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Demonstrators took to the streets nationwide once again on Saturday, marking the second wave of protests this month. Organizers aim to transform the widespread discontent regarding Donald Trump’s presidency into a substantial movement that can influence future elections.
Protests surged from coast to coast, with notable gatherings in major cities such as Washington, New York, and Chicago, alongside demonstrations in states like Rhode Island, Maryland, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Furthermore, Americans residing abroad expressed their opposition to the Trump administration in cities like Dublin and others across the globe.
In San Francisco, activists formed a human chain that spelled out “Impeach Remove!” while displaying the American flag in an inverted position, a symbol of distress.
Protests cut across party lines, organizers say
The 50501 campaign behind the “Hands Off” protests emphasized its intent to communicate to both voters and politicians that vocal opposition to Trump’s policies is crucial. The organizers highlighted the diversity of the demonstrators, who represented various political affiliations.
“We have registered Democrats, independents, and Republicans all marching together because they stand for America and advocate for a government prioritizing people over profits,” explained organizer Heather Dunn.
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Supreme Court orders temporary halt to deportation
The U.S. Supreme Court has directed the Trump administration to suspend the deportation of Venezuelan individuals held in immigration custody in Texas. Their attorneys argued that these individuals faced imminent removal without the benefit of a judicial review.
This ruling was issued just past midnight on Saturday and raises questions regarding the Trump administration’s reliance on the Alien Enemies Act, a law that dates back to the 18th century.
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Indonesian student detained by ICE after visa revoked
An Indonesian national, who is a father to an infant with special needs, will continue to remain in custody following an immigration judge’s ruling on Thursday, which allowed his case to advance.
Judge Sarah Mazzie denied a request to dismiss the case against Aditya Wahyu Harsono based on humanitarian considerations, according to his legal representative. Harsono, 33, was apprehended at his workplace in Minnesota, where he was employed at a hospital, after a sudden revocation of his student visa. He was arrested four days later without prior notification and is set for another court hearing on May 1.
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Barbara Lee, trailblazing former US Congress member, elected Oakland mayor
Barbara Lee, a groundbreaking former member of Congress, has been elected as the new mayor of Oakland, California, after successfully overcoming a challenge from the political center during a crucial period for the city.
Lee triumphed over former city council member Loren Taylor, securing more than 52% of the vote compared to Taylor’s 47%, as determined over nine rounds of ranked-choice voting, according to officials from Alameda County.
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JD Vance visits Vatican amid immigration policy criticism
Vice President JD Vance engaged in “an exchange of opinions” with the Vatican’s Secretary of State regarding current international conflicts and immigration policies, according to a Vatican statement.
The Holy See issued a statement following Vance’s meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the foreign minister. The Vatican has historically maintained a position of diplomatic neutrality and has cautiously responded to the Trump administration, expressing concern about the administration’s strict immigration policies and cuts to international aid.
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Day by day: the Harvard-White House showdown
Harvard University quickly rejected a series of demands issued by the Trump administration within 72 hours, intensifying a significant confrontation between one of the nation’s foremost educational institutions and the federal government.
This rapid response on Monday followed mounting pressure from students, faculty, alumni, and the city of Cambridge, who called upon the university to defend itself against what they perceived to be an unprecedented assault from Washington. Below is a breakdown of the events as they unfolded.
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Outrage as Trump’s coal expansion coupled with health cuts: ‘There won’t be anyone to work in the mines’
The Trump administration’s initiative to expand coal mining operations alongside significant cuts to health and safety oversight agencies has garnered outrage from advocates, leaving many speechless.
Regulatory agencies responsible for safeguarding coal miners against serious health risks, such as the perilous condition known as “black lung,” have experienced substantial budget reductions due to government cuts.
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What else happened today:
Catching up? Here’s what transpired on April 18, 2025.
Source
www.theguardian.com