The USDA is changing more than a dozen policies behind programs nationwide in order to comply with new orders from the Trump administration.
Under the orders, agencies must eliminate so-called "radical gender ideology" in federally funded programs.
The changes are effective immediately. And the USDA has already removed DEI-related policies and requirements from 14 funding programs.
That includes changes to programs that support rural utilities, broadband expansion and economic development. Projects dedicated to business development, infrastructure like broadband, and grants to support telemedicine access – especially in rural areas – are expected to feel the change most.
From now on, any incoming grant applications will be evaluated under the new, stripped-down criteria.
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The Arizona Department of Health Services has adopted a policy affirming tribal sovereignty over health data. -
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled a measure that would ban transgender students from using preferred bathrooms can stay on the ballot. -
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has once again denied a Major Disaster Declaration request from the city of Globe. Gov. Katie Hobbs and the city’s mayor have condemned the decision. -
One of the cartels designated as a foreign terrorist organization is largely believed to be responsible for the 2019 killing of nine U.S. citizens in the Mexican state of Sonora. -
Arizona is already home to the second-largest nuclear power plant in the country. But now, with more coal plants being decommissioned and demand going up, we could soon be home to one more.
