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Washington Monument gives new look of the White House East Wing construction

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Washington Monument gives new look of the White House East Wing construction


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The newly reopened Washington Monument, which typically offers sprawling views of Washington, DC from 555 feet high, now provides a peek at the White House’s East Wing renovations.  

Andrew Leyden, a freelance photographer in Washington, D.C., posted photos of the scene from the top of the obelisk on X last week.

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The photos show construction crews, cranes and a gaping construction site where the East Wing recently stood. President Donald Trump had the East Wing demolished last month after initially insisting construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom wouldn’t involve the structure’s demolition.

Photos of a bulldozer tearing through the wing’s facade went viral on social media.

The White House is now undergoing renovations to transform the site, which traditionally served as the first lady’s offices.

The modern version of the East Wing was added to the White House in 1942.

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Critics were outraged at the demolition because it was done without public input. In an open letter on Oct. 21, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit, said it was “deeply concerned” about the project and urged the National Park Service to pause demolition until the proposed plans could go through public review.

Why was the demolition done?

In a July news release, the White House said the construction would occur to create a space for large-scale events.

“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance,” the news release stated.

The ballroom is expected to be an “ornately designed and carefully crafted space” with a 650-person seating capacity, higher than the previous 200-person seating capacity in the East Room of the White House.

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Its construction is estimated to cost $300 million, but Trump has said it will be funded by him and other donors. Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Apple are among a list of donors the White House said is paying for the addition.

What has the White House said about the criticism?

In response to the criticism, the White House said in a news release on Oct. 21 that “In the latest instance of manufactured outrage, unhinged leftists and their Fake News allies are clutching their pearls over President Donald J. Trump’s visionary addition of a grand, privately funded ballroom to the White House — a bold, necessary addition that echoes the storied history of improvements and additions from commanders-in-chief to keep the executive residence as a beacon of American excellence.”

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com



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Washington, D.C

Global star Khalid heads to DC for ‘It’s Always Summer Somewhere’ tour

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Global star Khalid heads to DC for ‘It’s Always Summer Somewhere’ tour


Grammy-nominated singer Khalid will stop in the Nation’s Capital for his “It’s Always Summer Somewhere” tour.

The North-American tour has 25 dates at cities across the U.S. and Canada. Khalid will perform with special guest Lauv at MGM Music Hall at The Anthem in D.C. on May 31, 2026.

SEE ALSO | Most shocking snubs and surprises from the 2026 Golden Globe nominations

Khalid is mainly known for his global 2017 hits “Location” and Young Dumb & Broke.” He has been nominated for seven Grammys, including “Best New Artist” in 2018.

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The full list of tour stops are:

  • Sat May 16 – Las Vegas, NV – PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
  • Mon May 18 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
  • Wed May 20 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
  • Thu May 21 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
  • Sat May 23 – Hershey, PA – GIANT Center
  • Sun May 24 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre
  • Tue May 26 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
  • Thu May 28 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
  • Fri May 29 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
  • Sun May 31 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
  • Wed Jun 03 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
  • Thu Jun 04 – Atlanta, GA – Synovus Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
  • Sat Jun 06 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
  • Sun Jun 07 – Philadelphia, PA – Skyline Stage at Highmark Mann
  • Tue Jun 09 – Portsmouth, VA – Portsmouth Pavilion
  • Wed Jun 10 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
  • Fri Jun 12 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
  • Mon Jun 15 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Wed Jun 17 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
  • Thu Jun 18 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
  • Fri Jun 19 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
  • Sun Jun 21 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
  • Mon Jun 22 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
  • Wed Jun 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
  • Fri Jun 26 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre
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Presale opens Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. General sale begins Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. on Khalid’s website.



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Who will lead DC police? Search for new chief begins – WTOP News

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Who will lead DC police? Search for new chief begins – WTOP News


The D.C. police department is once again searching for a new chief who will lead the department following Pamela Smith’s departure.

About two years after Pamela Smith was approved to lead officers on a permanent basis, the D.C. police department is once again searching for a new chief.

Smith said Monday that she will step away from her position at the end of the year, calling it a personal decision she talked over with family.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke about Smith’s resignation during a news conference Monday.

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“I’ve been around long enough to know and to have lived through transitions,” Bowser said. “There are ways to approach this period of time and do it in a way that’s going to be most beneficial to D.C. residents. I’m going to marinate on it a little bit, and I’ll appoint the right, perfect person.”

Bowser will nominate the department’s next chief. The next permanent police chief will also need to earn the approval of the D.C. Council.

Smith’s resignation isn’t the only shake-up in D.C.’s leadership.

The mayor recently announced that she won’t seek reelection for a fourth term. With about a year left on the job, a reporter asked Bowser about the “challenges” associated with searching for a new chief as she prepares to exit office.

“I don’t call it a challenge,” Bowser said. “Because of the very deep bench we have and because of the great reputation of our department.”

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Bowser said she will look internally for a new chief but would be open to nominating an external candidate.

“I’m obviously going to start first with the best police department in the nation,” Bowser said.

At the time Smith took over as chief in 2023, D.C. was at the peak of a crime wave.

Under her leadership, rates of crime have fallen. According to data provided by D.C. police, overall crime dropped 18% in 2025. Homicides are down 30% this year.

What should Bowser be looking for? Groups weigh in

The D.C. Police Union called on Bowser to collaborate with its members in the search for a new permanent chief.

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“The ideal candidate must demonstrate proven leadership qualities that prioritize respect for the rank-and-file officers, foster trust within our communities, and commit to reforming broken policies lingering from the misguided ‘defund the police’ era, which resulted in laws and regulations that have undermined effective policing and officer morale,” the union wrote in a news release Monday morning.

Congressman Oye Owolewa, who represents the District in the U.S. House, said there’s an opportunity presented by the change in leadership. He also will not be seeking reelection as D.C.’s shadow representative in 2026.

“As we look ahead, it is my hope that this transition presents an opportunity to continue strengthening trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, while advancing policies rooted in accountability, transparency, and true public safety for all,” Owolewa wrote in a statement.

Looking ahead, Bethany Young, policy director with D.C. Justice Lab, believes the next chief has a chance to make D.C. a national model.

“It feels like it’s in the air, like there’s something really that we’re on the precipice of,” said Young, whose organization pushes for police reform in the District.

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Young said she hopes they will listen to residents and be open to reforms, such as limiting traffic stops for minor violations and supporting alternatives to policing for behavioral health crises.

“They want to see more accountability,” Young told WTOP. “They want to see more oversight. They want to have more information about how policing is operating in D.C.”

She also believes the next chief should rely on data, not politics, and be bold enough to speak out when policing practices don’t align with community needs.

“There are certain things that a police chief … cannot control,” Young said. “However, you always have a voice.”

She said the organization didn’t see eye to eye with the chief when it came to what she called an increase in unnecessary police interactions, collaboration with federal agencies and a lack of transparency and accountability.

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‘What I’d like to do is give them encouragement’

Smith’s departure comes at a time when D.C. police officers have worked alongside federal partners, such as patrols with National Guard members.

City leaders have insisted police do not work directly alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers; but some D.C. residents have reported instances where immigrants are arrested for minor infractions and arrested by ICE agents moments later.

Smith was asked about advice for the next chief and what guidance she has given to police officers in navigating law enforcement responsibilities alongside federal partners.

“They know probably better than I do what’s happening in community from day to day with our federal partners, because a lot of them are very intimately involved, especially our commanders,” Smith said. “At this point, I don’t need to give them any advice. I think what I’d like to do is give them encouragement.”

Smith, who has served in law enforcement for 28 years, said she will be available to support the department’s next leader.

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“I will be available to the incoming or interim to provide him or her support with respect to the direction that the police department will continue,” Smith said.

For the next chief, Smith said three things are critical: communication, collaboration with partners and being involved with the community.

“My phone rings all time of day, all time of night, and you have to answer the call, you have to answer the phone, you have to show up,” Smith said.

A passion for D.C. residents is essential, she said.

“You may have to sit in somebody’s basement to have a conversation about something,” Smith said. “You have to dress down sometimes. Sometimes I’m in the community, and people don’t know I’m there. It’s just to protect the anonymity of the folks who really trust the Metropolitan Police Department, but sometimes are afraid to share the information that’s necessary.”

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List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, through Dec. 14

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List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, through Dec. 14


We share the best things to do every weekend in The Weekend Scene newsletter – it’s completely free to subscribe!

Wreaths Across America returns this weekend, inviting people across the country to decorate service members’ graves with festive greenery.

Volunteers and organizers will work to place more than a quarter-million wreaths just at Arlington National Cemetery, and many more at over 5,400 locations nationwide. Anyone can donate or sign up to volunteer for this holiday tradition.

Here’s what else to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

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What to do in Washington, D.C.

Home Alone in concert with the National Symphony Orchestra: Tues., The Anthem, $102

Light Yards Express: Weds., The Yards Park, free

Tingey Plaza Holiday Market: Fri. to Sun., The Yards, free

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington – The Holiday Show: Sat., Sun. and Dec. 20, Lincoln Theatre, $68.40

National Kiss Under the National Mistletoe: Sat., 3-6 p.m., Anthem Row, free

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WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event – John Cena’s Final Match: Sat., 7:30 p.m., Capital One Arena, $303+ (there’s also a free fan event)

National Menorah Lighting: Sun., The Ellipse, free


What to do in Maryland

Holiday Trains and Planes: Fri., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., College Park Aviation Museum, $5 adults; $4 seniors; $2 students and free for children under 2

Takoma Park Gift Market: Fri., Ethan Allen and Carroll Aves., free

Skate With Santa: Sat., 2-4 p.m., Tucker Road Ice Rink in Fort Washington, $6-$9 and $4 for skate rental

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BlackRock Center for the Arts Celebrates The Season market and music: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Germantown, free

Concert – Earth, Wind & Fire: Fri. and Sat., The Theater at MGM National Harbor, $140+

Indoor Holiday Market at rio: Sat. and Sun., Gaithersburg, free


What to do in Virginia

Capital Art & Craft Festival: Fri. to Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $10 in advance or $12 at the door (free for kids 12 and under)

Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery: Sat., 8 a.m., Arlington, free

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Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show: Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., John Carlyle Square, free

Kwanzaa Celebration: Sat., noon to 2 p.m., Alexandria Black History Museum, $15

Holidays in Purcellville – parade, market and more: Sat., various locations, free

Hillsboro Holiday Homes Tour: Sat., Hillsboro, $18-$28

Ice & Lights – The Winter Village at Cameron Run: Through Feb., Alexandria, $14.82

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