News

The Trump administration has reversed decades of civil rights advancements by eliminating anti-segregation mandates in federal contracting, potentially paving the way for the re-emergence of 'Whites Only' and 'Colored' signage in government-funded workplaces.

President Donald Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law historically used during wartime, to target Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked deportations under this proclamation.

The Internal Revenue Service has faced significant upheaval due to the Department of Government Efficiency's attempts to access IRS data systems, resulting in delays in compliance disputes, audits, and taxpayer services. However, tax filing and refund issuance have continued to proceed smoothly.

The Trump administration and Department of Government Efficiency have proposed a significant downsizing of the IRS, aiming for a 20% workforce reduction by May 15. This move could adversely affect revenue generation and customer service.

Dollar General reported a modest 1.2% increase in sales last quarter, attributing the sluggish growth to the deteriorating financial conditions of low-income Americans, many of whom are now forced to forgo even basic necessities.

Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil remains detained at an ICE facility in Louisiana following his arrest for allegedly organizing protests against the Israel-Hamas war at Columbia University. A New York federal judge has mandated that Khalil be granted access to his legal counsel and has temporarily halted his deportation pending further legal proceedings.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has initiated the removal of the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural, a site visited by civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis in 2020. This action follows Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde's legislation demanding the mural's removal, citing home rule and the threat of losing federal funding.

Sixty years after the Bloody Sunday march, civil rights activists and scholars caution that the right to vote is under threat. The Supreme Court's Shelby County Decision and the SAVE Act jeopardize the advancements achieved in the struggle for racial equality and justice.

The Trump administration's fluctuating trade policy has generated significant uncertainty and apprehension among small businesses, resulting in an increase in the National Federation of Independent Business' Uncertainty Index.

Southwest Airlines will end its free checked baggage policy on May 28. The first and second checked bags will incur charges for passengers who are not members of the A-List loyalty program, do not hold a branded credit card, or are not traveling on a business fare.