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Articles by Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder
Will Trump Get His Ballroom?
Trump in recent weeks has launched an all-out defense of the plan, changing his messaging on it and asking the Supreme Court to intervene and allow him to continue work. Workers continue construction on the new White House ballroom, as seen from the Washington Monument, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. President Donald Trump on Monday ramped up his defense of the proposed White House ballroom by characterizing opponents of the plan as “very disloyal to our country.” “I think we're way ahead of schedule.
What to Know: America's Two Biggest Reservoirs Are Drying Up
Twenty-five years of drought conditions have reached a tipping point in the Colorado River Basin. Lone Rock is reflected in a stream of water in a section of Lake Powell that was previously underwater. This week, Lake Mead – the largest reservoir in the U.S. – dropped to a record-low water level, imperiling a crucial source of water and power for millions of Americans. Make Your Inbox Smarter Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News: Decision Points : Breaking down the news.
Notable Primary Elections to Watch: Which Races Are Remaining in 2026?
Voters in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Alaska, Florida and New Hampshire still have decisions to make in the coming days and weeks ahead of the midterms in November. Rep. Angie Craig speaks with supporters during a canvass launch on Aug. 9 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. After months of primary elections, just a few remain ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Make Your Inbox Smarter Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News: Decision Points : Breaking down the news.
Trump Signs Executive Orders on Immigration. What Is ‘Birth Tourism'?
Trump on Thursday signed executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship and targeting ‘birth tourism.' Antranik Tavitian | Getty Images A baby sits in a stroller at George Bush International Airport on March 19 in Houston, Texas. President Donald Trump this week renewed his efforts targeting birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court delivered a crippling blow to his immigration reform agenda.
What Is Candida Auris and Where Is the Deadly Fungus Spreading?
Over 3,400 infections caused by Candida auris have been documented in the U.S. in 2026. Nicolas Armer | picture alliance | Getty Images A petri dish holding the yeast Candida Auris. Cases of a drug-resistant and potentially deadly fungal infection are spreading in the U.S., according to federal data. Make Your Inbox Smarter Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News: Decision Points : Breaking down the news. Best Ahead Preparing for your retirement.
Trump Throws His Support Behind Permanent Daylight Saving Bill. Here's Why That Matters
Trump said that ‘no Administration has been able to get it done, until now.' Kent Nishimura | AFP | Getty Images The sun rises on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump is throwing his support behind a measure to make daylight saving time permanent. Make Your Inbox Smarter Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News: Decision Points : Breaking down the news. Best Ahead Preparing for your retirement. Invested : Advice, tips and news for investors.
A SpaceX Rocket Booster Will Crash Into the Moon at 5,400 MPH: What Will Happen?
Wednesday's impact will not be visible to the naked eye, but astronomers hope to study it with telescopes. GREGG NEWTON | AFP | Getty Images A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket streaks into orbit after lifting off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Jan. 15, 2025. An abandoned rocket segment will crash into the moon early Wednesday morning, adding to existing space debris and likely creating a crater on the lunar surface.
Worried About El Niño? You Should Be
A strong El Niño is expected to have broad consequences, ranging from flooding to more expensive food. Claudio Pramana | NurPhoto | Getty Images A farmer waters corn planted in a drought-stricken area on July 31. You've heard of El Niño before. You may have even heard that we're in for a particularly strong one that some are calling a “super” El Niño. But have you heard about how it could hurt your wallet? El Niño events typically happen every two to seven years and last nine to 12 months.
Trump to End a Medicare Drug Subsidy Program. Here's Why That Matters
The move could bring bigger premium increases for drug coverage for people on Medicare next year. Spencer Platt | Getty Images Two people walk inside a Medicare Services office. The Trump administration this week announced it will end a Biden-era subsidy that was aimed at reducing premiums for drug coverage for people on Medicare Make Your Inbox Smarter Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News: Decision Points : Breaking down the news. Best Ahead Preparing for your retirement.
Fauci Invokes Fifth Amendment, Paul Promises ‘Repercussions'
Republican Sen. Rand Paul subpoenaed infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci to testify at the hearing. Fauci didn't answer questions, prompting Paul to threaten repercussions. Allison Robbert | AP Dr. Anthony Fauci appears before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at the Capitol, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington. Republican Sen.
Senate Showdown: What to Know About Fauci's COVID-19 Hearing
Infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci and Sen. Rand Paul will undoubtedly be the main show on Wednesday. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images Dr. Anthony Fauci is sworn-in before testifying before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on June 3, 2024. Infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci is scheduled to return to Congress on Wednesday, where he is sure to face backlash over his work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lindsey Graham's Funeral: What's the Schedule? Who Will Attend?
The senator's funeral services are taking place in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. Kenny Holston | The New York Times | AP | Pool The casket of Sen. Lindsey Graham is seen during a Congressional tribute in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Late Sen.
Why Utah Is the Best State in America
Utah doesn't lead in any one category, but excellent scores across every category but Natural Environment push it to No. 1. georgeclerk | Getty Stock An aerial view of Salt Lake City, Utah. Consistency, consistency, consistency. It's a lesson to be learned from Utah, which tops the Best States rankings from U.S. News for the fourth year in a row despite not ranking first in any of the categories.
FDA Committee Votes on These 7 Peptides
An advisory committee gave the green light to expand access to four peptides, which are having their moment as a wellness trend. More votes that are nonbinding but typically followed by the FDA are scheduled for Friday. Thibaut Durand | Hans Lucas | AFP | Getty Images Peptide-based medication and GLP-1 Wegovy.
Tropical Storm Bertha’s Impacts: What to Know
July 23, 2026 / Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder Tropical Storm Bertha is nearing the Texas-Louisiana border and is forecast to move inland over the Lone Star State in the evening, where it is expected to dissipate. A tropical storm warning is in place from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Sargent, Texas, according to the National Hurricane Center with … Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post. What did you think of this story?
Tropical Storm Bertha's Impacts: What to Know
Tropical Storm Bertha is inland near the Texas-Louisiana border as of Thursday afternoon. Brett Duke | The Advocate | AP Waves from Lake Pontchartrain crash onto West End Point in New Orleans as Tropical Storm Bertha approaches on July 22. Tropical Storm Bertha is nearing the Texas-Louisiana border and is forecast to move inland over the Lone Star State in the evening, where it is expected to dissipate.
Tropical Storm Bertha's Impacts: What to Know
Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon with sustained winds of 45 mph. Brett Duke | The Advocate | AP Waves from Lake Pontchartrain crash onto West End Point in New Orleans as Tropical Storm Bertha approaches on July 22. Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, on Wednesday, bringing strong winds and the potential for some locally heavy rainfall.
Here Are the Canadian Items Trump Plans to Tariff, From ‘Wine to Hockey Sticks'
The Trump administration said the move was a response to Canada discriminating against American cars, alcohol and dairy products. Minas Panagiotakis | Getty Images A hockey player warms up before a game between the Montréal Victoire and the Boston Fleet in Laval, Quebec, Canada. President Donald Trump on Monday announced 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods, “covering products ranging from wine to hockey sticks to cement,” according to the White House.
Fact-Checking 3 of Trump's Biggest Claims From His ‘Fair Elections' Speech
A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said Trump's allegations against China are ‘entirely fabricated.' Saul Loeb | Pool | Getty Images President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16.
MAP: Here's Where Wildfire Smoke Is Spreading in the U.S.
Officials are advising sensitive groups, including children and people with asthma, to limit their time outdoors. Paul Sancya | AP A pedestrian crosses the street as the Detroit city skyline is obscured during poor air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires on July 16, 2026, in Detroit. Wildfire smoke is bringing hazy conditions and poor air quality to millions of Americans across the Northeast, Midwest and mid-Atlantic this week.
Trump's Primetime Speech Thursday: What to Know
President Donald Trump said the speech will focus on ‘free and fair elections.' Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images President Donald Trump speaks at the White House. President Donald Trump is promising “really big news” in his Thursday primetime speech. Make Your Inbox Smarter Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News: Decision Points : Breaking down the news. Best Ahead Preparing for your retirement. Invested : Advice, tips and news for investors.
States Issue Air Quality Warnings as Wildfire Smoke from Canada, Minnesota Spreads
More than 800 wildfires are burning in Canada and about 20 more are burning in Minnesota's Superior National Forest and surrounding areas. Anthony Soufflé | The Minnesota Star Tribune | Getty Images Plumes of wildfire smoke hang in the air in Ely, Minnesota, on July 14. Plumes of smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota will spread across the Midwest, Northeast and mid-Atlantic this week.
Will the World Cup Bring an Economic Boost to Host Cities?
Experts are hesitant to declare the World Cup an economic success for the host cities. JUAN MABROMATA | AFP via Getty Images Argentina's fans celebrate at a match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City on July 11. Packed bars, full restaurants and record-breaking attendance: The World Cup final isn't until Sunday, but many have already cheered the biggest sporting event in the world as a success.
Here’s Where Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks Have Been Reported in the U.S.
Cases of an intestinal illness that can cause “explosive bowel movements” are increasing in the U.S. Make Your Inbox Smarter Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News: Decision Points: Breaking down the news. Best Ahead: Preparing for your retirement. Invested: Advice, tips and news for investors. Getting In: The parent's playbook for college admissions. Higher Ground: Insights for higher education leaders. Healthcare of Tomorrow Bulletin: Insights for healthcare leaders.
Trump Said He Won't Sign the Bipartisan Housing Bill. What Happens Now?
President Donald Trump said he won't sign the bipartisan housing bill ‘in protest' over the SAVE America Act. Aaron Schwartz | AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump speaks to the press after a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol in Washington, D.C, on June 24, 2026. President Donald Trump on Friday said he won't sign the bipartisan housing bill “in protest” over the Senate's inaction on a controversial voter identification bill.
Here's Where Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks Have Been Reported in the U.S.
Previous outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, which can result in ‘explosive bowel movements,' have been linked to various types of fresh produce. Jessica Rinaldi | The Boston Globe | Getty Images A worker washes onions. Cases of an intestinal illness that can cause “explosive bowel movements” are increasing in the U.S. Make Your Inbox Smarter Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News: Decision Points : Breaking down the news. Best Ahead Preparing for your retirement.
Trump Wants to Cut Off Trade With Spain. Here's What the U.S. Gets From the Country
President Donald Trump said to ‘cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits.' The U.S. imported over $21 billion worth of goods from Spain last year. Coral Scoles-Coburn | Getty Images American and Spanish flag wave outside Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport on June 5. President Donald Trump at the NATO summit on Wednesday said he wants to “cut off all trade” with Spain, the latest in a series of escalating threats against the European nation over its treaty obligations to the alliance.
Trump Marks 1st Trading Day for Trump Accounts
Trump said that the government had deposited the first $1,000 into more than 500,000 Trump Accounts. Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images President Donald Trump rings a bell to mark the first day of trading for Trump Accounts. President Donald Trump on Monday marked the first trading day for Trump Accounts by ringing the stock market's opening bell and announcing that the government had deposited the first $1,000 into more than 500,000 accounts.
These Cities Will See ‘Extreme' Heat Risk Over the Holiday Weekend
The July 4th holiday weekend could see numerous daily temperature records in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service. Selçuk Acar | Anadolu | Getty Images People cool off in the Washington Square Park fountain in New York City. The Fourth of July holiday weekend will bring cheer, fireworks, flyovers and dangerously high temperatures.
National News Supreme Court Delivers Blow to Trump Trump made the decades-old policy one of his main targets in his efforts to reshape the nation’s immigration system. Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder June 30, 2026
Trump made the decades-old policy one of his main targets in his efforts to reshape the nation's immigration system. Kent Nishimura | AFP | Getty Images Birthright citizenship supporters rally in front of the Supreme Court on April 1. The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting an executive order from President Donald Trump to end birthright citizenship.
Where Trump's Efforts to Revamp Elections Stand Ahead of Midterms
Multiple court rulings affected President Donald Trump's efforts to revamp elections through proof of citizenship requirements, mail-in voting restrictions and nationalizing elections. Brian Krista | Baltimore Sun | Tribune News Service | Getty Images Voters fill out ballots during the primary election in Columbia, Maryland, on June 23.
What to Know About the SAVE America Act
Trump on Wednesday canceled the signing event for a bipartisan housing affordability bill until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, calling it a ‘national emergency.' Andrew Harnik | Getty Images President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office of the White House.
Judge's SNAP Ruling a MAHA Movement Setback
A federal judge this week blocked several state-based Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program waivers that restricted use of the benefits on candy and soda. Joe Raedle | Getty Images A sign in the window of a Miami store indicates that SNAP benefits are accepted. A federal judge this week dealt a major blow to the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, blocking state-based restrictions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that were approved by the Trump administration.
The Supreme Court has several major cases left to decide as it approaches its summer recess, including President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, campaign finance limits, mail-in ballots and multiple Second Amendment issues. Several of the decisions are expected to have widespread ramifications on state laws and could upend election-related processes ahead of the midterm elections. The high court does not announce in advance which rulings are coming when.
USDA Head Blames Biden-Era Policies for Screwworm Threat as Cases Rise
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed six cases of the New World screwworm in the U.S. Joel Angel Juarez | Getty Images A view inside the Texas Division of Emergency Management State Operations Center as they respond to the New World Screwworm threat. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told lawmakers on Wednesday that the agency under the Biden administration “really had no plans” when it came to New World screwworm.
JD Vance Recommends Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to DOJ for Criminal Investigation
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee in a report accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison of knowing about ‘widespread fraud in federally funded social services programs for years.' Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz testifies during a hearing in the U.S. Capitol Building on March 4.
What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome? How a Tick Bite Can Cause a Red Meat and Dairy Allergy
As ER visits for tick bites rise across parts of the U.S., health officials are drawing attention to alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy linked to the lone star tick. Finn Gomez | The Boston Globe via Getty Images A tick biologist holds a tick in the air on May 18.
Trump Promises ‘Rally to End All Rallies' After Performers Dropped Out of Freedom 250
Trump's announcement comes after several performers dropped out of planned appearances at the ‘Great American State Fair.' Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images President Donald Trump speaks during rally on July 20, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
What to Know: Trump Strips Job Protections From Thousands of Federal Employees
The executive order is the latest step in Trump's efforts to address career federal employees who he believes work to hinder his policies. Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office on June 3. Key Takeaways Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order to reclassify about 8,000 federal workers into a schedule that would make them easier to fire.
National News Supreme Court Faces Major Cases Birthright citizenship, campaign finance limits and mail-in ballots are just a few of the high-profile issues under the microscope this term. Here’s where the cases stand. Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder June 4, 20
Birthright citizenship, campaign finance limits and mail-in ballots are just a few of the high-profile issues under the microscope this term. Here's where the cases stand. The Supreme Court has several major cases left to decide as it approaches its summer recess, including President Donald Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship, campaign finance limits, mail-in ballots and multiple Second Amendment issues.
These States Report the Most Whooping Cough Cases in 2026
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory illness that is spread easily from person to person through the air. Miami Herald File | Tribune News Service | Getty Images A nurse administers a pertussis vaccine to a patient. More than 4,700 cases of whooping cough have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this year. It's on track to be fewer cases than last year when the CDC estimated more than 28,000 cases.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Kicks Off Today: Here's What to Expect
No hurricane activity is present in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the latest data from the National Hurricane Center. Melissa Sue Gerrits | Getty Images Friends talk after canoeing a river flooded by Hurricane Helene in Boone, North Carolina. The Atlantic hurricane season started Monday and runs through November. No hurricane activity is present in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the latest data from the National Hurricane Center.
Here's Who's In and Who's Out of the ‘Great American State Fair'
Shortly after Freedom 250 announced performers for the celebration, a handful of them said they would not be performing. Trump's response? ‘Cancel it.' Todd Rosenberg | Getty Images Vanilla Ice performs during halftime of an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on Dec. 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, MI. Several artists have dropped their performances for the celebration of America's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C., this summer.
Here’s Who’s In and Who’s Out of the ‘Great American State Fair’
2 hours ago Multiple performers booked for a festival celebrating America's 250th birthday have dropped out, many saying they were misled about the political affiliation of the event. Freedom 250, the group behind the Great American State Fair, unveiled the artists on Wednesday for the 16-day event planned on …
Here's Who's In and Who's Out of the ‘Great American State Fair'
Shortly after Freedom 250 announced performers for the celebration, a handful of them said they would not be performing. Todd Rosenberg | Getty Images Vanilla Ice performs during halftime of an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on Dec. 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, MI. Several artists have dropped their performances for the celebration of America's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C., this summer.
What to Know About NASA's Moon Base
The first moon base mission will launch no earlier than fall 2026 and use a Blue Origin lunar cargo lander to deliver NASA payloads. Mandel NGAN | AFP | Getty Images Models of lunar rovers and landers are displayed during a news conference at NASA headquarters outlining plans for NASA's lunar base. Key Takeaways NASA on Tuesday announced target launch time frames for the first moon base. The moon base will be the first sustained human presence on the moon.
SpaceX to Launch Upgraded Starship for 12th Test Flight
Here's how to watch SpaceX test its latest version of Starship on Thursday. Eric Gay | AP Workers help prepare SpaceX's Starship rocket for a test flight from Starbase, Texas, on May 20. Key Takeaways: SpaceX will test its giant rocket designed to one day take people to the moon and Mars on Thursday. Starship, with a height of over 400 feet, is the largest and most powerful rocket ever built The latest version of Starship has several upgrades, including redesigned propulsion systems.
Polls and Protests Show Americans Are Turning on Data Centers
NIMBYs, power scrambles and protests: Here's how some Americans are responding to the AI data center boom. Will Waldron | Albany Times Union | Getty Images Activists and lawmakers rally for a state data center moratorium in Albany, New York. The data centers are coming! The data centers are coming! Love it, hate it, welcome it, fear it – artificial intelligence could overhaul virtually every aspect of our lives and cause economic disruptions along the way.
NOAA: El Nino to Bring a ‘Below Average' Atlantic Hurricane Season
The season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, and it's likely that El Nino will hit sometime between May and July and continue into next year. Jeffrey Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images The Atlantic Ocean is seen from a terrace in Miami Beach, Florida. Key Takeaways Federal officials are predicting a “below average” Atlantic hurricane season due to El Nino. NOAA expects three to six hurricanes with one to three becoming major hurricanes.
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