Trump administration delays decision on federal protections for monarch butterflies

Pop star SZA has publicly criticized the White House for using her song in a promotional video related to immigration enforcement, labeling the action as 'evil and boring.' This condemnation aligns her with other artists, including Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, who have expressed similar sentiments regarding the use of their music in political contexts.

The Trump administration has directed national park gift shops to review and remove merchandise that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), reflecting a broader initiative to diminish DEI efforts within federal agencies. This directive follows a memo issued last month by the acting National Park Service director.

The Trump administration has requested a federal appeals court to intervene in Judge James Boasberg's investigation regarding Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's potential criminal contempt of court over deportation flights that allegedly violated a court order. This legal maneuver aims to halt the ongoing scrutiny of Noem's actions related to controversial immigration policies.

The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against 18 states, including four new states and Fulton County in Georgia, as part of an extensive effort to access sensitive voter data. This legal action is part of the Trump administration's broader initiative to scrutinize voter information across the country.

The recent congressional hearing highlighted the case of Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient and Army veteran who self-deported to South Korea after facing immigration challenges. This incident drew sharp questioning of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have been criticized for their impact on veterans and immigrants alike.

Multiple states, including California, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a proposed $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa for skilled foreign workers. The states argue that this fee could jeopardize essential services in education and healthcare sectors, which rely on skilled labor to function effectively.

The U.S. government has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopian nationals, as stated by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who cited that Ethiopia no longer meets the necessary conditions for this designation. This decision is part of a broader crackdown on immigration policies under the Trump administration.

The Trump administration has argued in court that requiring real-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation during events such as White House press briefings would infringe on former President Donald Trump's ability to control his public image. This claim is part of a lawsuit aimed at mandating the provision of ASL services by the White House.