A Milwaukee Public Schools teacher's aide has just four days to leave the country after being told by the Department of Homeland Security that she must return to El Salvador, despite having applied for a visa designed to protect trafficking victims.

Yessenia Ruano, who has lived in the United States for 14 years, was notified Friday that she must leave the country she now calls home.

"I'm not asking anything more than time," Ruano said. "That is the hard part for me. I'm trying the best I can to do it the legal way, and now they are closing the doors."

At the beginning of the year, Homeland Security officials instructed Ruano, who was living without legal status, to return to El Salvador. She said she fled the country due to poverty, trafficking and fears for her personal safety.

Watch: Milwaukee teacher's aide has four days to leave country despite trafficking victim visa application

Milwaukee teacher's aide has four days to leave country despite trafficking victim visa application

In February, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) granted Ruano additional time to apply for a T-visa, which is specifically designed for victims of severe human trafficking.

Ruano spent nearly $14,000 and several weeks completing the application process. Despite having a receipt confirming her application was submitted, the agency informed her she cannot remain in the country.

"My daughters don't know about this bad news and I hope there is a way we can slow it by asking for more time," Ruano said.

Marc Christopher, Ruano's immigration attorney, argues that the T-Visa was created to protect victims like his client from being forced back into dangerous situations.

"If we're not going to take into consideration the fact that these visas are taking three to four years, if we're not going to take into consideration the fact that she is here with her family contributing to society, what good is it to have these laws?" Christopher said.

"All we're asking is allow her to be here, to be protected, to be safe until that determination can be made," he added.

Despite receiving what she describes as shocking news, and being surrounded by tearful supporters, Ruano maintains her optimism.

"Even with the bad news my faith is inside of me, God is with me," Ruano said.

This article was written by Mariam Mackar for the Scripps News Group in Milwaukee.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says President Donald Trump would be going back on his word to her if he pardoned two men who are serving prison sentences for leading a 2020 plot to kidnap her.

Whitmer, a Democrat, told Michigan Public Radio on Thursday that Trump asked her about a month ago how she would feel if he pardoned the two men.

I said, I think it would be the wrong decision, Whitmer recounted. I would oppose it and he said, OK, Ill drop it.

Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, recounted the conversation one day after Trump said he was considering a pardon for the men, saying, I will take a look at it. It's been brought to my attention.

The Republican president said he followed the men's trial and it looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job. He said the men were drinking and I think they said stupid things.

RELATED STORY | Trump considers pardons for men convicted in plot to kidnap, kill Whitmer

The U.S. Justice Departments new pardon attorney also said this month he would take a hard look at pardoning Barry Croft Jr. and Adam Fox.

Croft, 49, and Fox, 42, were portrayed as leaders of the kidnapping scheme. They were convicted of conspiracy in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2022. Croft, a trucker from Delaware, was also found guilty of a weapons charge.

Croft was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison, while Fox, a Grand Rapids man, got a 16-year term. They are being held at a prison in Colorado the most secure in the federal system.

Whitmer later told an audience following a speech at the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference that she plans to talk to Trump again about the pardoning matter.

We have an ongoing dialogue now ... very different from the first term, she said about Trump and turned to smile at the audience.

A spokesperson said the White House cannot confirm nor deny any upcoming actions.

The White House does not comment on the Presidents private meetings, and any speculation about future pardons is just thatspeculation," principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said in a statement.

Whitmer and Trump clashed publicly during his first term, with Trump referring to her as that woman from Michigan. She has blamed Trump for the political anger that motivated the plot to kidnap her right before the 2020 presidential election.

RELATED STORY | Trump offers rare praise of Michigan Gov. Whitmer during White House visit

Whitmer also hinted Thursday at anger over the possibility of pardons, saying she was disappointed to hear the news he was considering it.

No one should hesitate to condemn political violence, she said, noting the arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiros residence and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last year.

Whitmer has faced scrutiny from some Democrats for taking a more collaborative approach to the Trump administration in his second term.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who has criticized Whitmer for working with and appearing with Trump, said releasing the convicted men is no laughing matter.

The reward you get for cozying up to Trump is him threatening to pardon the terrorists who plotted to kidnap and murder you, she said on social media.

Whitmer's collaboration with Trump has come with several awkward moments for her this year, including when she was unexpectedly in the Oval Office during a press conference as Trump ordered the Justice Department to investigate two former members of his previous administration who had publicly criticized him.

RELATED STORY | Gov. Gretchen Whitmer risks backlash from Democrats as she hugs Trump in Michigan

Their new dynamic also led to some wins for her administration, including securing new jets at a military air base in Michigan and a commitment from Trump to fund a project to protect Lake Michigan from invasive carp.

Finally, some good news from Newark Liberty International Airport: A major runway will reopen June 213 days ahead of schedule.

The runway, stretching 11,000 feet long, was upgraded to meet FAA safety standards at a cost of $121 million.

The runway should help alleviate some of the delays and cancellations caused by challenges with Newark's air traffic control technology.

Officials say runways typically need repaving every 10 years. The last repaving of the runway occurred in 2014.

RELATED STORY | FAA to extend flight limits at Newark airport past Memorial Day weekend

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the new runway features updated lighting, improved airfield signs with LED lighting, new underground electrical infrastructure, and drainage improvements.

Newark's other main runway was last repaved in 2021.

I commend the crews who have worked tirelessly to get this critical project done ahead of schedule, said Governor Phil Murphy. Im grateful for New Jerseys partnership with the Port Authority and the FAA as we work to return to full capacity at Newark Airport. New Jersey will do all we can to support plans from the USDOT to invest in modernizing our air traffic control system and fully staffing our air traffic controllers.

RELATED STORY | Air traffic control shortage forces United to cut flights from its service

Government officials worked to expedite the repairs amid Newark's ongoing challenges.

Those challenges have forced airlines, such as United, to reduce service from the airport.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained several employees at a popular South Park restaurant Friday evening, causing the establishment to close during what would typically be a busy dinner service.

San Diego ICE says its agents conducted two worksite enforcement operations at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta on Friday evening.

Managers at the restaurant said that three employees were taken away in handcuffs after ICE agents entered the premises and demanded identification from all staff members.

The agents identified themselves as ICE officials and presented warrants, according to restaurant management.

RELATED STORY | Department of Homeland Security releases list of 'sanctuary jurisdictions'

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as a crowd gathered around ICE vehicles, video showing a flash bang going off at one point.

The restaurant, which operates multiple locations throughout the area, was forced to close for the evening with tables emptied and a "closed" sign posted at the entrance.

We reached out to ICE, and they gave us the following statement:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can confirm that ICE San Diego conducted two worksite enforcement operations at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta Restaurants in San Diego, Ca. As this is an ongoing investigation, we have no further releasable information at this time.

This incident follows similar ICE operations in the region. Two months ago, ICE agents detained 15 migrants without legal status at an industrial paint shop in El Cajon. Last week, agents were also seen detaining migrants at the immigration courthouse downtown after their asylum cases were dismissed.

This article was written by Kylie Strandberg for the Scripps News Group in San Diego.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Many U.S. corporations this year stopped supporting Pride events that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and rights, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in budget shortfalls ahead of the summer festivities and raising questions about corporate Americas commitment to the cause.

The moves come as President Donald Trump has shown antipathy for trans protections and has attempted to roll back some LGBTQ+ friendly federal policies. Experts also note that a growing slice of the public has grown tired of companies taking a stance on social and political issues.

San Francisco Pride, the nonprofit that produces one of the countrys largest and best-known LGBTQ+ celebrations, is facing a $200,000 budget gap after corporate donors dropped out. In Kansas City, Missouri, KC Pride lost about $200,000 roughly half its annual budget.

Heritage of Pride, the umbrella organization behind NYC Pride and other LGBTQ+ events in New York City, is fundraising to narrow a $750,000 budget gap after companies withdrew.

Meanwhile, Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch ended its sponsorship of PrideFest in St. Louis, Missouri, its home base, after 30 years, leaving organizers with a $150,000 budget shortfall.

In response, many Pride organizations have canceled some dance parties, reduced the number of stages, hired less pricey headliners and no longer give volunteers free food or T-shirts.

But the core celebrations will go on. In San Francisco, this years Pride theme is Queer Joy is Resistance. In New York, it's Rise Up: Pride in Protest, and, in Boston, it's Here to Stay!

If you come to Pride this year, thats a revolutionary act, said Suzanne Ford, executive director of San Francisco Pride. You are sending a message to those in Washington that, here in San Francisco, we still have the same values that weve always had you can love who you love here. Were not going to retreat from that.

Following media coverage of their retreat, some companies changed course but asked that their names not be affiliated with the events, the event organizers said.

Corporations rethink Pride sponsorships

San Francisco Pride earlier this year lost the support of five major corporate donors, including Comcast, Anheuser-Busch and Diageo, the beverage giant that makes Guinness beer and Smirnoff vodka.

RELATED STORY | Salt Lake City adopts new flags to circumvent Utah's ban on pride flags

With everything were facing from the Trump administration, to lose five of your partners within a couple of weeks, it felt like we were being abandoned, Ford said.

After the withdrawals drew attention, some corporations said they would donate but only anonymously, Ford said, declining to identify those companies. As of this week, neither Comcast, Anheuser-Busch nor Diageo appeared on the organizations website as sponsors of the June 29 festivities. It was unclear if they donated.

Anheuser-Busch and Diageo didnt reply to emails from The Associated Press seeking comment. A spokesperson for Comcast also declined to comment but said some of its companies are sponsoring Silicon Valley Pride and Oakland Pride.

NYC Pride spokesperson Chris Piedmont said about 20% of its corporate sponsors either dropped their support or scaled back, including New York-based PepsiCo and Nissan.

Kyle Bazemore, Nissan North America's director of corporate communications, said the decision comes as the automaker reviews all of its marketing expenses to lower costs. PepsiCo did not return an email seeking comment.

Piedmont said NYC Pride has also received anonymous corporate funding and that he appreciates the unpublicized support.

Writing a check to a nonprofit and supporting a nonprofit with no strings attached is stepping up to the plate, Piedmont said.

Companies retreat from brand activism

The shift reflects how corporations are adjusting to a changing cultural landscape that began during the pandemic and accelerated with Trump's second term, experts said.

Companies are resourceful, they are clever at identifying trends and studying their environment and their customers needs, but those needs change and corporations adjust, said Amir Grinstein, a marketing professor at Northeastern University.

Corporations' presence in rainbow-filled Pride parades, concerts and dance parties became more ubiquitous after the landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, as companies splashed their names on parade floats, rainbow flags and bright plastic bracelets.

So-called brand activism reached its peak between 2016 to 2022, a period of social upheaval around the pandemic, police brutality and transgender rights, Grinstein said.

But research has since found a growing number of American consumers don't want companies taking positions on such topics, said Barbara Kahn, a marketing professor at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School.

There have always been people who said, I dont want my toothpaste to have an opinion, I just want to use my toothpaste, but the tide has shifted, and research shows there are more people that feel that way now," Kahn said.

Pride organizers keep their distance from some corporations

Meanwhile, Republican-led states have been passing legislation to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and LGBTQ+ rights, especially the ability of transgender young people to participate in sports or receive gender-affirming care.

Trump signed executive orders on his first day in office that rolled back protections for transgender people and terminated federal DEIprograms.

Some companies followed suit by eliminating their DEI goals, prompting Pride organizations to sever ties.

San Francisco's organizers cut ties with Meta after the parent company of Facebook and Instagram terminated its DEI goals and content moderation policies.

RELATED STORY | Gender-affirming hormone therapy reduces depression in transgender adults

Twin Cities Pride ended its relationship with Target over the Minneapolis-based retailer's curtailing of its DEI initiatives following a backlash from conservatives and the White House. The company's retreat from DEI policies led to a counter-boycott by civil rights advocates.

Target announced in May that sales fell more than expected in the first quarter due to customer boycotts, tariffs and other economic factors. The company now offers only some Pride products at a few stores and online.

Still, Rick Gomez, Target's chief commercial officer, told reporters in May that it's important to celebrate Heritage Months, which highlight different groups from Latinos to Asian Americans to the LGBTQ+ community.

"They drive sales growth for us, he said.

Asking the community for financial support

First-time donations from individuals, foundations and local businesses have increased following corporate America's retreat.

In Minneapolis, a crowdfunding campaign by Twin Cities Pride to fill a $50,000 funding gap raised more than $89,000.

In San Francisco, two local foundations donated $55,000 combined.

This isnt the first year that theres been an inflammatory climate around Pride, said James Moran, a spokesperson for KC Pride, in Kansas City, Missouri. We know that our community is looking for spaces that are meant for us, where we can celebrate but also process whats going on and build our own support networks."

The Department of Veterans Affairs said that it's planning to cut tens of thousands of jobs from its payroll.

WATCH BELOW: Former VA employee describes morale as 'absolutely horrible'

Former VA employee decribes morale as 'absolutely horrible'

We learned that some VA workers have chosen not to wait to see if they'll be let go.

All of this comes after Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) outlined federal spending cuts shortly after President Donald Trump took office earlier this year.

Musk announced this week he's leaving the Trump team but vowed Friday that the cuts will continue.

"The DOGE team will only grow stronger over time," Musk said during a Friday news conference in the Oval Office. "The DOGE influence will only grow stronger."

Elon Musk makes his last Oval Office appearance as head of DOGE

Those cuts included massive reductions to the federal workforce, impacting people like David Pasquino of Hobe Sound, Florida.

Pasquino was let go from his job at Veterans Affairs earlier this year. Pasquino traveled to Washington, D.C., in March to meet with members of Congress and fight for displaced federal workers. Later that month, he got his job back following a court order that blocked the layoffs.

On Friday, the Scripps News Group contacted Pasquino to see how he was doing after learning that the VA planned to cut 15% of its workforce.

"Today was actually the day that I turned in all of my government-furnished equipment," Pasquino said. "As of Sunday, I will be on administrative leave until Sept. 30."

Pasquino said he has accepted an offer for deferred resignation.

"It was not an easy decision, especially after as hard as I fought," Pasquino said.

The Scripps News Group contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more about the reduction in employees.

VA Press Secretary Peter Kasperowicz said in an email that it is currently reviewing all departments within the agency, intending to cut the workforce to about 398,000 employees, down from its current level of roughly 470,000.

"Our goal is to increase productivity, eliminate waste and bureaucracy, increase efficiency, and improve health care and benefits to Veterans," Kasperowicz said in an email. "We're going to maintain VA's mission-essential jobs like doctors, nurses and claims processors, while phasing out non-mission essential roles like DEI officers. The savings we achieve will be redirected to Veteran health care and benefits."

Pasquino, a disabled veteran, said the agency is not what it used to be.

"The VA that I joined a year ago is not the VA that exists today, and not a good way," Pasquino said.

He said he noticed changes at the VA as an employee and as a patient since President Trump took office earlier this year.

"I talked with nurses. I talked with doctors ... and they all say the same thing, that they're overwhelmed, they're understaffed," Pasquino said.

"What was morale like in those two or so months that you were actually back and working for the VA?" Pasquino was asked.

"Horrible, absolutely horrible," Pasquino responded. "We lived every day in fear of the unknown. We dreaded getting up and logging in, wondering if we were going to get a reduction-in-force notice."

He discussed more about his decision to leave the agency.

"I would not be able to sleep well at night, nor look at myself in the mirror knowing that I was furthering a cause that was detrimental to veterans and their care and their family's care," Pasquino said.

In his email, Kasperowicz didn't give a timeframe for when more workers will be cut from the VA.

This article was written by

Jamie Ostroff for the Scripps News Group in West Palm Beach.

Californias high school track-and-field state finals will award one extra medal Saturday in events where a transgender athlete places in the top three, a rule change that may be the first of its kind nationally by a high school sports governing body.

The new California Interscholastic Federation policy was written in response to the success of high school junior AB Hernandez, a trans student who competes in the girls' high jump, long jump and triple jump. She led in all three events after the preliminaries on Friday. The CIF said earlier this week it would let an additional student compete and medal in the events where Hernandez qualified.

The two-day championship kicked off in the sweltering heat at high school near Fresno. The atmosphere was relatively quiet on Friday despite critics including parents, conservative activists and President Donald Trump calling for Hernandez to be barred from girls' competition leading up to the meet.

There was some pushback Friday. A group of fewer than 10 people gathered outside the stadium ahead of the meet to protest Hernandez's participation. Some of them wore Save Girls Sports T-shirts. At one point as Hernandez was attempting a high jump, someone in the stands yelled an insult. An aircraft circled above the stadium for more than an hour during the events, carrying a banner that read, No Boys in Girls Sports!

The rest of the night ran smoothly for Hernandez, who finished the triple jump with a mark close to 41 feet, nearly 10 inches ahead of her closest competitor, San Francisco Bay Area junior Kira Gant Hatcher.

Hernandez also led in the long jump with a mark close to 20 feet to advance to the final. She advanced in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 5 inches with ease.

She did not address the press.

California at center of national debate

The CIF rule change reflects efforts to find a middle ground in the debate over trans girls participation in youth sports.

The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law, the group said in a statement after announcing its rule change.

A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults think transgender female athletes should not be allowed to participate in girls and womens sports at the high school, college or professional level. That view was shared by about 9 in 10 Republicans and roughly half of Democrats.

The federation announced the rule change after Trump threatened this week to pull federal funding from California unless it bars trans female athletes from competing on girls' teams. The CIF said it decided on the change before then.

The U.S. Department of Justice also said it would investigate the state federation and the district that includes Hernandezs high school to determine whether they violated federal sex discrimination law by allowing trans girls to compete in girls' sports.

Some California Republicans also weighed in, with several state lawmakers attending a news conference to criticize the federation for keeping Hernandez in the competition and a Republican gubernatorial candidate planning to attend Saturday's finals.

California law allows trans students to compete on sex-segregated sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

The federation said the rule would open the field to more biological female athletes. One expert said the change may itself be discriminatory because it creates an extra spot for biological female athletes but not for other trans athletes.

The federation did not specify how they define biological female or how they would verify whether a competitor meets that definition.

Hernandez told the publication Capital & Main earlier this month that she couldnt worry about critics.

Im still a child, youre an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person, she said.

Another student breaks a record

Californias state championship stands out from that of other states because of the number of competitors athletes face to qualify. The state had the second-largest number of students participating in outdoor track and field in the nation during the 2023-2024 school year, behind Texas, according to a survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Olympians Marion Jones and Tara Davis-Woodhall previously set state championship records in the long jump in 1993 and 2017, respectively, both surpassing 22 feet (6.7 meters).

The boys' 100-meter dash heats were also a highlight Friday. Junior Jaden Jefferson of De La Salle High School in Concord finished in 10.01 seconds, about .2 seconds faster than a meet record set in 2023. Jefferson's time won't count as a record unless he can replicate his results in the final.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is working its way into the northern U.S. this week, prompting warnings from health officials that air quality may become briefly unsafe.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow air quality map, parts of North Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan registered warnings for moderate air quality on Friday. In some places within that stretch, the map showed a level of air quality considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Officials say the plume of wind-driven smoke is expected to make air quality worse over the coming days, possibly to a point that becomes unsafe for the general population. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality recommended on Friday that people limit their time outside, to reduce their exposure to the smoke.

RELATED STORY | Nearly half of Americans are breathing in unhealthy levels of polluted air, report says

The smoke comes from fires in Manitoba, Canada, which have forced evacuations of thousands of people. The fires are burning during Canada's wildfire season, which officially begins in May and will continue through September.

According to the EPA, the fine particles from wildfire smoke can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. Exposure may also aggravate pre-existing breathing and heart conditions and increase the risk of asthma, heart failure and premature death.

When wildfire smoke is present, the EPA recommends staying indoors with sealed windows, limiting time outside and wearing respirator masks.

President Donald Trump announced he would double tariffs on steel imported to the U.S. from 25% of 50%, effective June 4.

The president said the change would "secure the steel industry in the United States," helping protect the jobs of domestic steel and aluminum workers.

President Trump announced the change during a speech at U.S. Steels Mon Valley WorksIrvin Plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. He was attending to commemorate a deal in which Japan-based Nippon Steel is expected to make a new investment in U.S. Steel.

The strong steel industry is not just a matter of dignity or prosperity or pride, President Trump said. Its, above all, a matter of national security.

The official details of the deal between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have not yet been announced. President Trump has said as part of the deal, Nippon Steel will invest $14 billion and U.S. Steel's headquarters will stay in Pittsburgh.

RELATED STORY | Federal appeals court revives most of Trumps tariffs for now

The tariff escalation comes as courts have begun to weigh in on Trump's signature trade policies, this week pausing and then unpausing the sweeping tariffs Trump instituted on "Liberation Day" in April. Those rulings do not apply to the steel tariffs, which the White House has justified under separate national security laws.

Months of conflicting, escalating and backtracked tariff decisions from the White House have caused chaos and disruptions in shipping and business planning. Experts warn that it could take years and potentially cost billions of dollars to reshore manufacturing and supply chains to the U.S. Even if such a shift occurs, experts are skeptical about whether it would actually lead to job creation in America.

The U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention changed its guidance for COVID-19 vaccines on Friday, days after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., announced that they would no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women.

The latest language published by the CDC says people in those groups no longer "should" but instead now "may" receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Children may receive the shot in consultation with the clinical opinion of a doctor. The old recommendation of a vaccine for pregnant women was "removed," the CDC said. Now, "The CDC and HHS encourage individuals to talk with their healthcare provider about any personal medical decision."

Under the changes, vaccinations are still expected to be covered by health insurance.

RELATED STORY | CDC eliminates COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children, pregnant women

The change brings more clarity to earlier suggestions from health officials that the vaccines would no longer be recommended at all.

On Tuesday, Kennedy announced that COVID-19 vaccinations would be removed from the list of recommended vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women.

That decision was made by Vinay Prasad, who was recently appointed director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Prasad is a vocal critic of mask mandates and fast-tracked COVID-19 boosters, which became contentious issues during pandemic lockdowns.

Then, in a video message on Wednesday, Kennedy announced the change had been made, saying the removal of the recommendation was "common sense and good science."

A CDC panel is expected to meet in June to issue new recommendations about COVID vaccine distribution for the fall of 2025. It is not clear whether or how U.S. health officials may incorporate those recommendations into vaccine guidance.

Hormel is recalling tons of canned beef stew products because they may be contaminated with wood.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall for 20-ounce metal cans of "Dinty Moore" beef stew.

The affected products from the Hormel Foods Corporation were produced on February 4, 2025, with a "Best By" date of February 2028. The canned stew was shipped to retailers nationwide.

RELATED STORY | Haribo recalls gummy candies in the Netherlands after cannabis contamination

There have been at least three complaints of wood pieces in the product. However, no confirmed injuries have been reported.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to check their pantries and either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

President Donald Trump saw off billionaire Elon Musk in the Oval Office on Friday as Musk concluded his stint as a government adviser to the president and head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

President Trump said Musk had headed up "the most sweeping and consequential" reforms to government scope, and promised to keep them in place.

"We are totally committed to making the DOGE cuts permanent," the president said.

At the head of DOGE, Musk initially sought to eliminate $2 trillion in wasteful government spending, and later revised that target down to $1 trillion and then to $150 billion. The program has so far fallen far short of that goal. By some of its own internal estimates DOGE has delivered less than $30 billion in savings.

Analysis of DOGE's contract cancellations showed many were expected to deliver no savings, often because the government was legally compelled to pay out their costs.

DOGE has stripped regulations from dozens of agencies, affecting consumer financial protections, utility fees, health insurance and appliance standards.

It has made high-profile agency cuts, including by shuttering USAID, which officials estimate may lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths from malnutrition and disease worldwide.

Speaking in the Oval Office Friday, Musk promised the group's mission would continue.

"The DOGE team will only grow stronger over time. The DOGE influence will only grow stronger," Musk said. "It is permeating throughout the government, and I'm confident that over time, we will see a trillion dollars of savings and reduction a trillion dollars of waste and fraud reduction."

RELATED STORY | Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration after criticizing president's 'big beautiful bill'

President Trump said Musk would maintain some level of informal involvement in his administration. DOGE employees would keep working within government agencies, he said, and Musk himself would "be back and forth, I imagine."

Musk said he would continue to "be a friend and adviser to the president."

President Trump presented Musk with a golden key to commemorate his work at DOGE.

Todd Chrisley says hes planning a return to television after receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.

We're blessed to be coming back to television, because we have a much bigger story to tell now than we ever have, Chrisley said Friday during a press conference in Nashville.

Chrisley and his wife, Julie, were convicted of scheming to obtain more than $30 million in fraudulent loans from Atlanta-area banks by submitting falsified financial documents.

At the press conference, Chrisley spoke about his time in prison.

I had nothing to do other than read and work out, he said. So I worked out every morning at 10:45 until noon with my buddies. My walk with Christ became deeper. I talked to my daughter every day, to Chase, to Grayson, and I was able to email with Julie every day.

RELATED STORY | Savannah Chrisley documents reunion with father after his release from prison

Despite Julie Chrisley apologizing in court for her role in the scheme, Todd maintained his innocence and suggested her apology was not sincere.

You're placed in a position as a defendant to either bow down and kiss the ass of the Department of Justice and accept responsibility for things you did not do in order to avoid a harsher sentence, he said. The corruption that went on in our case is going to continue to unfold.

Chrisley said hes walking away from the experience with no shame and wants to advocate for others he believes were treated unfairly by the justice system.

I will continue to expose the injustices that go on there and throughout the Bureau of Prisons, he said.

Julie Chrisley did not attend the press conference. Todd said she was at home spending time with family.

The Chrisleys rose to fame through their reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," which aired on USA Network for nearly a decade and showcased the family's lavish lifestyle in suburban Atlanta.

Authorities have increased the reward to $50,000 per person for any information that leads to the arrest of the remaining fugitives who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in Louisiana two weeks ago.

The two escapees who are still on the run are Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, according to the Louisiana State Police. The other eight inmates who escaped the jail on May 16 have been located and taken back into custody.

The group of 10 men was able to leave their jail cells due to faulty locks, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. They escaped from the building by going through a hole in the wall behind a toilet in the housing unit and then exiting through a loading dock door.

A 33-year-old maintenance worker at the jail has been accused of aiding in their escape after he turned off the water to the cell where the toilet was located. He's been charged with 10 counts of principle to simple escape and malfeasance in office.

Three women have been charged for individually assisting some of the men after they escaped, including allegedly providing them food, money and transportation.

RELATED STORY | Women charged with helping New Orleans jail escapees get food and transportation

To submit an anonymous tip about the escapees, you can call the Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111, FBI New Orleans at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Louisiana State Police Fusion Center at (225) 925-4192.

Meanwhile, the jail that the inmates escaped from is dealing with ongoing flooding and infrastructure issues, the sheriff's office said in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.

Plumbing issues are causing water to accumulate in parts of the facility despite emergency repairs.

"This is not just a facilities problem. It's a public safety issue, a staffing issue, and, most of all, a human dignity issue," said Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, adding that these issues need to be urgently addressed before the upcoming hurricane season in order to prevent a crisis.

Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colorado, said former President Joe Biden's health was a contributing factor why Democrats lost the 2024 election.

Talking to Scripps News on Friday, Crow said he tried to put public pressure on Biden to step aside following his disastrous debate performance last summer, saying that Democrats needed to be honest about Biden's health.

"That is certainly, in my opinion, one of the contributors to the loss of the election, not the only one," he said. "I think there were a lot of things that contributed to the loss of the election, but it was one. In an election like that, everything matters. So yeah, we should be honest about that."But Crow noted there were other factors behind the Democrats' election loss.

"You just look at the map, right? We're not winning in working-class areas. We're not winning in rural areas. Young folks are being priced out of cities and areas where Democrats govern," he said.

"We're gonna be honest in the process, that we've fallen short in some ways, but you know, I am still a proud Democrat," he added. "I'm a Democrat because we don't always get it right, but I'm a Democrat because we believe in fairness and we believe in an opportunity, right? I don't think government can solve everybody's problems. I don't want government to solve my problems. What I want is a fair shake and a level playing field so I can work hard and exceed."

Crow, however, said President Donald Trump's "corruption is staggering," adding, "There is a massive redistribution of wealth to the top 1% on the backs of the working class that's underway in America right now. That's what Americans are concerned about. That is the battle that's in front of us, and that's what I'm working hard to push back on."

Faizan Zaki has big plans for the $50,000 prize he received after winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Half of it I want to keep to save for college, but the other half I want to spend on charity since I want to help those in poverty, the 13-year-old from Dallas told Scripps News.

Faizan captured the coveted Scripps Cup on Thursday night after correctly spelling claircissement, a French word meaning clarification or enlightenment.

He said he was familiar with the word and confident he could spell it correctly.

When Dr. Bailly said the word, I immediately recognized it, and I wasnt hesitant to start spelling since I knew I wasnt confusing it with anything, he said. So I went for it and I got it right.

This was Faizans fourth appearance in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He tied for 370th place in 2019, 21st place in 2023, and finished as runner-up in 2024.

He said last years second-place finish motivated him to return with a renewed focus. After school, he would read the dictionary and log unfamiliar words to study.

On stage, Faizan appeared to mimic typing with his fingers a strategy he said helps him concentrate.

It just helps me stay relaxed and also helps me keep track of where I am in the word, he said. The typing gives me a visual of where I am.

As for whats next, Faizan said he hopes to compete in math and linguistics events.

The Supreme Court on Friday again cleared the way for the Trump administration to strip temporary legal protections from hundreds of thousands of immigrants, pushing the total number of people who could be newly exposed to deportation to nearly 1 million.

The justices lifted a lower-court order that kept humanitarian parole protections in place for more than 500,000 migrants from four countries: Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The court has also allowed the administration to revoke temporary legal status from about 350,000 Venezuelan migrants in another case.

Republican President Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail to deport millions of people, and in office has sought to dismantle Biden administration polices that created ways for migrants to live legally in the U.S.

Trump amplified false rumors that Haitian immigrants in Ohio with legal status under the humanitarian parole program were abducting and eating pets during his only debate with President Joe Biden, according to court documents.

His administration filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court after a federal judge in Boston blocked the administrations push to end the program.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in dissent that the effect of the courts order is to have the lives of half a million migrants unravel all around us before the courts decide their legal claims. Justice Sonia Sotomayor joined the dissent.

After years of speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the death of Jeffrey Epstein, the FBI announced Thursday that it plans to release surveillance footage from the jail where he died.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino told "Fox & Friends" that the video shows Epstein alone in his Manhattan jail cell at the time of his death.

There's no one there but him, Bongino said.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial in New York on

sex trafficking charges.

RELATED STORY | No big new revelations expected in DOJ release of Jeffrey Epstein files

Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have both stated they support releasing the footage to the public. The surveillance video has been referenced in court documents since Epsteins death, and its contents have been described in public reports, though the full footage has never been made widely available.

Federal officials did not provide a timeline for when the video will be released.

Epsteins death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York sparked widespread speculation and fueled years of misinformation online. Multiple investigations have affirmed that he died by suicide, though critics have pointed to lapses in jail protocol and surveillance as grounds for continued scrutiny.

The Trump administration's recent announcement to revoke visas for Chinese students is escalating tensions between the United States and China, already fraught due to ongoing trade negotiations and export restrictions. The administration indicated that it will begin revoking visas for Chinese students linked to the Chinese Communist Party, especially those studying in critical fields.

This plan includes heightened scrutiny on visa applications from students in mainland China and Hong Kong.

In response, Beijing has condemned the U.S. actions as "unreasonable," warning that they threaten people-to-people exchanges and claiming that this move undermines America's self-proclaimed values of freedom and openness. China's Foreign Ministry has formally protested the visa revocation plan.

Currently, approximately 280,000 Chinese students are enrolled in U.S. institutions, making them the second-largest group of international students in the country, following students from India. However, following the pandemic, the number of Chinese students has decreased, causing anxiety and uncertainty among those aiming for education in the U.S.

RELATED STORY | Chinese students anxious and angry after Rubio vows to revoke visas

Among these students is a young woman who recently achieved her dream of being accepted into Harvard University for the fall semester. She now faces the difficult decision of potentially deferring her enrollment as she questions whether it is the right time to relocate to the United States.

The timing of this visa threat coincides with delicate trade negotiations between the two nations. Just weeks ago, both sides appeared to move toward a temporary truce by agreeing to reduce tariffs on each other's goods for 90 days. However, the Trump administration's actions against Chinese students threaten to jeopardize this fragile progress.

Compounding the situation, China has enacted export controls on critical minerals and magnets, while the U.S. has imposed its own restrictions on the sale of chip design software and certain jet engine parts to China. These restrictive measures, alongside the visa revocations, may stall advancements in the ongoing trade discussions.

RELATED STORY | US and China step back from sky-high tariffs, agree to 90-day pause

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has noted that trade negotiations appear to have stalled, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated Friday that China remains firm in its stance that there are no winners in a trade war. As both countries navigate these complex issues, the impact of the visa policy on student aspirations and the broader diplomatic relations remains a significant concern.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.