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Chicago-area teacher breaks silence after losing job over 2-word Facebook post supporting ICE: ‘Devastating’

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FIRST ON FOX: A Chicago area teacher who was forced to resign from his position over his Facebook post saying «Go ICE» is speaking out about the emotional and financial toll he has suffered as a result.

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«This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal,» former West Chicago teacher James Heidorn told Fox News Digital in his first public comments about the situation. 

«I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model. To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement felt like a severe blow to my career.»

In late January, Fox News Digital first reported that the longtime teacher at Gary Elementary School in a heavily Hispanic district was placed on leave after local activists in the community began sharing his Facebook post that said «GO ICE» in response to a news story about a local police department saying they would cooperate with ICE. 

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A West Chicago PE teacher who resigned over a Facebook post supporting ICE is speaking out about what happened.

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Heidorn was first notified by school officials that they had seen the growing social media chatter about his post. He briefly quit after meeting with HR staff before rescinding his resignation the same day. Heidorn was set to return to school to teach on Monday while the school investigated.

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Around the same time, Illinois Democratic state Sen. Karina Villa, who was captured on video in September chasing down ICE agents in the street, publicly expressed outrage over the post and said she stands in «unwavering solidarity» with families upset about the «disturbing comments reportedly made by an educator.»

On that Saturday, before an investigation had been concluded, West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey took to Facebook and posted a video explaining why Heidorn’s comments were «hurtful» and «offensive» to many in the community.

«The issue is we have trusted adults who are the ones that care for those kids when they can’t be with their mom and their dad,» Bovey said. «So to have someone cavalierly rooting on — as if it’s a football game or something, yeah go — events which have traumatized these children… that is the issue.»

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Over the weekend, parents online were encouraging each other to keep their students home from school as a form of protest, and many in the community began criticizing Heidorn. 

The city of West Chicago held a «listening session» on Jan. 26 at the request of Bovey, that included a Spanish translator, where a variety of parents and locals expressed concerns about the post, including a woman who said «kids do not feel safe» as a result of the post and another woman who said the post was «cruel.»

«This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more,» Heidorn said. «It wasn’t directed at any student, family or school community. Second, I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, with this it led to my resignation.» 

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«Third, I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes.»

Ultimately, Heidorn resigned a second time rather than be terminated after a hearing with school officials.

In a statement to Fox News Digital at the time that Heidorn was on leave in January, a West Chicago Elementary School District 33 spokesperson referred to the social media post as «disruptive» and said, «We understand that this situation has raised concerns and caused disruption for students, families and staff.»

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Teachers all across the United States have taken to the streets in recent weeks, causing disruptions in favor of far-left causes, including in Chicago, where teachers stormed a local Target and harassed employees, to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies without facing pushback or repercussions from local school districts. 

TOP TEACHERS UNION UNDER FIRE AS LAWMAKERS PUSH TO STRIP UNION OF UNIQUE FEDERAL CHARTER: ‘LOST THEIR WAY’

Gary Elementary in West Chicago

Gary Elementary School in West Chicago (Google Maps)

«Most importantly, this is bigger than me: it’s about whether personal opinions expressed outside of work can cost someone their livelihood without due process,» Heidorn said. «I hope to see free speech matters, even when it’s unpopular.»

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«It does feel like a double standard—due to my viewpoint being different from others within the community that I taught in. I feel that we should all be able to coexist with our personal political viewpoints. Fairness should apply equally, regardless of those viewpoints. If personal political speech is grounds for punishment, it should be consistent—not selective based on what side you’re on. I believe in free speech for all, and that’s what I hope comes out of all this.»

Heidorn has received some support from the local community, including a GoFundMe page calling him a «beloved physical education teacher» who «showed up every day for his students.»

«Emotionally, it’s been a roller coaster that has me feeling a great deal of shock, loss and deep sadness over losing daily contact with my students,» Heidorn said. «Feelings of anger and frustration at how quickly things escalated without real dialogue, and grief for not getting to say a proper goodbye to the kids I cared so much for. I’ve had sleepless nights, but I’m trying to stay focused on my family and the support I’ve received from people who know the real me.»

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Heidorn, who also lost his employment working as a soccer coach at a nearby private school, told Fox News Digital that one of the most difficult aspects of being forced from his job was losing the relationships he built with his students of all backgrounds over his long career. 

Asked what he would tell his students if given the opportunity to address the situation with them directly, Heidorn said the online outrage «isn’t the full story» and is «just noise from people who don’t know me.»

«To my students: I want you to know that I care about you deeply and always have. The person you knew in class—the one who encouraged you, played with you and cheered you on—is still the same person,» Heidorn said. «I always tried to provide the best learning environment and great atmosphere for us all to grow. I have always had your best interest in mind by showing passion, support, care, and safety no matter what.»

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Heidorn added, «I would never want any of you to feel unsafe or unloved. You are amazing kids, and I’m proud of every moment we shared. I know I can’t change people’s minds for those who are angry, upset and have lost trust in me, and I am sorry for that because I always had my students and the community’s best interests in mind, and I never intended to cause fear or harm to them or their families.»

CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION PROMOTES VENEZUELA REGIME CHANGE PROTESTS ORGANIZED BY SOCIALIST GROUPS

ICE police patrol a street

Federal ICE officers walk down a suburban street. (Christopher Dilts/Getty Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to the district for a specific comment on what rule Heidorn violated by posting support for law enforcement on Facebook and if teachers who are publicly «disruptive» against or antagonize ICE will be treated the same way. The district did not respond. 

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When reached for comment, Bovey pushed back on the suggestion he inflamed the situation with his Facebook video, saying, «Personally, I wish the teacher well.»

«The teacher used his First Amendment rights to make a statement,» Bovey said. «Others used their First Amendment rights in commenting on the situation. The school board took appropriate action to go through the due process of investigating a situation which had adversely impacted the education of children. The public used their First Amendment rights to comment (in favor and against) the actions of the school board and then the teacher made a decision to resign. At the end of the day, though there were frustrations on both sides, which were stoked by inaccurate social media posts, this is how democracy works.»

Bovey added, «Despite a lot of vitriolic comments from people across the country who were misinformed by social media, our local community seems remarkably unified.»

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Heidorns said he has always taken his role «extremely seriously» over his 14-year career and that his reputation was «built on showing up every day, being reliable, fair and genuinely invested in my students’ growth.»

«My students’ successes are what drove me more than you could know,» Heidorn said. «I never brought politics into my teaching; my focus was always on my students. Losing that connection hurts more than anything, and I want people to know I never intended to harm or divide anyone.»

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The «Greetings from Chicago» mural brightens a street in the Logan Square neighborhood on March 30, 2018. (Patrick Gorski/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Going forward, Heidorn will be required to inform future school districts he applies to that he resigned and provide specifics why, which leaves any potential of furthering his career in the area unclear. 

«I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do,» he explained. «It is all I have ever studied for and teaching is what has defined me. Even advancing my education with a master’s degree in educational leadership because I wanted to become the best teacher I can be.»

«With that said—I’m exploring options in education or related fields, but I’m also taking time to heal and learn from this experience. I want people to know I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from those who reached out, donated or shared my story. It reminds me that most people value fairness and second chances. I’m determined to move forward positively and keep contributing to kids’ lives in whatever way I can.»

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Del sapo concho de Bad Bunny a la rana de Darwin: anfibios en peligro en América

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Bad Bunny populariza al sapo concho, un anfibio endémico de Puerto Rico, y lo convierte en símbolo de orgullo y conservación ambiental./Reuters

Bad Bunny, uno de los artistas más influyentes de la música urbana, está en la Argentina para dar conciertos (hoy es el último de 3 shows en Buenos Aires) y sobresale por haberle dado protagonismo al sapo concho, un anfibio endémico de su país natal, Puerto Rico.

Lo incluyó en sus videoclips, presentaciones y hasta en productos oficiales y lo convirtió en un símbolo de orgullo boricua y resistencia. Bad Bunny busca que más gente se interese por la fauna local y la conservación.

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El sapo Concho es el
El sapo Concho es el personaje y símbolo central del sexto álbum de Bad Bunny, titulado DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS /Archivo REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo.

El impacto de esta movida fue tan grande que el sapo concho llegó al Super Bowl 2026, donde Bad Bunny lo usó como emblema central en su show y en la colección especial con la NFL.

Así, la figura del sapo concho saltó de la isla al escenario mundial y se mezcló la música, el deporte y la conciencia ambiental.

El sapo concho figura en
El sapo concho figura en shows y productos oficiales de Bad Bunny (Bad Bunny/Youtube)

En América, la situación para las especies de anfibios (que incluye ranas y sapos, salamandras y tritones, y cecilias) es preocupante: más del 40% de las especies del continente enfrentan algún tipo de riesgo de vulnerabilidad, según la IUCN.

La pérdida de hábitat, el avance de enfermedades y el cambio climático son las principales amenazas para su supervivencia.

El sapo concho, la rana de Darwin y la rana de Valcheta son ejemplos de especies endémicas de diferentes ambientes de América y hay iniciativas de científicos que desarrollan investigaciones para conocer la situación de sus poblaciones y recuperarlas.

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Más del 40% de las
Más del 40% de las especies de anfibios de América, como la rana de Darwin, está en riesgo según la IUCN (Nicolás Olejnik íNaturalist)

“Una especie endémica es aquella que habita exclusivamente en una región geográfica específica y no se encuentra de forma natural en ningún otro lugar del mundo”, explicó a Infobae el fundador de la Asociación Herpetológica Argentina, profesor emérito de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata y miembro honorario de la Fundación Azara, Jorge Williams.

Su distribución limitada la hace especialmente vulnerable a cambios ambientales y actividades humanas.

“Si se extingue, desaparece por completo del planeta, ya que no existe en ninguna otra región. Esta pérdida afecta el equilibrio del ecosistema local y reduce la biodiversidad global”, añadió Williams.

El sapo concho es un anfibio “exclusivo” de Puerto Rico. Su nombre común se debe a que su piel parece una concha dura que lo protege. Es fácil de reconocer por su cabeza grande y sus crestas sobre los ojos.

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El sapo concho depende de
El sapo concho depende de charcas temporales y enfrenta amenazas como la pérdida de hábitat y el cambio climático en Puerto Rico. (Wikipedia)

Su población está en peligro porque solo puede vivir en charcas que aparecen cuando llueve mucho y después se secan.

Además, sufre por la destrucción de su hábitat y el cambio climático, que afectan la cantidad y calidad del agua en esos sitios.

Un grupo de biólogos de Puerto Rico, liderados por Alejandro Ríos-Franceschi, de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, se propuso mapear dónde puede sobrevivir el sapo concho, cuyo nombre científico es Peltophryne lemur.

Científicos de la Universidad de
Científicos de la Universidad de Puerto Rico usan modelos matemáticos para identificar zonas clave de conservación del sapo concho (Wikipedia)

Usaron computadoras y mapas y compilaron datos de lluvias, tipos de suelo y altura para ver qué sitios son ideales para el sapo.

Probaron cuatro modelos matemáticos y el que mejor funcionó fue el de Random Forest, que predijo con gran precisión los lugares más aptos.

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El resultado mostró que las mejores zonas están en el sur de la isla, especialmente en Guánica y Guayanilla, donde el clima y el terreno son perfectos para el sapo concho.

El sapo concho se alimenta
El sapo concho se alimenta principalmente de insectos y otros pequeños invertebrados que encuentra en Puerto Rico (Jan Zegarra, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

En el estudio que publicaron en la revista Caribbean Journal of Science, los científicos recomendaron proteger esas áreas, evitar que se sigan destruyendo y usar estos mapas para planear reintroducciones y monitoreo. Aconsejaron tener en cuenta el impacto del cambio climático.

Si no se cuidan estos lugares y no se toman medidas, el sapo concho podría ser solo un recuerdo. Por eso, es clave proteger su ambiente antes de que desaparezca para siempre.

La rana de Darwin, endémica
La rana de Darwin, endémica de los bosques del sur de Sudamérica, sufre graves brotes de un hongo letal y necesita protección urgente. (Sociedad Zoológica de Londres vía AP)

La rana de Darwin es un anfibio pequeño y muy especial que vive en los bosques del sur de Chile y en las provincias de Neuquén, Río Negro y Chubut, en la Argentina.

Se reconoce por su trompa puntiaguda y porque los machos cuidan a sus crías dentro de la boca, algo que pocas especies hacen.

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Su nombre científico es Rhinoderma darwinii. Se llama así porque Charles Darwin, el naturalista británico, juntó ejemplares en su viaje por Sudamérica en el siglo XIX y los describió en sus notas.

Luego el zoólogo francés André Marie Constant Duméril y su asistente Gabriel Bibron en 1841 describieron a la especie y le pusieron el nombre como homenaje a Darwin por su descubrimiento y recolección del material original.

Investigadores implementan rescates y estrategias
Investigadores implementan rescates y estrategias para reducir la transmisión del hongo Bd en poblaciones de rana de Darwin.
Crédito: (London Zoo)

Esa especie de rana enfrenta grandes problemas. El principal es un hongo llamado Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), que causa la enfermedad quitridiomicosis. Esta afección afecta la piel de los anfibios y puede matarlos en poco tiempo.

Además, la destrucción de los bosques y la fragmentación de su hábitat influyen en que sus poblaciones estén más aisladas y vulnerables.

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Científicos de Chile, Reino Unido, Suiza y Francia analizaron recientemente qué tan grave es la situación y publicaron los resultados en la revista Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Los investigadores siguieron a cientos de ranas de Darwin y encontraron que el hongo Bd no afecta a todas las ranas de la misma manera, sino que aparecen brotes muy localizados.

La rana de Darwin se
La rana de Darwin se distingue por su trompa puntiaguda y porque los machos cuidan a sus crías dentro de la boca/Archivo Claudio Soto Azat

Pudieron también detallar que esos brotes causados por el hongo pueden destruir hasta el 98% de una subpoblación de ranas en solo un año, mientras otras ranas cercanas pueden no verse afectadas. Así, la epidemia puede pasar desapercibida si solo se mira el panorama general.

Esto significa que la quitridiomicosis puede estar causando daños mucho mayores de lo que se pensaba y que la rana de Darwin necesita protección urgente para sobrevivir.

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El investigador Andrés Valenzuela-Sánchez, del Instituto de Zoología de la Sociedad Zoológica de Londres y el Colegio Universitario de Londres en el Reino Unido y la organización Ranita de Darwin de Chile, junto con colaboradores recomendaron dos acciones principales para proteger a la especie.

Actualmente existen varias iniciativas coordinadas
Actualmente existen varias iniciativas coordinadas para salvar a la rana de Darwin, incluyendo la Estrategia Binacional de Conservación entre Chile y Argentina, programas de cría en cautiverio y acciones de rescate lideradas por ONG y zoológicos internacionales/ REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza

Primero, sugieren reducir la densidad de otras especies de anfibios tolerantes al hongo Bd. Ese cambio podría disminuir la transmisión de la enfermedad y ayudar a las poblaciones de rana de Darwin a recuperarse.

Incluso una reducción modesta de estas especies puede tener beneficios medibles para evitar el colapso de las ranas.

En segundo lugar, proponen mantener o reducir la sincronía entre subpoblaciones, es decir, evitar que los brotes de la enfermedad ocurran al mismo tiempo en todos los grupos. Eso podría aumentar la estabilidad y la resiliencia de la especie frente al hongo.

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La rana de Darwin enfrenta
La rana de Darwin enfrenta amenazas como la destrucción de su hábitat y la propagación de enfermedades fúngicas./Archivo REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza

Esas estrategias de manejo podrían limitar el contacto entre la rana de Darwin y otras especies de anfibios, y mantener separadas las subpoblaciones para que la epidemia no afecte a todas al mismo tiempo.

Por otra parte, cuando el hongo se detectó en las ranas en 2023 se lanzó una misión de rescate para establecer una población reproductora protegida de las ranas amenazadas.

Cincuenta y tres ranas libres del hongo fueron transportadas 13.000 kilómetros por barco, coche y avión en cajas especialmente diseñadas y con control climático hasta el Zoológico de Londres.

Allí están en espacios con bioseguridad y desde su llegada ya nacieron más de 30 ranitas.

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La rana de Valcheta habita
La rana de Valcheta habita solo en ambientes acuáticos restringidos del arroyo Valcheta, en la Patagonia argentina (Conicet)

La rana de Valcheta (Pleurodema somuncurense) es una especie endémica de la Patagonia argentina y está considerada en peligro crítico de extinción.

Este anfibio habita en ambientes acuáticos restringidos del arroyo Valcheta, en la meseta de Somuncura, en el límite entre las provincias de Río Negro y Chubut.

La principal amenaza que enfrenta esta rana es la pérdida y fragmentación de su hábitat debido a alteraciones en el curso de agua, introducción de especies exóticas y actividades humanas. Esos factores limitan los espacios aptos para su desarrollo y reproducción.

“Desde la Sección Herpetología del Museo de La Plata y en conjunto con la Fundación Somuncura se viene trabajando en el estudio y la conservación de la rana de Valcheta desde hace más de 10 años”, precisó Kacoliris.

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Un equipo científico aplicó radiotelemetría
Un equipo científico aplicó radiotelemetría para conocer los movimientos y el uso del espacio de la rana de Valcheta (Gobierno de Río Negro)

Con diferentes estudios, “hemos conseguido resultados de alto valor que incluyen no solo un aumento significativo del conocimiento sobre esta especie amenazada sino también su recuperación poblacional”, subrayó el biólogo Federico Kacoliris, investigador del Museo de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata y del Conicet.

Añadió: “Durante los últimos diez años ya logramos un incremento del 20% en el número total de individuos de la rana de Valcheta y la restauración y protección efectiva de gran parte de su hábitat”.

Con Rodrigo Calvo y otros colaboradores, Kacoliris aplicó por primera vez la radiotelemetría en seis ejemplares adultos de rana de Valcheta. Este enfoque permitió obtener información precisa sobre los movimientos y el uso de su hábitat.

Los investigadores colocaron seis radiotransmisores y monitorearon sus movimientos desde el atardecer hasta la noche, y luego hasta el amanecer.

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Se registraron distancias promedio recorridas de aproximadamente 6,5 metros entre el atardecer y la noche, y 8,6 metros durante un ciclo completo de actividad.

Los trabajos de conservación permitieron
Los trabajos de conservación permitieron aumentar la población y restaurar parte del hábitat de la especie en riesgo crítico (Conicet)

El área de acción estimada fue de 39 metros cuadrados al considerar a todos los individuos y de 30 metros cuadrados excluyendo a uno con movimientos inusuales.

“Nuestro estudio demostró la viabilidad del uso de radiotelemetría”, dijo a Infobae el doctor Kacoliris, quien fue galardonado con el Premio Whitley 2025, conocido como el “Óscar verde” en el Reino Unido, por sus estudios sobre la conservación de la rana de Valcheta.

Los resultados de su último trabajo, que fueron publicados en la revista Journal of Herpetology, resaltaron la importancia de mantener la conectividad del hábitat donde vive la rana.

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Department of War transports next-generation reactor in nuclear energy milestone

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The Department of War on Sunday transported a next-generation nuclear reactor aboard a C-17 from California to Utah, advancing President Donald Trump’s executive order to modernize America’s nuclear energy infrastructure and strengthen U.S. national security.

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The reactor was flown from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah and is expected to be transported to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Orangeville for testing and evaluation – a key step in assessing how advanced nuclear systems could support military installations and remote defense operations.

The Department of War shared images on X showing the reactor loaded onto the C-17 aircraft.

«We’re advancing President Trump’s executive order on nuclear energy,» the post read. «Moments from now, we will airlift a next-generation nuclear reactor.»

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TRUMP ADMIN POURS $1B INTO MASSIVE EFFORT TO RESTART NUCLEAR REACTOR AT HISTORIC MELTDOWN SITE

The Department of War said the successful delivery and installation of the reactor will open new possibilities for energy resilience and strategic independence for the nation’s defense, highlighting what officials described as an agile, innovative and commercial-first approach to addressing critical infrastructure challenges.

«By harnessing the power of advanced nuclear technology, we are not only enhancing our national security but championing a future of American energy dominance,» the agency said in a press release. «This event is a testament to the ingenuity of the American spirit and a critical advancement in securing our nation’s freedom and strength for generations to come.»

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of War for additional comment.

THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR PLANT MAKES COMEBACK WITH $1B IN FEDERAL BACKING TO MEET INCREASING ENERGY DEMANDS

The Department of War airlifted a next-generation nuclear reactor to Utah, advancing President Trump’s push to modernize U.S. energy and strengthen national security. (U.S. Department of War X)

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In May, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders aimed at expanding domestic nuclear energy development. At the time, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said America led the postwar world on «all things nuclear» until it «stagnated» and was «choked with overregulation.»

War Secretary Pete Hegseth added that the U.S. was «going to have the lights on and AI operating when others are not because of our nuclear capabilities.»

One of Trump’s nuclear directives called for reforming Energy Department research and development, accelerating reactor testing at national laboratories and establishing a pilot program for new construction.

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ENERGY SECRETARY REVEALS HOW US NUCLEAR TESTS WILL WORK

Nuclear energy, the White House said in the order, «is necessary to power the next generation technologies that secure our global industrial, digital, and economic dominance, achieve energy independence, and protect our national security.»

The nuclear expansion effort is part of a broader administration push to reinforce domestic energy production and grid reliability across multiple sectors.

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Days later, Trump signed another executive order directing the Department of War to work directly with coal-fired power plants on new long-term power purchasing agreements, arguing the move would ensure «more reliable power and stronger and more resilient grid power.»

The order, «Strengthening United States National Defense with America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Power Generation Fleet,» states, «The United States must ensure that our electric grid … remains resilient and reliable, and not reliant on intermittent energy sources,» calling the grid «the foundation of our national defense as well as our economic stability.»

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«It is the policy of the United States that coal is essential to our national and economic security,» the order adds.

Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr and Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

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Zelenskyy ally arrested trying to flee Ukraine as massive corruption probe deepens

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Ukraine’s former energy minister was detained Sunday after authorities removed him from a train at the border as he allegedly attempted to flee the country, a source has confirmed to Fox News Digital.

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Herman Halushchenko’s arrest, the source said, followed requests from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and marked an uptick in an anti-corruption probe engulfing the political spectrum.

«Halushchenko tried to escape Ukraine,» the source said under the condition of anonymity.

«The border guards had a request from NABU and SAPO about him and also to get information in case he tried to cross the border,» they added.

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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION STAYS SILENT AS MASSIVE UKRAINE CORRUPTION SCANDAL ROCKS ZELENSKYY’S INNER CIRCLE

Ukrainian authorities detained former energy minister Herman Halushchenko in the Operation Midas probe investigating alleged $100 million kickbacks at Energoatom nuclear company. (Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters)

«This essentially means that because he tried to cross, the president has lost some control here.»

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NABU released a statement on the matter Sunday but did not name Halushchenko, according to the Kyiv Post.  

He had served as the country’s energy minister under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but resigned in November.

«Today, while crossing the state border, NABU detectives have detained the former Minister of Energy as part of the ‘Midas’ case,» the agency said in a statement, referring to a corruption scandal in the country’s energy sector.

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«Initial investigative proceedings are ongoing, carried out in accordance with the requirements of the law and court sanctions. Details to follow,» NABU added.

‘GOLDEN TOILET’ SCANDAL: ZELENSKYY FACES DEEPEST CRISIS YET AS ALLIES ACCUSED IN $100M WARTIME SCHEME

Zelenskyy speaks in Kiev

Halushchenko had served under Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (Sergei Grits/AP Photo)

Operation Midas centers on allegations of a $100 million embezzlement scheme within Energoatom, Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear energy company.

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Investigators say funds meant for critical energy infrastructure, including wartime grid repairs after Russian attacks, were siphoned off through contract kickbacks.

Halushchenko was one of several ministers who resigned in 2025 as NABU uncovered what it described as the massive money-laundering scheme orchestrated by Tymur Mindich, also an ally of Zelenskyy.

The controversy has also affected border operations. Border head Serhiy Deineko was dismissed in January, the Kyiv Independent reported.

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On Jan. 4, Valerii Vavryniuk, the agency’s first deputy, was appointed acting head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS), according to to Pravda.

«The last border head had also been accused of corruption,» the source said. «There is a new acting head of the border service who is not loyal to Zelenskyy but more so to the institutions.»

FORMER UKRAINIAN PM ACCUSED OF BRIBING POLITICIANS WITH US DOLLARS TO WEAKEN ZELENSKYY’S GOVERNMENT

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Kyiv.

«With the corruption probes, Zelenskyy loses control and this infuriates him,» a source told Fox News Digital. (Pavlo Bahmut/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The source also said since Halushchenko was considered an «unofficial but direct subordinate» of Zelenskyy, this latest arrest will prove difficult for Ukraine’s leader.

«Halushchenko had been [an] (unofficial but direct) subordinate to Zelenskyy, so if his corruption is proven then it will be hard to convince people the president knew nothing,» they said.

«With the corruption probes, Zelenskyy loses control and this infuriates him,» the source added.

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The developments come as Zelenskyy continues to navigate Ukraine’s war with Russia.

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Ukrainian servicemen ride atop an APC toward frontline positions near Vuhledar, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on May 1, 2023. (Libkos/AP Photo)

The source described high emotion inside the Ukraine parliament with Zelenskyy’s «stress rising» in the wake of Herman Halushchenko’s arrest.

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«Recently Zelenskyy became angry over initiatives in parliament that were not pushed through, and he shouted and threatened parliamentarians,» the source said.

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«This week he appeared quite emotionally uncontrollable and almost aggressive behind the camera, so some parliamentarians have seen his stress rise many times recently – and more than pre-war levels,» they said.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Zelenskyy’s office for comment.



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