US national park gift shops ordered to purge merchandise promoting DEI

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, a Native American tribe in Kansas, is facing backlash after its economic development subsidiary secured a $29.9 million federal contract from the Department of Homeland Security to design potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities. The contract was signed in October, prompting criticism that the tribe is benefiting from policies reminiscent of its own historical forced removals.

An appeals court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing it to proceed with plans to defund Planned Parenthood, marking a significant victory for the administration's agenda. This decision aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce federal funding for organizations that provide abortion services.

The Trump administration has seized a Venezuelan oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region. This action reflects ongoing pressure from the U.S. government on the Maduro regime, which has been struggling with economic collapse and international sanctions.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is distinguishing himself from other European leaders by defending immigration policies, as many EU heads adopt a tougher stance amid rising far-right populism and warnings from the Trump administration about potential 'civilizational erasure' if borders are not tightened.

The Trump administration has mandated that U.S. national parks remove merchandise promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from their gift shops, marking a significant expansion of its efforts against DEI initiatives. This directive reflects a broader initiative to diminish DEI efforts within federal agencies.

The National Trust for Historical Preservation has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to halt the construction of a new ballroom intended to replace the demolished East Wing of the White House. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the project from moving forward until it secures necessary federal approvals.

Afghan immigrants and advocates are expressing strong opposition to the Trump administration's recent crackdown on legal immigration, which they argue unjustly punishes a large community for the actions of a single individual. This response follows the arrest of an Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, suspected in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.

The Trump administration has paused visas and other programs that allowed Afghans, including those who assisted U.S. troops, to enter the United States legally. This decision has sparked pushback from some Republicans who are concerned about the implications for Afghan allies seeking refuge.