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Trump Tariffs Impact US Military Bases Beyond Penguin Islands

US President Donald Trump has introduced a sweeping set of tariffs that now encompass nearly every nation, including remote territories hosting American military installations such as Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific. The British Indian Ocean Territory, which houses the Diego Garcia military base, is notably affected despite having no civilian population and minimal economic activity. Approximately 3,000 US and British military personnel operate from the base, which plays a vital role in US military operations across Asia and the Middle East. The Marshall Islands, another strategic partner under the Compact of Free Association, also finds its exports subjected to a 10% tariff, despite its close ties to the US. Experts have suggested that the tariffs will have little practical impact on military operations, as overseas bases are typically exempt. The announcement was made during a press event dubbed "Liberation Day." sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 12 pm

Musk Responds to Protesters' "Send Him to Mars" Poster

Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk have faced significant turmoil in recent months, marked by plunging stock prices, declining sales, and widespread protests across the United States and Europe. Demonstrators have called for Musk, who leads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to distance himself from the Trump administration, prompting Musk to mock the protests on social media. His recent engagement included a playful response to a protest sign reading "SEND MUSK TO MARS," where he humorously noted, "I'm trying, I'm trying." Amid the protests, which included events like "World Day Against Elon Musk," where hundreds gathered to express their discontent, Musk continues to promote his ambitious plans for interplanetary exploration, including launching SpaceX's Starship to carry Tesla's Optimus robots to Mars by 2026. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between Musk's corporate ambitions and public sentiment. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 11 am

Obama Sets Example as Harvard Rejects Trump's Demands

Former US President Barack Obama praised Harvard University on Tuesday for resisting the Trump administration's attempts to limit campus activism and impose reforms. Harvard President Alan Garber reaffirmed the institution's commitment to academic freedom, stating that it would not comply with demands that included altering admissions policies and auditing diversity views. In a public letter, Garber emphasized that the university would not relinquish its independence or constitutional rights, rejecting the notion that federal funding should come with conditions that infringe on its values. This stance comes in the wake of a Department of Education task force's criticism of Harvard for failing to address antisemitism on campus, which the task force deemed unacceptable. Following Harvard's defiance, the government froze $2.2 billion in federal funding, further escalating tensions between the university and the administration. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 11 am

Palestinian Student Mohsen Mahdawi Detained During Citizenship Interview

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, has become the second individual from the institution to be detained by US immigration authorities in recent weeks. Detained during a routine naturalisation interview in Vermont, Mahdawi, a permanent US resident since 2015, was on track to graduate and pursue a master's degree. His detention has raised allegations of political targeting, with his legal team arguing that it is a retaliatory action against his activism, including co-founding the Palestinian Student Union and organizing protests against Israeli actions in Gaza. US lawmakers, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, condemned the detention as “immoral, inhumane, and illegal,” demanding his immediate release and due process. A temporary restraining order has been issued to prevent his relocation while legal proceedings are underway. Mahdawi, a practising Buddhist, is known for advocating non-violence and empathy in his activism. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 11 am

Harvard's Response to Trump's Directive: Ongoing Support

The Trump Administration has issued a letter to Harvard University, demanding the cessation of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in hiring and admissions, as well as increased oversight of student organizations and international students to combat alleged antisemitism. The administration warned that non-compliance could result in the loss of billions in federal funding, including $2.2 billion already earmarked for the university. In a swift response, Harvard rejected these demands, asserting that they violate First Amendment rights and undermine institutional freedoms. Harvard President Alan Garber emphasized the importance of academic independence, stating that no government should dictate university policies. He reiterated Harvard's commitment to combating antisemitism while fostering a culture of open inquiry. The administration's crackdown on diversity efforts is part of a broader campaign targeting prominent universities, with Columbia University also in its sights, as it seeks to reshape higher education in America. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 11 am

Trump's Vision for US Universities: Ditching Masks and 'Woke' Ideology

Donald Trump has intensified his crackdown on elite U.S. universities since beginning his second term, accusing institutions like Harvard of fostering anti-Semitism and failing to comply with his demands. Recently, the White House froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard after the university rejected Trump's policy reforms, including the elimination of diversity programs and a ban on face masks to prevent concealed identities during protests. This follows similar funding suspensions at other universities, including Columbia and Princeton, which have faced scrutiny over their handling of pro-Palestine protests and alleged anti-Semitic incidents. Trump’s administration has initiated a task force to address these issues on campuses, targeting ten universities for alleged discrimination. Critics argue that these actions threaten academic independence and set a dangerous precedent for government control over educational institutions. In contrast, Harvard's leadership has vowed to uphold its constitutional rights despite the funding freeze. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 12 pm

Trump Suggests Reconsidering Auto Tariffs for Some Companies

Asian stocks experienced a slight uptick on Tuesday as markets sought stability following US President Donald Trump's hints at a possible pause on auto tariffs. Trump indicated he is considering modifications to the 25% tariffs on foreign auto imports, stating, "I'm looking at something to help some of the car companies," which provided a boost to the sector after a tumultuous week. Japanese stocks led the gains, with the Nikkei rising 1%, driven by strong performances from auto manufacturers like Toyota and Nissan. However, uncertainty surrounding US trade policies continued to loom, with mixed signals from the Trump administration contributing to investor apprehension. While major indices in China and Hong Kong saw declines, broader Asian markets reflected cautious optimism, with MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan up 0.3%. Meanwhile, US Treasury bonds steadied after last week's significant selloff, with yields remaining largely unchanged. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 9 am

Katy Perry Returns from Space, Kisses Earth

Pop star Katy Perry made headlines on Monday as she embarked on a brief journey to the edge of space aboard a Blue Origin rocket, alongside an all-women crew that included TV presenter Gayle King and Jeff Bezos's fiancée, Lauren Sanchez. The flight, which launched from western Texas at 8:30 am (1330 GMT), reached over 60 miles above Earth, crossing the Karman line, the recognized boundary of space. During the approximately 10-minute trip, Perry reportedly sang "What a Wonderful World," and upon landing, she expressed her joy, stating, "It's a 10 out of 10." This mission marked the first all-female space crew since Valentina Tereshkova's historic flight in 1963 and was the 11th crewed operation by Blue Origin. Perry highlighted the experience as a source of inspiration for her daughter, Daisy, emphasizing the importance of dreaming without limits. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 7 am

JD Vance Breaks College Football Trophy, Doesn't Want Others

US Vice President JD Vance’s visit with the Ohio State football team at the White House took an unexpected turn on Monday when he accidentally fumbled the team’s national championship trophy. Following speeches by President Donald Trump, Buckeye coach Ryan Day, and Vance, the vice president, a proud Ohio State alumnus, attempted to lift the trophy, unaware that its golden top was designed to detach from the base. As he struggled, the top was caught by OSU running back TreVeyon Henderson, but the base rolled away, prompting audible gasps from the crowd and players. Amid laughter, Henderson and Day helped Vance reassemble the trophy, which he later held awkwardly. In a light-hearted response on social media, Vance joked about his mishap, while Trump praised the team for their resilience during the season, despite their notable loss to Michigan. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 8 am

$1,400 Birkin Bags: Luxury Items at Unbelievably Low Prices

In response to U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, China is promoting direct sales of luxury goods from its manufacturers to consumers at drastically reduced prices. Items such as handbags, apparel, and cosmetics are being marketed on platforms like TikTok, where videos from Chinese suppliers highlight high-quality replicas of luxury brands like Birkin and Louis Vuitton, often devoid of logos. One supplier revealed that a Birkin bag, typically priced at $34,000, costs only $1,400 to produce, with over 90% of the retail price attributed to branding. As the U.S.-China trade war intensifies, with tariffs reaching as high as 145%, many consumers are turning to these direct sales, finding them more affordable despite shipping and import costs. This trend raises questions about the future of luxury consumption in the U.S. and the sustainability of traditional retail pricing amidst growing competition from Chinese manufacturers. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 8 am

Trump Warns Iran Against Pursuing Nuclear Weapons

As negotiations between the United States and Iran progress towards a potential nuclear deal, President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Tehran regarding its nuclear ambitions. Trump accused Iran of deliberately stalling talks and claimed the nation is "fairly close" to developing a nuclear weapon. He emphasized that military action against Iran's nuclear facilities remains a viable option if Tehran does not abandon its pursuit of nuclear capabilities. This statement follows recent "positive" discussions held in Oman, with a second round scheduled in Rome, aimed at outlining a possible agreement. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also set to meet with Russian officials to discuss the negotiations. While the U.S. and Western nations have long suspected Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, Tehran has repeatedly denied these allegations, asserting that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes. sources

Published:
Apr 15 2025, 8 am

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