Judge Paula Xinis is considering holding the Trump administration in contempt of court for failing to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Despite a Supreme Court ruling deeming the deportation illegal and ordering the administration’s cooperation, the government has provided insufficient evidence of its efforts to comply. The judge ordered depositions from relevant officials and the submission of further documentation, threatening additional sanctions for non-compliance. The administration claims it would facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return if he presented himself at a port of entry, a position disputed by the judge given the Salvadoran president’s public refusal to return him.
Read More
A small business owner’s TikTok plea for help, citing bankruptcy due to Trump-era tariffs on Chinese alloy wheels, was met with harsh criticism. Many commenters reveled in his misfortune, highlighting the consequences of his vote for Trump. The owner’s subsequent video expressed outrage at this schadenfreude, arguing that judging individuals solely on their vote is inhumane. However, critics countered with accusations of hypocrisy and economic naiveté, pointing to Trump’s policies and the owner’s own political choices.
Read More
The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) advises its members against non-essential travel to the United States due to increased border scrutiny and reports of Canadians facing difficulties. The warning particularly targets academics from countries with strained U.S. relations, those critical of the Trump administration, and transgender individuals. Concerns exist regarding the potential compromise of sensitive research data during border searches. The CAUT will maintain this advisory until political screening at the border ceases and confidential information is better protected.
Read More
Between January 1 and April 9, 2025, over 85,000 visas were issued by the Chinese Embassy in India, significantly boosting people-to-people ties. This increase follows several visa relaxations, including eliminating online appointment requirements, biometric exemptions for short-term visitors, reduced fees, and faster processing times. The move is seen as a soft power initiative to foster goodwill, particularly amidst ongoing border tensions. Simultaneously, China emphasized the importance of strong India-China economic and trade relations, advocating for multilateralism against protectionist trade practices.
Read More
Following a meeting between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the EU expressed frustration over the lack of concrete US proposals for removing reciprocal tariffs. The EU reiterated its offer to eliminate all industrial goods tariffs, emphasizing the need for a reciprocal commitment from the US. While the US previously cited various trade grievances, it has yet to clearly define its desired outcome in these negotiations. The EU maintains its position on food safety standards and will continue pursuing a resolution within the 90-day timeframe.
Read More
A coalition of U.S. universities, including Brown, Princeton, MIT, and Caltech, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Energy (DOE) to challenge new funding restrictions. The DOE’s policy, which caps indirect research costs at 15 percent, threatens to cut $405 million in annual spending and jeopardize numerous vital research projects. This action follows a similar NIH policy change, already blocked by a federal judge, and represents growing university pushback against perceived federal overreach. The lawsuit argues the 15 percent cap will severely damage scientific research and the nation’s global leadership in innovation.
Read More
In response to a question regarding the legality of the president’s plan to deport incarcerated criminals, Bondi offered an unsupported assertion that the initiative would decrease crime and that these individuals would face maximum sentencing. However, this plan is likely illegal, violating federal law and potentially several constitutional amendments. The core issue lies in the illegality of deporting U.S. citizens, regardless of their criminal history. Such a plan would require significant legal reform, and is unlikely to be implemented.
Read More
Arnuel Marquez Colmenarez, a Venezuelan national facing misdemeanor charges in New Hampshire, was tackled by ICE agents inside a courthouse, resulting in an injury to a bystander. The arrest occurred during his arraignment for drunk driving and related charges, with agents claiming he resisted arrest after a failed attempt at a quiet apprehension. Colmenarez is currently detained in Texas, and the incident follows a recent rollback of policies restricting ICE arrests in sensitive locations, including courthouses. This arrest, along with a similar incident in Boston, highlights the increased presence of ICE agents in courthouses under the current administration.
Read More
Led by Poland and Czechia, seven EU nations have jointly petitioned the EU to restrict Russian diplomats’ movement within the Schengen Area to their assigned consular districts, citing espionage and sabotage concerns. This initiative, supported by former NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, follows suspected Russian-orchestrated attacks on EU territory and a reported increase in Russian intelligence activities since 2022. The proposal, if adopted, would represent a significant limitation on the Schengen Area’s free movement principle. Poland, which already restricts Russian diplomats to three cities, exemplifies the desired outcome.
Read More
Despite recent seemingly softer rhetoric from President Trump following a phone call with Prime Minister Carney, the White House confirms his desire for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state remains unchanged. This assertion contradicts Carney’s statement that Trump respected Canadian sovereignty. The ongoing trade disputes and sovereignty concerns are central to Canada’s federal election, with all major party leaders firmly rejecting annexation. Trump’s continued imposition of tariffs on Canada further fuels these tensions.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker