Author: Loisa Lane

The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for allegedly vandalising the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, following algae-related contamination. David Hearn, detained for touching the pool’s surface, plans to appear in court next month as the National Park Service did not respond to inquiries.

The U.S. government has awarded a $1.7 million no-bid contract to Green Water Solutions, owned by Trump donor John J. Cafaro, to install a filtration system at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This contract was justified under rules for projects of “unusual and compelling urgency.”

The Trump administration informed a federal judge that the Kennedy Center is evaluating options for its upcoming programming, ranging from a complete closure to limited public access. This follows a court order mandating the centre to remain open amid ongoing renovations and the removal of Trump’s name from its title.

Israeli jets struck Beirut hours before President Trump’s planned announcement of a ceasefire deal with Iran, resulting in three fatalities. Trump’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated during a phone call, highlighting tensions between the two leaders amid ongoing military operations.

Cuban lawmakers approved 176 reforms aimed at reducing state control in the economy to attract foreign investment across various sectors. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero presented the measures in response to economic pressures exacerbated by a U.S. oil blockade, marking significant changes since the 1959 revolution.

Algae has turned the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool a fluorescent green following recent renovations led by President Trump, who aimed to improve its condition. Despite using advanced cleaning techniques, the Department of the Interior confirmed that the algae bloom is part of the normal startup process following construction.

President Trump condemned critics of the U.S.-Iran memorandum, labelling them “fools” in a post on Truth Social. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy called the agreement the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” while other Republicans expressed concerns over the deal’s implications for Iran’s nuclear ambitions and economic relief for the regime.

President Trump has called for the immediate confirmation of Jamie McDonald as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York during the G7 summit in France. McDonald, a prominent attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell, may face scrutiny over his prosecutorial independence amidst ongoing investigations into the firm’s dealings.

Trump meets Modi to discuss Iran memorandum of understanding in Replay: Trump meets Modi, addresses memorandum of understanding in Iran and FRANCE 24’s analysis.

Senior U.S. officials detailed a memorandum of understanding with Iran, emphasising a permanent end to military operations, immediate oil exports, and a $300 billion reconstruction plan. Iran committed to not develop nuclear weapons, with sanctions set for gradual lifting, pending compliance within 60 days.