CNN 5 Things College tensions rise, TikTok trade war, UK’s gender ruling & more
Apr 16, 2025
Tensions are escalating at American colleges, especially with Harvard feeling the impact of a funding freeze linked to political maneuvers. The trade war with China takes a sharp turn as TikTok becomes a battleground for navigating tariffs. Meanwhile, a New York City lawsuit against Mayor Adams draws attention to sanctuary policies. The WHO makes a significant leap forward with a historic agreement on pandemic readiness. In the UK, a Supreme Court ruling stirs controversy by defining gender in strictly biological terms.
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Harvard Resists Federal Pressure
- Harvard resists the Trump administration's demands, refusing to compromise its independence despite funding threats.
- Their $50 billion endowment and legal support empower them to challenge potential Supreme Court decisions.
TikTok as Tariff Workaround
- Chinese factories use TikTok to bypass US tariffs by selling products directly to consumers.
- Some claims of authentic luxury goods are dubious, likely promoting high-quality counterfeits instead.
NYC Council Sues Mayor Adams
- NYC Council accuses Mayor Adams of enabling ICE in local jails through improper delegation and potential personal deals.
- The council fears this threatens city sovereignty, public safety, and immigrant community trust.