Judge Challenges Trump’s Plan for Giant ‘Independence Arch’ Near the National Mall in Washington

A federal judge is raising serious questions about President Donald Trump’s plan to build a large “Independence Arch” near the National Mall, adding another legal obstacle to one of the administration’s most visible symbolic projects. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan sharply questioned whether Trump has the authority to move forward with such a major monument […]
U.S. Trade Deficit Widens as February Import Rebound Outpaces Record Exports

The U.S. trade deficit widened in February as a rebound in imports more than offset a surge in exports that reached record highs, adding to concerns that trade could weigh on economic growth in the first quarter of 2026. The overall trade gap increased 4.9% to $57.3 billion, compared with a revised $54.7 billion in […]
Artemis II Sends Four Astronauts Around the Moon in Historic Return to Deep Space

NASA has launched the first crewed mission toward the moon in more than half a century, marking the United States’ boldest step yet toward returning astronauts to the lunar surface. Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:35 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2026, carrying four astronauts aboard NASA’s Space Launch […]
Trump Draws Cheers and Boos at Kennedy Center as His Overhaul of the Venue Deepens

President Donald Trump attended the opening night of the musical Chicago at the Kennedy Center on March 31, in a visit that highlighted both his growing control over the institution and the deep controversy surrounding its future. Trump drew applause as he arrived, though some members of the audience also booed. The mixed reaction reflected […]
In Unprecedented Move, Trump Attends High-Stakes Supreme Court Hearing on Immigration Policy

President Donald Trump made history on April 1, by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court. His visit centered on one of the most controversial policies of his current term: an executive order signed on his first day back in office that seeks to limit birthright citizenship for […]
New White House Plan Would Deeply Shrink Consumer Watchdog Instead of Dismantling It Entirely

The Trump administration has unveiled a revised plan to dramatically reduce the size of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, stepping back from an earlier effort to nearly wipe out the agency but still seeking to cut about two-thirds of its workforce. The new proposal was disclosed in a court filing to the U.S. Court […]
New Proposal Would Shut Chinese Carmakers Out of the U.S. Market Entirely

A Republican senator is preparing legislation that would significantly expand the U.S. ban on Chinese automobiles, taking a much harder line than current rules by targeting not just imported vehicles, but also the software, hardware, and business partnerships tied to Chinese carmakers. Senator Bernie Moreno plans to introduce the bill next month, arguing that Washington […]
Europe Pushes Deeper Trade Cooperation With Washington as Tariffs and Minerals Stay in Focus

The European Union and the United States are continuing talks on critical minerals and tariffs, a sign that both sides are trying to stabilize trade ties after months of tension and avoid a broader economic confrontation. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic described his meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as “very positive” after the […]
Cities and States Move to Rebrand César Chavez Day After Abuse Allegations

Communities across the United States are rapidly rethinking how they commemorate César Chavez after allegations that he sexually abused women and girls during the 1960s. Elected officials, civil rights groups, and local organizers are moving quickly to distance public celebrations, holidays, and landmarks from Chavez’s name, especially as March 31, his birthday and the traditional […]
Trump Says White House Ballroom Project Is Ahead of Schedule Despite Legal Challenge

President Donald Trump said the new White House ballroom project is moving faster than expected and costing less than planned, even as the construction faces legal and political opposition. Speaking aboard Air Force One on March 29, Trump said the ballroom was “ahead of schedule and under budget,” and pointed to new renderings as he […]