Arrests reported after pool damage claim At least five people have been arrested and five others cited in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, an administration official said Monday. The case followed claims by US President Donald Trump that vandals had damaged the Washington landmark by cutting what he described as a 250-foot-long gash into its surface. Trump made the allegation on Saturday but did not p

Court Halts Kennedy Center Name Change A federal judge on Friday, May 29, blocked the Kennedy Center’s plans to temporarily close for a renovation project and ruled against the addition of President Donald Trump’s name to the institution. US District Judge Casey Cooper determined that the law establishing the Kennedy Center designates it as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy and does not permit the

Christa Bauer Gilley, a Houston physical therapist remembered for her patient care, teaching and devotion to family, is being mourned as her husband, Lee Gilley, fights extradition from Italy in a capital murder case. Gilley, 38, worked full time as a physical therapist and also taught as an adjunct professor at UTMB-Galveston and in the University of Pittsburgh’s physical therapy program. Her colleague Kathryn Reeves, who worked with her at Memorial Hermann Health System, remembe

Memorial Day Tribute at Arlington On Memorial Day, May 25, President Donald Trump paid tribute to the US troops killed during the campaign against Iran while reaffirming that Tehran “will never have a nuclear weapon.” Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump honored the fallen soldiers of Operation Epic Fury, describing them as “wonderful, special people” who gave their lives to protect global

Raging Waves Yorkville is open for the 2026 season, giving Chicago-area families a Memorial Day weekend option with slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and children’s play areas. The Illinois water park opened its holiday weekend schedule after a one-day delay caused by cold temperatures, according to information from Raging Waves. The park’s official schedule lists operating hours from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT on Saturday, May 23, Sunday, May 24, and Monday

Trump to Lead Memorial Day Observance at Arlington President Donald Trump is scheduled to participate in the annual Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, May 25, 2026. The Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath Ceremony will commence at noon at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

The Monmouth Park food truck festival rain challenge has not stopped one of the Jersey Shore’s Memorial Day weekend traditions from serving visitors in Oceanport, New Jersey. The Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival continued at Monmouth Park through wet and chilly weekend conditions, with around 30 food trucks taking part despite lower-than-usual crowds. The annual event combines food vendors, live entertainment and horse racing during the holiday weekend.

Dallas families are being urged to take extra fire and water safety precautions during the Memorial Day weekend as outdoor gatherings, pool visits, lake trips and backyard cooking increase across the area. Parkland Health officials say close supervision around grills, campfires and water can help prevent serious injuries involving both children and adults. The warning comes as many families prepare for the unofficial start of summer, when children are often near open flames, backyar

Chicago street closures will affect downtown traffic during Sueños Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, and Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Grant Park. Drivers traveling near Grant Park, the Loop and the downtown lakefront should expect delays during Memorial Day weekend as several roads remain closed for festival operations and public safety. Roads Closed Near Grant Park

Memorial Day Flag Tradition Often Overlooked As Americans observe Memorial Day weekend, veterans' groups note that many miss a key tradition: the proper display of the U.S. flag. The most common mistake is not lowering the flag to half-staff until noon before raising it to full staff, a symbolic gesture honoring service members who gave their lives for the country.

Trump Administration Considers Iran Options The Trump administration is reportedly preparing for a potential new round of military strikes against Iran, even as diplomatic efforts continue. Officials emphasized that no final decision has been made. President Donald Trump announced changes on Friday, May 22, 2026 to his weekend schedule, citing “circumstances pertaining to Government,” which wi

Ohio residents have until Monday, May 25, 2026, to submit Ohio Revolutionary War graves data before the state closes its public collection portal. The Grave Marker and Cemetery Collection Portal will close to public submissions at the end of that day, allowing officials to review, verify and finalize records before the project’s public release on Saturday, July 4, 2026, according to America 250-Ohio reporting and project details.

Chicago’s Memorial Day weekend forecast calls for a cool, unsettled start before warmer and brighter weather returns by Monday, May 25, 2026. The biggest early concern is not just rain, but dangerous swimming conditions along Lake Michigan beaches. The National Weather Service said a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Saturday afternoon, May 23, 2026, for Lake County, Northern Cook County and Central Cook County. Waves of 3 to 6 feet are expected, with dangerous cur

Texas Memorial Day travel is expected to reach record levels in 2026, with AAA Texas projecting 3.7 million Texans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period. The Memorial Day travel window runs from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25, 2026, and road trips are expected to dominate across Texas and the United States. AAA Texas projects about 3.2 million Texans will travel by car, making driving the top choice for holiday getaways, family visits,

Raging Waves opening day 2026 is set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, as the Yorkville, Illinois water park begins its summer season over Memorial Day weekend. The park is scheduled to operate from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time on Saturday, May 23, Sunday, May 24, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, according to the official Raging Waves park calendar. The calendar also lists the park’s Salute to Heroes event across all three opening weekend dates. Yorkville Water Par

Chicago teen curfew enforcement is under renewed focus after police responded to a large youth gathering in Hyde Park on Sunday, May 17, 2026, days before Memorial Day weekend. Police said officers and violence interrupters worked to clear large groups of teens near 55th Street and Blackstone Avenue. The incident was reported on Monday, May 18, 2026, after police said a 14-year-old girl disregarded verbal warnings and struck an offi

The National Weather Service deployed an assessment team on Tuesday to evaluate the extent of destruction across northwest Harris County after a powerful storm system produced what appeared to be a tornado in the Klein area late Monday. Early reports from residents and emergency crews indicate that the storm carved a significant path of damage through several neighborhoods, leaving uprooted trees, severely damaged roofs, and widespread power outages. The investigation will determine whether the

Former president Joe Biden is scheduled to attend the memorial service for former vice president Dick Cheney on Thursday, joining a group of national leaders and longtime associates gathering in Washington to honor the influential political figure. The service, set to begin at 11 a.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral, will include tributes from several individuals who worked closely with Cheney throughout his decades of involvement in public life. Former president George W. Bush, under who

The annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, a long-standing tradition honoring American servicemen and women, has been canceled this year due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The decision, described as deeply disappointing but unavoidable, has affected veterans’ families, volunteers, and community members who look forward to the heartfelt event each year. Every November, volunteers gather at the DFW National Cemetery to place thousands o

As summer unofficially kicks off, central Ohio is buzzing with vibrant events and family-friendly activities. From world-class golf to community festivals and interactive zoo experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout Columbus this weekend. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a fan of local culture, or simply looking to make memories with your family, this lineup of events will not disappoint. The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club c