Former President Donald Trump has revived and widened one of his most controversial initiatives, unveiling a proclamation that fully bars citizens of 12 nations from obtaining new U.S. visas and places much tighter screening on travelers from seven additional countries. The measure, effective immediately and lacking a sunset clause, follows a year-long audit of international identification standards, stolen-passport reporting and visa-overstay rates. Trump framed the action as a “necessary firewall” against terrorism and pandemics, arguing that several foreign governments refuse either to repatriate deportees or to share biometric data. Senior Homeland Security officials said all 19 nations missed at least…
Author: Emily Harper
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Hedge Funds Anticipate Windfall A high-stakes gamble made by hedge funds over a decade ago could finally pay off, as former President Donald Trump pushes to privatize mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The two companies, which have been under government conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis, are now poised to return to the public markets. Trump’s proposed spin-off has sent Fannie and Freddie’s stocks soaring — and with them, the hopes of billionaire investors like Bill Ackman. Ackman’s hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital, is one of the largest holders of Fannie and Freddie shares. He’s been vocal about…
The Growing Rift Between Policy and Progress The United States, long regarded as a global leader in scientific innovation, now finds itself at a critical juncture. Actions taken against academic research and restrictions placed on international students have begun to reverberate across the tech and research sectors—particularly in artificial intelligence. While policymakers cite national security concerns, the unintended consequences may be far more profound: accelerating China’s rise as a major player in the global AI race. At the center of this conversation is Helen Toner, a renowned researcher in the AI space and former board member at OpenAI. Now serving…
Texas and 12 other Republican-led states accuse BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street of using their collective market power, and their public commitment to curb climate risks, to pressure coal producers into shrinking output, allegedly driving up electricity bills and violating U.S. antitrust law. The suit, filed in a federal court in Texas, contends that the three asset-management giants coordinated through industry climate initiatives such as Climate Action 100+ and the Net Zero Asset Managers alliance to influence corporate strategy, rather than simply exercise normal shareholder oversight. Together, the firms oversee roughly $27 trillion, giving them unmatched proxy-voting clout across the…
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…
Overview of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Split Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced a significant restructuring on Monday, revealing that it will split into two separate companies. The split follows a move earlier this year when WBD CEO David Zaslav ended the company’s long-standing relationship with the National Basketball Association (NBA). One new company, temporarily called Streaming and Studios, will manage Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max. The other entity, Global Networks, will encompass WBD’s legacy cable networks, TNT Sports, digital products, and free-to-air channels in Europe. Leadership Changes As part of the restructuring,…
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…
