MIT has become the first university to reject President Trump’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” due to concerns over freedom of expression and institutional independence. The university’s president, Sally Kornbluth, stated that MIT’s existing values align with the principles of the compact. However, MIT disagrees with aspects of the document, particularly those that would restrict freedom of expression and independence. MIT’s decision to decline the invitation has been applauded by the university community and others, including Amnesty International USA.
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Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker attributes Donald Trump’s calls for his arrest to the former president’s alleged declining mental state. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump demanded the arrest of Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, citing their opposition to the deployment of National Guard units during protests. Pritzker responded by suggesting Trump’s family should intervene, implying that Trump’s advisors are taking advantage of his cognitive decline. The governor also criticized Trump, a convicted felon, for his calls to have officials arrested, emphasizing his own clean record.
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In a significant escalation of the U.S.-China trade war, President Trump announced a 100% tariff on imports from China, effective next month, adding to existing import taxes. These tariffs and export controls on “critical software” were prompted by new Chinese export controls on rare earth metals, which are crucial for numerous industries. The announcement also followed China’s imposition of port fees on U.S.-owned ships in retaliation for U.S. actions, impacting stock markets. The tariffs are expected to further complicate ongoing trade talks between the two nations, especially with a planned meeting between the presidents, while also impacting other economic relationships, such as the TikTok deal.
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Recent court rulings signal a growing resistance to the Trump administration’s actions. Judges are pushing back against the federalization of the National Guard, with one judge stating that the president cannot punish those with opposing views. Furthermore, another judge issued a temporary restraining order to prevent ICE agents from violating First Amendment rights, including ordering agents to wear visible identification. However, not all courts are in agreement, as a panel of judges, including Trump appointees, have shown a willingness to give the president unchecked discretion in deploying the National Guard. These legal battles highlight the critical constitutional questions at stake, specifically the balance of power and the protection of civil liberties.
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US stocks experienced a significant downturn on Friday following President Trump’s threat to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports, reigniting trade war anxieties. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all saw substantial losses, with tech stocks leading the market decline. Trump’s announcement regarding potential tariffs and his stance on rare earth exports triggered a surge in market volatility and a flight to safe-haven assets, while also impacting oil prices. Furthermore, this sparked investor concern regarding a potential economic slowdown and negatively affected the Fear and Greed index.
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In a significant escalation of trade tensions, former President Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, on top of the existing 30% tariffs, potentially starting November 1st. This move is a direct response to China’s increasing export controls on rare earths and comes after months of a trade truce between the two nations. The announcement has already triggered negative reactions from investors, causing major market indexes to plummet on Friday. The potential for further tariffs, coupled with China’s expected retaliation, raises concerns about the impact on the interconnected economies of the United States and China.
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President Trump has announced an additional 100% tariffs on imports from China, set to take effect no later than November 1st, citing China’s trade policies as the reason. This action is a direct response to China’s tightened export controls on rare earth elements, which Trump labeled “extraordinarily aggressive” and “unprecedented.” The US President also hinted at potential export restrictions on key software to China and questioned a planned meeting with President Xi Jinping. The announcement has already negatively impacted the stock prices of US chip manufacturers.
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In response to President Trump’s mischaracterization of Portland as a violent and chaotic city, local residents have embraced a unique form of protest. These activists are countering Trump’s rhetoric by dancing and wearing costumes in front of federal law enforcement, challenging the president’s narrative of fear. The creative protests serve to refute Trump’s claims and demonstrate a lack of intimidation. Fact-checking efforts and statements from local officials, like Mayor Keith Wilson and Governor Tina Kotek, further expose the inaccuracies of Trump’s statements about the city’s conditions.
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During a recent visit to Walter Reed Medical Center, former President Donald Trump received both a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot. The president’s physician stated Trump’s “cardiac age” is significantly lower than his chronological age. However, medical experts have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the report, noting the absence of detailed data and clinical information. Critics are particularly interested in the lack of information regarding Trump’s overall cardiovascular health and the causes of his visible bruising.
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The chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, addressed Donald Trump’s attempts to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee awarded the prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, prompting responses from the White House and Trump supporters. Frydnes stated that the committee bases its decisions solely on Alfred Nobel’s will, despite the many campaigns for the award. Trump had previously boasted about his peacemaking efforts and expressed his disappointment with the committee’s decision, as well as comparing his lack of a prize to former President Obama’s early win.
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John Q. Hosedrinker