Virginia Times Weekly Recap: May 26 – June 1, 2025

Story Highlights

• Trump doubles down on tariffs as court battles loom
• France reels from deadly riots after PSG victory
• Study exposes mental health misinformation on TikTok
• Virginia teen triumphs over trauma to lead school musical
• CDC confirms salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers

Trump’s 50% Steel Tariff to Reshape U.S. Manufacturing

The Biden-era steel tariff framework has been dramatically overhauled under President Donald Trump’s renewed industrial policy. Trump announced the new 50% tariff on foreign steel starting June 4 — doubling the existing rate.

This decision is part of what the Trump administration calls “economic self-reliance,” targeting Chinese and Indian steel exports. The administration said the move will protect U.S. steelmakers, although analysts warn it may increase domestic costs.

Industry groups are divided. Some American manufacturers fear higher raw material prices, while union leaders welcomed the protectionist approach. The global reaction has been mixed, with the European Union promising a formal review.

Trump Urges Supreme Court to Reinstate Tariff Powers

In a fiery response to a federal court ruling limiting presidential trade authority, Trump called the decision a “judicial overreach.” The Court of International Trade had ruled that recent tariff expansions exceeded lawful boundaries under the Trade Act.

Trump’s legal team is preparing an appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing that tariffs fall under national security prerogatives. Critics, however, argue the court simply affirmed congressional authority in trade matters.

The case has serious implications for Trump’s trade vision. A Supreme Court showdown could define executive power over economic policy for decades, especially as Trump intensifies efforts to revive domestic industries.

PSG’s Champions League Win Marred by Deadly Riots

Paris Saint-Germain clinched the UEFA Champions League in a dramatic final, but nationwide celebrations turned deadly in France. At least two people were killed, over 200 were injured, and more than 500 were arrested amid widespread unrest.

French authorities struggled to contain rioters in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, where cars were torched and shops looted. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons. Videos of street brawls and vandalism went viral online.

Officials blame “opportunistic criminal elements” for hijacking the celebration. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has pledged tougher curfews and greater police deployment for future sports events. UEFA has condemned the violence.

Mental Health Myths Spread Rampantly on TikTok, Study Finds

A new academic study reveals that TikTok, one of the most-used platforms by Gen Z, is rife with unverified and misleading content related to mental health. Researchers found that popular videos about depression, ADHD, and trauma often lack scientific backing.

Researchers analyzed over 500 videos tagged with mental health topics and found that nearly half contained exaggerated or outright incorrect information. Many creators use emotionally manipulative language to go viral.

Mental health professionals are urging TikTok to improve its algorithm and moderation standards. Meanwhile, advocacy groups stress the importance of getting information from licensed professionals rather than social influencers.

From ICU to ‘Footloose’ Star: Virginia Teen’s Heroic Comeback

James Culatta, a high school student from Herndon, Virginia, survived a horrific fire accident just months ago — and this week, he wowed audiences by playing the lead in “Footloose.” His story has captivated hearts across the state.

James spent weeks in the burn ICU after suffering severe injuries during a family hike in Utah. Doctors were initially uncertain he would regain full mobility. But through months of therapy, he made an unexpected recovery.

His performance was described as “powerful and deeply moving” by teachers and classmates. The musical marked not just an artistic triumph, but a personal victory for a teen who refused to be defined by trauma.

CDC Links Cucumber Recall to Salmonella Outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a multi-state outbreak of salmonella infections linked to whole cucumbers sold in grocery stores. At least 162 people have fallen ill across 18 states.

The infected cucumbers were traced to a batch distributed between May 15 and May 21. Grocery chains including Walmart and Kroger have removed the affected stock. The supplier has initiated a voluntary recall.

Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The CDC urges consumers to discard suspicious produce and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Shakira’s DC WorldPride Concert Canceled Over Technical Issues

Global pop icon Shakira’s highly anticipated performance at WorldPride DC was abruptly canceled just hours before showtime. Organizers cited an “unresolvable equipment failure.”

The announcement sparked frustration among fans, many of whom had traveled long distances. Social media exploded with criticism, prompting WorldPride officials to issue a public apology.

Shakira’s team confirmed her disappointment and expressed hope to return to D.C. later this year. Ticket holders will receive full refunds, and event planners are evaluating options for a replacement headliner.

Tom Cruise Stuns Cannes Crowd with Surprise Teaser

Tom Cruise made a surprise appearance at the Cannes Film Festival to unveil a teaser for the latest installment of “Mission: Impossible.” The unexpected reveal drew a standing ovation.

In the teaser, Cruise is seen hanging off a high-speed train and scaling a Swiss cliff — continuing the franchise’s legacy of extreme stunts. The film is slated for global release this fall.

Cannes organizers praised Cruise’s dedication to theatrical experiences at a time when many stars turn to streaming deals. This marks his third visit to the festival in the last five years.

Virginia Man Admits to Killing Protected Bald Eagles

A man from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley pleaded guilty to killing multiple bald eagles using the banned pesticide carbofuran. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service called it “a deliberate act of cruelty.”

Investigators discovered several eagle carcasses near a baited site, and lab tests confirmed poison ingestion. Carbofuran has been illegal in the U.S. since 2009 due to its danger to wildlife.

Prosecutors say the man faces prison time and heavy fines under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Environmental groups have renewed calls for stricter monitoring of toxic substances in rural regions.

Nepal Mourns Conservation Icon Bed Khadka

Bed Bahadur Khadka, a pioneering figure in Nepal’s conservation movement, passed away this week. He was known for his life’s work protecting endangered gharials and birds across Chitwan and Bardiya.

Khadka’s grassroots activism spanned decades. He founded riverbank sanctuaries, trained forest guards, and documented wildlife threats with passion and precision. His death has left a void in Nepal’s environmental landscape.

Tributes poured in from national leaders, scientists, and international NGOs. Many urged the government to honor his legacy with a national wildlife scholarship or a sanctuary in his name.

OPINION: Plagiarism Is Not Journalism

In a powerful op-ed, Virginia Times journalist Sunil Mani Dahal condemns the growing trend of content theft within the Nepali media diaspora. He argues that copying others’ work without credit undermines the integrity of journalism.

The article calls out specific cases of plagiarized reporting and criticizes journalists who chase visibility over accountability. Dahal challenges professional associations to adopt and enforce stricter ethics guidelines.

He urges media outlets to prioritize original reporting, fact-checking, and respect for intellectual property — reminding readers that credibility is journalism’s most precious currency.