The complex legacy left by Pope Francis and Harvard fights back against the Trump administration : Morning Rundown
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy peppered with moments of challenging Catholic Church traditions, Harvards sues the Trump administration over first amendment rights and whooping cough is on the rise in the United States.
Here's what to know today.
Pope Francis leaves a legacy as a Catholic Church reformer
As the leader of the world's one billion Roman Catholics, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy as a reformer who pushed the boundaries of the Catholic Church.
Born of Italian immigrant parents in 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the first pope from South America and was ordained at age 32. Francis was elevated to Cardinal by John Paul II in 2011. When he took the reins in 2013, the church was tainted by financial scandal and the first papal resignation in 600 years.
Many of his most radical changes to Vatican policy were in recent years, namely when he allowed priests to bless same-sex couples in 2023.
'If a person is gay and seeks God and has goodwill, who am I to judge him?' he told reporters in 2013. He continued to oppose gay marriage, but the decision pointed to a longstanding shift in attitude that would cement his legacy as one of the most progressive popes in history.
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Francis firmly spoke out against the sexual abuse of children by Catholic Church clergy and issued the most extensive revision to its law in 40 years. He criticized the border wall during President Donald Trump's first term, referring to the plan as a 'razor wire,' and sought out a meeting with Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro during his visit to the communist country in 2015.
His actions often rattled the church's progressive arm, too. Francis refused to consider ordaining women, was against abortion, and faced criticism from victims of sexual abuse who didn't believe he went far enough to punish offenders.
Francis bucked several traditions in his early leadership and worked to establish a new order marked by speaking out to World leaders, embracing humility in the face of the Catholic church pomp, and elevating the needs of marginalized communities.
Harvard sues federal government after Trump administration slashed billions in funding
In the latest volley between Harvard and the White House, the university filed a lawsuit accusing the administration of violating the First Amendment by freezing $2.2 billion in grants.
Harvard is accusing the federal government of 'unprecedented and improper' control over the Ivy League institution, and arguing the funding freeze is not related to the administration's stated concerns about antisemitism on campus
'The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America's position as a global leader in innovation,' the lawsuit says.
Harvard wants a judge to declare the freeze unconstitutional and order the government to reverse any terminations of federal funding.
Some doctors are raising alarm over so-called GLP-1 supplements that claim to 'supercharge' the body's natural levels of the gut hormone. The compounded version of weight loss drugs including Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) require at least a virtual consultation with a clinician to receive a prescription. But these popular supplements are available over the counter.
While compounded versions of Wegovy and Zepbound are readily available, the FDA has previously announced there's no longer a shortage of tirzepatide or semaglutide — enter in GLP-1 supplement sellers to flood the market.
These supplements often come in colorful patches or fruit-flavored gummies but experts say they are likely to be ineffective for weight loss.
'If you can buy it without a prescription, it's not an actual GLP-1 drug,' says Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. 'It is something else that's marketed to support your endogenous GLP-1 production.
A close read of the ingredients of these GLP-1 supplements will show items that have minimal scientific evidence supporting their claims to help people lose weight. The FDA states the ingredients have not been tested, and health experts urge consumers to remember there's no immediate dietary fix that will have the same impact as weight loss drugs.
Staff Pick: Longer hair, nails at home, fewer facials: How economic warning signs are flashing at the salon
The start of spring signals a fresh hairstyle or regular pedicures, but many salons are seeing a drawdown in repeat clients as they fear an impending economic slowdown. When finances are stretched, maintenance appointments are often the first discretionary purchase on the chopping block: clients stretch their haircuts to 10 or 12 weeks, rather than the recommended six to eight weeks, or find ways to conduct the treatments at home.
Meanwhile, tariffs have raised the cost of foils used for highlights by 20%, and made steel hair spray cans even more pricey, causing a concern among beauty service providers who are already seeing a drop-off in business. Shannon Pettypiece spoke with salon owners, estheticians and other experts in the beauty industry who share their fears about what this shift means for their business.
— Kaylah Jackson, platforms editor
NBCU Academy: Amid 23andMe's Bankruptcy, These Biobanks Promise More Transparency and Representation
Non-European populations have historically been excluded from genetic studies and databases, as they make up only 14% of genetic data. While popular DNA testing companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com share their large data pools with academic and nonprofit partners, they are self-selecting for users who can afford their tests. Even the future of the federal government's initiatives to diversify genetic studies is uncertain with the Trump administration's recent freeze of research funds. All of this equates to underrepresented communities potentially being left out of scientific breakthroughs. To fill these gaps, read how two biobanks are offering free DNA tests and greater transparency about how users' data is shared.
NBCU Academy is a free, award-winning education program for developing new skills and advancing careers in journalism, media and tech.
NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified
Are you in search of a brighter smile? The NBC Select team spoke with dental experts to find the best teeth whitening products, including whitestrips, toothpaste and mouthwash. We've been testing fitness trackers for a few years now and these are our favorites from brands like Apple, Garmin and Fitbit. We have a multitude of options whether you want something to track your running speed or your sleep habits.
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'The federalized National Guard and active-duty Marines deployed in Los Angeles will engage in quintessential law enforcement activity in violation of the PCA,' the motion said, referring to the Posse Comitatus Act. 'Defendants will create a substantial likelihood that the military will physically confront, detain, or search civilians whom they perceive are posing a security threat, thereby actively executing civil laws.' A military official with knowledge of the operation told NBC News that the Marines would not conduct arrests and would only transport and guard ICE agents. They said that these activities would not violate the Posse Comitatus Act. As with many other political battles since Trump took office, the issue will be decided in court. On Thursday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer will hold a hearing in San Francisco to hear arguments from both sides regarding Trump's use of the National Guard and Marines in L.A. Breyer could accept or reject Bonta's request that he issue a court order blocking the Trump Administration from using National Guard troops and Marines during ICE operations. Some local law enforcement officials and state Democrats say that Trump is stoking tensions rather than calming them. The National Guard is often used to respond to riots or violence on American streets. And active-duty Marines are not typically trained for domestic law enforcement and lack the tools or the training to respond to civil disturbances. Mike Hillman, a law enforcement consultant, military veteran and former Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief who served more than 40 years in the department, said there is a big difference between what law enforcement does and what Marines do. 'The Marines are warfighters and they come with rules of engagement and tools and equipment that they would normally use under those circumstances,' Hillman told NBC News. 'This situation has serious consequences. It puts the United States Marine Corps and the warfighters in the position where they are having to deal with domestic incidents on domestic soil.' Concerns about Marine 'rules of force' Some of the Marines deployed to Los Angeles will provide security and transportation for ICE personnel as they conduct operations. This includes driving ICE agents in military vehicles to arrest locations, according to two sources familiar with the plans. The Marines have been issued small cards that list 'rules of force' — terminology used for domestic military operations, the two sources said. The cards describe what Marines are allowed to do during a deployment. Two sources familiar with the planning say that ICE agents, as well as local officials in Los Angeles, have expressed concern about those rules of engagement. The sources said ICE agents worry that the Marines have not been properly trained and could be pulled into law enforcement operations for which local police or the National Guard is better suited. Jim McDonnell, the Los Angeles police chief, said in a statement on Monday that he was not notified of the Marine deployment and urged federal officials to maintain continuous communications with local law enforcement officials. 'The arrival of federal military forces in Los Angeles — absent clear coordination — presents a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us charged with safeguarding this city,' he said. 'We are urging open and continuous lines of communication between all agencies to prevent confusion, avoid escalation, and ensure a coordinated, lawful, and orderly response during this critical time.' Warning from Rodney King riots An incident in Los Angeles during the 1992 riots following the police beating of Rodney King serves as a cautionary tale. According to the book, 'Fires and Furies,' by Maj. Gen. James Delk, who oversaw National Guard operations in California at the time, Marines caused an incident when they accompanied police officers to a domestic disturbance in the wake of the riots. A police officer asked the Marines to 'cover me' as he tried to enter the residence, according to the book. Instead of simply pointing their weapons at it to deter the people inside, the Marines opened fire on the house. 'The officer had not meant shoot when he yelled 'cover me' to the Marines,' Delk wrote. The officer meant, 'point your weapon and be prepared to respond if necessary. However, the Marines responded instantly in the way they had been trained, where 'cover me' means 'provide me with cover using firepower.'' California legal battle California Attorney General Bonta's motion asked Judge Breyer, the federal judge in San Francisco, to issue a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump Administration from using National Guard troops or Marines during ICE operations. 'Defendants, including President Trump and Secretary of Defense Hegseth have sought to bring military personnel and a 'warrior culture' to the streets of cities and towns where Americans work, go to school and raise their families,' Bonta wrote. On Tuesday, Department of Justice lawyers rebuffed Bonta's motion. 'Plaintiffs' motion is legally meritless,' they wrote in a filing. 'It seeks an extraordinary, unprecedented and dangerous court order.' Bonta's motion argued that the administration's actions, in fact, were dangerous. 'There is no invasion or rebellion in Los Angeles," it said, "only the kind of civil unrest that occurs from time to time that is typically the purview of local law enforcement.'
