Canadian study permits issued to Indian students plummeted 31 percent in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 30,640 compared to 44,295 in the same period of 2024. This sharp decrease reflects a broader trend of reduced international student admissions in Canada, with overall study permit issuance falling to 96,015 in early 2025, a significant drop from 121,070 the previous year. The reduction follows policy adjustments implemented in late 2023 aimed at mitigating the strain on Canadian resources caused by temporary migration.
Read More
The House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” extending Trump-era tax cuts, despite significant budgetary and social consequences. The legislation, rushed through Congress with minimal transparency, would increase the deficit by $3.8 trillion, slash funding for programs like SNAP and Medicaid, and disproportionately benefit the wealthy while harming the poor. The Congressional Budget Office estimates millions could lose health insurance, and household resources would decrease by 4% for the poorest while increasing by 4% for the richest. This process involved obfuscation and misleading statements from Republican leadership, who downplayed the bill’s negative impacts.
Read More
Germany’s 45th Armored Brigade “Lithuania” commenced operations in Vilnius, marking the first long-term German troop deployment abroad since World War II. This deployment, seen as crucial for NATO’s defense against potential Russian aggression, will ultimately comprise 5,000 German soldiers and civilians by 2027. The move reflects a significant shift in German defense policy, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a commitment to bolstering European security. Lithuania, a staunch NATO ally bordering Russia, is providing necessary infrastructure and support for the brigade.
Read More
Following an incident where Israeli soldiers fired shots near a Canadian diplomatic delegation in Jenin, Prime Minister Carney deemed the actions “totally unacceptable” and demanded a full investigation and explanation. Foreign Affairs Minister Anand summoned the Israeli ambassador to express Canada’s serious concerns. The IDF claimed the delegation deviated from its approved route, prompting warning shots; however, this explanation was rejected by Canadian officials and others. This incident follows a joint statement by Canada, the UK, and France threatening sanctions against Israel unless humanitarian aid restrictions in Gaza are lifted.
Read More
A new North Korean destroyer, launched with Kim Jong Un in attendance, suffered a significant accident during its launch ceremony, sliding off its transport and sustaining bottom damage. The incident, attributed to negligence and inexperience, was described by Kim as a “criminal act” resulting in the censure of responsible officials. The damaged vessel, possessing capabilities similar to North Korea’s first destroyer, is slated for repair before a key party meeting. Despite this setback, North Korea also launched multiple cruise missiles on the same day.
Read More
Early Thursday morning, the House passed a multitrillion-dollar domestic policy package, narrowly clearing 215-214. The bill, championed by Speaker Mike Johnson, includes significant Medicaid and food assistance cuts, and controversially, a nationwide ban on federal funding for gender-affirming care for transgender individuals of all ages. The Congressional Budget Office projects 13.7 million people will lose health coverage under the legislation. This bill now proceeds to the Senate, facing an uncertain future despite House Republican efforts to maintain their fragile coalition.
Read More
Following a HuffPost report revealing the Trump White House’s limited release of presidential transcripts — only 29 of 146 in his first 100 days — all available transcripts were subsequently removed and replaced with videos. This action, which also affected some transcripts from Vice President Vance and Press Secretary Leavitt, was justified by the White House as providing equivalent access; however, this claim is inaccurate, as the available videos are a curated selection omitting many significant events. This lack of transparency contrasts sharply with the practices of previous administrations, further highlighting the administration’s resistance to openness.
Read More
University of Buffalo graduate Jean-Paul Al-Arab brought his baby onto the commencement stage, violating university rules prohibiting non-graduates from participating. Campus police, already present for security, pursued Al-Arab after he disregarded instructions to leave the stage. While Al-Arab claims he received prior permission, the university maintains he disobeyed multiple directives. Despite the incident, Al-Arab will receive his degree and issued an apology.
Read More
Rapper Kid Cudi testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs broke into his home after discovering Cudi was dating Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie. Weeks later, Cudi’s car was firebombed, an incident he directly attributed to Combs. Cudi’s testimony included details of a subsequent meeting with Combs, where Combs denied involvement despite Cudi’s belief in his culpability. The testimony also revealed that Cassie had been secretly seeing both men simultaneously. This event unfolded amidst Combs’ ongoing sex trafficking trial, where multiple witnesses detailed allegations of abuse against Combs.
Read More
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attributed the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington to a climate of “toxic antisemitic incitement” emanating from unnamed European officials. He directly linked this incitement, particularly heightened since the October 2023 Hamas attack, to the murder, asserting a causal relationship between anti-Israel rhetoric and the violence. Saar’s accusations followed recent criticism of Israel’s Gaza operation from European allies, including warnings of potential consequences. He specifically cited accusations of genocide and war crimes as fueling this hostile environment.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker