Reflecting Pool’s botched repairs threaten to tarnish the National Park Service’s reputation

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s handling of repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has put the National Park Service in a difficult spot. Critics say Trump demands including revising park exhibits and demolishing structures risk damaging the agency’s reputation. The Reflecting Pool project began earlier this year and faced issues like peeling sealant and algae. The Republican president blames vandalism. But charges against a suspect have been dropped after it was found to be a botched installation. Critics say the continued controversies undermine the National Park Service, an agency that’s popular with Americans. The White House defends the pool project, saying Trump is delivering on a promise to make Washington “safe and beautiful.”

Kennedy Center board set to vote on whether to move forward with closure

WASHINGTON – The Kennedy Center’s board is set to meet to discuss future plans after a federal judge blocked a two-year closure for renovations. Management on Thursday will present three options: complete closure, partial closure with limited access, or phased closures addressing urgent needs while maintaining programming. Judge Christopher Cooper criticized the board’s previous decision as “ill-informed.” The board, mostly allies of President Donald Trump, faces pressure to consider options thoroughly. Trump’s influence on the Kennedy Center has been controversial, with legal battles over renaming and renovations. The institution argues it needs significant repairs, highlighting severe water damage and outdated equipment.

Rubio and Bessent stayed on decoy flight from Turkey as Trump switched planes, official says

WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent flew out of last month’s NATO summit in Turkey on what was effectively a decoy plane, while President Donald Trump was secreted onto another plane following an Iranian threat. That’s according to a senior U.S. official briefed on the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss presidential security. The official says Rubio was aware of the switch and details of the threat behind it but could or would not say why he had stayed on the plane. The switch was kept secret from reporters on the plane ride back.

– The Associated Press