FBI Fires Agents Linked to Trump Document Investigation
The FBI has terminated at least 10 agents involved in the investigation of President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents, including those who participated in the 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago residence. The firings, part of a broader personnel purge under FBI Director Kash Patel, have been condemned by the FBI Agents Association as unlawful and detrimental to national security. The actions coincide with Patel's claims that his and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' phone records were subpoenaed by the FBI during the Biden administration.
Trump Administration to Roll Back Gig Worker Classification
The Trump Administration announced plans to roll back a Biden-era rule that classified gig workers as employees, a move aimed at providing greater flexibility for companies utilizing gig labor, such as ride-sharing and delivery services. This decision is part of a broader initiative to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses, following criticism that the previous classification limited opportunities for workers seeking flexibility. The National Labor Relations Board also withdrew a related joint employer rule established in 2023, reverting to a standard from 2020.
U.S. Power Plant Pollution Rises Amid Coal Usage Increase
U.S. power-plant pollution increased sharply in 2025, attributed in part to a rise in coal usage for electricity generation, marking a rare rise in an otherwise long-term downward trend. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that developers will add a record 43.4GW of new utility-scale solar PV capacity in 2026, a 60% increase from 2025, contributing to a total of 86GW of new power generation capacity expected to come online this year.
US Justice Department sues UCLA over antisemitism claims
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), alleging that the institution created a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli students by failing to address pervasive antisemitism on campus. The lawsuit claims UCLA violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, with Attorney General Pam Bondi stating that the university allowed antisemitism to flourish, harming students and staff. This legal action follows a federal investigation that found UCLA was 'deliberately indifferent' to antisemitic conduct, leading to a previous $6.5 million settlement with affected students and staff.
