A recent high school graduate showed exceptional dedication to his fast-food job and received a reward for it. (See the video at the top of this article.)Mykale Baker, who works at a Burger King restaurant in Dacula, Georgia, went viral after showing up to work in his graduation regalia last month.A widely shared video of the teen shows him stuffing onion rings in a cardboard container on the evening of May 21, just hours after he graduated from Mills Creek High School in the Atlanta area.MAN SUES WHATABURGER AFTER UNWANTED ONIONS ALLEGEDLY CAUSED ALLERGIC REACTIONBaker stopped by his workplace to show off his cap and gown to his co-workers, FOX 5 in Atlanta reported.But he soon jumped in to help his team out after seeing how busy the night shift was.Maria Mendoza, a customer, took a video of Baker and posted it on TikTok, where it garnered nearly 700,000 likes as of June 5.Mendoza's daughter also graduated with Baker, so she immediately recognized his regalia.In the comments section, thousands of viewers wrote about how impressed they were by the teenager.DOCTOR CLAIMS THAI RESTAURANT'S SPICY DISH LEFT HER 'PERMANENTLY' HARMED: 'WILL FOREVER BE DAMAGED'"His future is bright," one TikTok user wrote. "I know he will be successful in all that he does. One day he will [be] running his company!"Another said, "He won't be there for long. Hard, dependable workers only continue to grow and improve."HUNDREDS OF CHICK-FIL-A WORKERS ARE EARNING THEIR COLLEGE DEGREES WITHOUT STUDENT DEBT"Hustlers don't stop, they keep going Great job, king!!" a different commenter said.Recognizing Baker's humility and work ethic, Mendoza then started a GoFundMe to help the teen's educational dreams come true.Over 5,500 donations rolled in, totaling nearly $200,000 as of June 4."While many graduates spent the night celebrating with friends and family, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like," Mendoza wrote."Just after receiving his diploma still proudly wearing his medals he reported to his shift at Burger King. He didnt do it for attention."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERAt the time she started the GoFundMe, Mendoza said, Baker was totally unaware that his story was going viral."But thousands of people were moved by his dedication, humility and work ethic," she added.FOX 5 reported that Baker was originally considering taking a gap year to earn money for college.Now, he'll be able to begin studying automotive technology this fall.On June 3, staff from the Burger King Foundation surprised Mykale at work with a $10,000 scholarship. Reid Neumann, the director of marketing for GPS Hospitality, handed Baker a gigantic check.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle"We wanted to recognize you for everything that you have done, always jumping in to help out your team," he said.Pictures show the hard worker beaming while holding his larger-than-life check.Daizie Chavez, Mendoza's daughter, was also gifted a $10,000 Burger King Foundation scholarship to support her neuroscience studies at Georgia State University.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News Digital reached out to Mendoza for additional comment.

PresidentDonald Trumpwill be hosting a military parade next Saturday honoring military veterans and active-duty service members to commemorate the U.S. Armys birthday.The parade is scheduled for June 14, the250th birthdayof the United States Army, Flag Day, and Trumps birthday.Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) announced the airport is expected to halt flights during the parade.FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP WELCOMES MILITARY MOMS TO WHITE HOUSE FOR MOTHER'S DAY"To accommodate aircraft flyovers along the parade route, followed by a fireworks display, the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to suspend airline operations at DCA affecting scheduled flights," reads an airport press release.The airport cautions that "customers with flight reservations for the evening of June 14 should check the status of their flights directly with their airline."An FAA spokesperson told Fox News Digital the agency is working with the Department of Defense to finalize a flyover plan detailing the number and types of aircraft involved.Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for the Washington, D.C., area will be issued in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security "to ensure safety and security during the celebration."For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleFox News Digital is told the restrictions will expand the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area (DC SFRA) and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone (DC FRZ)."The FAA will implement traffic management initiatives (TMI) at DCA before, during, and after the event to ensure safety and will facilitate a return to normal operations once the event concludes. During the peak of the celebration, the TMI stops all arrivals and departures," said the FAA spokesperson.The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 9:30 p.m.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERFlight passengers are advised to use theD.C. Metrorail to reach the airport and can expect roadway closures off-airport to increase the travel time.There will be "nofireworksviewing" due to construction and event parking is strongly discouraged, says the DCA release."Expect delays from road closures and increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the area," it states.The landmark event will take place on Constitution Ave NW between 15th Street and 23rd Street.At the event, there will be historical U.S. Army personnel re-enactors, period-accurate equipment, vehicles, flyovers and military bands, according to America250."The event is designed not only to showcase the Armys modern capabilities but also to inspire a new generation to embrace the spirit of service, resilience, and leadership that defines the United States," the America250 site says.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has already dubbed the Pacers the "greatest comeback team" of her lifetime. They proved that point again with another comeback victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.Clark, who has been sidelined for weeks with a quad injury, celebrated on social media asthe Pacers took their first lead of the game in the final second of the fourth quarter when Tyrese Haliburtons jump shot gave Indiana a one-point lead and secured the 111-110 victory over the Thunder."YOU CANT MAKE IT UP," Clark posted on X.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMHer reference to the Pacers unwavering ability to rally followed her previous post on May 21 when Indiana came back from a 14-point deficit with under three minutes remaining in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against theNew York Knicks.It was another jumper from Haliburton that sent that game to overtime and would give the Pacers Game 1 with a 138-135 overtime win."PACERS ARE THE GREATEST COMEBACK TEAM IVE EVER SEEN," Clark said at the time.PACERS OVERCOME 15-POINT 4TH QUARTER DEFICIT ON LAST SECOND SHOT TO STUN THUNDER IN GAME 1 OF NBA FINALSThe Thunders collapse was only half the story on Thursday night. Indiana committed 19 turnovers in the first half but returned in the second with just five turnovers and outscored Oklahoma City 32-16 in the final 10 minutes.Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 19 points. Obi Toppin scored 17, Myles Turner had 15, and Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard each had 14."I dont know what you say about it, but I know that this group is a resilient group, and we dont give up until its 0.0 on the clock," Haliburton said of the win.The Thunder will attempt to even the series when they host the Pacers for Game 2 on Sunday night. After that, the series heads to Indiana.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said a thorough review of spending from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is warranted, following the Trump administrations efforts to overhaul the agency. USAID was an independent agency to provide impoverished countries aid and offer development assistance, but the agency was upended since February when President Donald Trump installed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to oversee the organization amid concerns that USAID did not advance U.S. core interests. Since then, the agency has faced layoffs and is being absorbed into the State Department.This increased scrutiny on USAID spending is valid, according to Risch."The amount of money that we're spending on that has to be reviewed top to bottom," Risch said during an event Wednesday at the Washington-based think tank the Hudson Institute.FIRED ME ILLEGALLY: EMOTIONAL EX-USAID EMPLOYEES LEAVE BUILDING WITH BELONGINGS AFTER MASS LAYOFFSRisch said that several weeks into the Trump administration, he and others, including Rubio, evaluated a list of programs that detailed $3 million in funding for "promotion of democracy in Lower Slobovia." According to Risch, the description didnt provide enough information and items like these are totaling up to billions of dollars that must undergo review."Lower Slobovia" is a fictional place and a term used by Americans to describe an underdeveloped foreign country."We can do so much better, not only in how, how much money we spend, but how we spend it," Risch said. "So, if you say, well, we're eliminating this program, be careful you don't say, 'Oh, that means we're walking away from human rights.' Look, America is human rights. If America leads the way on human rights. We are the world standard on human rights. We have no intention of giving that position up."The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) targeted USAID in its push to eliminate wasteful spending. The agency came under fire for many funding choices, including allocating $1.5 million for a program that sought to "advance diversity, equity and inclusion in Serbias workplaces and business communities" and a $70,000 program for a "DEI musical" in Ireland.HYSTERIA: WHITE HOUSE SHUTS DOWN CONCERNS OVER USAID DOCUMENT PURGEAs a result, Rubio announced on March 11 that the State Department completed a six-week review and would cancel more than 80% of USAID programs cutting roughly 5,200 of USAID's 6,200 programs.Fox News Digital was the first to report later in March that the State Department planned to absorb the remaining operations and programs USAID runs so it would no longer function as an independent agency.The move means eliminating thousands of staff members in an attempt to enhance the existing, "life-saving" foreign assistance programs, according to a State Department memo that Fox News Digital obtained.NEXT US NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR? HERE'S WHOM TRUMP MIGHT PICK TO REPLACE WALTZ"Foreign assistance done right can advance our national interests, protect our borders, and strengthen our partnerships with key allies," Rubio said in a March statement to Fox News Digital. "Unfortunately, USAID strayed from its original mission long ago. As a result, the gains were too few and the costs were too high.""We are reorienting our foreign assistance programs to align directly with what is best for the United States and our citizens," Rubio said. "We are continuing essential lifesaving programs and making strategic investments that strengthen our partners and our own country."Meanwhile, Democrats slammed the restructuring of the agency, labeling the move "illegal.""Donald Trump and Elon Musks destruction and dismantling of USAID is not only disastrous foreign policy and counter to our national security interests; it is plainly illegal," the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., said in a statement in March. "Congress wrote a law establishing USAID as an independent agency with its own appropriation, and only Congress can eliminate it."

When President Donald Trump recently suggested taking $3 billion from Harvards federal funding and redirecting it toward trade schools, he didnt just launch a headline, he launched a national reckoning. And as a university president, I believe he touched a nerve that desperately needed to be hit.For too long, higher education has drifted from its purpose. Elite institutions have grown wealthier and more disconnected, while everyday Americans shoulder massive student debt for degrees that no longer guarantee opportunity.The result? A broken pipeline, rising costs, shrinking returns, and students who feel forced to choose between meaning and mobility.But heres the truth few are willing to say out loud: not every student is called to a traditional university path. And thats not a problem to fix, its a reality to embrace.HARVARD VS. TRUMP: ALL THE PRESIDENT WANTS IS FOR THE UNIVERSITY TO OBEY THE LAWIn my role, Ive seen firsthand the power of aligning education with calling. That includes aspiring teachers, ministers and entrepreneurs, but also electricians, HVAC technicians, mechanics and builders.Ive met students who feel more alive on a construction site than in a lecture hall. And Ive seen how learning construction technology can do more than build a career, it can restore confidence, dignity and purpose.This is personal for me. I lead a university, yes, but I also lead with the conviction that education should serve the whole person: spiritually, practically and vocationally. Thats why I believe the future of higher ed must include the trades, not as a fallback, but as a foundation.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONChristian tradition understands this well. Jesus worked with wood and nails before preaching in synagogues. Paul made tents to support his ministry. Scripture doesnt draw a line between spiritual work and skilled labor. It lifts both as sacred. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and to work with your hands."What we need now is a cultural reset. One that stops looking down on trades and starts investing in them, not just with funding, but with respect. That means parents affirming their childs calling, even if it leads to a job site instead of a boardroom. It means pastors reminding their congregations that all honest work is sacred. And it means more universities embracing flexible, high-quality training that equips students for lives of both character and competence.The goal isnt to pit trade schools against traditional universities. Its to restore balance. Because the future of our country wont be built from ivory towers. It will be built from the ground up, by people with tools in their hands and purpose in their hearts.We need welders with wisdom. Carpenters with character. Lineworkers with leadership. And institutions with the courage to say so.This isnt just good politics. Its the path to national renewal.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE DR. KENT INGLE

Six alleged drug traffickers accused of using "narco subs" and aircraft to transport large quantities of cocaine were slapped with U.S. sanctions earlier this week, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control.Two Colombians Manuel Salazar Gutierrez and Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo and four Guyanese nationals Randolph Duncan, Himnauth Sawh, Mark Cromwell and Paul Daby Jr. have been sanctioned for allegedly trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, according to officials."Under President [Donald] Trump, this administration has achieved the most secure border in modern history," Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender said in a statement. "The Treasury Department continues to bring our unique tools and authorities to the fight against cartels and their affiliates."US GOVERNMENT TAKING DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT APPROACH USING TERRORISM CHARGES AGAINST DRUG CARTELS: FBI ALUMOfficials allege that Daby Jr. and Duncan are responsible for operating the largest drug trafficking organizations throughout Guyana, relying on semi-submersible narco submarines and aircraft to transport cocaine while bribing local government officials.Sawh, a Guyanese police officer, is accused of funneling Venezuelan and Mexican drug traffickers transporting cocaine through Guyana, according to the Treasury. Cromwell, a former Guyanese police officer, is wanted by authorities for his involvement in the abduction of a fellow police officer last year.Colombian nationals Salazar and Sanchez are aiding in aircraft smuggling by overseeing airstrips as cocaine is transported from Colombia to Guyana, the department said.SINALOA CARTEL LEADERS CHARGED WITH NARCO-TERRORISM AFTER AUTHORITIES SEIZE 1.65 TONS OF FENTANYL"All property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC," the Treasury said.The sanctions come as authorities are attempting to crack down on homemade narco subs traveling through Guyanas jungles while carrying record amounts of cocaine, according to U.S. officials. The Treasury points to the countrys proximity to the Caribbean and alleged corruption along its borders, ultimately allowing narco subs and aircraft to move throughout the country."Guyana is a close partner of the United States in combating narcotics trafficking," the Treasury said in a statement. "Nevertheless, according to a 2025 State Department International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, corruption in Guyana poses a significant obstacle to its efforts to combat drug trafficking."SANCTUARY POLICIES FUEL LATIN AMERICAN GANGS SMUGGLING DRUGS, ENDANGERING AMERICANS: FORMER DEA AGENTIn March 2025, a cargo vessel from Guyana was discovered by authorities off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago carrying approximately 400 pounds of cocaine, the Treasury said. The packages were stamped with the Toyota logo, known to be used by the Sinaloa Cartel.Last year, U.S. and Guyanese law enforcement seized approximately 5,200 pounds of cocaine from a self-propelled narco sub operating off the coast of Guyana.The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment."Treasury will continue to expose the criminal networks that allow for drugs to be trafficked into the United States," Faulkender said. "[We will] work closely with our law enforcement colleagues and the Government of Guyana to disrupt the cartels wherever they operate."

Karen Read's legal team is nearing the end of the case for her defense with crash reconstruction expert Dr. Daniel Wolfe called to the stand Friday.It was the 28th day of her retrial on murder and other charges in the death of her former boyfriend, a 46-year-old Boston police officer named John O'Keefe.Wolfe is the director of accident reconstruction at a firm called ARCCA.KAREN READ DENIS NOTICING CONFRONTATION BETWEEN DECEASED BOYFRIEND AND ATF AGENTOn the witness stand Friday, he said ARCCA designed a specialized "cannon" to simulate throwing a cocktail glass at Read's taillight and determined that similar damage could have been caused if someone threw the glass at around 31 mph and 37 mph."From the 37 mile per hour test, we are getting damage that's generally consistent, and by that I mentioned we have portions of the outer lens missing, the underlying diffuser," he said.KAREN READ DEFENSE GETS BOOST AS PLOW DRIVER TESTIFIES HE SAW NO BODY IN SNOW DURING BOSTON COP DEATH CASE"There was also some fracturing on the backside of the assembly. So again we observed damage that was generally consistent with that of the subject taillight."Wolfe said he gave an opinion that the damage Read's SUV was generally consistent with someone throwing that drinking glass at at least 37 mph.FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON XIn another ARCCA test, the reconstructionists wanted to see if an impact between the taillight and the back of O'Keefe's head could've caused his skull fracture.Wolfe said he tested at 15 mph. Damage to the test taillight was significantly more than Read's taillight at that speed but it didn't generate enough force to cause a skull fracture.SIGN UP TO GET THE TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTERProsecutors accused Read, 45, of hitting O'Keefe with her 2021 Lexus SUV and driving away as he died on the ground with a skull fracture during a blizzard.The defense denies that she struck him and has called witnesses who have attributed his injuries to other causes, including a dog bite and a potential fistfight with a man Read was flirting with behind his back.GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUBSpecial prosecutor Hank Brennan unsuccessfully tried to have Wolfe and a colleague, Dr. Andrew Renstchler, blocked from testifying before the start of the trial.Wolfe testified during the first trial, which ended with a deadlocked jury, that damage to Read's SUV is inconsistent with a collision involving O'Keefe.Read told reporters outside court Wednesday that her defense could rest as soon as next Tuesday. There was no court on Thursday.She could face up to life in prison if convicted. Her first trial, in which the defense claimed she had been framed, ended with a deadlocked jury last year.

A federal judge upheld Colorados restriction on firearms sales requiring buyers to be 21 or older after Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and two people looking to purchase firearms sued Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo.Chief U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer agreed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuits decision that age-based requirements for purchase do not fall under the Second Amendments right to keep and bear arms. The 10th Circuit and Brimmer agree that the issue falls under a "safe harbor" exclusion, placing it outside the scope of the Constitution.The only exceptions to Colorados firearm purchase age restriction are for those in the U.S. Military and for peace officers. In both cases, the person must be making the purchase while on duty and is "serving in conformance with the policies" of their respective agency.SUPREME COURT DECLINES TO EXAMINE APPEALS OVER MARYLAND, RHODE ISLAND GUN CONTROL LAWS"Governor Polis is committed to making Colorado one of the ten safest states, and common-sense laws encourage responsible gun ownership and keep people safe. For decades in Colorado, you had to be 21 to purchase a handgun, per federal law. The requirement to be 21 was expanded to rifles and shotguns with the signing of SB23-169, and Governor Polis is glad to see the court affirm that Colorados common sense law does not infringe on Second Amendment rights. Governor Polis is confident this law has and will help keep Coloradans and our communities safe," Polis' Communications Director Conor Cahill said in a statement to Fox News Digital.Brimmer acknowledged that Adrian Pineda and Matthew Newkirk the two individuals under 21 who sued Polis together with Rocky Mountain Gun Owners are part of "the people" as written in the Second Amendment. However, he referred to the 10th Circuits decision, saying it had resolved the case back in 2023, according to Courthouse News Service (CNS).DEBATE OVER WHETHER TO BAN HANDGUN SALES TO TEENS COULD SOON HEAD TO THE SUPREME COURTThe decision in Colorado comes in contrast to one issued by the Supreme Court in 2022 in which justices determined that New York issued unconstitutional requirements for carrying a concealed weapon in public. Then-President Joe Biden said he was "deeply disappointed" by the ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. He said that SCOTUS had "chosen to strike down New Yorks long-established authority to protect its citizens.""This ruling contradicts both common sense and the Constitution, and should deeply trouble us all," Biden said in a statement at the time. He went on to reaffirm his commitment to reducing gun violence and making communities safer.Brimmer is also going against a decision made by the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which struck down a federal restriction banning the sale of firearms to anyone below the age of 21. That court held that those ages 18 to 20 are protected under the Second Amendment, according to The Trace, an organization of journalists who report on gun violence in the U.S."The federal government has presented scant evidence that eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds firearm rights during the founding-era were restricted in a similar manner to the contemporary federal handgun purchase ban," Judge Edith H. Jones wrote in the opinion.Several states, including New York, Massachusetts, California, Florida, Illinois, Delaware and Vermont have raised the age for purchasing firearms, according to the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. While some states have limited the age restrictions to handgun purchases, others have applied the restriction to any kind of firearm.

An Oregon middle school encouraged students to dress up as "drag queens" and their favorite "queer hero" this week in celebration of Pride Month, but one parent said families weren't notified ahead of time.At the Arts & Technology Academy in the Eugene School District 4J, students celebrated "Pride Spirit Week" with a different theme each day intended to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, according to a memo obtained by Fox News Digital.On Monday, students were encouraged to "wear as many colors as they could" for "Rainbow-Out" day. On Tuesday, they were told to wear all black "in remembrance of lost members of the LGBTQIA+ community."Wednesday was "Drag Day" where students were told to "dress like a drag queen/king/monarch or dress up as a different gender."WASHINGTON SCHOOL BOARD FIGHTS 'RADICAL' STATE EDUCATION CHIEF DEFYING TRUMP'S TRANSGENDER ATHLETE BANThursday was "Queer Hero Day" where students picked their favorite "queer hero," such as Freddie Mercury or Chappell Roan.The week's events concluded with "Pride Flag Friday," where students were told to "dress up as the pride flag of your choice."A parent who spoke to Fox News Digital said that the school principal sent out a notice to parents about the Pride Spirit Week on Monday afternoon, about 15 minutes after students were let out for the day. The email also said that the weekly activities would coincide with learning in the classroom about "the history of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement."The parent was surprised to learn of the activities after the week had already kicked off and wondered why the school hadn't shared with families in advance.According to Oregon state law, schools are required to notify parents and guardians ahead of instruction on human sexuality.CONSERVATIVE SCHOOL BOARD IN BLUE STATE ASKING TRUMP ADMIN TO INTERVENE ON GENDER POLICYWhen reached for comment by Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the Eugene School District 4J confirmed that parents were notified Monday afternoon about the week's activities.Most of the lessons and activities were not considered part of formal instruction on human sexuality, the district said, but parents should've been notified earlier.The district vowed to "work more closely with schools around notice for thematic and spirit weeks," saying it is their expectation that schools communicate with families about special events weeks in advance and comply with Oregon law in allowing families the opportunity to review human sexuality curriculum and opt out in advance.The activities and lessons aligned with the Oregon Department of Education's LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan, the district added. LGBTQ2SIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/non-binary, Queer/Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex and Asexual, with the plus sign referring to other identities.The success plan "ensures students learn about the histories and contributions of historically marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals," the district said.TARGET SWAPS OUT RAINBOW FLAGS FOR STARS AND STRIPES AS SHOPPERS NOTICE SHIFT DURING PRIDE MONTHThe school's Pride Spirit Week was meant to show support for LGBTQ+ students and their families and cultivate an inclusive climate."We remain deeply committed to fostering inclusive, safe learning spaces-and doing so in partnership with families. That means ensuring our communication is clear, our curriculum is aligned, and our students feel like they belong," the district said.The Oregon school district is one of several that have taken a stand against President Donald Trump's actions to root out gender ideology and diversity, equity and inclusion in public schools.Two days after Trump issued an executive order declaring recognition of "two sexes, male and female," the Eugene 4J school board adopted a resolution on Jan. 22 "affirming gender identity, expression and equity for transgender and gender-expansive students and staff."The resolution said the district would stand in support of "LGBTQ2SIA+" people and rejected "any attempt to diminish, politicize or marginalize these identities."It was also the first public K-12 school district to join a federal lawsuit in February challenging Department of Education guidelines on racial discrimination.The Department of Education notified educators in February that they must stop using racial preferences and stereotypes as a factor in their admissions, hiring, promotion and other practices, or risk losing federal funding.The lawsuit, filed by teachers' union the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association, argues that the Department of Education was threatening educators' constitutional right to free speech and due process with the order.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Our equity programs are part of our board and district goals to make sure our students have fair access to achievement and that our schools are effective in reaching all students, including our most vulnerable," Eugene 4J School Board Chair Jenny Jonak said in a press release announcing the lawsuit.In April, a federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked the Department of Education from cutting funding or prosecuting school districts while the policy is being challenged.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cleared waivers allowing for 36 more miles of border wall construction in Arizona and New Mexico.The waivers curb environmental regulations that the construction would be subjected to legally build more quickly. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital in a statement that "DHS has been working at a neck-breaking speed to secure our border" and remove "criminal illegal aliens out of our country."The waivers cover several projects, including filling gaps in the Yuma Sector and making developments on the wall in the El Paso Sector, according to a news release. In addition, 24 miles will be part of the Tucson Sonoita Project.REPUBLICAN AGS VISIT US-MEXICO BORDER WALL AS TRUMP'S 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' CLEARS EXPANSION FUNDINGThese projects already had funds allocated in 2020-21 appropriations for Customs and Border Protection, the release from CBP added."Today's news is welcome here in Yuma, Arizona, where our community is still grappling with the consequences of the Biden-Harris Administration's four years of open-border policies,"Jonathan Lines, a Yuma County Supervisor and Chairman of the Border Security Alliance, stated."We applaud President Trump's commitment to border security, and we look forward to the completion of the wall across the entire southern border. The border crisis is not yet over, and our federal government must continue to equip the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents with the tools, technologies, and resources necessary to provide adequate national security to keep America safe," Lines added.TRUMP ADMIN SHARES BORDER PLANS FOR 2025 AND BEYOND: 'AS MUCH WALL AS WE NEED'Another waiver was granted in April to build more of the wall in California. With only a few small exceptions, border wall construction was largely halted during the Biden administration as millions of people crossed illegally, including through gaps. The gaps between barriers are also known to be used for cartel activity.CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE"Our border has never been safer or more secure, and we have the Trump Administration to thank for that," Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Finishing the wall is exactly what Arizonans voted for, and Im pleased Secretary Noem is quickly carrying out President Trumps mission to protect our citizens and strengthen our national security. Sanity and the rule of law are being restored in our nation."Critics of further wall construction have largely cited environmental concerns.BORDER COMMUNITY REVEALS WHAT TRUMP ADMIN STILL NEEDS TO ACCOMPLISH AS CRISIS CALMS DOWN: 'UNDUE BURDENS'"Waiving environmental, cultural preservation, and good governance laws that protect clean air and clean water, safeguard precious cultural resources, and preserve vibrant ecosystems and biodiversity will only cause further harm to border communities and ecosystems," Earthjustice Associate Legislative Representative Cameron Walkup said in a statement in April after the California waiver."Rather than rushing to spend tens of billions of dollars to help President Trump build even more wasteful border wall through a budget reconciliation package, Congress should focus on rescinding these waivers and remediating the significant damage that has already been caused by the wall," Walkup added.