Kennedy headlines as a symbol in U.S. power centers collide with Trump-era debates over renaming, history, and legacy. JFK: 35th president, 1961-63.
NASA is preparing to launch Artemis II, the first crewed lunar mission since 1972, targeting April 1, 2026. The mission will send four astronauts—three Americans and one Canadian—on a nearly 10-day flight orbiting the Moon without landing. The launch follows delays caused by hydrogen leaks and helium line clogs. Meanwhile, NASA is overhauling its lunar program, focusing on a surface base and nuclear propulsion demonstrations by 2028.
Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest in 1963, has died at age 97 at his home in Port Townsend, Washington. His mountaineering achievements and leadership at REI made him a prominent figure in outdoor and climbing communities. He was also known for his friendship with Robert Kennedy and his pioneering spirit.
New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly downplayed a 2028 presidency, stating her broader ambition is to change the country and defend long‑standing policy priorities, including single‑payer healthcare and workers’ rights. Polls show continued interest in her as a future national figure, but she emphasizes daily actions over titles.
A federal judge has ruled that only Congress can change the Kennedy Center’s name. The center must remove Trump references from official materials and signage by June 12, while renovations and potential future actions are paused. Ongoing disputes involve lawsuits and board actions tied to the President’s name and leadership at the venue.
CNBC reports on states competing for business through speed to market, infrastructure, and permitting reforms as they seek top rankings in a 2026 CNBC study. The piece also highlights governors' goals and how different states are positioning themselves for investment amid potential economic shifts.
The Kennedy Center has filed court papers saying it will "maintain an operational model" after July 5, the date it had planned to close for two years of renovations. The board will vote in mid‑July on options ranging from full closure to phased work that would allow some public access and limited programming while legal challenges over the center's renaming continue.
The Kennedy Center has proceeded with removing Donald Trump’s name from the building’s facade, after a court-ordered deadline and overnight work, as legal challenges continue to play out. Scaffolding and tarps were used amid storms, with officials seeking extensions that were denied, and the name’s removal is now underway or completed depending on when observed.
New York's June 23 primaries have become a referendum on Mayor Zohran Mamdani's influence and the city's leftward shift. Mamdani has backed progressive and democratic socialist challengers against incumbents in three House races; outside spending on AI regulation and sharp debates over Israel have intensified several contests. Results tonight will show whether Mamdani can reshape the city's congressional delegation.