federal support

Mayor Eric Adams met with Donald Trump at the White House, a visit framed as a policy discussion but shadowed by political questions. This meeting occurred the same day documents related to Adams' corruption case were unsealed, a case dropped by Trump's Justice Department amid controversy and resignations.

Harvard University has strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision to freeze federal research funding, calling it retaliation for a recent lawsuit and “illegal government overreach.” The university warned the move threatens vital scientific work and academic freedom. Education secretary Linda McMahon cited ethical and transparency concerns, escalating tensions over campus speech, diversity programs, and antisemitism at elite institutions.

The Federal Reserve, under Jerome Powell, held steady the benchmark interest rate, amidst concerns about balancing maximum employment and controlling inflation near the 2% target. The Fed will closely monitor incoming data and evolving outlook while reducing its holdings of Treasury securities.

Luigi Mangione, accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has garnered significant support, with his legal defense fund exceeding $1 million. Donations poured in from supporters who view him as a political symbol, despite facing federal murder charges and a potential death penalty. The funds will support his legal battles in New York and Pennsylvania.

Gold rate today: Despite rising global prices fueled by Federal Reserve inflation concerns, gold prices in India declined on Thursday due to upcoming U.S.-China trade discussions.

Gold prices fell on Wednesday due to optimism surrounding potential U.S.-China trade talks, diminishing demand for safe-haven assets. Investors are keenly awaiting the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy announcement later today.

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna urges the US government to increase federal funding for AI research and development, emphasizing its potential for economic growth and maintaining US competitiveness. He warns that proposed budget cuts to AI research programs could weaken America's global position. Despite past federal cutbacks impacting IBM, Krishna remains optimistic about increased R&D spending within a year.

The sports ministry has taken decisive action against the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) due to repeated election delays, withholding funds previously allocated for national camps and domestic championships. Instead, the ministry is directly funding the training of boxers at NIS Patiala, ensuring their needs are met amidst the BFI's internal conflicts.

Starting May 5, 2025, the US Department of Education will resume collecting on defaulted federal student loans, ending a pandemic-era pause. This decision aims to protect taxpayers and guide borrowers back to manageable repayment, accompanied by a comprehensive outreach program.

More than 80 Harvard faculty members have pledged to donate 10 percent of their salaries to support the university in opposing President Donald Trump's $3.2 billion freeze on education funding. The gesture, amounting to over $2 million, is a protest against the Trump administration's demands for policy changes. Faculty members aim to defend academic freedom and ensure support for students and staff, as Harvard fights the funding cuts through a lawsuit, as reported by The Harvard Crimson.

Federal funding to Harvard has been frozen by the Trump administration in a dramatic bid to pressure the university into compliance with controversial directives. Citing antisemitism, bias, and academic decline, the move halts new research grants worth billions. Harvard has fired back with a lawsuit, igniting a constitutional battle over academic freedom and government overreach.

Mixed Martial Arts will debut at the 2026 Asian Games. India's athletes need government and sponsor support. Currently, there are no awards or government funding for training. India lacks a recognized federation to govern MMA. Ritu Phogat and Puja Tomar highlight the financial struggles. They emphasize the need for training centers and coaches.

Elon Musk worked with the Trump administration at DOGE. He aimed to cut government waste. DOGE cut $160 billion in 100 days. This included DEI and federal workforce reductions. These moves faced public protests. Musk defended his support for Trump. He hopes his legacy will be progress. DOGE continues under Trump, but its future is uncertain.

Tensions escalated at Columbia University as pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied Butler Library, leading to NYPD intervention and multiple arrests. The protest, organized by CUAD, involved renaming the library and displaying slogans, prompting university condemnation and security concerns. The incident occurred amidst heightened scrutiny over campus antisemitism and federal pressure for stricter protest policies, further complicating the situation.

Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" movement, leading to immediate repercussions. Several federal states are now evaluating the compatibility of AfD membership with civil service roles. The AfD, which became the second-strongest political force in Germany in 2025, faces setbacks in its efforts to gain mainstream acceptance.

PBS President Paula Kerger has strongly condemned President Trump's executive order to cut federal funding for PBS and NPR, deeming it unlawful and a threat to public education. The order alleges bias in their coverage, a claim refuted by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Media advocates warn that these cuts could cripple local stations, especially in rural areas.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied Columbia University's Butler Library, leading to clashes with public safety officers and NYPD intervention. Two officers were injured during the chaotic scene as protesters renamed the library and hung banners. The university called in police after students refused to leave, resulting in multiple arrests amid ongoing tensions over Columbia's investments and accusations of antisemitism.