The U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into Duke University after reports of Duke Law Journal awarding applicants for highlighting their race.

The Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation into Duke University amid the Trump administration's crackdown on higher-learning institutions.

The US Education Department said Monday that it has launched an investigation of Duke University and the Duke Law Journal over allegations of civil rights violations, the latest move by the Trump administration to probe schools over their hiring and admissions processes.

Duke Energy said on Tuesday it would sell its Tennessee natural gas distribution business to Spire for $2.48 billion in cash, as the utility aims to streamline operations and unlock capital to invest in electric grid upgrades.

Charlotte-based Duke Energy said in Tuesday's announcement the sale would help fund its $83 billion five-year capital plan.

The acquisition, pending regulatory approvals, will result in the creation of a new business unit, Spire Tennessee.