Author: Emily Harper

Federal Deployment in LA Triggers Nationwide Reactions Tensions continue to rise in Los Angeles following the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops in response to mass protests sparked by immigration enforcement operations. As demonstrators flood city streets, blocking major highways and surrounding federal facilities, the situation has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate around immigration and federal authority. This wave of unrest stems from aggressive raids targeting undocumented communities, which have led to heavy-handed police responses and visible military presence in the downtown area. Protesters, including immigrant advocacy groups and concerned citizens, have gathered for consecutive days…

A Monumental Feat of Engineering in the Himalayas India has unveiled the world’s highest railway bridge, a remarkable infrastructure project spanning the Chenab River in the mountainous region of Jammu and Kashmir. Towering 359 meters above the river valley—higher than the Eiffel Tower—this arched steel structure stands as a symbol of both technological advancement and national ambition. With a length of over 1,300 meters and a construction cost exceeding $160 million, the Chenab Bridge connects key parts of India-administered Kashmir to the rest of the country for the first time via rail. Its completion marks a major milestone in the…

For most of the past year Donald Trump and Elon Musk have served as complementary megaphones for Republican priorities, but that partnership shattered this week in a spectacular online slug-fest. It began on Tuesday when Musk denounced the president’s 1 200-page tax-cut-and-border-security package as a “disgusting abomination” that would pile “trillions more on the backs of our kids.” Within hours Trump fired back on Truth Social, calling the billionaire “a man who has lost his mind” and hinting that future federal contracts for Tesla and SpaceX could be in jeopardy. Musk responded by pledging to finance primary challengers against any…

Historic Policy Shift Could Revive Commercial Supersonic Travel The United States is taking steps toward ending a decades-long ban on civilian supersonic flights over land, a rule that dates back to the era of Concorde. New legislative efforts in both chambers of Congress could soon clear the way for supersonic commercial travel across American skies. During the Concorde’s heyday, flights exceeding Mach 1 were only permitted over oceans due to concerns about noise from sonic booms. That restriction meant the iconic aircraft, retired in 2003, had limited commercial routes. Today, with a new generation of quieter supersonic jets under development,…

A Historic Nations League Semifinal Ends in a Thriller Spain advanced to the UEFA Nations League final after edging France 5-4 in a dramatic semifinal on Thursday, a match that lived up to its billing as a clash of European powerhouses. The nine-goal spectacle—now the highest scoring game in the tournament’s history—was dominated by the brilliance of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who once again proved his worth on the biggest stage. Yamal, just 17 years old, scored twice and played a decisive role throughout the match, showcasing the composure and creativity of a seasoned professional. With the win, Spain moves…

South Korea’s political landscape has entered a new phase as the National Assembly overwhelmingly approved special investigations into former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. This move comes after months of political tension and public outrage over Yoon’s abrupt declaration of martial law in December 2024, which shook the country’s democratic foundations. The bills for these investigations were championed by the Democratic Party, which holds a clear majority in parliament. Lawmakers from other parties also supported the measures, reflecting a rare moment of unity in a usually divided legislature. The vote passed with 194 in favor…

Strong Economy Faces Threat from Rising US-China Tensions In recent weeks, the U.S. economy has shown surprising strength, defying expectations of a downturn with falling inflation, steady job growth, and forecasts of robust GDP expansion. Yet despite this progress, President Donald Trump’s increasingly aggressive stance toward China is threatening to destabilize the recovery. Tensions between the two global superpowers escalated again this week, just ahead of a long-anticipated phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Though the White House has not confirmed the call, Chinese state media reported that it did take place. The stakes are high: if…

The End of a Critical Lifeline for Latino STEM Students CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, recently experienced a major setback after the cancellation of three federal science grants. These grants, previously funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), were essential in supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, especially Latinos, in their pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Among the canceled grants were two that directly benefited CSUCI students, and a third that supported the wider California State University (CSU) system. These programs were designed not just to provide financial aid but to offer meaningful research experiences,…

Goldman Sachs, one of the world’s largest investment banks, has moved quickly to reduce its risk exposure following the latest round of U.S. tariff increases. The decision, announced shortly after President Donald Trump unveiled a series of new tariffs against major U.S. trading partners, reflects the bank’s cautious approach in the face of rising economic uncertainty. President John Waldron, who is widely considered to be in line as the firm’s next CEO, stated that Goldman Sachs began moderating its risk profile as early as April 2, as soon as it became apparent that tariff talks would escalate. Waldron said, “We’ve…

U.S. Travel Ban Extended to Seven African Countries President Donald Trump has announced a new expansion of travel restrictions affecting seven African countries. The ban, which includes Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and has sparked renewed concerns over diplomatic relations between the United States and the African continent. The measure falls under a broader strategy targeting countries identified as high-risk based on national security considerations and immigration patterns. Among the reasons cited for inclusion on the list are persistent visa overstays, terrorism-related risks, and failures…