The US Supreme Court, with its conservative supermajority, has allowed the Trump administration to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own, including conflict-ridden places like South Sudan. This decision came through an unsigned order that halted a ruling by a federal judge in Boston, who had emphasized the importance of giving immigrants a fair opportunity to present claims of potential harm if deported to certain countries. The court’s decision aligns with Trump’s aggressive stance on mass deportations, granting him another victory in his immigration policies.
In another development, Donald Trump asserted that Israel and Iran had reached a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” to end a two-week conflict marked by strikes and missile attacks. This announcement comes amidst escalating tensions in the region and raises hopes for peace.
Additionally, a group of House Democratic veterans has voiced support for measures to limit Trump’s military authority, particularly in response to airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Their advocacy underscores concerns about the unchecked use of military force and the need for congressional oversight in such critical decisions.
Furthermore, advocates are urging Senate Republicans to reject proposed Medicaid cuts that could significantly impact healthcare access for millions of Americans. The proposed cuts aim to fund tax breaks benefiting the wealthy and corporations, highlighting the ongoing debate over healthcare policy and social welfare programs.
These key stories underscore the complex and pressing issues shaping the political landscape and international relations in the current context.
In Gaza City, Gaza, a somber scene unfolds as a Palestinian man mourns at al-Shifa hospital while bodies of those killed in strikes on Jabaliya are transported, captured by Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images. Meanwhile, in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, a Palestinian girl reacts to the dire conditions caused by the Israeli blockade, as captured by Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images. Moving to Tehran, Iran, members of the Iranian Red Crescent Society pay tribute to an attacked Red Crescent vehicle following Israeli airstrikes, depicted in a photo by EPA. In Kyiv, Ukraine, the aftermath of Russian drone and missile strikes is evident in the debris of an apartment building, documented by Thomas Peter/Reuters.
Shifting to a different scene in Kyiv, Ukraine, people seek shelter in a metro station during a Russian drone and missile attack, also photographed by Thomas Peter/Reuters. In New York, US, firefighters battle a blaze at a multifamily home in the Bronx, with critical injuries reported, as captured by Anadolu/Getty Images. Additionally, Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure in US pro-Palestinian campus protests, stands resolute in front of Columbia University after his release from custody.
In London, UK, a protest by Palestine Action at Invesco’s offices highlights their accusations of supporting the alleged genocide of Palestinians, depicted by Martin Pope/Getty Images. Lastly, in Itoman, Japan, a poignant moment unfolds as a bereaved individual prays at the Peace Memorial Park during Japan’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, captured by Haruna Furuhashi/AP.
Amid escalating tensions following Iran’s missile attack on a US base in Qatar, President Donald Trump and key officials engaged in intense efforts to broker a peace deal between Iran and Israel. Trump directly communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and others engaged with Iranian officials through various channels. The mediation efforts involved Qatar as a crucial intermediary, with Trump speaking directly to Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliation, Trump announced a ceasefire agreement via social media, signaling an end to the conflict. However, the stability of the ceasefire remained uncertain. Israel agreed to the deal on the condition of halting attacks, which Iran accepted. Diplomatic sources expressed optimism that the ceasefire would pave the way for further negotiations between the US and Iran.
Efforts were made to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, with messages exchanged and attempts to arrange a meeting between Trump and the Iranian president. Iran expressed willingness to engage in talks if Israel ceased military operations. The US emphasized clear terms for a deal, including no uranium enrichment. Despite the challenges, ongoing diplomatic exchanges indicate a commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully. Rubio expressed openness to direct negotiations with Iran, underscoring the potential for diplomatic solutions to prevail.
Republican senators are facing challenges in finalizing a comprehensive domestic policy bill as Congress approaches the July 4th recess. Issues surrounding rural hospitals, changes to Medicaid’s provider tax provision, and state and local tax policies are key points of contention. Senator Josh Hawley emphasized the need to address concerns about rural hospitals and proposed a provider fund option with a starting amount of $100 billion. Meanwhile, Senator Markwayne Mullin is working on a potential compromise regarding state and local taxes to bridge the gap between House Republicans and GOP senators.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is leading efforts to ensure the bill complies with Senate rules through a meticulous review process known as the Byrd bath. Various committee chairmen are making adjustments to ensure compliance, such as extending timelines for states to implement changes to programs like SNAP.
Despite the push for a timely passage of the bill by July 4th, uncertainties remain as key provisions are still being negotiated. Senator Thune expressed optimism about the progress but acknowledged the complexity of the process. Senator John Kennedy indicated uncertainty about the timing of the vote, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in reaching consensus.
As the clock ticks towards the deadline, senators are navigating a delicate balancing act to address the diverse concerns and complexities of the bill, highlighting the intricate negotiations and compromises necessary for its successful passage.
A federal judge in Boston has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to bar foreign nationals from entering the United States to study at Harvard University. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued an injunction, extending a temporary order, preventing the enforcement of a proclamation signed by President Trump that cited national security concerns as the reason for restricting Harvard’s hosting of international students.
Burroughs emphasized the importance of safeguarding core constitutional rights, including freedom of thought, expression, and speech, which are crucial for a functioning democracy and as a defense against authoritarianism. The judge criticized the government’s actions as an effort to control an academic institution and suppress diverse viewpoints, potentially infringing on the rights of international students and citizens.
The legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration escalated with the university filing lawsuits seeking to unfreeze funding and prevent the administration from blocking international student enrollment. The Department of Homeland Security’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification was temporarily blocked by Burroughs, who maintained the status quo through an injunction.
Allegations of anti-Semitism, coordination with the Chinese Communist Party, and fostering violence have been levied against Harvard by the administration, leading to a contentious dispute. The administration’s actions have sparked concerns over rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia on university campuses, with Harvard’s own task forces uncovering widespread fear and bigotry.
President Trump hinted at a potential resolution with Harvard, indicating a possible deal to end the White House’s conflict with the university. The legal showdown underscores broader issues surrounding academic freedom, constitutional rights, and government interference in educational institutions.
A federal judge in Boston, US district judge Allison Burroughs, has blocked Donald Trump’s administration from implementing a plan to prevent foreign nationals from entering the United States to study at Harvard University. This injunction extends a temporary order issued on June 5th, preventing the administration from enforcing a proclamation signed by Trump citing national security concerns about Harvard hosting international students. The proclamation aimed to bar foreign nationals from studying at Harvard and participating in exchange visitor programs for six months.
Harvard, with nearly 6,800 international students comprising 27% of its student body, has been at odds with the administration. Trump froze funding, threatened tax-exempt status, and launched investigations into the university. Harvard has filed lawsuits alleging that Trump is violating its free speech rights by trying to control governance, curriculum, and ideology. The university seeks to unfreeze funding and allow international students to attend.
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Kristi Noem, attempted to revoke Harvard’s student and exchange visitor program certification, accusing the university of fostering violence, antisemitism, and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. However, Burroughs blocked this action, maintaining the status quo. Trump’s administration has also accused Harvard of creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students and allowing antisemitism to thrive on campus amid protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Harvard’s own task forces have identified fear and bigotry on campus, with reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia. As the legal battle continues, the injunction serves as a temporary reprieve for Harvard and its international student community.
