Brown University medical professor Rasha Alawieh was deported to Lebanon despite possessing a valid US work visa and a judge’s order preventing her removal. The government cited “sympathetic photos and videos” related to Hezbollah and attendance at a Hezbollah leader’s funeral as justification. This deportation, alongside the deportation of over 250 immigrants to El Salvador, occurred despite judicial orders halting the removals, demonstrating a pattern of defiance towards court rulings. Alawieh’s case underscores escalating immigration policies targeting universities, particularly following pro-Palestinian protests.
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The US Department of Defense webpage honoring Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers was temporarily removed and its URL altered to include “DEI,” prompting public outcry. The page’s removal occurred during an automated process, according to the department. Following the controversy, the webpage was restored to its original form, with the added “DEI” removed from the URL. This incident coincided with the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government.
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President Trump expressed his desire to re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, citing their previously strong relationship and his belief that it prevented nuclear war. He acknowledged North Korea’s significant nuclear arsenal while maintaining that his administration seeks complete denuclearization. Trump pointed to the successful 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, in which North Korea participated, as a testament to his diplomacy with Kim. Despite speculation about Pyongyang’s current willingness to engage, Trump asserted that he maintains a “great relationship” with Kim.
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Senator Chuck Schumer has postponed his book tour for “Antisemitism in America: A Warning” due to cited security concerns, coinciding with intense internal Democratic Party backlash. This follows Schumer’s controversial vote to advance a Republican-led government funding bill, a decision that averted a shutdown but drew accusations of capitulation from within his own caucus. Progressive groups like Indivisible organized protests against the tour and called for his resignation as Minority Leader. The postponement comes after a tense meeting between Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to address their differing strategies.
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The FDA’s food safety program, already underfunded, faces worsening conditions due to recent budget cuts. These cuts, some initiated under the previous administration, reduce critical rapid response teams and compromise the agency’s ability to conduct necessary inspections and remove unsafe products from the market. Experts warn that this underfunding, primarily due to insufficient congressional appropriations compared to the agency’s drug division, will lead to increased outbreaks and recalls, leaving consumers vulnerable. Consequently, current FDA employees are voicing concerns about the agency’s diminished capacity to ensure food safety.
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Harvard University will eliminate tuition for families earning under $200,000 annually, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative, impacting approximately 86% of US families, aims to increase accessibility and diversity on campus. For families earning less than $100,000, all expenses, including housing and healthcare, will be covered. The policy follows similar moves by other elite universities and comes amidst the Trump administration’s targeting of university funding tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
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Following a recent executive order halting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the U.S. Marine Band was compelled to cancel a scheduled concert showcasing student musicians of color. This cancellation prompted a swift and supportive response from veterans who volunteered their time to mentor the affected students. The planned performance, highlighting the talents of young musicians, was ultimately prevented by the new policy. The veterans’ intervention underscores the community’s commitment to supporting these aspiring artists despite the setback.
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Following a weekend phone call, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the June G7 summit in Alberta. This invitation follows an uncertain G7 approach to the war in Ukraine, marked by initial hesitation from the US administration regarding strong condemnations of Russia. Zelensky accepted the invitation, thanking Canada for its ongoing support and highlighting the need for increased pressure on Moscow. The summit, hosted by Canada, will take place amidst ongoing discussions between the US and Russia regarding a potential ceasefire.
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Despite Trump’s repeated claims, numerous economic indicators demonstrate that he inherited a robust US economy from Biden. Key metrics like unemployment (4.1%), inflation (2.9%), and GDP growth (3.1%) were all favorable at the end of Biden’s term, exceeding those of many other G7 nations. Furthermore, job growth under Biden significantly surpassed that of Trump’s first term, and manufacturing jobs saw a substantial increase. Economists widely refuted Trump’s assertions, characterizing the economy Biden left behind as exceptionally strong.
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Ukraine has reportedly disrupted Russian glide bomb control systems, significantly impacting their battlefield effectiveness. This success, likely achieved through satellite jamming, forces Russia to expend more munitions and sorties for each strike. While Russia possesses countermeasures, the use of unencrypted receivers by many Russian soldiers may explain their vulnerability. This development, coupled with Ukraine’s growing air power from Western allies, could shift the battlefield balance, although the extent depends on continued Western support and access to advanced technologies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker