The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has recently been in the news due to a series of controversies and developments. Notably, the Trump administration suspended approximately $175 million in federal funding over the participation of a transgender athlete in its swimming program, raising questions about federal support for universities with inclusive policies. Additionally, a lawsuit filed by three former swimmers at Penn alleges discrimination related to the same transgender athlete's participation in the Ivy League championship, highlighting ongoing debates about gender and sports. Furthermore, the university is facing scrutiny over claims that wealthy applicants receive preferential treatment in admissions, as part of a broader class-action lawsuit.
Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia. It is one of the nine colonial colleges established before the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Penn is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in business, law, and medicine, and is home to the Wharton School, one of the world's leading business schools. The university has a diverse student body and is committed to research and innovation across various disciplines.
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As of March 26, 2025, the Federal Reserve maintains interest rates at 4.25%-4.50% amid rising inflation and slower growth. Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledges uncertainty stemming from President Trump's tariffs and economic policies, projecting two rate cuts later this year despite inflation concerns. The economic outlook remains precarious as consumer sentiment declines.
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A new initiative, Project Europe, aims to support tech startups led by founders under 25, offering €200,000 for 6.66% equity. This follows a trend of venture capital firms like Critical Venture Partners investing in young entrepreneurs to tackle global challenges. Founders Future also expands to the U.S. to enhance growth opportunities.
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Columbia University is under significant pressure from the Trump administration to implement sweeping changes in response to allegations of antisemitism and violent protests on campus. The administration has threatened to withdraw $400 million in federal funding unless the university complies with demands by the end of the week.
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Harvard University announced on March 17, 2025, that it will offer free tuition to students from families earning less than $200,000, effective for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students from families earning under $100,000 will receive full coverage for tuition, housing, and other expenses, aiming to increase accessibility and diversity at the institution.
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Preliminary data from the CDC indicates over 3.6 million births in the US for 2024, a slight increase from 2023. The rise is primarily attributed to Hispanic women, while overall birth rates continue to decline among most demographics. Experts caution against interpreting this as a reversal of the long-term trend of decreasing fertility rates.
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Recent findings suggest that dark energy, which constitutes nearly 70% of the universe, may be weakening over time. This challenges long-held beliefs about its role in cosmic expansion and could lead to a reevaluation of cosmological models. The results come from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) and were presented at the American Physical Society meeting.
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A Chinese patient is the third known individual to receive a gene-edited pig kidney, which is functioning well. Researchers also reported a pig liver transplant into a brain-dead person, marking significant advancements in xenotransplantation aimed at addressing organ shortages. Clinical trials in the U.S. are set to begin soon.
