In The NEWS

Trump administration unfreezes billions in withheld education funding.

The Education Department announced yesterday the release of over $5B in funding for extracurricular programs, English language classes, teacher preparation, and more. The funding represents the bulk of the $7B that was frozen earlier this month while Trump administration officials reviewed whether funding allocations aligned with their policy priorities. More than $1B for after-school and summer programs was released last week amid mounting bipartisan pressure from lawmakers.



Conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalates.

Thailand warned of war Friday as an armed border dispute with Cambodia entered its second day. Thai authorities also imposed martial law in eight districts, amid reports that at least 16 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced. The Cambodian prime minister said his country was prepared for a ceasefire and accused Thailand of backing out of a deal brokered by Malaysia. The US and China also offered to mediate a truce. See our previous write-up here.



Aging accelerates in middle age, according to new research.

A comprehensive study of protein changes in different organs over time suggests aging is not linear. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from 76 individuals of Chinese ancestry, aged 14 to 68, who died of accidental brain injuries; they found an inflection point around age 50, after which the pace of aging appeared to accelerate. The study also revealed different organs age at different rates, with blood vessels aging first. However, researchers caution larger studies are needed to confirm age 50 as a definitive turning point.



The UK and Australia to sign nuclear submarine treaty.

The pact cements a 50-year partnership between the United Kingdom and Australia to develop nuclear-powered submarines. It strengthens AUKUS, a trilateral security alliance formed by the UK, Australia, and the US in response to growing Chinese military power in the Asia-Pacific region. Initially entered by the US under the Biden administration, the alliance is now undergoing review by the Trump administration to ensure it aligns with its agenda.



Deportations from 'Alligator Alcatraz' begin, Florida governor says.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced yesterday the Department of Homeland Security had flown about 100 detainees from the remote Everglades detention center to other countries. He did not specify which countries, but said the number of deportations would soon increase. Critics have condemned the facility as inhumane; it was built within a week and currently holds roughly 2,000 people who the Trump administration claims are violent criminals. See our previous write-up here.



Former US Rep. George Santos begins federal prison sentence.

The former New York congressman reported to federal prison yesterday to serve a more than seven-year prison sentence for fraud charges that also led to his expulsion from Congress. The Republican pleaded guilty last summer to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with his 2022 congressional campaign. In the days leading up to his sentence, he appeared on a podcast, posted a series of emotional tweets, and hosted a virtual goodbye party on X.



Astronomer HR chief resigns after Coldplay kiss cam incident.

Kristin Cabot's resignation as chief people officer at the technology company yesterday came days after CEO Andy Byron resigned. The two executives were caught on a Jumbotron having an intimate moment at a Coldplay concert in Boston; the video quickly went viral. Both Cabot and Byron are reportedly married and have children.

SOURCE:  1440 NEWS