NATION & WORLD WATCH
Johns Hopkins sues to block rule on international students
BALTIMORE – Johns Hopkins University has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration’s decision to make international students leave the U.S. if they intend to take classes entirely online starting this fall. The Baltimore private institution filed the lawsuit Friday against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in federal court in the District of Columbia, the Baltimore Sun reported. It argues that the agency’s decision “completely upended” the university’s reopening plans for the coming semester.
Police execute search warrant at home of gun-toting couple
ST. LOUIS – Authorities executed a search warrant at the St. Louis mansion of a white couple whose armed defense of their home during a racial injustice protest drew widespread attention. Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who are personal injury lawyers, were caught on video brandishing guns as demonstrators walked past their home on June 28. Joel Schwartz, the couple’s lawyer, said the warrant was served Friday evening. Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner has said “any attempt to chill (the right to protest) ... will not be tolerated.”
11 people drown trying rescue at rocky beach in northern Egypt
CAIRO – Eleven people drowned off the coast of northern Egypt, local authorities said Friday, at a beach known for its rocky jetty and fast-moving waters. A young boy ran into the Mediterranean near the city of Alexandria and began having difficulties, said the city’s central tourism administration. When a man from the group jumped in to rescue him, he became caught in the waters, too. A total of 10 people who tried to help all died, said Maj. Gen. Jamal Rashad. Area lifeguards are off duty due to the coronavirus pandemic.
US targets $1.3 billion in French imports as tech tax retaliation
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration on Friday announced plans to tax $1.3 billion in French imports – hitting handbags and makeup but sparing cheese and wine – in retaliation for France’s digital services tax on U.S. technology giants. But the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said the levies would be delayed for 180 days to allow negotiations. The French tax imposes a 3% levy on French revenue of digital companies with yearly global sales worth more than $848 million and French revenue exceeding $28 million.