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'We're the hottest country in the world': Trump's parade rolls through DC

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'We're the hottest country in the world': Trump's parade rolls through DC


US President Donald Trump’s long dreamed-of military parade has rolled through the streets of downtown Washington.

It comes as demonstrators turn out in force across the country for the biggest protests since Mr Trump’s return to power.

The celebration of the US Army’s 250th anniversary coincided with Mr Trump’s 79th birthday.

The Army’s 250th Birthday parade moves down Constitution Avenue.()

Thousands of spectators lined Constitution Avenue near the National Mall to watch the parade.

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Some held signs in protest, while others were blocked by police from the parade crowds.

trump salutes
US President Donald Trump salutes during the US Army’s 250th Birthday parade.()

Mr Trump looked on from an elevated viewing stand behind bulletproof glass.

He swore-in 250 army recruits before giving a short speech, where he praised US soldiers who have served.

Soldiers stand in a row
Soldiers march during the parade.()

“We’re the hottest country in the world right now,” he said.

He also issued a warning to “America’s enemies”, before exiting the podium to chants of “USA, USA” from the gathered crowds.

“If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,” Mr Trump said.

“Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete.”

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the washington monument
Military aircraft fly past the Washington Monument.()

Military aircraft fly past the Washington Monument. (Reuters: Brian Snyder)

a kid waving a us flag
A child waves a US flag.()

A child waves a US flag. (Reuters: Evelyn Hockstein)

soldiers in vintage dress lined up
Soldiers in historical military uniforms participate in the parade.()

Soldiers in historical military uniforms participate in the parade. (Reuters: Carlos Barria)

A man in a tank
Soldiers drive a tank past the Lincoln Memorial.()

Soldiers drive a tank past the Lincoln Memorial. (Reuters: Brian Snyder)

Men in a parade
Participants in vintage uniforms participated in the parade.()

Participants in vintage uniforms participated in the parade. (Reuters: Kevin Mohatt)

‘I don’t see a controversy’

The president was early in his first term of office when he raised his desire to hold a military-style parade.

It’s rare to see displays of military might like these in the US.

The last similar event was in 1991, when tanks and troops paraded through Washington to celebrate the end of the Gulf War

This parade traced the army’s history from its founding during the Revolutionary War through to modern day.

Nearly 7,000 troops and 150 vehicles, including tanks and armoured trucks, took part.

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trump, melania, hegseth and others sitting at the military parade
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.()

The celebrations will cost the US Army up to $US45 million ($69 million), US officials told Reuters.

This includes the parade itself as well as the cost of moving equipment and housing and feeding the troops.

Critics have called the parade a wasteful, authoritarian display of power, particularly in light of Mr Trump’s ambition to slash federal government spending.

However, Trump supporter Bryan Henrie told Reuters he did not see any problem with the parade.

“I don’t see a controversy. I will celebrate safety and stability any day over anarchy,” the 61-year-old said.

trump and melania watch the fireworks
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch the fireworks.()

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch the fireworks. (Reuters: Doug Mills)

fireworks explode
Fireworks explode over the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.()

Fireworks explode over the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. (Reuters: Elizabeth Frantz)

traffic moves in front of the white house
Traffic moves in front of the White House as fireworks illuminate the sky.()

Traffic moves in front of the White House as fireworks illuminate the sky. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)

Thousands march in ‘No Kings’ protests

Earlier in the day, thousands marched in largely peaceful protests across Washington and other cities to protest Mr Trump’s policies.

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Anti-Trump groups planned nearly 2,000 demonstrations across the country to coincide with the parade.

Many took place under the theme “No Kings”, arguing that no individual was above the law.

However, the protests planned for Minnesota were cancelled after a gunman assassinated a Democratic lawmaker and wounded another.

Crowds gather to protest, one person with a sign saying 'no kings'
A man holds a sign while people gather for the military parade.()

A man holds a sign while people gather for the military parade. (Reuters: Carlos Barria)

a woman yelling at a protest
A demonstrator shouts during the No Kings protest at Austin, Texas.()

A demonstrator shouts during the No Kings protest at Austin, Texas. (Reuters: Joel Angel Juarez)

a car on fire
A Waymo vehicle burns in the middle of an intersection in LA.()

A Waymo vehicle burns in the middle of an intersection in LA. (AFP: David Pashaee)

law enforcement in riot gear
Smoke fills the air as law enforcement officers in riot gear advance during protests in LA.()

Smoke fills the air as law enforcement officers in riot gear advance during protests in LA.  (AFP: David Pashaee

Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz claimed it was a “politically motivated assassination”.

In Los Angeles, protesters faced a large contingent of Marines guarding the Edward Roybal Federal Building downtown — the site of clashes between protesters and officers earlier this week.

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The crowd yelled in unison, “Shame! Shame!” and “Marines, get out of LA!”

In Manhattan, protesters carried homemade signs playing off the “No Kings” theme, including one that read “No crown for a clown”.

mark ruffalo wearing a cap that says 'immigrant'
Actor Mark Ruffalo joins the ‘No Kings’ protest in New York City.()

Actors Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo were among the tens of thousands of people who swarmed the New York City streets.

Mr Ruffalo wore a hat that read “immigrant”.



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Washington

Washington faces Utah, aims to stop 16-game skid

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Washington faces Utah, aims to stop 16-game skid


Washington Wizards (16-55, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (21-51, 14th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Wednesday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Washington heads into the matchup with Utah after losing 16 in a row.

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The Jazz have gone 13-24 in home games. Utah ranks second in the Western Conference with 16.6 fast break points per game led by Lauri Markkanen averaging 3.3.

The Wizards are 5-29 in road games. Washington is 9-10 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 15.3 turnovers per game.

The Jazz score 117.4 points per game, 6.7 fewer points than the 124.1 the Wizards give up. The Wizards’ 46.1% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.9 percentage points lower than the Jazz have allowed to their opponents (49.0%).

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Jazz won the last meeting 122-112 on March 6, with Ace Bailey scoring 32 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Filipowski is averaging 10.5 points and 6.9 rebounds for the Jazz. Brice Sensabaugh is averaging 19.9 points over the last 10 games.

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Alex Sarr is averaging 16.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and two blocks for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 14.4 points over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 116.4 points, 43.3 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 9.9 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.7 points per game.

Wizards: 0-10, averaging 114.3 points, 37.4 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 6.9 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 130.6 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: out (hip), Isaiah Collier: out (hamstring), Keyonte George: out (leg), Cody Williams: out (shoulder), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).

Wizards: Anthony Davis: out (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (back), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Alex Sarr: day to day (toe), Tre Johnson: day to day (foot), Kyshawn George: out (elbow), D’Angelo Russell: out (not injury related), Trae Young: out (quad).

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___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.



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Washington sues USDA, alleging billions in funds illegally withheld

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Washington sues USDA, alleging billions in funds illegally withheld


Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alleging the federal agency is illegally withholding billions of dollars in funding and attempting to force states into compliance with unlawful demands.

The complaint, filed as part of a multistate effort, argues the USDA has threatened to cut off critical funding tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, unless states agree to federal conditions that exceed the agency’s authority, according to the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.

Other critical programs that would be affected include the school lunch program; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); and the Volunteer Fire Capacity Program.

Brown’s office said the funding at stake supports the administration of SNAP, a federally funded, state-run program that provides food assistance to millions of low-income Americans. Washington alone receives about $129.5 million annually to administer the program, and disruptions could have “catastrophic” consequences for residents who rely on it, according to the attorney general’s office.

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In the lawsuit, the state alleges the USDA is effectively holding those funds “hostage” to compel states to comply with federal directives, including demands tied to program data and administration, according to the complaint and accompanying news release from Brown’s office.

The legal challenge contends the USDA’s actions violate federal law, including constitutional limits and statutory authority governing the SNAP program. The coalition of states argues the federal government cannot condition funding on requirements that were not authorized by Congress, according to the complaint.

Brown said the lawsuit is aimed at protecting both funding and the people who depend on it.

“The rule of law is on our side,” Brown said in a statement, adding that the state is seeking to ensure continued support for vulnerable residents and prevent federal overreach.

According to the attorney general’s office, SNAP serves as a key safety net nationwide, delivering billions of dollars in food assistance. States administer the program but rely on federal funding to operate it.

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The lawsuit asks the court to declare the USDA’s actions unlawful and block the agency from withholding funds or imposing conditions the states argue are illegal.

The case is the latest in a series of legal challenges involving SNAP, as states push back on what they describe as unprecedented federal demands tied to the program’s operation and funding, according to the Washington attorney general’s office.



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Washington Nationals acquire infielder Jorbit Vivas

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Washington Nationals acquire infielder Jorbit Vivas


The Washington Nationals acquired infielder Jorbit Vivas from the New York Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitcher Sean Paul Liñan on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni made the announcement.
Vivas, 25, hit .270 with 21 doubles, a triple, four home runs, 43 RBI, 64 walks, 12 stolen



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