The GPR Digest- April 14, 2025

Trump tariffs, Iran, Rory Mcllroy, and more!

Apr 14, 2025

University System of Georgia consolidates two Georgia universities

On Tuesday, April 9, the University System of Georgia announced it would consolidate East Georgia State College and Georgia Southern University. The decision is based on years of declining enrollment at East Georgia State, located in Swansboro, and decreasing budgets for education. It is unclear when the consolidation will be complete.

The University System of Georgia first began consolidation in 2011, noting higher efficiency and over $30 million saved in administrative costs. Nonetheless, the decision needs to be approved by the Southern Association of Colleges before being allowed to move forward.

Georgia student files lawsuit to block possible visa termination

Five international students and two alumni are suing the federal government for wrongful termination of their visa. On Friday, April 11, there were over 17 students named in a lawsuit from students across the country—including those from UGA and GT—claiming their due process was violated and thus asking the court to reinstate their visa status. Around the country, students are bringing legal challenges in order to pursue their education as a lawful resident. If they fail, they risk being deported to their country of origin.

These legal challenges are in response to President Donald Trump’s administration, which has cancelled hundreds of students’ immigration records in this week and previous weeks.

NATIONAL

U.S. South and Midwest face drastic floods

Over the past week and a half, unrelenting days of rain caused rivers to swell to near record-levels in several states across the South and Midwest. Inundated rivers were followed by floods and persistent storms and tornadoes, killing at least 23 people according to reports. The violent weather has been attributed to warming temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong winds, and abundant moisture from the Gulf.

Although the worst of the storms have passed, the consequences remain in Tennessee, Arkansas, Indiana, and Kentucky, where evacuations and power outages are common in neighborhoods and cities like Frankfort.

Trump Administration exempts electronics from Chinese tariffs

On Friday, April 11, US Customs and Border Protection clarified that consumer electronics like smartphones and computers would be exempt from the President’s reciprocal tariffs on China. The move comes a day after he announced that the Chinese tariff rate would be set at 145% following a 20% bump as a consequence of China’s role in the fentanyl trade. The White House maintained on Saturday, though, that it was committed to building up electronics manufacturing in the US and that tech companies were “hustling to onshore their manufacturing.”

The announcement offered a reprieve for companies like Apple, which has a whopping 90% of its production based in China. Prior to Friday, estimates on prices for a new Chinese-built iPhone forecasted an $800 increase, and while Apple will be investing $500 billion domestically for Apple Intelligence servers, an American-built iPhone could still cost 20% more. Adding to the confusion and uncertainty, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated Sunday that upcoming semiconductor tariffs would still impact electronics.

INTERNATIONAL

Defense officials meet at NATO to discuss Ukraine support

On Thursday, April 10, defense ministers from around 30 countries came together at NATO headquarters to discuss moving forward with plans to send troops to Ukraine to oversee any future peace agreement with Russia. The Trump administration has made no public comment to provide support, yet the success of the coalition’s operation relies on the United States military assistance and airpower. The United States’ role was described as “crucial” by the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland.

European nations that downsized their militaries after the Cold War are now facing challenges in assembling a force strong enough to deter future threats, with the U.K suggesting a potential deployment of 10,000 to 30,000 troops. However, many countries remain hesitant to commit personnel without U.S. backing.

Representatives from roughly 50 countries will meet at NATO on Friday to rally military support for Ukraine, in a session led by Britain and Germany. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not expected to attend.

Iran-U.S. nuclear talks move forward

After weeks of uncertainty, Iranian and American officials met in Oman on Saturday, April 12, regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. While President Trump was not present for the first round of negotiations, both countries described the meeting as “constructive”. Iran’s primary conditions in negotiations—keeping discussion focused on Iran’s nuclear program, and keeping its regional policies concerning Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—seem to have been achieved as a second round of talks next Saturday have been agreed to.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy and good friend, with almost no foreign policy experience, led discussions with the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi. He did not ask that Iran abandon its enrichment program but rather that it avoid weaponizing its existing material. However, given that Iran has increased its uranium enrichment since Trump withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) in 2018, Iran is likely to ask to continue to do so, complicating future discussions.

CULTURE

Rory Mcllroy wins Masters and completes Grand Slam

On Sunday, April 13, Northern Irish golf player Rory Mcllroy became the sixth golfer to complete a career grand slam after winning the 89th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Defeating opponent Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff, he joined Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods—who congratulated him on X—as the only golfers to accomplish this feat. After his win, the official Masters account congratulated Mcllroy, stating that his win was a “long time coming”.

Contributors: Sophia Nguyen, Blake Daniel, Jackson Bost, Aviella Schwartz, Jason Eappen