The Department of Education issued an ultimatum to Harvard University, demanding viewpoint diversity audits and threatening to control the university’s admissions and hiring practices. This action, deemed extortionate by some, prompted Harvard to defiantly refuse to comply, citing threats to its academic freedom and institutional values. Simultaneously, Boston immigration lawyers received threatening deportation notices from the Department of Homeland Security, seemingly intended to intimidate both them and their clients. These incidents, occurring near the 250th anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, evoke the spirit of defiance against governmental overreach. The White House further escalated the situation by threatening to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
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In New Bedford, Massachusetts, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents mistakenly apprehended Juan Francisco Mendez, a 29-year-old asylum seeker, while searching for another individual. Mendez, who has no criminal record and was awaiting final asylum documentation, was forcibly removed from his car after agents smashed his window. His attorney contends this was a case of mistaken identity, as the agents were seeking a man named Antonio. Mendez’s wife and son, also asylum seekers, witnessed the violent arrest and are now left without answers regarding his detainment in Dover, New Hampshire.
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Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili stated that restoring diplomatic relations with Russia is impossible due to Russia’s continued occupation of Georgian territories, namely Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These regions, representing approximately 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory, declared independence following the 2008 war and are now considered Russian puppet states. While Russia claims no restrictions on restoring ties, its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s independence remains a major obstacle. This statement counters recent actions by Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been accused of pro-Russian leanings and undermining democratic processes.
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The Russian Northern Fleet’s cruiser Marshal Ustinov conducted artillery exercises in the Barents Sea, successfully striking targets near the Rybachii Peninsula, approximately 20 kilometers from the Norwegian border. These drills, the second this month, also included anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone training, as well as missile firings. Accompanying vessels included a nuclear submarine, frigate Admiral Kasatonov, and other anti-submarine vessels. Such exercises near the Rybachii Peninsula are not uncommon.
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The World Trade Organization (WTO) forecasts a significant decline in global goods trade this year, revising its projection from a 2.7% expansion to a 0.2% contraction, primarily due to the impact of US tariffs. This downturn is largely attributed to the decoupling of US-China trade, potentially plunging by 81-91% without exemptions for tech products. The WTO warns that reimposition of paused tariffs, coupled with increased trade policy uncertainty, could exacerbate the situation, leading to even steeper declines in global trade and GDP growth. The organization urges member countries to address these issues to mitigate further economic damage.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to advocate for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported despite a court order preventing his return. Van Hollen’s trip followed the Trump administration’s refusal to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return, a stance criticized by Democrats as a disregard for the rule of law. The senator met with U.S. embassy officials and planned meetings with high-level Salvadoran government officials to pressure for Abrego Garcia’s release. The White House, however, accused Van Hollen of prioritizing a supposed gang member over crime victims, a claim denied by Abrego Garcia’s legal team.
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Founded in 1846, the Associated Press (AP) is a global news organization committed to unbiased, factual reporting. AP’s news reaches over half the world’s population daily, providing fast and accurate information across various formats. The organization also supplies crucial technology and services to the news industry. As a result, AP maintains its standing as the world’s most trusted news source.
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The Trump administration argues that facilitating the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly imprisoned in El Salvador, only requires removing domestic obstacles to his return, not actively securing his release from Salvadoran authorities. This position, supported by El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, is deemed by legal experts as a violation of a Supreme Court order mandating the administration’s cooperation. Experts predict this defiance will lead to a Supreme Court challenge, potentially involving the question of American citizens’ rights and the administration’s compliance with court orders. Trump’s suggestion of sending American citizens to the same prison further escalates the legal and constitutional implications.
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Despite a Ukrainian offer of $50 billion from EU funds and frozen Russian assets to purchase hundreds of Patriot missile systems, former President Trump rejected the deal. Trump’s refusal, based on his assessment of the war’s winnability and accusations against President Zelenskyy, neglects the urgent need for air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from Russian attacks. This decision, despite potential substantial economic benefits for the US, has drawn criticism for seemingly prioritizing other agendas over halting the bloodshed in Ukraine. The rejection underscores a perceived lack of US commitment to ending the conflict.
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Nineteen-year-old Merwil Gutiérrez, a Venezuelan with no criminal record, was deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act despite having a pending U.S. immigration case. His deportation, along with that of hundreds of other Venezuelans, followed a pattern of unjustified arrests and deportations to a notorious prison, raising concerns about due process violations. This action, mirroring similar cases detailed in a 60 Minutes report, highlights the questionable practices of deporting individuals to countries where they lack connections, even in cases where no criminal activity is involved. The family is seeking his return, citing a lack of transparency and the violation of his legal rights.
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John Q. Hosedrinker