Judge blocks Harvard ban

By OC Tribune Staff on May 23, 2025 • ( Leave a comment )

HARVARD HALL (WIkipedia).

In the ongoing struggle between Harvard University and the Trump administration, a federal judge on Friday blocked an executive order to ban international students from attending the prestigious private school.

U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston put the ban on hold pending the outcome of a legal challenge by the university, which called the action an unconstitutional retaliation for refusing demands from the White House.

According to the Associated Press, over a quarter of the students enrolled at Harvard – about 6,800 – are international students and many are active in helping to run labs, help professors and participate in sports.

Under the order from the White House, international students would be required to transfer to another school or lose their student visas.

The university has been accused of allowing anti-semitic acts including violence by Palestinian students against Jewish students.

Tariff threats vs. Apple, Europe

PRESIDENT Donald Trump is threatening tariffs against Apple and European imports (Shutterstock).

The trade war prosecuted by the Trump administration saw the battlefield widen on Friday as warnings of tariffs aimed at products from the European Union and smart phones – such as Apple’s popular iPhone – were threatened.

The New York Times is reporting that President Trump threatened to slap a 50 percent tariff on products from the EU, and impose a 25 percent charge on iPhones, which are manufactured outside the U.S.

Later, a clarification was issued to include Samsung and other makers of such devices, which are made overseas.

The Times estimates that moving iPhone production – currently assembled mostly in China and India, where labor costs are cheaper – would more than double the price of the devices to $2000 “or more.”

Billy Joel cancels tour, cites health

Singer-songwriter Billy Joel’s concert tour has been cancelled, pending recovery from a brain disorder that effects his hearing. vision and balance.

According to United Press International, Joel said in a statement that “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding.”

The tour was to have had 17 stops. At present, Joel is said to been undergoing physical therapy and heeding medical advice to refrain from performing during his recovery.

Joel, 75, is nicknamed “the Piano Man” and is a successful singer, songwriter and pianist, and has created several of the best-selling musical albums in the United States.

Weather: A cool weekend

You probably won’t need a jacket or shorts this coming Memorial Day weekend if you’re headed to the Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove. Temperatures will be mild right through Monday. Saturday (parade day) is expected to have a daytime high of 69 with an overnight low of 59. Sunday through Tuesday will be similar with highs of 70- to-72 and overnight lows of 59. Partly cloudy skies should continue.