07:00
Türkiye’s first floating gas platform arrives at Black Sea port
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
DHS threatens to strip Harvard’s ability to host foreign students
Reuters
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday escalated its standoff with Harvard University, threatening to revoke the school’s ability to enrol foreign students unless it complies with demands from the Trump administration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also announced the cancellation of two federal grants worth $2.7 million, saying Harvard must produce records about the “illegal and violent activities” of student visa holders by 30 April or lose its privileges under federal immigration programs.
“If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem said.
The crackdown is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration against universities over pro-Palestinian campus protests following Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The White House alleges the protests reflect “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” and has begun cancelling student visas and revoking funding for institutions it accuses of failing to control unrest.
Harvard, which holds a $53.2 billion endowment, has previously rejected demands from the Trump administration to restructure campus policies, including removing DEI programmes and imposing a campus-wide mask ban. It has also denied claims that it fosters antisemitism, saying it works to combat all forms of hate while protecting free speech and the right to protest.
On Monday, Harvard refused to accept the administration’s proposed restrictions in exchange for continued federal funding. The government responded by freezing $2.3 billion in funding and threatening to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status.
The Internal Revenue Service is reportedly reviewing Harvard’s financial standing, with a final decision on its tax designation expected soon, according to CNN.
Rights groups have raised alarms over the administration’s pressure campaign, warning that academic freedom, civil liberties and anti-discrimination protections are at risk.
The Trump administration has also frozen or pulled funding from Columbia, Princeton, Brown and other leading universities amid similar disputes, largely tied to cultural and ideological clashes over Israel-Gaza, diversity programmes and transgender policies.
Harvard has not issued a public comment since Noem’s latest announcement.
06:00
Truck overturns in Washington state, releasing millions of bees
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
05:00
German Chancellor Merz to visit Trump next week
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
03:30
Bridge collapse in Russia’s Bryansk region kills at least seven, injures 30
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
03:30
India hit by deadly monsoon floods, at least 22 dead
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
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