Beijing’s top official on Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, is speaking at a national security law forum during his third visit to the city. He’s expected to highlight Hong Kong’s progress under Beijing’s vision—capable governance, a strong economy, and social stability—while marking five years since the national security law was enacted.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another bureaucratic visit—Xia’s speech signals how Beijing wants to frame Hong Kong’s post-protests era. The focus on "capable governance" and a "supportive society" suggests a push to reassure investors and locals that stability is here to stay, even as critics argue freedoms are eroding. For Hong Kong, it’s a reminder of who’s really calling the shots.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and vocal critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, has finally been released from a Louisiana immigration detention center after spending over three months locked up. A judge determined he posed no threat to the community, overturning the rationale for his prolonged detention. His case drew attention as one of the most high-profile arrests tied to student activism on the issue.

Editor’s Note: Khalil’s release is a win for free speech advocates and critics of U.S. immigration enforcement, especially when it comes to detaining activists. His case highlights the tensions between national security concerns and the right to protest—something that’ll keep sparking debate as campus activism around Gaza continues. For now, though, it’s a relief for his supporters and a reminder of how quickly dissent can land people in legal gray areas.

A federal judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia grad student and pro-Palestinian activist, must be released from immigration detention after being held for more than three months. His detention was tied to his activism and allegations of misrepresenting details on his green card application—a case that’s drawn sharp criticism and debate over free speech and immigration enforcement.

A U.S. judge has ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist who became the first person targeted under President Trump’s vow to deport foreign students involved in protests against Israel’s Gaza war. Trump had labeled such demonstrations as antisemitic, but Khalil’s release suggests legal pushback against that stance.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one activist—it’s a test case for how far the U.S. will go in linking protest movements to immigration consequences. Khalil’s release hints at courts scrutinizing the administration’s hardline approach, which could shape future cases involving free speech and deportation. For now, it’s a win for critics of the policy, but the broader debate over activism, antisemitism, and border control is far from settled.