Officials in sixteen states and the District of Columbia sued in response, leading to Tuesday’s order from U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos in New York City.

A federal judge in Manhattan blocked the Trump administration on Tuesday from canceling more than $1.1 billion in unspent aid meant to help U.S. elementary and high schools address the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The states had filed a lawsuit last month against the U.S. Department of Education after Secretary Linda McMahon canceled funding from three COVID-19 grants: Homeless Children and Youth, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief and Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools.

Explore the recent protests at Columbia University, highlighting significant demonstrations and pro-Palestinian actions on campus.

Columbia University requested help from the New York City Police Department to clear pro-Palestinian demonstrators out of the campus library Wednesday evening.

Masked protesters took over part of a central library at Columbia University on Wednesday afternoon, forcing a tense standoff with campus safety officers while students were trying to study for final exams.