President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday reversing President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action for government contractors. The new order eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in federal hiring, contracting, and spending, signaling a shift toward merit-based practices.
Health officials in Philadelphia announced Wednesday that a snow goose found ill in the city tested positive for bird flu, or avian influenza. The discovery comes as the United States faces a bird flu outbreak that has sickened more than 60 people nationwide.
On his second day in office, President Donald Trump addressed the H-1B visa program, acknowledging both sides of the contentious debate while emphasizing the need for "competent people" to contribute to the U.S. workforce. Speaking at a White House press event with CEOs Larry Ellison (Oracle), Masayoshi Son (Softbank), and Sam Altman (OpenAI), Trump described the importance of skilled immigration for economic growth while refraining from endorsing an expansion or reduction of the program.
Tragedy struck on Sunday when Coweta County, Georgia, Fire Chief Bart Cauthen was fatally shot while assisting a motorist who had struck a deer. The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on County Road 267 in Alabama.
Legacy media outlets are facing backlash for misrepresenting Elon Musk’s gesture during his appearance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration rally. Musk, speaking to supporters at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., expressed gratitude by touching his heart and gesturing outward while saying, “Thank you. My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This move fulfills his campaign promise to release supporters involved in the incident.
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump is anticipated to issue pardons for individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses related to the events of January 6, 2021. According to sources familiar with the plan, Trump is also expected to commute the sentences of those convicted of more serious charges, signaling a major shift in approach compared to the Biden administration.
European Union Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall announced that the European Commission is weighing a ban on PFAS, also called “forever chemicals," in consumer products.
The Vatican City State has enacted stricter penalties for unauthorized entry and violations of its security regulations, threatening offenders with steep fines and prison sentences. The updated rules were announced through a decree signed by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, and aim to enhance security within the world’s smallest sovereign state.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun has signed an executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within state government. This move aligns state operations with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College.
