The White House has announced plans to begin construction of a new $200 million ballroom in September, with completion anticipated before President Trump’s term ends. This will be the first structural change to the Executive Mansion since 1948, replacing the East Wing with a 90,000-square-foot space capable of seating 650 guests. The project, funded by Trump and other donors, will involve temporarily relocating East Wing offices during construction, with McCrery Architects, Clark Construction, and AECOM leading the design and build. This new addition addresses a long-standing need for a larger event space, as the current largest room holds only 200 people, and aligns with the president’s vision for the White House.
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The United States has extended the existing trade deal with Mexico for 90 days, maintaining tariffs of 25% on fentanyl and cars, and 50% on steel, aluminum, and copper. Mexico has also agreed to immediately eliminate its unspecified non-tariff trade barriers. This extension provides Mexico with additional time to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement with the U.S., avoiding the 30% tariff Trump had previously threatened to impose by August 1st.
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Trump wants a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8, according to reports, and frankly, I have some thoughts on that. It seems to be the latest in a series of pronouncements, each with its own optimistic deadline. It’s as if there’s some magic date that will somehow force an end to a conflict that has complex historical roots, significant geopolitical implications, and seemingly intractable motivations.
Let’s be real here, this isn’t the first time a quick resolution has been promised. Remember the pledges to solve the situation within a day, or during the first week of office?… Continue reading
The French government is closely monitoring the US plan to destroy nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives, primarily long-acting methods like IUDs and implants, originally intended for women in Africa through USAID programs. The US State Department confirmed a preliminary decision to destroy these contraceptives, purchased under Biden-era contracts, with incineration possibly occurring in France. French officials and rights groups are expressing strong opposition, with petitions and calls for presidential intervention to prevent what is perceived as a violation of women’s rights and a waste of resources. Belgium is also seeking a solution, and offers from organizations like MSI Reproductive Choices and IPPF to repurpose the contraceptives were rejected.
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A recent survey conducted by The Times revealed American voters view President Trump’s actions to arrest and deport immigrants as his most significant achievement. While nearly half of respondents graded Trump’s second term positively, they also identified inflation as the most pressing issue. The poll highlighted widespread concern over Trump’s tariff policy, with a majority believing it will negatively impact the country’s prosperity, and overall job performance approval has declined slightly. Interestingly, support for a third party led by Elon Musk is low, and his popularity has decreased since leaving the administration.
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In response to a Supreme Court decision, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a memo outlining plans to revoke citizenship from children born to immigrants, including those with temporary legal status. The memo envisions federal review of parents’ documentation, potentially in hospitals, to determine a newborn’s citizenship status. The plan would deny citizenship to children of immigrants who are “unlawfully present,” potentially rendering them deportable, and also includes children of those with lawful but temporary presence, such as visa holders and Dreamers. This policy change would necessitate intrusive federal involvement and create a caste-based system, putting ICE agents in maternity wards and potentially deporting babies.
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The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that a death row inmate, Byron Black, can be executed without deactivating his implanted defibrillator. This decision overturns a lower court’s order and allows for Black’s scheduled execution, as the court found the deactivation requirement constituted a stay of execution, which the lower court was not authorized to issue. The ruling does not address concerns about potential suffering caused by the defibrillator during the lethal injection, leaving open the possibility of deactivation if it does not interfere with the execution. Black was convicted of the 1988 shooting deaths of his girlfriend and her two daughters.
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Teen suffers ‘significant thermal burns’ near Yellowstone geyser – it’s a headline that unfortunately, isn’t surprising to many. The event unfolded in the thermal area of Yellowstone National Park, near the iconic Lone Star Geyser, a location known for its volatile and dangerous landscape. The young person’s misstep, walking off the designated trails, resulted in the tragic incident where the teenager suffered burns to his foot and ankle after breaking through the thin, deceptively fragile crust that covers the geothermal features.
The immediate reaction, and it’s a common one, is a blend of sympathy and a stark reminder: Yellowstone is *not* a place to wander off the beaten path.… Continue reading
German armed forces see a 28% surge in recruits in NATO defence boost, and frankly, it’s a pretty significant headline. The news definitely stirs up a lot of different reactions. It’s understandable that people feel a mix of emotions – relief, pride, maybe even a little unease, depending on their background and perspective. The shift in global dynamics has certainly brought a renewed focus on defense, and Germany, as a key player in Europe, is now stepping up.
This increase in recruitment comes as part of a larger effort to bolster NATO’s overall strength. With the current geopolitical climate, especially in the wake of events near Germany, the need for a strong defense is more apparent than ever.… Continue reading
President Donald Trump is set to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test, originally established in 1966, aiming to encourage healthy, active lifestyles among American schoolchildren. The program, which was modified in 2012 to prioritize individual health, will be re-launched alongside the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and will be overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A Presidential Fitness Award will also be developed by the council. The event at the White House will include several prominent athletes, some of whom have faced controversy, reflecting Trump’s personal interest in sports and his vision for the future of sports and fitness in America.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood