Taylor Wilson

The government contends that Petrova failed to declare biological material when arriving at Boston's Logan International Airport in February. In the lawsuit, the government asked a U.S. judge to dismiss Petrova's case and deport her to her native Russia.

The government contends that Petrova failed to declare biological material when arriving at Boston's Logan International Airport in February. In the lawsuit, the government asked a U.S. judge to dismiss Petrova's case and deport her to her native Russia.

Petrova sued the Trump administration after customs officers canceled her J-1 work-study visa and turned her over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for failing to declare biological samples. She has been detained in Louisiana since mid-February.

Petrova sued the Trump administration after customs officers canceled her J-1 work-study visa and turned her over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for failing to declare biological samples. She has been detained in Louisiana since mid-February.

In court documents, Petrova's lawyers have argued that the sample's non-living, chemically fixed frog embryos were not alive, therefore she did not believe they needed to be declared. In the past, a similar violation might have led to a fine. A wave of legislation targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion is rolling through Republican-controlled statehouses.

In court documents, Petrova's lawyers have argued that the sample's non-living, chemically fixed frog embryos were not alive, therefore she did not believe they needed to be declared. In the past, a similar violation might have led to a fine. A wave of legislation targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion is rolling through Republican-controlled statehouses.

I spoke with USA Today senior reporter Jessica Gwynn for more. Jessica, always a pleasure. Thanks for hopping on.

I spoke with USA Today senior reporter Jessica Gwynn for more. Jessica, always a pleasure. Thanks for hopping on.

So starting here, Jessica, what are we seeing really in Republican controlled state houses when it comes to DEI?

So starting here, Jessica, what are we seeing really in Republican controlled state houses when it comes to DEI?

So what's the broader aim here, really, Jessica?

So what's the broader aim here, really, Jessica?

This has been a while coming. Jessica, how did we get to this point?

This has been a while coming. Jessica, how did we get to this point?

Well, Jessica, in response, some blue states are rolling out bills defending DEI. How are they pushing back?

Well, Jessica, in response, some blue states are rolling out bills defending DEI. How are they pushing back?

Folks can find more with a link in today's show notes. Jessica Gwynn is a senior reporter with USA Today. Thanks as always, Jessica.

Folks can find more with a link in today's show notes. Jessica Gwynn is a senior reporter with USA Today. Thanks as always, Jessica.

Why would a woodpecker peck something other than wood? Residents in some communities are dealing with an unexpected crime wave. Woodpeckers damaging their car's mirrors and windshields. One woman in Ohio, Stephanie Gallucci, told the Columbus Dispatch of the USA Today Network that one of the birds took out multiple car windows in her family.

Why would a woodpecker peck something other than wood? Residents in some communities are dealing with an unexpected crime wave. Woodpeckers damaging their car's mirrors and windshields. One woman in Ohio, Stephanie Gallucci, told the Columbus Dispatch of the USA Today Network that one of the birds took out multiple car windows in her family.