A federal judge in Miami has ordered a temporary halt to construction at the immigration detention center known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Florida Everglades. The facility, built by the state of Florida, is facing legal challenges from environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe. While detainees can still be held at the center, workers are prohibited from adding any new construction for the next 14 days. (Story URL)
President Trump says he has instructed the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop a new census that will not include individuals deemed to be in the country illegally. This move follows previous attempts by Trump to include a citizenship question on the census, which was rejected by the Supreme Court. This current effort aim to influence redistricting in favor of Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms. (Story URL)
A helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River near East Alton, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The incident occurred on Thursday, with no other reported injuries. The Missouri State Highway Patrol stated that the crash took place when the helicopter struck a powerline and went down about half a mile from the Alton Dam. Following the crash, the river was closed to commercial navigation. (Story URL)
According to a forthcoming report from CBRE, U.S. companies have made significant progress in bringing employees back to the office, with nearly three quarters of surveyed companies meeting their attendance goals. The survey revealed a rise in companies monitoring attendance to 69% and enforcing attendance policies to 37%. Companies aim for employees to be in the office an average of 3.2 days a week. (Story URL)
The Air Force is refusing early retirement to transgender service members with 15-18 years of military service, forcing them out without retirement benefits. This decision affects longer-serving trans individuals who are given the ultimatum to resign or face forced removal with lump-sum payments upon exit. This move is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to prevent trans individuals from enlisting in the military. (Story URL)
