French President Emmanuel Macron has a new ride as DS Automobiles has unveiled the Presidential DS N°8. Introduced as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations for V-E Day, the one-off model sports an assortment of special touches.

Starting outside, there’s a unique Sapphire Blue exterior with contrasting black accents. They’re joined by a special DS Luminascreeen grille, which illuminates blue, white, and red as a nod to the French flag. Speaking of which, there are flag holders on the front bumper. The model also sports a retractable soft top as well as blue, white, and red badges.

More: DS No8 Breaks Cover As The New French Electric Flagship

The blue theme continues inside with Dream Blue Alcantara and Nappa leather upholstery. They’re accompanied by pleated door panels, pearl contrast stitching, and a Focal audio system.

More notably, the Presidential DS N°8 has beautiful straw marquetry. It’s made from rye straw, which has been dyed and arranged in an elegant fan pattern. The resulting trim looks fantastic and is an interesting departure from the typical wood found in luxury cars.

The company didn’t say much else about the interior, but it appears to feature a familiar digital instrument cluster and 16-inch infotainment system. We can also see a handful of special controls hidden beneath the floating center console. Some of these appear to operate flashing lights and, perhaps, a siren.

DS was tight-lipped about powertrain specifics, but confirmed the model has a range of up to 466 miles (750 km). This suggests the Presidential DS N°8 is based on the Long Range FWD variant, which has a 97.2 kWh battery pack as well as a 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) electric motor. However, we probably shouldn’t read too much into those numbers as the car is armored and this will undoubtedly impact its performance.

The Mini Countryman is typically thought of as a road-focused SUV, but thanks to off-road experts Delta4x4 and the Dakar-winning team X-Raid, it’s been reimagined into something far more extreme, yet still street-legal beast. This radical conversion, currently presented as a digital concept, could potentially be brought to life in limited numbers if enough interest is generated.

More: BMW’s M2 Dakar Concept Is So Good It Hurts That It’s Just An April Fool’s Joke

The two companies recently showed a Mini Countryman X-Raid tuning package, which included a raft of upgrades like new wheels, tires, a suspension lift, and some eye-catching orange decals. These tweaks were only a warm-up, though, and they soon dove into creating a version inspired by X-Raid’s rally-winning desert warriors.

From April Fool’s Joke to Real Project

According to X-Raid, the idea started as an April Fool’s joke, but it quickly evolved into a real project. The highlight of the exterior are the front and rear fender extensions that add 200 mm (7.9 inches) of width to the compact SUV. A bull bar protects the front bumper from minor collisions, while extra LEDs on the grille and roof will turn night into day.

The roof rack provides extra space for overlanding equipment such as snow tracks, a full-size spare wheel, and a couple of tanks. Furthermore, Delta4x4 has added Defender-style storage compartments on the rear side windows, and decorative belts on the hood and tailgate. As a finishing touch, the body is wrapped in a matte gray shade with orange graphics.

Delta4x4 / Facebook

Underneath the Mini Countryman, things are looking even more serious. It now rolls on 18-inch Delta4x4 Hanma alloy wheels wrapped in heavy-duty all-terrain rubber by Loder. Combined with a rally-tuned suspension that adds an extra 50 mm (2 inches) of ground clearance, this SUV is ready for more than just the occasional gravel road.

More: Dacia Duster Soul Of Dakar Concept Could Inspire Future Special Edition Models

X-Raid hasn’t mentioned any performance upgrades, but judging by the rendering, the base model appears to be the fully electric Mini Countryman SE All4. This version comes with a dual-motor AWD setup that produces 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) and is powered by a 66.5 kWh battery, providing a range of 212 miles (341 km). That said, the modifications are likely compatible with any variant of the Countryman, including the hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter engine version.

A Limited-Edition Possibility

While the vehicle is still a concept, X-Raid and Delta4x4 have hinted at the possibility of “small-scale production” if customer demand is high enough. Hopefully, the renders will resonate with the more adventurous kind of Mini Countryman owners, bringing the Dakar-inspired build on the road. Despite its wild stance, the company has confirmed that this is a “street-legal package”.

Earlier reports also suggest that Mini itself is also working on a more rugged version of the Countryman, though details about that are still vague at best. For now, we’ll have to wait and see if this wild rendition becomes a reality.

Ford’s Bronco family is about to get a whole lot bigger, and it looks like China will be the first to see the new addition. A camouflaged SUV sporting Bronco badges and styling has been spotted in China, giving us an early glimpse of an upcoming high-riding model from Ford. This SUV is clearly a departure from the US-spec Bronco Sport and will join the mid-size five-door Bronco already on sale in China.

More: Chinese Galaxy Battleship Floats Two Hours Straight While Pretending It’s A Defender

This mysterious SUV was included in Ford’s latest product plan for China, which was announced just last month. While the official announcement kept things vague, spy shots from Autohome have given us a few juicy details about what could be the third member of Ford’s ever-expanding Bronco family.

Design Details and Familiar Features

The camouflaged prototype boasts a boxy, rugged design reminiscent of the growing number of SUVs from China. The headlights carry a Bronco Sport influence, though they forgo the signature round LED graphics. From the side, round fender flares, pop-out door handles, and an upright windshield with black pillars add to the vehicle’s bold look.

At the rear, a full-size spare tire and vertically stacked taillights bring to mind the Land Rover Defender, while the clear finish gives it a contemporary touch.

Moving inside, the Bronco identity shines through, highlighted by the emblem on the flat-bottom steering wheel. Though parts of the interior remain concealed, we can still make out a high-mounted center console featuring ample storage and a free-standing infotainment screen seamlessly integrated into the dashboard.

Size and Unibody Architecture

Spy Shots Autohome

While the exact dimensions and positioning of this model remain unclear, it appears to be larger than the US-spec Ford Bronco Sport, which measures 4,387 mm (172.7 inches) long. This could be Ford’s response to the perceived preference of Chinese customers for bigger and roomier vehicles. For context, the five-door Bronco stretches to 4,800-4,825 mm (189-190 inches) in length.

A look underneath suggests that the SUV is based on a unibody architecture. This is probably the biggest point of differentiation from the regular Bronco that rides on a ladder-frame chassis sourced from the Ranger pickup. It remains to be seen whether this Chinese model will share its unibody foundation with the Bronco Sport, Escape/Kuga, and Focus, or if Ford has something entirely different in mind for its new Bronco variant.

More: A New Ford Sedan Has Been Spied In America

Elements such as the covered grille, the aero-friendly alloy wheels, and the dual ports on the rear fenders suggest that the SUV is fitted with an electrified powertrain, which would be a first for a Bronco-badged product. The setup could either be a plug-in hybrid or a range-extender, as both of them require the presence of a fuel port and a charging port.

A few details, like the covered grille, aero-friendly alloy wheels, and dual ports on the rear fenders, hint that this SUV might come with an electrified powertrain, which if true, would be a first for anything wearing the Bronco badge. This could mean a plug-in hybrid or a range-extender setup, as both would require both a fuel port and a charging port.

This new Bronco model is expected to be built in China, likely through one of Ford’s joint ventures with Changan or Jiangling Motors. Expect more details later this year, when the vehicle’s specs and images will likely be revealed through China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, ahead of its official market launch.

Last September, Volvo rowed back from its previous pledge to go all-electric by 2030, and now, eight months later, that looks like a very smart move. The Geely-owned automaker just announced its latest sales figures, and they show registrations of fully electric Volvo vehicles fell by almost one-third.

Volvo’s EV sales fell 32 percent in April versus the same period last year. The company sold 17,090 EVs in April 2024, compared to the 11,697 EVs sold in the month just gone. PHEV sales actually grew fractionally (by 2 percent) to 14,688, but MHEV and ICE registrations also dropped 5 percent to 34,315.

Related: Trump’s Tariffs Drive Volvo To Build A New Model In The US

That means Volvo’s combined electric sales were down 16 percent, and total sales for all power types for April stood at 65,838, or 11 percent lower than they were for the corresponding period last year. And April’s terrible performance really dragged down the overall Q1 EV sales figures, which showed a 6 percent sales decline and are down 7 percent Jan-April.

The lacklustre demand for EVs comes despite the EX30 being rolled out to the US and sales of the big EX90 also now having begun. But Volvo is one of the automakers affected by President Trump’s tariffs, albeit not as badly affected as Audi or Porsche. Although it does build the EX90 at its South Carolina plant in the US, other models like the XC90, XC60, XC40, and EX30 are all made overseas and subject to import levies.

Volvo sales April 2025

Volvo is looking to address that issue and is planning to build a second model – probably the XC60 or XC90 – at the same site. Volvo recently dropped the S90 from the US market due to tariffs, though the newly facelifted sedan will still be offered in Asia.

The man tasked with managing the turnaround is Hakan Samuelsson, who returned to the CEO role on April 1 on a two-year contract while the company looks for a permanent new boss. He replaces Jim Rowan, who took over from Samulesson in 2022 but was shown the door this spring after three years in the big chair.

From left, Megan Hufton, Laurel Burns and Abigail Tessman take part in a roundtable discussion about Medicaid with Sen. Tammy Baldwin, right. The discussion was held Friday, May 2, 2025, at Common Threads, a Madison agency that provides Medicaid-supported services for people with autism and people with disabilities. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner)

Update: GOP leaders in Congress have postponed the release of their proposals for Medicaid, originally scheduled for the week of May 5. 

Ahead of action on Congressional legislation that could provide the first hard details on proposed cuts to Medicaid, Wisconsin lawmakers are urging constituents to push back against cutting health care coverage.

“One of the most powerful things we can do right now is to elevate stories and talk about how compelling a need there is for robust investment in the Medicaid program,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin told a group of Medicaid recipients at a roundtable discussion in Madison on Friday.

Republicans in Congress are trying to extend federal tax cuts enacted in 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term. Unless renewed, the 2017 tax cuts will expire at the end of 2025.

Congressional Republicans want to offset $4.5 trillion that extending the 2017 tax cuts will add to the federal deficit over 10 years. Based on their original blueprint, Medicaid has been in the spotlight as a likely target, and this week GOP leaders in the U.S. House are expected to release their first concrete proposals.

Medicaid covers about 1.3 million Wisconsin residents — roughly one in five people in the state, according to the state Department of Health Services (DHS). Those include nearly 900,000 low-income people who have primary health care and hospital services though BadgerCare Plus.

More than 260,000 people who are elderly, blind, or have other disabilities have coverage through Medicaid, including for long-term care in nursing homes or in their own homes or the community. And another 244,000 Wisconsinites have Medicaid coverage through a variety of other special programs.

Extending the 2017 tax cuts will benefit the richest 1% of the population most, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) found.

“In order to give tax breaks for the rich, what do they want to cut? Medicaid. It’s one of the biggest targets,” Baldwin, a Democrat, told participants in the Madison roundtable. “So from the folks who are most vulnerable, to transfer money to those who are billionaires and millionaires and multi-millionaires — it is criminal in my mind. It’s immoral.”

Baldwin’s event was one of two held Friday to highlight Medicaid’s importance in Wisconsin. In Eau Claire, state Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) convened a discussion that included providers and Medicaid recipients.

Emerson’s discussion was joined via Zoom by Chiquita Brooks-LaSure administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under former President Joe Biden

“These attacks on the Medicaid program can be devastating if they go through,” Brooks-LaSure told the Wisconsin Examiner in a phone interview. “Not just for the millions of low-income people who need help, not just for the millions of middle-class families who depend on Medicaid — particularly for nursing home care, care in the home to keep you out of the nursing home, and children with special needs, whether it be autism services, whether it be developmental disabilities or physical disabilities.”

The existence of Medicaid helps the overall health care economy in the long run, Brooks-LaSure said.

Under federal law, hospitals must ensure that patients who show up in their emergency rooms are stable before they leave. But if a person’s care isn’t covered, “the entire health care system pays for that.”

Medicaid recipients who met with Baldwin described their anxiety over the prospect of losing coverage.

For Laurel Burns, who was born with no arms, Medicaid has enabled her to have health care for herself and for her two sons, now teens, whom she’s raised as a single mother after their father left.

“Being disabled has been a struggle my whole life. It’s like every twist and turn is up a steep hill,” Burns told Baldwin. Medicaid support, however, has enabled her to have health care at home, including needed assistance with grocery shopping and housekeeping.

She has been able to get a college degree and landed a part-time job working for an insurance agent.

“I would love to work full time, but the job market and being disabled is really difficult to navigate,” Burns said. “With all these cuts and threats to the program, it’s really scary for somebody like me who doesn’t have a large family.”

Megan Hufton, the single mother of two teenage boys who have autism and don’t speak, said that in addition to the support Medicaid has provided her sons as part of the program’s disability services, schools get Medicaid support to help pay for services such as occupational therapy. “I’m very nervous about the future,” Hufton said.

Baldwin’s discussion was held at Common Threads, a Medicaid-funded agency in Madison that provides mental health, rehab and alternative education services.

Liv Lacayo, who works with Common Threads clients and their families, said Medicaid enables them to get routine care so they don’t have to use emergency services as they might have to otherwise.

Without Medicaid, she said, she worries that families would be struggling for support.

Brett Maki, who must use a motorized wheelchair to get around, said Medicaid has made it possible for him to live independently, getting daily help with cooking, cleaning and laundry — “all of the basic necessities that I would need to live my life to the fullest.”

Without that, “I don’t even want to think about what that means,” he said.

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While China’s major automakers continue pushing the EV envelope with advanced tech and compelling price tags, a different breed of smaller manufacturers is still playing dress-up. Among the growing crowd of micro-EVs that unapologetically borrow from luxury brands like Bugatti, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati, one tiny outlier stands out. This pint-sized oddity doesn’t just mimic a Bentley, it also comes with a surprise under the hood: a range-extender powertrain.

At the front, it’s doing its best impression of a mini Bentley Bentayga, featuring a large mesh-style grille and a pair of round LED headlights. Move to the side or rear and the illusion fades a bit, with a shape that’s closer to a Smart. The tiny wheels and off-kilter proportions won’t have anyone second-guessing what it actually is, but it’s entertaining all the same.

More: Tiny Rolls-Royce And Maybach Clones Are The Cutest Things You’ll See Today

What makes this vehicle a little more than just a visual gag is the inclusion of a small combustion engine that looks suspiciously like it was borrowed from a garden tool. In a video shared on Instagram by yaypan_lik, it can be seen sputtering to life and making more noise than a vehicle of this size probably should. That said, the engine isn’t connected to the wheels; it only works as a generator to feed the battery.

This setup means the car is still powered by a fully electric motor, which is far quieter and presumably more efficient than the gas-powered backup. The hybrid system makes practical sense in places with limited EV charging infrastructure. Fittingly, the clip was filmed in Uzbekistan, where plug-in access might be less reliable.

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A Mini Bentley, A Micro Price Tag

According to the Instagram post, the car was priced at around $3,100 and apparently sold, although some commenters speculated the actual sale price may have been lower. A bit of digging shows that the faux Bentley is manufactured in Shandong, China, by Weihai Yilin New Energy Technology. Online listings show prices ranging from $2,500 to $3,100, consistent with the Uzbekistan post.

More: $11k Homemade Cybertruck Is Both Hilarious And Impressive

Measuring 3,850 mm (151.6 inches) in length, the Bentley doppelganger is technically a five-seater, although fitting that many adults inside would likely require some creative Tetris skills. Features include a digital cockpit, LED lights, a roof-mounted fan, heating, power windows, alloy wheels, and disc brakes on all four corners. There’s even a variant with a slightly tweaked exterior mimicking the front end of the Bentley Mulliner Batur, for those seeking an extra touch of fake exclusivity.

The electric motor is rated at 5 horsepower (3.5 kW), giving it a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). That puts it in the same performance bracket as heavy quadricycles like the Citroen Ami. As for the combustion engine, battery size, or range, those details are absent. But a full charge reportedly takes 8 to 10 hours.

Would You Buy It?

Of course, it’s not a real Bentley. It doesn’t drive like one, it doesn’t feel like one, and it definitely doesn’t come with the prestige. But for a few thousand dollars, it’s a bizarre, undeniably amusing way to get around the block. The real question is whether you’d choose this over a moped. And if your answer is yes, then maybe the tiny fake Bentley replica is doing something right.

Photos: Yilin Electric Car

Electric vehicles may dominate headlines and political agendas, but the road to a cleaner future isn’t a one-way street. At least, not according to Toyota, the world’s best-selling brand and long-time champion of hybrid technology. While other automakers sprint toward full electrification, Toyota is still holding its ground, cautiously expanding its EV lineup while doubling down on hybrids.

More: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

Despite recent moves in China with the broader bZ series, Toyota has taken plenty of flak for its relatively slow EV rollout. But if you ask Chairman Akio Toyoda, there’s a method to what critics call hesitation. Known for his firm stance on a multi-energy strategy, Toyoda once again explained why Toyota hasn’t followed the all-electric herd.

In an recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda said, “When the term carbon neutrality became popular, we said as a company the enemy is carbon. We have to focus on what we can do immediately to reduce carbon dioxide. That is the basis of our decision. It has not changed and will not change.”

Why Hybrids Still Matter

Toyoda also pointed to Toyota’s history with hybrid vehicles. “We have sold some 27 million hybrids,” he said. “Those hybrids have had the same impact as 9 million BEVs on the road. But if we were to have made 9 million BEVs in Japan, it would have actually increased the carbon emissions, not reduced them. That is because Japan relies on the thermal power plants for electricity.”

While the Toyota chairman didn’t break down the math behind those figures, he clearly wanted to show that EVs aren’t a silver bullet. Sure, battery electric vehicles offer zero tailpipe emissions, but that’s only part of the equation. The environmental impact of producing EVs and generating the electricity to charge them tells a more complicated story. Add to that the patchy state of charging infrastructure in many regions, and it becomes easier to understand why hybrids still make sense, at least for now.

Toyota’s deep roots in hybrid development go back to the original Prius in 1997. Since then, hybrids have grown to become a major part of the company’s global sales. Today, hybrid variants are offered across nearly every Toyota model line. Demand is particularly strong in markets like Europe and North America, where self-charging hybrids are often seen as a practical, lower-commitment step toward electrification.

More: Toyota Throws Gasoline On ICE vs EV Debate, Why Go All Electric When We Can Do Both?

And while EVs continue to grab market share, there’s a sizable segment of buyers who remain unconvinced, whether that be due to cost, range anxiety, or lack of infrastructure. Toyota seems content to serve that middle ground.

A Broader Strategy, Not a U-Turn

Toyoda’s multi-pathway approach includes more than just hybrids. He’s also supporting plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, battery EVs, and even combustion engines powered by synthetic fuels. For Toyota, it’s less about betting on a single winner and more about keeping all options open.

“We should look at all options and work in all directions,” Toyoda said. “As a company, we have been very consistent in saying what we’re fighting against is carbon dioxide.”

This isn’t new rhetoric from Toyoda. Last year, he made headlines for suggesting that even in the long term, fully electric vehicles will only make up 30 percent of global sales. He also warned that a sudden shift to an EV-only future could put 5.5 million Japanese jobs at risk.

In a sea of reveals at the Shanghai Auto Show, it’s easy to miss a few standout vehicles, especially with the rapid-fire pace of new model debuts. But once the dust settles, a few interesting names float to the surface, one of them being the new BYD Sea Lion 06, a sharp-looking electrified SUV with a front end that feels like it wandered out of a Genesis design studio.

More: Denza Z Is An Electric 911 Rival With A Fold-Away Steering Wheel

The split LED headlights look straight out of the Korean luxury brand’s playbook, flanking a grille-free nose that closely resembles the refreshed Genesis GV60. But the Sea Lion 06 doesn’t go in for sleek coupe-SUV theatrics. Instead, it opts for a more upright SUV stance that gives it a bit more presence on the road, and maybe a bit more practicality too.

Design Details with Familiar Influences

A few other styling cues stand out, like the wraparound greenhouse and a set of full-width taillights that evolve the design language of the BYD Seal sedan. There’s even a nod to Bentley in the way the rear light bar is shaped, nothing over-the-top, but enough to suggest BYD’s designers have been paying attention to the high-end crowd.

Step inside, and it’s a familiar sight for anyone who’s looked at a modern Chinese EV. The centerpiece is a 15.6-inch infotainment screen mounted to the center of the dash, a setup that’s practically standard at this point. What does break up the usual formula is the floating center console, fitted with metallic-look switchgear that feels like another subtle Genesis reference. As expected from BYD, the Sea Lion 06 comes equipped with its in-house “God’s Eye” advanced driver assistance suite.

Two Powertrains, One Look

BYD

Underneath, the SUV rides on BYD’s updated e-Platform 3.0 Evo. Buyers can choose between a fully electric version or a plug-in hybrid (DM-i). The EV comes in both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid pairs electric drive with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Despite these different drivetrains, the exterior remains identical across variants, BYD didn’t even tweak the wheel design for the sake of differentiation.

More: BYD Changes Course After Realizing Not Everyone Is Ready For EVs

As suggested by its name, the BYD Sea Lion 06 is positioned under the Sea Lion 07, although the difference in size between them is quite small. More specifically, the 06 measures 4,810 mm (189.4 inches) long, which is only 20 mm (0.8 inches) shorter than the 07. Still, the 2,820 mm (111.0 inches) wheelbase of the 06 is a 110 mm (4.3 inches) shorter than that of the 07.

Even so, the Sea Lion 06 has a bigger footprint than rivals like the Tesla Model Y and the Genesis GV60, and its shape suggests it might be more suited to family duties than some of its sleeker competitors.

As for pricing, BYD is aiming squarely at the value segment. In China, the Sea Lion 06 is expected to land between ¥160,000 and ¥200,000, which translates to roughly $22,000 to $27,500. Whether this electrified SUV makes its way to markets outside China, such as Europe, remains to be seen.

Ford is pouring tens of billions of dollars into electric vehicles, betting big on a future that’s already here, but so far, the returns aren’t looking great. While the EV market overall continues to grow, Ford’s own electric sales are moving in the opposite direction. If the Dearborn automaker wants to close the gap with rivals like GM and Hyundai-Kia, let alone take a swing at Tesla’s lead, it needs to figure out how to boost local EV sales, and quickly.

A look at Ford’s most recent sales results does not paint a pretty picture for the automaker. In April, Ford managed to sell 4,859 EVs across the country. This represents a massive 39.4% decline from the 8,014 units it sold in April last year. Ford’s total EV sales for the first four months of 2025 are also down 2.9% from last year, with 27,409 units finding new homes. And that’s with Ford extending its popular Employee Pricing discounts for all.

Read: Ford Chief Says China Leads US By 10 Years In EV Batteries, Needs Their IP

A dramatic drop in demand for the Mustang Mach-E is the main reason why Ford’s sales collapsed last month. In April, 2,927 Mustang Mach-Es were sold, representing a 40.2% decline from the 4,893 sold in April 2024. Interestingly, sales are up by 0.4% year to date with 14,534 sales.

Sales of the F-150 Lightning have also dropped. In April 2024, Ford shifted 2,090 units, but this year, just 1,740. Year-to-date sales are also down 9.2% to 8,927. The E-Transits also had a very bad month with just 192 sales, a plunge of 81.5%.

Unlike its EVs, Ford’s hybrids are actually gaining ground. In April, the company sold 23,331 hybrid models, a 29.6% increase over the previous year. Year-to-date, hybrid sales are up 31.9%, with 74,404 units sold so far in 2025.

Outside of EVs, things are looking good for Ford. In April, the company’s total vehicle sales rose 16.2% compared to the same month in 2024, reaching 208,675 units versus 179,588 last year.

With the exception of EVs, Ford’s overall sales are up through the first four months of the year, despite the turmoil that the whole industry is facing since the introduction of Trump’s tariffs. Year-to-date, Ford has sold 709,966 vehicles in the US, or 3.2% more than the 687,671 it delivered in 2024.

Update: Stellantis has officially pulled the curtain back on the 2026 Compass in Europe. We’ve updated our article with all the new details and photos.

Jeep is setting its sights on a bigger, broader market with the next-generation Compass, a compact model that’s poised to become the brand’s most globally available vehicle yet. The redesigned Compass boasts a more rugged, modern look and has grown in nearly every dimension. It now sits on the new Stellantis platform and offers a variety of electrified powertrains, from mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid to fully electric versions.

More: Citroen Just Put The Biggest Screen Ever In A Stellantis Model

On the outside, the new Compass adopts a more chiseled appearance. It takes design cues from both its smaller sibling, the Euro-market Avenger, and the larger Wagoneer S, sporting sharp fenders, crisp LED lights, and ultra-slim front intakes. The SUV’s stance is enhanced by boxy wheel arches and generous plastic cladding. Shorter front and rear overhangs give the Compass a more nimble, agile appearance, particularly when compared to its predecessor.

Additionally, the Compass benefits from an improved drag coefficient, thanks to aerodynamic tweaks like active grille shutters.

And because Jeep is all about that “nature-inspired” vibe, the new Compass comes in six colors that sound like they were plucked straight from a travel brochure. We’ve got Hawaii Green, Pacific Blue, Antarctica White, Amazonia Brown, Yosemite Grey, and Volcano Black.

Interior Design

Inside, Jeep has made a noticeable leap in both design and technology. The cockpit features a 10-inch display for the instrument cluster, paired with a large 16-inch infotainment screen. These are neatly arranged above a row of buttons and a rotary knob. The center console and dashboard are accented with aluminum-style finishes, and there’s plenty of storage space for your gear.

Powertrains and Platform

One of the key features of the new Jeep Compass is the STLA Medium architecture, shared with other Stellantis products like the Peugeot 3008/5008, the Opel Grandland, and the Citroen C5 Aircross.

The Compass is now longer, wider, and with a longer wheelbase. It measures 4,550 mm (179.1 inches) in length, 1,928 mm (75.9 inches) in width (+85 mm), and has a 160 mm (+6.2 inches) longer wheelbase at 2,795 mm (110.0 inches). This results in 55 mm (2.2 inches) more legroom, a 34-liter (1.2 cubic feet) front interior storage compartment, and a 45-liter (1.6 cubic feet) increase in boot capacity, now topping out at 550 liters (19.4 cubic feet).

The real news here, though, is the expanded engine range. The Compass will offer a variety of electrified powertrains, including e-Hybrid, e-Hybrid plug-in, and fully electric models. For markets outside Europe, non-electrified gasoline powertrains could still make an appearance, but for now, the emphasis is on electric. Both front- and all-wheel-drive variants will be available.

At launch in Europe, customers will have the choice of a 145-hp 48V Hybrid, a 195-hp Hybrid Plug-in, or three fully electric models. The electric options range from a 213-hp front-wheel drive version up to a beefy 375 hp in the all-wheel-drive version. To achieve that output in the AWD model, Jeep has developed a new, more powerful rear electric motor, specifically designed for the Compass, offering an additional 49 kW of peak power and up to 232 Nm of torque.

Charging and Range

When it comes to charging, the Compass is equipped with a 160 kW DC fast-charging solution, allowing it to go from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes. It also features an onboard charger that supports up to 22 kW. As for range, the fully electric models can travel up to an impressive 650 km (404 miles) on the WLTP cycle.

In FWD form the new Compass offers a ground clearance of up to 200 mm, with a 20° approach angle, a 15° breakover angle, and a 26° departure angle. Jeep promises it’s more than capable of handling tough terrain, and it also boasts a water fording depth of up to 470 mm. All versions come standard with Selec-Terrain, delivering 360-degree protection similar to the Avenger.

Review: Jeep Avenger Proves ICE And Manual Combo Can Still Be Compelling

The all-wheel-drive versions are even more capable, thanks to an enhanced design that boosts the approach angle to 27°, the breakover angle to 16°, and the departure angle to 31°. Ground clearance and water fording ability are also improved. Hill descent control comes standard on all-wheel-drive models.

First Edition and Availability

To kick things off, Jeep will offer the First Edition of the Compass, available for order now in Europe. Customers can choose between the 48V e-Hybrid with 145 hp or the fully electric FWD model with 213 hp and a 500 km (310-mile) driving range. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q4 of 2025.

Stellantis has confirmed that production of the new Compass will begin in Italy in late 2025. While North American models were originally slated to roll off the line in Canada starting in 2026, delays related to U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles have reportedly pushed back the launch for that market.

It’s no secret that China’s automakers have been eyeing a bigger piece of the European market. Now, one of them may be about to gain a foothold right in the heart of Germany’s automotive landscape.

Back in January, reports surfaced that several Chinese carmakers were interested in buying or leasing two Volkswagen plants, one in Dresden, the other in Osnabruck, both of which are set to shut down as part of VW’s ongoing cost-cutting efforts.

More: Chinese Brands Fly In Record Number Of Foreign Journos And Influencers To Shanghai Show

Now it appears that Chery, China’s fourth-largest carmaker, which sold 2,603,916 vehicles in 2024 through its nine brands and joint ventures including with Jaguar Land Rover, is close to finalizing a deal to take over the two plants as it prepares to expand into European markets.

Chery Eyes Germany for Local Production

The company confirmed that it’s in advanced talks to start building cars in Germany, but didn’t reveal if it is VW it is negotiating with. Vice president of Chery International, Charlie Zhang, told Autonews Europe that the final decision will be made after all possible issues are solved. “We need to study the feasibility plan, because in Germany, the situation is very, very complicated,” Zhang said, adding that the company wants detailed info on regulatory requirements, labor unions, supply chains and costs.

If it comes to an agreement to purchase the two German plants, it intends to manufacture models for its brand-new Lepas brand that was launched only a few weeks ago, on April 2, and sells modified versions of Chery‘s Tiggo range that will be available in global markets. European-made models will include two compact and one midsize SUVs with combustion, plug-in hybrid or all-electric powertrains.

In any case, Chery is no stranger to building cars in Europe in an effort to avoid the hefty taxes imposed on Chinese EVs by the EU as, since 2024, it has been assembling cars at a former Nissan factory in Barcelona, Spain in partnership with local firm Ebro.

Zhang revealed that Chery is gearing up to upgrade that facility in order to increase production of the Tiggo PHEV SUV and add EV versions of the Omoda and Jaecoo brands that will be sold in the Old Continent.

By spreading its production across multiple European sites, Chery appears to be positioning itself not only to avoid trade barriers but also to tailor its offerings more directly to local market demands.

President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office on Feb. 11, 2025. Trump signed two immigration-related orders on Monday in an event closed to press photographers. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday evening signed executive orders targeting so-called sanctuary cities by threatening to revoke federal funding and providing legal services and national security assets to law enforcement.

The signings fell on the eve of Trump’s first 100 days of his second term, during which his administration has enacted an immigration crackdown that has led to clashes with the judiciary branch and cities that do not coordinate with federal immigration authorities, often referred to as “sanctuary cities.”

“Some State and local officials nevertheless continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws,” according to the executive order regarding sanctuary cities. “This is a lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law and the Federal Government’s obligation to defend the territorial sovereignty of the United States.”

The order directs the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to publicly list local jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration officials, but do not stop immigration enforcement.

Jurisdictions on the list will then be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget to “identify appropriate Federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions, including grants and contracts, for suspension or termination, as appropriate.”

This is not the first time the Trump administration has targeted jurisdictions that don’t fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. 

The Justice Department recently filed a lawsuit against the city of Rochester, New York, over its immigration policies after local law enforcement did not assist federal immigration officials in an arrest. The Trump administration argued those ordinances in Rochester were impeding federal immigration enforcement.

The president also signed an executive order in January that threatened to withhold federal funding from states and local governments that refused to aid in federal immigration enforcement activities. A federal judge in San Francisco last week blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from 16 so-called sanctuary cities.

Republicans have also scrutinized those policies, including during a six-hour hearing of the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that included grilling mayors from Boston, Chicago and Denver, on their cities’ immigration policies. 

The executive order also aims to curb any federal benefits that may extend to people without permanent legal status.

That executive order directed DOJ and DHS to “take appropriate action to stop the enforcement of State and local laws” that allow for students without proper legal authorization to receive in-state tuition, which would include those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Last week, administration officials cheered the FBI arrest of a Wisconsin judge who they say helped an immigrant in the country without legal authorization escape detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The arrest followed the third appearance by ICE officers seeking to make arrests at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, a practice some experts believe hinders local law enforcement.

Law enforcement resources

A second executive order Trump signed Monday provides legal resources for law enforcement officials “who unjustly incur expenses and liabilities for actions taken during the performance of their official duties to enforce the law.”

The order also directs coordination among the departments of Justice, Defense and Homeland Security to “increase the provision of excess military and national security assets in local jurisdictions to assist State and local law enforcement.” 

Earlier Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the executive order relating to law enforcement will “strengthen and unleash America’s law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent citizens.”

 

The wraps are off the next-generation Citroen C5 Aircross, which offers a blend of familiar eccentricity and a fresh batch of tech upgrades that push the quirky SUV further into modern territory. While sticking close to the spirit of the original concept, the new C5 Aircross brings a more polished design, greater comfort, and a lineup of electrified powertrains, including fully electric, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options.

The revised model adopts the new family face of Citroen, already introduced on the latest C3, C4, C4 X, and Berlingo. The bodywork is more sculpted than before, with a clear focus on aerodynamics to boost efficiency. Wheel sizes climb up to 20 inches, paired with a healthy 200 mm (7.9 inches) of ground clearance for those occasional curb-hopping adventures.

More: 2025 Citroen C4 And C4 X Debut In Paris With A New Face

Interestingly, the production model has retained the protruding LED taillights of the concept, infusing some French quirkiness into the family hauler. In fact, the only notable changes from concept to production are the more conventional door handles, and the thicker pillars.

In terms of size, the new C5 Aircross stretches to 4,652 mm (183.1 inches) in length, riding on a 2,784 mm (109.6 inches) wheelbase. That is an increase of 150 mm (5.9 inches) and 60 mm (2.4 inches) respectively compared to its predecessor, giving the SUV a more substantial footprint without straying too far from its original proportions.

A Bigger, Smarter Interior

The headline feature inside the “C-Zen Lounge” cabin is a floating 13-inch portrait-style infotainment screen, joined by a neat row of physical buttons underneath. Citroen proudly claims this is the largest central high-definition screen ever offered by a Stellantis brand, an impressive but curious boast considering Citroen’s usual spot as the group’s more budget-friendly option in Europe.

Other tech highlights include a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Storage solutions are smartly arranged, with two cupholders hidden behind the touchscreen and extra compartments in the central armrest and door bins. The overall layout feels clean, user-friendly, and much more inviting for daily use.

Review: Here’s Why I Bought A Citroen C5 Aircross As A Family Hauler

Citroen ‘s designers leaned heavily into their comfort-first philosophy. Foam fabric covers the dashboard, door cards, and seats, creating a soft, cocoon-like feel inside. The latest version of Citroen’s Advance Comfort seats promises better cushioning and improved body support. Front seats are available with electric adjustments, heating, ventilation, and even massaging functions. Rear passengers get reclining backrests and optional seat heating, although the previous model’s trick three-separate-seat layout and sliding bench have been abandoned.

The larger size pays dividends in passenger space, with more generous legroom and headroom for those riding in the back. Cargo capacity is also up, offering 651 liters (23 cubic feet) regardless of which powertrain is fitted. Extra hidden spaces include a 75-liter (2.6 cubic feet) compartment under the boot floor and another 40 liters (1.4 cubic feet) scattered around the cabin for smaller items.

Platform and Powertrain Details

The new C5 Aircross rides on Stellantis’ STLA Medium architecture, the same platform underpinning the Peugeot 3008/5008, Opel Grandland, and DS No8. It will likely support the upcoming DS No7 too. These shared bones open the door for fully electric powertrains – a first for the nameplate – joining the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. All versions of the new C5 Aircross are automatic and drive the front wheels.

The e-C5 Aircross is available in two different versions with a single electric motor, missing out on the dual-motor powertrains of the Peugeot siblings. The Standard Range produces 207 hp (154 kW / 210 PS) and offers 323 miles (520 km) of range from a 73 kWh battery pack. The Extended Range produces 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS) and can cover up to 422 miles (679 km) between charges thanks to a larger 97 kWh battery. In both cases, the maximum charging rate is 160 kW DC.

The entry-level C5 Aircross Hybrid 145 is probably the most interesting option for buyers. The carry-over turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine is good for 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), with a 12 hp (9 kW) electric motor integrated in the six-speed dual-clutch automatic, sourcing energy from a 0.9 kWh battery.

Finally, there is the C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid 195 version. It pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine to a single electric motor, producing a combined 193 hp (143 kW / 195 PS). Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. More importantly, the 21 kW battery pack provides an extended EV-only range of 53 miles (85 km).

More: This Mid-Engine Beast Is No Regular Citroen Hatch

As with its predecessor, the C5 Aircross has a Citroen-specific suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, promising a “magic carpet ride”. Finally, the available Drive Assist 2.0 pack enables Level 2 autonomous driving.

With the C5X fastback crossover on the way out once the current generation wraps up, the C5 Aircross is set to take over as Citroen’s flagship model. It is a logical, if not thrilling, evolution for the brand as it doubles down on practicality, comfort, and now, electrification.

The new Citroën C5 Aircross is set to launch in Europe in the second half of 2025. It will be produced at the Rennes plant in France, with pricing to be announced closer to the release date.

The clock is ticking for the debut of the second-generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio, expected later this year, and not a moment too soon. The current model has been showing its age for a while now, and a fresh update in design, technology, and an EV powertrain option is exactly what it needs.

More: New Alfa Romeo Stelvio Leaks Out Giving Off Strong Mandalorian Vibes

Although Alfa Romeo has yet to release official images, we have already gotten a glimpse of the new SUV through patent filings. Now, independent renderings are giving us an even better idea of what to expect from the next-generation Stelvio’s exterior.

The illustrations come courtesy of digital artists Theophilus Chin and Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa, both well-known for producing impressively accurate previews of upcoming production models. Their latest work is based on earlier spy shots and recent patent drawings, with a few creative touches of color added in.

A Familiar Face with Sharper Features

The new Italian SUV represents a noticeable evolution from its predecessor, but the scudetto grille and updated graphics ensure it is still unmistakably an Alfa Romeo. Up front, split lighting units feature slim daytime running lights and main headlights tucked neatly within triangular bumper intakes. The revised grille also clears enough space for a centered license plate, borrowing a trick from the smaller Alfa Romeo Junior.

Along the sides, the Stelvio looks more refined. A sleeker roofline, bi-tone paint treatment, large alloy wheels, and flush door handles pull the design closer to the coupe-SUV territory without going full fastback. Around the back, the standout feature is the full-width LED taillights that form a triangular shape and stretch partially into the tailgate, echoing the look of the front grille.

Illustrations: Kelsonik and Theottle

Different Takes on the Same Blueprint

The two artists approached the task slightly differently. Kelsonik updated his earlier renderings for Kolesa, refining the design with more accurate details sourced from the leaked patent filings. Theottle, meanwhile, kept a few differences but nailed the proportions, basing his interpretation on the mechanically related Jeep Wagoneer S platform.

The next generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio will share the STLA Large underpinnings with the Jeep Wagoneer S, Recon, and Dodge Charger, allowing it to be compatible with fully electric and hybrid powertrains. This change means that Maserati will be the final brand clinging to the Giorgio platform that originally debuted with the outgoing Giulia and Stelvio models.

More: Before It’s Gone The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Reminds Us Why Driving Matters

What About Performance?

Initial reports suggested that the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio would go fully electric, but more recent information points to the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 sticking around. That is probably a good thing for Alfa Romeo loyalists who appreciate a bit of mechanical drama under the hood. With any luck, the new Stelvio will also inherit some of the outgoing model’s excellent chassis tuning, which helped make it one of the most engaging SUVs to drive.

The official reveal of the new Stelvio is expected within the next few months. It will sit above the Junior and Tonale in Alfa Romeo’s growing SUV lineup. As for the next Giulia, it is reportedly scheduled to arrive in 2026, possibly trading its traditional sedan shape for a more crossover-style, fastback design.

President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office on Feb. 11, 2025. Trump signed two immigration-related orders on Monday in an event closed to press photographers. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday evening signed executive orders targeting so-called sanctuary cities by threatening to revoke federal funding and providing legal services and national security assets to law enforcement.

The signings fell on the eve of Trump’s first 100 days of his second term, during which his administration has enacted an immigration crackdown that has led to clashes with the judiciary branch and cities that do not coordinate with federal immigration authorities, often referred to as “sanctuary cities.”

“Some State and local officials nevertheless continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws,” according to the executive order regarding sanctuary cities. “This is a lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law and the Federal Government’s obligation to defend the territorial sovereignty of the United States.”

The order directs the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to publicly list local jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration officials, but do not stop immigration enforcement.

Jurisdictions on the list will then be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget to “identify appropriate Federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions, including grants and contracts, for suspension or termination, as appropriate.”

This is not the first time the Trump administration has targeted jurisdictions that don’t fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. 

The Justice Department recently filed a lawsuit against the city of Rochester, New York, over its immigration policies after local law enforcement did not assist federal immigration officials in an arrest. The Trump administration argued those ordinances in Rochester were impeding federal immigration enforcement.

The president also signed an executive order in January that threatened to withhold federal funding from states and local governments that refused to aid in federal immigration enforcement activities. A federal judge in San Francisco last week blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from 16 so-called sanctuary cities.

Republicans have also scrutinized those policies, including during a six-hour hearing of the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that included grilling mayors from Boston, Chicago and Denver, on their cities’ immigration policies. 

The executive order also aims to curb any federal benefits that may extend to people without permanent legal status.

That executive order directed DOJ and DHS to “take appropriate action to stop the enforcement of State and local laws” that allow for students without proper legal authorization to receive in-state tuition, which would include those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Last week, administration officials cheered the FBI arrest of a Wisconsin judge who they say helped an immigrant in the country without legal authorization escape detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The arrest followed the third appearance by ICE officers seeking to make arrests at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, a practice some experts believe hinders local law enforcement.

Law enforcement resources

A second executive order Trump signed Monday provides legal resources for law enforcement officials “who unjustly incur expenses and liabilities for actions taken during the performance of their official duties to enforce the law.”

The order also directs coordination among the departments of Justice, Defense and Homeland Security to “increase the provision of excess military and national security assets in local jurisdictions to assist State and local law enforcement.” 

Earlier Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the executive order relating to law enforcement will “strengthen and unleash America’s law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent citizens.”

 

Education Secretary Linda McMahon testifies during her Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee confirmation hearing on Feb. 13, 2025.  (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

A federal judge in Maryland ordered the Trump administration Thursday to pause enforcement of a new U.S. Education Department ban on diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

The order came as another federal judge in New Hampshire issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the Trump administration from yanking federal funding from many schools.

The New Hampshire order, though, only applied to schools that employ members of the National Education Association — the country’s largest labor union, which brought the case challenging the ban — or the Center for Black Educator Development.

The rulings used different legal logic but arrived at the same conclusion: The administration’s ban on race-conscious practices is not valid.

In Maryland, U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher said she ruled not on the merits of the policy, but the way the Trump administration developed it.

“This Court takes no view as to whether the policies at issue here are good or bad, prudent or foolish, fair or unfair. But this Court is constitutionally required to closely scrutinize whether the government went about creating and implementing them in the manner the law requires,” she wrote. “The government did not.”

Gallagher’s order pauses the enforcement of a Feb. 14 letter to school districts from Craig Trainor, the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, that threatened to rescind federal funds for schools that use race-conscious practices in programming, admissions, scholarships and other aspects of student life.

In New Hampshire, U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty wrote that “the loss of federal funding would cripple the operations of many educational institutions.”

McCafferty’s order has a nationwide effect, but McCafferty limited it to schools that employ NEA members, rejecting the union’s attempt to completely halt the policies outlined in the letter.

Teachers unions sued

The Feb. 14 letter drew swift legal action, and the National Education Association brought the suit in New Hampshire against the administration alongside the Center for Black Educator Development. 

The American Federation of Teachers — one of the largest teachers unions in the country — filed a complaint in February alongside its affiliate, AFT-Maryland. The American Sociological Association and a public school district in Oregon also sued over the letter.

“Today the court confirmed the importance of our job as educators to foster opportunity, dignity, and engagement,” Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said in a statement after the Maryland ruling.

“The court agreed that this vague and clearly unconstitutional requirement is a grave attack on students, our profession, honest history, and knowledge itself,” she added. “It would hamper efforts to extend access to education, and dash the promise of equal opportunity for all, a central tenet of the United States since its founding.”

NEA also celebrated the preliminary injunction granted in its case Thursday, and the union’s president, Becky Pringle, said in a statement “today’s ruling allows educators and schools to continue to be guided by what’s best for students, not by the threat of illegal restrictions and punishment.”

The statement said President Donald Trump, billionaire head of the U.S. DOGE Service Elon Musk and Education Secretary Linda McMahon were responsible for an “attack” on public education.

“The fact is that Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Linda McMahon are using politically motivated attacks and harmful and vague directives to stifle speech and erase critical lessons to attack public education, as they work to dismantle public schools,” Pringle said. “This is why educators, parents, and community leaders are organizing, mobilizing, and using every tool available to protect our students and their futures.”

The Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Letter raised questions

In the February letter, Trainor offered a wide-ranging interpretation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023 involving Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, which struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions.

Trainor wrote that though the ruling “addressed admissions decisions, the Supreme Court’s holding applies more broadly.”

The four-page letter raised a slew of questions for schools across pre-K through college over what fell within the requirements, and the department later released a Frequently Asked Questions document on the letter in an attempt to provide more guidance.

Earlier this month, the Education Department gave state education leaders just days to certify all K-12 schools in their states were complying with the letter in order to keep receiving federal financial assistance. The department and the groups suing in the New Hampshire case later reached an agreement that paused enforcement. 

Education Secretary Linda McMahon testifies during her Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee confirmation hearing on Feb. 13, 2025.  (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

A federal judge in Maryland ordered the Trump administration Thursday to pause enforcement of a new U.S. Education Department ban on diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

The order came as another federal judge in New Hampshire issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the Trump administration from yanking federal funding from many schools.

The New Hampshire order, though, only applied to schools that employ members of the National Education Association — the country’s largest labor union, which brought the case challenging the ban — or the Center for Black Educator Development.

The rulings used different legal logic but arrived at the same conclusion: The administration’s ban on race-conscious practices is not valid.

In Maryland, U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher said she ruled not on the merits of the policy, but the way the Trump administration developed it.

“This Court takes no view as to whether the policies at issue here are good or bad, prudent or foolish, fair or unfair. But this Court is constitutionally required to closely scrutinize whether the government went about creating and implementing them in the manner the law requires,” she wrote. “The government did not.”

Gallagher’s order pauses the enforcement of a Feb. 14 letter to school districts from Craig Trainor, the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, that threatened to rescind federal funds for schools that use race-conscious practices in programming, admissions, scholarships and other aspects of student life.

In New Hampshire, U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty wrote that “the loss of federal funding would cripple the operations of many educational institutions.”

McCafferty’s order has a nationwide effect, but McCafferty limited it to schools that employ NEA members, rejecting the union’s attempt to completely halt the policies outlined in the letter.

Teachers unions sued

The Feb. 14 letter drew swift legal action, and the National Education Association brought the suit in New Hampshire against the administration alongside the Center for Black Educator Development. 

The American Federation of Teachers — one of the largest teachers unions in the country — filed a complaint in February alongside its affiliate, AFT-Maryland. The American Sociological Association and a public school district in Oregon also sued over the letter.

“Today the court confirmed the importance of our job as educators to foster opportunity, dignity, and engagement,” Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said in a statement after the Maryland ruling.

“The court agreed that this vague and clearly unconstitutional requirement is a grave attack on students, our profession, honest history, and knowledge itself,” she added. “It would hamper efforts to extend access to education, and dash the promise of equal opportunity for all, a central tenet of the United States since its founding.”

NEA also celebrated the preliminary injunction granted in its case Thursday, and the union’s president, Becky Pringle, said in a statement “today’s ruling allows educators and schools to continue to be guided by what’s best for students, not by the threat of illegal restrictions and punishment.”

The statement said President Donald Trump, billionaire head of the U.S. DOGE Service Elon Musk and Education Secretary Linda McMahon were responsible for an “attack” on public education.

“The fact is that Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Linda McMahon are using politically motivated attacks and harmful and vague directives to stifle speech and erase critical lessons to attack public education, as they work to dismantle public schools,” Pringle said. “This is why educators, parents, and community leaders are organizing, mobilizing, and using every tool available to protect our students and their futures.”

The Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Letter raised questions

In the February letter, Trainor offered a wide-ranging interpretation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023 involving Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, which struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions.

Trainor wrote that though the ruling “addressed admissions decisions, the Supreme Court’s holding applies more broadly.”

The four-page letter raised a slew of questions for schools across pre-K through college over what fell within the requirements, and the department later released a Frequently Asked Questions document on the letter in an attempt to provide more guidance.

Earlier this month, the Education Department gave state education leaders just days to certify all K-12 schools in their states were complying with the letter in order to keep receiving federal financial assistance. The department and the groups suing in the New Hampshire case later reached an agreement that paused enforcement. 

Jeep’s lineup has filled out over the past couple of years with the addition of the luxury Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer and all-electric Wagoneer S, which is soon to be joined by the also-electric Recon. But potentially more important than all of them is the 2026 Cherokee, and new spy pics reveal the face and interior for the first time.

Compared with previous prototypes, this one has stripped away much of the front-end disguise, giving us a look at a grille that’s like a mashup of several other Jeep grilles. The five visible vertical grille sections (two are still hidden) are taller than the ones on the Grand Cherokee and seem to stand more proud of the body. But they also don’t have the a piece of trim above them to display the model name like the Wagoneers do.

Related: Here’s What We Know About Jeep’s 2026 Cherokee

But even if it did have a bit of trim with the name on, what would it say? We’re calling this SUV the Cherokee because it’s effectively a replacement for the Cherokee that bowed out in 2023, and will nestle below the Grand Cherokee in the Jeep lineup. But some reports say Jeep will move away from the name it’s used for decades as a mark of respect Cherokee Nation.

Whatever it’s called, this new Cherokee’s dashboard design has more in common with the Wagoneer S EV than it does the existing Grand Cherokee. These first ever interior pics of the Ford Bronco Sport rival show a large digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen that’s mounted at an angle, just above a bank of touch-sensitive buttons for the climate control.

It’s good to see drivers won’t have to dive into the infotainment to change the temperature, and the switches do look great, but physical push-buttons would be even better. Further down the console is what looks like a rotary controller for the transmission and a toggle to move between the driver modes. The passenger side of this prototype is covered with cloth disguise but it’s possible Jeep could offer a third screen above the glovebox, as it does on the Wagoneer S.

Housed between the shock towers of Stellantis STLA Large platform you’ll find the Cherokee’s first ever hybrid powertrain options, and later, an all-electric variant. Leaked documents suggest production is scheduled to begin this fall for the 2026 model year and we’re sure to find out more – including the name – in the months leading up to that debut.

Images: Baldauf

Some of the 40 residents of New London who came out Wednesday morning to support migrants, many of whom work at Tyson Foods across the street from where they held a rally. (Photo by Jason Kerzinkski for the Wisconsin Examiner)

In 2023 a group of Haitian immigrants began arriving in the central Wisconsin community of New London.

The Haitians were admitted to the U.S. through a humanitarian parole program in response to lawlessness and deadly violence in their homeland. The newcomers became part of the community, said immigration attorney Marc Chistopher, a New London resident whose law offices are in Appleton and Milwaukee.

“Their children go to school with our children,” Christopher told the Wisconsin Examiner Wednesday morning. “They worship in the same churches. They eat at the same restaurants. They join the same civic organizations. They’re in the gyms. They’re our friends, more importantly, and they’re our co-workers. So they’re a part of our community and part of our fabric and we welcome them.”

The legal refugee program through which they were admitted includes a work authorization. More than 100 of the new immigrants  ended up working at a Tyson Foods plant in New London, processing and packaging chicken. Others went to work at stores in the community or in other jobs.

In late March, however, the Trump administration told more than a half-million people from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela that they were no longer welcome. The order from the Department of Homeland Security, terminating humanitarian parole for about 532,000 refugees from the four nations, is one of a flurry of orders targeting millions of immigrants in the U.S. since President Donald Trump took office.

Haitians in New London were among those covered by the March 25 order. They were notified through an online account assigned to every  humanitarian parole refugee, Christopher said.

 “Your parole will terminate upon the earlier of (1) your original parole expiration date or (2) April 24, 2025,” states a Homeland Security message to one of Christopher’s clients, shared with the Wisconsin Examiner. “You should depart the United States now, but no later than the date of the termination of your parole. Failure to timely depart may have adverse immigration consequences.”

Since the notices arrived, Christopher has been scrambling, trying to help a handful of people who hope they might qualify to stay in the U.S. Other New London residents have been organizing on behalf of their new Haitian neighbors. 

On Wednesday morning Christopher and his wife, Eloise DeLeon, also an immigration attorney,  joined about 40 residents of New London gathered across the street from the local Tyson plant, carrying signs advertising their support for the Haitian workers there and hoping to send a message to the community.

“The message is intended for everyone,” said one participant, Sue Krejcarek. “There are people who maybe were Republicans, voted Republican, but don’t agree with this. It’s OK to protest against things you don’t agree with, whether you voted Republican, Democrat. When something is wrong, you stand up for it.”

Emily Tseffos helped organize  the demonstration along with a group of New London activists.

“These folks have established life here because they were expecting to be able to stay here,” Tseffos said. “They came here through legal means. And they are working and paying taxes and they are going to schools and they are dreaming of starting businesses.”

School officials have been working closely with the Haitian families, Tseffos said, and teachers who have the children of Haitian parents in their  classrooms participated in the Wednesday morning rally. Community volunteers have been offering financial help with bills and groceries as the immigrant families grapple with the sudden command to go or face deportation.

“They were not planning on having 30 days notice to leave,” Tseffos said. “And so it’s really sad to see that these folks that are doing everything right and everything they’re supposed to be doing are now facing deportation in a couple weeks here.”

In addition to the notification from the federal government, Tyson plant employees who were permitted to work under the humanitarian parole program have received letters from the company telling them that their employment authorization will expire April 23 — the day before their deadline to leave the U.S.

Christopher said that he has sought to put together applications for a small number of people for whom he could make a case for asylum.

“An asylum claim is one of the more difficult and time-consuming things I do as an attorney,” he said. Asylum claims are decided on a case-by-case basis and require extensive factual details. Claims perceived as frivolous can meet with severe penalties.

An asylum applicant cannot get a work authorization for six months, however, Christopher said. That means even if the application is granted, “if they lose their work on April 24, those families have no means for supporting themselves,” he said.

Both DeLeon and Christopher are former prosecutors, and DeLeon is a former municipal judge. “So I understand the rule of law, following rules, right?” DeLeon said. “But this [following rules] is what our clients did.”

Christopher remains outraged at the way his neighbors’ lives have been overturned. “They’ve been promised they could stay here,” he said. “They came through legally, and they’ve been vetted.”

To be suddenly ejected “is not good for them,” Christopher said. “And it’s not good for our community, either.”

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A group of coal miners watch as President Donald Trump speaks at the White House shortly before signing executive orders on the coal industry on April 8, 2025. (White House livestream)

President Donald Trump signed four executive orders Tuesday aiming to invigorate the U.S. coal industry.

In wide-ranging comments in front of a phalanx of coal miners at the White House, Trump said the orders would revitalize an industry pushed to the brink by Democratic policies that encourage renewable energy.

“This is a very important day to me, because we’re bringing back an industry that was abandoned, despite the fact that it was just about the best, certainly the best in terms of power, real power,” Trump said.

The orders:

• End a moratorium on leasing federal lands for coal mining;
• Remove Biden administration environmental regulations that Trump said slow approvals of new mining projects;
• Prioritize grid security and reliability; and
• Direct the U.S. Justice Department to block states from enforcing their own regulations on coal.

Two of the orders cite increased energy demand for the power-intensive task of artificial intelligence data processing as the rationale for increasing coal production.

Reopening plans for mines in Montana, Wyoming

A press release from the Interior Department, which oversees resource management on public lands, added that one of the orders reopens plans to build mines in Montana and Wyoming, removes regulatory burdens on coal production and lowers royalty rates coal companies owe for production on federal lands.

Environmental groups cautioned against a renewed federal investment in coal and took particular exception to the provision allowing the federal government to undermine state efforts to move away from the sector.

“Reviving or extending coal to power data centers would force working families to subsidize polluting coal on behalf of Big Tech billionaires and despoil our nation’s public lands,” Tyson Slocum, the energy policy director for the liberal advocacy group Public Citizen, said in a statement. “States planning to move to cleaner, cheaper energy sources could be forced to keep old coal plants up and running for years, forcing nearby residents to breathe dirty air and harming the climate.”

In a line that appeared ad-libbed, Trump also promised the orders could not be reversed by a future president.

“We’re going to give a guarantee that the business will not be terminated by the ups and downs of the world of politics,” he said. “We’re going to give a guarantee that it’s not going to happen, so that if somebody comes in, they cannot change it at a whim.”

Trump said he’d thought of the idea “about 15 minutes before” getting on stage at the White House.

‘Beautiful, clean coal’

Trump cast the move as a direct rebuke to his Democratic predecessors, Joe Biden and Barack Obama, and said it was in service of restoring working-class jobs in states like West Virginia.

“We’re ending Joe Biden’s war on beautiful, clean coal once and for all. And it wasn’t just Biden, it was Obama and others, but we’re doing the exact opposite… We’re going to put the miners back to work.”

A 2024 Biden rule to raise emissions standards on coal plants was unworkable, one of the orders, which reversed the Biden rule, said.

“The Rule requires compliance with standards premised on the application of emissions-control technologies that do not yet exist in a commercially viable form,” the order said. “The Rule therefore raises the unacceptable risk of the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants, eliminating thousands of jobs, placing our electrical grid at risk, and threatening broader, harmful economic and energy security effects.”

With both U.S. senators from West Virginia, Republicans Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, on hand, Trump said the state’s workers rejected Democrats’ vision of transitioning away from their mining identity.

“One thing I learned about the coal miners is that’s what they want to do,” he said. “You could give them a penthouse on Fifth Avenue in a different kind of a job, but they’d be unhappy. They want to mine coal. That’s what they love to do.”

Environmental groups slam orders

Even before the orders were signed, environmental advocacy groups panned them as a giveaway to the industry and a reckless move away from attention to the climate crisis.

“Trump’s coal orders take his worship of dirty fossil fuels to a gross and disturbingly reckless new level,” Jason Rylander, the legal director of the environmental group Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute, said in a written statement. “This is yet another assault on efforts to preserve a livable climate.”

Lena Moffitt, the executive director of environmental group Evergreen Action, said true energy reliability would come from renewable sources.

“Coal is toxic and outdated,” Mofitt said in a statement. “It poisons our air and water, jacks up household energy bills, and is deadly for communities living under the shadow of its smokestacks. If Trump actually cared about meeting rising energy demand, he’d invest in affordable, clean power—not drag us backward to prop up a dying industry.”

Immigration and tariffs

Trump spoke for about 45 minutes and touched on issues beyond energy policy, including his recently enacted tariffs that have rocked world financial markets and the case of a Maryland man erroneously swept up in a deportation operation.

Trump promoted his aggressive immigration policy and referenced the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a man who the administration has admitted was mistakenly deported from Maryland to his native El Salvador despite being granted legal protection to remain in the United States.

The administration sent planeloads of Venezuelan nationals to an El Salvador mega-prison last month, accusing them of being members of the gang Tren de Aragua.

Without naming Abrego Garcia, Trump referenced a man sent to El Salvador who was not a member of the Venezuelan gang, but said he was a member of a different Latin American gang. The government has produced no evidence to suggest Abrego Garcia is a gang member.

On tariffs, Trump said the taxes on imported goods were already bringing in billions of dollars daily in new federal revenue and were critical to protect U.S. industries.

“We’ve been ripped off and abused by countries for many years with the tariff situation,” he said. “They’ve used tariffs against us. We didn’t use tariffs against them in any way, but we just didn’t use them of any monumental proportion. And so we are doing it now.”

He did not respond to a shouted question about Republican unease with the worldwide tariffs at the close of the White House event.