Relations With Venezuela Worsen As U.s. Orders Diplomatic Staff To Exit

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration moved Tuesday to end affirmative action in federal contracting and directed that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on paid leave and eventually be laid off. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] The moves follow an executive order Trump signed on his first day ordering a sweeping dismantling of the federal government’s diversity and inclusion programs that could touch on everything from anti-bias training to funding for minority farmers and homeowners.

MELBOURNE — Australian detectives are investigating whether foreign actors are paying criminals to commit antisemitic attacks in the country, police said on Wednesday. Australia Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw was meeting on Wednesday with state police chiefs to discuss an increase in antisemitic crime in Australia since the war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct.

Nikola Jokic recorded his fourth straight triple in Denver’s 144-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Ball Arena on Tuesday night. The 3-time MVP filled up the stat sheet, totaling 27 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to secure his team’s 27th win of the season. He also had a team-high four steals. “I don’t think any words I say will do him justice,” coach Michael Malone said postgame.

Senator Ron Johnson (Q-Moscow) participated in one of the Fascism Fest activities over the weekend. RoJo was part of a panel with MAGA economist (how's that for an oxymoron?) Stephen Moore, who suggested creating a real life isolationist's wet dream, including buying Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and so on.

Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde bravely called out a stone-faced Trump and Vance to their face during the national prayer service this Tuesday: “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you, and as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God.

Donald ended his first day back in the White House by posting a message on Truth Social to boast of how his team was identifying hundreds of Biden appointees to throw out of office. Lumpy called it an "Official Notice of Dismissal" for four individuals "who are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again." The Lump identified four people in the post. "Jose Andres from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, Mark Milley from the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, Brian Hook from the Wilson Center for Scholars, and [former Atlanta Mayor] Keisha Lance Bottoms from the President's Export Council — YOU'RE FIRED!" Donald wrote. Handsome Old Joe Biden had already issued a preemptive pardon for Milley, who served as chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023. As for Chef José Andrés, he had already resigned since his two-year term was up.