Harvard University is actively fighting the Trump administration's abrupt revocation of its certification to enroll international students. This action, ordered by DHS Secretary Kristi L. Noem, is seen by the administration as part of a conflict where they accuse Harvard of harboring "anti-American, pro-terrorist" individuals and hosting Chinese Communist Party activities. Harvard President Alan Garber condemned the move as an unlawful attempt to control academic freedom and is seeking a temporary restraining order. The university states it complied with record requests but was unfairly targeted with demands violating federal regulations. This decision puts thousands of international students at risk of losing their visas, prompting urgent legal challenges, and Garber has pledged unwavering support to the affected students.
Travelers flying through Newark Liberty International Airport are facing significant challenges. The airport is experiencing an ongoing travel nightmare characterized by long lines, cancellations, and runway backups that hinder smooth departures. Pilot Pete Cappio highlighted the chaos with a video showing 27 planes waiting to take off behind a closed runway, resulting in a nearly hour-long delay from pushback to takeoff. This turmoil is attributed to a combination of air-traffic control outages, FAA employee walk-offs, and extensive construction, which has forced the FAA to sharply reduce allowed flights for months. Despite the gridlock, Cappio noted the skill of the controllers in managing the situation. Travelers are advised to prepare for delays and crowded terminals.
In El Salvador, Osiris Luna, the 36-year-old prison director, plays a central role in President Nayib Bukele's hardline gang crackdown. Under Luna's oversight, over 80,000 suspected gang members have been imprisoned, leading the country to have the world's highest incarceration rate. However, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Luna in 2021, accusing him of secretly negotiating with gang leaders, allegedly providing them with privileges like mobile phones and sex workers in exchange for reduced murder rates and political support. Both Luna and Bukele's administration deny these claims. A Trump administration deal has led the U.S. to deport over 250 alleged gang members to El Salvador, many sent to Luna's CECOT prison, which received $6 million in U.S. funding. These policies have been blamed by human rights groups for hundreds of prison deaths, though Luna cites natural causes. The alleged secret negotiations reportedly led to a fragile truce that collapsed in 2022, prompting Bukele to suspend civil liberties, a move critics argue undermines democracy.
Japanese auto parts makers like Kyowa Industrial are facing a crisis due to sweeping U.S. tariffs. These tariffs threaten to disrupt decades of manufacturing stability in Japan. Companies are being pressed by automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Ford to cooperate on cost pressures, putting the survival of smaller firms at risk. Japan's manufacturing culture, "monozukuri," faces challenges not only from tariffs but also from the global shift to electric vehicles and smart car technology, where software companies are leading. Ongoing trade talks aim to ease tensions, but the 25% auto tariff is considered a "national crisis" for Japan's economy. Analysts warn that these tariffs could accelerate industry consolidation and potentially increase prices for consumers, with regional economies reliant on auto manufacturing facing real risks. Japanese companies are exploring new markets to cope while hoping for a resolution in U.S.-Japan trade relations.
House Republicans have passed a massive tax and spending package dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act". This bill delivers significant tax cuts, including making permanent key tax breaks from Trump's first term and campaign, such as increased standard deductions and a higher estate tax exemption. It also repeals or accelerates the phase-out of Biden-era clean energy credits to help fund the tax cuts. The bill tightens work requirements for Medicaid and food assistance, expanding obligations and shifting costs to states, which is projected to cut Medicaid coverage significantly. It also targets Planned Parenthood by banning Medicaid funding and removes the tax on gun silencers. The package includes billions for border enforcement, funding new agents and restarting construction of Trump's border wall, while also proposing changes to student loans and taxing some university endowments.
In lighter news, Kermit the Frog delivered the commencement speech at the University of Maryland, affectionately nicknamed “Kermencement”. The beloved Muppet encouraged the Class of 2025 to believe in themselves and embrace joy. He emphasized the importance of appreciating friends and community, calling these connections "the true treasure of life". Kermit reminded graduates that they hold the pen to write their own futures, urging them to "Keep believing, keep pretending". The event also honored Jim Henson, a U-Md. alumnus and creator of Kermit, whose legacy is present on campus with a statue. The ceremony concluded with the crowd singing "Rainbow Connection," creating a mood of joy and promise.
