Studies reveal a concerning decline in cognitive skills across age groups, impacting concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. This downturn, evident since at least the mid-2010s, predates but was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption to education. Contributing factors include a sharp decrease in reading, a shift in information consumption habits towards increased screen time, and a demonstrated decline in numeracy skills. While not indicative of diminished human intellect, these trends suggest a worrisome decline in cognitive potential and performance.
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The Trump administration has emailed hundreds of thousands of immigrants, falsely claiming their permission to remain in the U.S. has been revoked and demanding immediate departure. These mass emails, originating from the Department of Homeland Security, erroneously targeted some U.S. citizens and caused widespread confusion among recipients whose immigration statuses vary. While some parolees may indeed face deportation, others may still qualify for alternative immigration relief, highlighting the inappropriateness of the blanket email approach. Customs and Border Protection acknowledges potential misdirection and plans to address individual cases.
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Hong Kong’s postal service will cease handling US-bound and US-origin packages, a direct response to the US eliminating the $800 de minimis exemption for goods shipped from Hong Kong. This action, effective immediately for sea freight and April 27th for air freight, forces Hong Kong residents and businesses to utilize private couriers like FedEx and DHL, significantly increasing shipping costs. The Hong Kong government cited President Trump’s decision as unreasonable and abusive, highlighting the escalating trade tensions between the US and China. The move impacts packages only; documents remain unaffected.
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Following a Supreme Court ruling ordering the Trump administration to “facilitate” the return of wrongfully deported Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia from an El Salvadoran prison, a judge has ordered expedited depositions of government officials. This action comes after the administration’s failure to take meaningful steps to secure Garcia’s release, despite admitting the deportation was an “administrative error.” The depositions, scheduled for completion by April 28th, will determine whether the administration acted in good faith. The judge warned against gamesmanship and emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the high stakes involved and the wife’s public plea for her husband’s return.
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Driven by the Trump administration’s policies, Canadian universities are experiencing a surge in applications from US students. UBC Vancouver reported a 27% increase in graduate applications from US citizens, prompting a fast-tracked admissions process for September. The University of Toronto and University of Waterloo also noted increased applications and interest from the US, attributed to visa revocations, funding cuts to US universities, and increased scrutiny of student social media. However, Canada’s cap on international student intake may limit the number of US students ultimately accepted.
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Federal Judge Paula Xinis sharply criticized the Trump administration for its inaction in returning Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran national wrongly deported to El Salvador, giving officials two weeks to provide evidence of their efforts. The judge threatened contempt of court charges if the administration fails to demonstrate good faith, demanding sworn testimony from four Homeland Security officials. While the Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate Mr. Ábrego García’s return, the government’s actions, including conflicting statements about his potential re-entry, raise concerns about compliance. The case highlights a broader conflict between the judicial and executive branches regarding deportation policy and the Trump administration’s handling of the situation.
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Twelve students are suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the head of the Pentagon school system for violating their First Amendment rights through widespread book bans targeting titles on race and gender. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU, alleges that this censorship, stemming from Trump-era executive orders, harms students’ education and access to critical information. The bans affect DoDEA schools globally, impacting curriculum and even yearbook content. The plaintiffs seek the immediate reinstatement of removed books and curriculum materials.
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A whistleblower accused the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of exfiltrating sensitive data from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including disabling security monitoring systems. A subsequent login attempt from a user with a Russian IP address, using a newly created DOGE email account and correct NLRB credentials, was blocked but highlights potential security vulnerabilities. The whistleblower provided forensic evidence and alleges DOGE employed tactics resembling those of foreign hackers, raising serious national security concerns. These accusations are not isolated, with multiple reports suggesting widespread data exfiltration by DOGE across various agencies. The situation is further complicated by Elon Musk’s dual roles in government and at companies under NLRB investigation.
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In a recent interview, US Vice President JD Vance urged European nations to exhibit greater independence from the United States, critiquing their historical role as “vassals.” He specifically cited the Iraq War, suggesting stronger European opposition could have prevented the conflict’s negative consequences. While acknowledging some European nations correctly opposed the war, Vance believes a more robust, unified stance would have been beneficial. This call for greater European autonomy follows previous criticisms of European defense spending and immigration policies.
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Following Elon Musk’s acquisition, X’s UK revenue plummeted 66.3% to £69.1 million in 2023, resulting in a significant profit decrease. This downturn is attributed to reduced advertising spending due to brand safety and content moderation concerns. The company’s UK workforce also experienced substantial cuts, falling from 399 to 114 employees. Despite these challenges, X’s overall value has since recovered, and a new AI-focused subsidiary, X.AI London, was recently established.
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John Q. Hosedrinker