The Case of Mahmoud Khalil, Single Women and Real Estate, Marvel with Latin Flavor and more.
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Mahmoud Khalil’s Case: A Huge Battle Over Free Speech and Immigration
The U.S. government is trying to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a legal immigrant and permanent resident, using a rarely used immigration law. This case could turn into a major First Amendment battle which protects free speech against President Trump’s efforts to expand immigration powers using foreign policy rules.
Why Is Khalil Being Deported?
Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and activist, was arrested on March 8th by immigration officers. The government is using a federal law that allows the Secretary of State (currently Marco Rubio) to deport someone if their presence in the U.S. is considered a serious foreign policy problem.
Khalil was a leader of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, which has made his case even more controversial. Many people believe he is being targeted for his political beliefs, rather than for any actual wrongdoing. His lawyers argue that deporting him for his activism violates the First Amendmen, which protects free speech for everyone, including non-citizens.
Does the Government Have the Right to Do This?
The U.S. Constitution gives the President a lot of power over foreign affairs, including who can stay in the country. However, courts have usually ruled that legal immigrants like Khalil have the same free speech rights as American citizens.
Now, the big question is: Can the government deport someone just because their views might upset foreign policy?
Some experts say that this law has rarely been used and has never been tested in a case like this. Stephen Yale-Loehr, a retired immigration law professor, said it’s unclear how much power the Secretary of State actually has under this law.
What Are Khalil’s Lawyers Fighting For?
Right now, Khalil’s lawyers are fighting to:
1. Move him back to New York from Louisiana, where he is being detained.
2. Get him released from detention before his first child is born next month.
3. Challenge the deportation in court and argue that it violates his First Amendment rights.
What Do Legal Experts Say?
Ramya Krishnan, a lawyer from the Knight First Amendment Institute, believes this is a clear case of unconstitutional retaliation. She argues:
“If the First Amendment means anything, it means the government can’t deport someone just for their political views.” “Whatever the law says, it must follow the First Amendment.”
“The law that Rubio is using shouldn’t be able to override constitutional rights.”
Is the Government Targeting Protesters?
Khalil’s lawyers say the real reason he is being deported is his activism, not national security.
No one in the government has accused him of committing any crime
The government’s argument is based on his political beliefs and associations.
A White House official told The Free Press that Khalil’s case is a blueprint for investigating other students, meaning other activists could be targeted too.
Marco Rubio, however, denies that this is about free speech. He says:
"If you told us that you were coming to America just to protest, we wouldn’t have let you in.
If you do it after getting here, we’re going to revoke your stay and kick you out.”
Tom Homan, Trump’s "border czar," also claimed that free speech has limits. He compared Khalil’s protests to shouting “fire” in a crowded theater, saying that some speech is dangerous and shouldn’t be protected.
Does the Law Actually Support This Deportation?
Federal law states that non-citizens cannot be removed for their beliefs or statements unless the Secretary of State proves that their presence seriously harms U.S. foreign policy.
Khalil’s lawyers argue that:
- There is no proof that Khalil has harmed U.S. foreign policy.
- The government hasn’t given a clear reason why he is a threat.
- His deportation is based entirely on his lawful and protected political activism.
In the past, courts have ruled against using this kind of law to deport people. In the 1990s, the government tried to use this rule to deport a Mexican official, but a judge ruled that the law was unconstitutional (although this decision was later overturned for procedural reasons).
What Happens If the Government Wins?
If the Trump administration wins this case, it could set a dangerous precedent. Experts say it might give the government the power to deport nearly anyone based on vague “foreign policy” concerns.
For example:
- If the U.S. government supports fossil fuels, could it deport immigrants who promote clean energy?
- If the government disagrees with a certain political movement, could it target immigrant activists and silence them?
Adam Cox, a law professor, warned that this law could give the Secretary of State too much power. Instead of following clear immigration rules, the government could decide after the fact that someone should be deported just because their views don’t align with U.S. policy.
What’s Next?
Khalil’s case is just beginning, and legal battles like this can take a long time. His immediate goal is to be released so he can be present for his child’s birth. However, the bigger fight is about protecting free speech for immigrants and preventing the government from using foreign policy as an excuse to deport people.
If the Trump administration wins, it could change the way immigration laws are enforced and limit free speech for many non-citizens in the U.S. for years to come.
How Single Women Are Winning the Odds in Homeownership
In 2024, single women are making big strides in homeownership, even as buying a home becomes more expensive. While the overall homeownership rate has dropped due to rising costs, the percentage of single women who own homes has actually gone up slightly from 51.8% in 2023 to 51.9% in 2024.This may not seem like a big jump, but it’s impressive considering home prices are at their least affordable level since 2006.
More than 20 million single women own homes in the U.S., which is much higher than the 14 million single men who own homes. Not only do more single women own homes, but they also have a higher homeownership rate (49.6%) than single men. This means that out of all single men and women in the country, a greater percentage of women are homeowners.
How Are Single Women Affording Homes?
Single women are serious about owning homes, and they are making big sacrifices to afford them. A survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that many of them are:
- Spending less on things like clothes, entertainment, and non-essential items
- Canceling vacation plans
- Taking on second jobs
They are willing to make these sacrifices because owning a home helps build wealth. Every time a homeowner makes a mortgage payment, they gain more ownership of the house, which increases their wealth over time. Plus, home prices tend to rise over the years, making homes even more valuable.
Homeownership Is Helping Women Build Wealth
Over the past few years, single women have seen their wealth grow significantly, especially those who own homes. In 2019, the median net worth (total wealth) of a single woman was $54,400, but by 2022, it had increased to $74,500. This means that in just three years, their financial situation improved a lot.
For single women who own homes, the numbers are even more impressive. Their median net worth went from $199,400 in 2019 to $266,500 in 2022. This shows that homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth. In fact, for single women, their primary home makes up about 66% of their total assets.
Why Are More Single Women Buying Homes
One of the biggest reasons more single women are able to buy homes is higher education. More women than ever are going to college and getting degrees, which leads to better jobs and higher incomes.
- In 2000, only 20% of single women had a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- In 2024, that number has jumped to 34%.
At the same time, single women’s real median household income has increased by over 20% since 2000. With better education and higher incomes, more women can afford to buy homes and invest in their future.
George Pérez: The Puerto Rican Artist Who Shaped the World of Comics
George Pérez was a legendary Puerto Rican comic book artist who helped shape the world of superheroes. He was best known for his work with Marvel and DC Comics, creating some of the most famous comic stories ever. One of his biggest contributions was co-creating White Tiger, the first Puerto Rican superhero, who will be introduced to new audiences in Daredevil: Born Again.
Pérez was born and raised in the South Bronx, New York, after his parents moved from Puerto Rico in the 1950s. His father worked in a meatpacking job, while his mother worked as a domestic helper. From a young age, Pérez dreamed of becoming an artist. He would draw on anything he could find, even paper bags. Although he got into an art school, his mother wanted him to have a Catholic education, so he went to Cardinal Hayes Memorial in the Bronx instead.
Pérez did not receive formal training as an artist. Instead, he taught himself how to draw. His first job was as a bank teller, but he kept practicing his art. When he showed his early work to professionals, he was told he had a lot to improve. At the start of his career, many thought he was one of the weakest artists in the business. However, Pérez did not give up. He worked hard to fix his mistakes, improving his skills in drawing backgrounds, perspective, and anatomy.
His big break came when artist Rich Buckler gave him a chance to help with Giant-Size Fantastic Four #3. After that, Marvel noticed him and gave him more work. He became known as "Pacesetter" because of the large number of comics he could draw quickly. His work on The Inhumans in 1975 helped him become one of the top artists in the industry.
Pérez went on to work for both Marvel and DC, creating some of the most famous comics in history. He worked on Crisis on Infinite Earths, which changed the DC Universe, and he also helped pencil Infinity Gauntlet, the story that inspired Avengers: Infinity War in the Marvel movies. He even worked on a special crossover between Marvel and DC that brought the Avengers and Justice League together.
Sadly, Pérez passed away in 2022, just months before Marvel announced Daredevil: Born Again, which will feature White Tiger. Even though he is gone, his incredible artwork and stories will continue to inspire new generations of comic book fans.
Your AirPods Will Be Multi-Lingual
Apple is rumored to be adding real-time language translationto AirPods, making it easier for people to communicate across different languages. This new feature could help users understand and speak with others without needing a separate translation app or device.
How Will It Work?
The live translation feature will likely work by using Apple’s existing Translate app and Siri. When someone speaks in a different language, the AirPods could capture the speech, process it in real time, and play back the translated version in the user’s preferred language. This would allow for seamless conversations without delays.
Apple might also use AI-powered speech recognition to improve translation speed and accuracy. This could mean that the conversation flows naturally without long pauses, making it feel more like speaking to a bilingual person.
What Are the Benefits?
If Apple successfully adds this feature, it could be a game-changer for travelers, business professionals, and anyone communicating with people who speak a different language. Some potential benefits include:
- Easy travel experiences- Imagine going to a foreign country and understanding locals instantly.
- Better global communication- Business meetings or international friendships could become easier.
- Hands-free convenience– No need to pull out a phone or type in a translation app.
When Will It Arrive?
There’s no official confirmation from Apple yet, but analysts believe this feature could be introduced later this year, possibly with new AirPods or a software update. If true, Apple would take a big step forward in making communication easier for people around the world.
Grupo Frontera Shines at SXSW Music Festival
The 2025 South by Southwest SXSW music festival featured over 100 latin artists from different genres, including música mexicana, reggaeton, electronic dance music, and indie pop. One of the biggest performances came from Grupo Frontera, a band that has quickly risen to fame over the past few years.
Just a few years ago, grupo Frontera was playing at backyard parties, but in 2024, they toured internationally with their album Jugando a Que no Pasa Nada. During their performance at Billboard’s “The Stage” showcase, the band looked completely comfortable and connected with their audience.
Throughout the show, vocalist Adelaido “Payo” Solís III, accordionist Juan Javier Cantú, and guitarist Alberto “Beto” Acosta moved across the stage with energy, while percussionist Julian Peña Jr. occasionally joined them to hype up the crowd. Payo even signed autographs and recorded videos on fans’ phones between songs, showing how much the band enjoys connecting with their audience.
After finishing their 2024 tour, Grupo Frontera released their ep Mala Mía with Fuerza Regida at SXSW, they performed new songs like Coqueta for the first time. They ended their set with two of their biggest hit No Se Va, the Viral Morat cover that made them famous, and Unx100to, their song with Bad Bunny that won a latin grammy.
In a city like Austin, where Latino culture is not always fully recognized, seeing a border-town band celebrated on such a big stage was a powerful moment. As their show ended, Mexican flag-colored streamers fell over the crowd, reminding everyone of the strong influence of Latino music and culture in Texas.
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