed by longtime friend **Laurie Jacobson**.
North debuted as Dennis at the tender age of **6**, forever embedding himself in American pop culture. Following the show’s conclusion, he faced a challenging journey in Hollywood that led him to serve in the military and eventually settle into a career in the health food industry before becoming a corrections officer. Jacobson remarked, **“North had a difficult journey in Hollywood, but he did not let it define his life.”** For more on this touching story, **[read more here.](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/jay-north-tv-original-dennis-menace-dies-73-rcna199942?cid=eml_mrd_20250407)**
Historical Milestone in the NHL: Ovechkin’s Record-Breaking Goal
In sports, **Washington Capitals** star **Alexander Ovechkin** made history yesterday by netting his **895th goal**, surpassing **Wayne Gretzky’s** longstanding NHL record that had stood for over **25 years**. The game against the **New York Islanders** was momentarily paused for a celebration, during which Ovechkin expressed gratitude to his teammates.
Teammates, both past and present, were not surprised by this milestone. **Jeff Halpern**, Ovechkin’s former teammate, noted his colleague’s physical prowess, calling him a **“missile.”** Veteran player **John Carlson**, who has played alongside Ovechkin for **16 years**, dubbed him an **“animal”** and highlighted his intelligence on the ice. The emerging theme among supporters has been Ovechkin’s love of the game and the respectful manner in which he treats everyone involved. To dive deeper into his remarkable achievement, **[click here.](https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nhl/alexander-ovechkin-breaks-wayne-gretzkys-nhl-goals-record-rcna199523?cid=eml_mrd_20250407)**
The National Headlines: Floods, Health Crisis, and Championship Wins
At least **19 individuals** have tragically lost their lives due to a recent surge of heavy rains and flash flooding affecting the South and Midwest. As this weather system proceeds eastward, parts of the **Southeast** are forewarned of possible thunderstorms, hazardous wind gusts, and tornadoes.
In health news, a **second child** has died in **Texas** amidst a rapidly escalating **measles outbreak**. Health and Human Services Secretary **Robert F. Kennedy Jr.** emphasized that vaccines remain the most effective method to halt the virus’s spread. Learn more by **[clicking here.](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/second-measles-death-texas-child-kennedy-rcna199882?cid=eml_mrd_20250407)**
In sports, **Connecticut** secured its record-breaking **12th national title** after defeating **South Carolina** with a commanding score of **82-59** in the NCAA women’s tournament. As excitement builds, **Florida and Houston** will compete later tonight for the championship in the men’s tournament. Stay tuned!
Staff Pick: Environmental Concerns Amidst Trade Talks
In a deep dive into the state of America’s **alumina** production, journalist **Alexandra Byrne** partnered with NBC’s **New Orleans anchor Travers Mackel** to explore the implications of the president’s trade war in the small town of **Gramercy, Louisiana**—the home to the country’s last alumina refinery. Residents report persistent pollution issues, while the plant’s CEO, despite a potential increase in customer demand due to tariffs, has no plans for expansion. To read the compelling narrative, **[click here.](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/americas-last-alumina-refinery-trade-war-spells-trade-offs-rcna196539?cid=eml_mrd_20250407)**
On a lighter note, the **NBC Select** team tested **15 deodorants and antiperspirants**, providing insights on the best options for various sweat levels and skin types. They also sought out the top-performing **shower cleaners** to combat soap scum and water stains. For comprehensive product reviews and shopping advice, **[sign up for The Selection newsletter here.](https://link.nbcnews.com/join/5cj/nbc-news-select-signup-homepage)**
Thank you for tuning into today’s **Morning Rundown**. Curated by **Elizabeth Robinson**, share this link with friends and family, and let them join the conversation by signing up for updates **here**.
