Education Department to offload grant programs as Trump works to close it

Senator Marco Rubio has ordered restitution for staffers who were denied promotions under the Biden administration's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) standards. This decision affects 295 employees and includes pay increases and commendations. The move highlights ongoing discussions around workplace equity and the implications of DEI policies.

The Trump administration and Russian officials are reportedly working on a revised peace plan inspired by the situation in Gaza to address the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Moscow, which has lasted for 33 months.

The Trump administration is proposing to suspend 38 universities, including Harvard and Yale, from a federal research partnership program due to their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices. An internal memo indicates that institutions openly engaging in DEI policies will be excluded from the Diplomacy Lab, which connects university researchers with state department policy offices.

Novo Nordisk announced on Monday a reduction in prices for its weight loss and diabetes medications, following a recent agreement with the Trump administration. The monthly cost for Wegovy injections (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg) and Ozempic will be set at $199 for new self-pay patients until March 31, 2026. This move aims to make these essential medications more accessible to cash customers.

The Trump administration is reportedly deploying 250 federal border agents to Louisiana and Mississippi as part of a significant immigration crackdown targeting nearly 5,000 individuals. This operation, referred to as 'Swamp Sweep,' is part of a broader effort by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce immigration laws more stringently in these states.

Officials from the Trump administration have acknowledged the wrongful deportation of Britania Uriostegui Rios, a transgender woman, to Mexico. This action was taken despite a court order issued in March that prohibited her removal due to the risk of torture she would face upon her return. The administration is now working to rectify this situation and facilitate her return to the United States.

Pope Leo has publicly criticized the migrant policy of the Trump administration, expressing concern over its impact on vulnerable populations. His remarks highlight the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies in the United States, particularly regarding the treatment of migrants and refugees. The Pope's stance reflects a broader moral and humanitarian perspective on the issue, emphasizing the need for compassion and support for those seeking a better life.

The Fox News Politics newsletter reports that the House of Representatives has voted to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. This decision is part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the Justice Department to disclose all unclassified materials associated with Epstein, a financier implicated in sex trafficking. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor, with a tally of 427 to 1, reflecting a strong bipartisan consensus on the issue.