In our news wrap Tuesday, a federal judge today ordered the Trump administration to stop construction of its $400 million White House ballroom project until Congress reviews the project, top European diplomats visited Ukraine to mark four years since Russia’s massacre in the town of Bucha, and Gaza health officials say two Israeli airstrikes killed at least five people.
William Brangham: In the day’s other headlines, District Judge Richard Leon sided with a preservationist group that called for further reviews and input from Congress on the White House ballroom project. The judge wrote that Trump is the steward of the White House, not its owner, and stated that no statute gives the president the authority he claims to have. The enforcement of the order is delayed for 14 days, and the administration is likely to appeal.
Another federal judge ruled Trump’s executive order barring federal funding for NPR and PBS unconstitutional, violating their First Amendment rights. Although this decision will have minimal immediate financial impact due to previous funding cuts by Congress, it may open up possibilities for future funding.
A group of 12 top European diplomats visited Ukraine to honor the victims of Russia’s massacre in Bucha. Meanwhile, smoke rose from an oil storage facility near St. Petersburg targeted by Ukraine, prompting a response from Russia.
In Gaza, health officials report that two Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least five people, including a father and his 2-year-old son. Israeli authorities have not commented on the incidents.
Premature infants evacuated during the Israel-Hamas war in 2023 were reunited with their families in Central Gaza. However, questions remain about the fate of evacuated babies who died after arriving in Egypt.
A Russian tanker delivered oil to Cuba, the first such delivery in three months, amid an ongoing U.S. oil blockade of the island. The White House maintains its policy towards Cuba despite the delivery.
The U.S. panel voted to exempt offshore oil drilling from Endangered Species Act rules due to threats to energy production during the conflict with Iran, drawing criticism over potential environmental impacts.
NASA prepares for the Artemis II moon mission launch, almost 50 years after the last lunar visit, with favorable weather conditions expected tomorrow night.
Stocks surged on Wall Street amid hopes for an end to the Iran war, with significant gains in the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 indices.
In a unique passing, Sugar “The Surfing Dog,” a world champion surfing dog and therapy animal, passed away at 16 years old, leaving a lasting impact beyond the shores of Huntington Beach, California.
