On the surface, it sounds like an act of calculated advantage-seeking. After all, Columbia, like most elite universities then, ran race-conscious admissions. Identifying as Black might have increased his chances in a system designed to redress centuries of racial exclusion. Critics, including Mayor Eric Adams, quickly pounced, calling it “an insult to every student who got into college the right way.”
Related news
The White House declared that Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney yielded to President Trump's pressure by withdrawing a digital services tax targeting American tech companies, which had halted trade discussions. Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump's negotiation skills led to Canada's decision. Tensions rose after Trump suggested Canada should become the 51st state.
A DOJ memo instructed federal attorneys to prioritize denaturalization proceedings, aligning with the Trump administration's immigration enforcement objectives. The memo targets individuals connected to terrorism, espionage, war crimes, or those who provided false information during naturalization. US attorneys were granted authority to act against naturalized citizens lacking "good moral character."
Emirates has expedited the launch of its Airbus A350 on the Dubai-Muscat route to meet surging summer travel demands, commencing a week ahead of schedule. This upgrade offers passengers enhanced comfort and connectivity between the UAE and Oman. The A350 features optimized overnight departures, facilitating seamless connections to global destinations.
A 46-year-old man was fatally shot on Chicago's West Side on June 25th, prompting a police investigation and subsequent arrest. The victim was attacked on South Springfield Avenue and died at Mount Sinai Hospital. Authorities apprehended Mars on Monday in connection with the shooting. Mars has been charged and is due in court today for a detention hearing.
Kuwait has started a new electronic travel permit system. This is for expatriates working in the private sector. The system launched on July 1, 2025. Workers need employer approval to leave. They must use the Sahel Individuals app. Employers use the As-hal Companies portal. Airlines warn that flights will be cancelled without the permit.
Saudi Arabia's private sector is experiencing a hiring surge, reaching levels unseen since May 2011, fueled by rising demand and new projects. This expansion in non-oil sectors has led to increased wage and input costs, impacting overall pricing. Despite these cost pressures, business confidence remains high, driven by strong order pipelines and continued project announcements.
US President Trump is reinstating tariffs, paused for 90 days, as deals with various countries remain elusive. Letters will be sent to nations, outlining tariffs ranging from 10% to potentially 70%, effective August 1st. While some countries like China, Britain, and Vietnam have reached agreements, negotiations with others, including the EU and Japan, are ongoing.
In Georgia, Adriana Smith, a brain-dead pregnant Black woman, was kept on life support due to state abortion restrictions. After giving birth prematurely to a son, Chance, via emergency C-section, she was removed from life support. The case highlights the impact of strict abortion laws following the overturning of Roe v Wade, particularly affecting Black women facing medical neglect.
The UAE has become the top choice for content creators in the MENA region, with 45% favoring it due to its creative opportunities and photogenic environment. The GCC region is experiencing strong growth in travel and tourism, driving momentum in the content creation space. Influencers are increasingly adopting AI tools and focusing on authenticity and community-building.
Thomas LeGro, a Washington Post journalist, faces charges after being arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography. The Department of Justice revealed that 11 videos depicting child sexual abuse material were discovered on LeGro's work laptop during a search of his residence. The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a DoJ initiative to combat online child exploitation.