Trump extends control over Washington by taking management of Union Station away from Amtrak

Trump extends control over Washington by taking management of Union Station away from Amtrak

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is taking management of Union Station away from Amtrak in the latest example of the federal government exerting its power over the nation’s capital.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the takeover Wednesday alongside Amtrak President Roger Harris at Washington’s main transportation hub during the launch of an updated version of the rail service’s Acela train.

Union Station, in walking distance from the Capitol, has “fallen into disrepair” when it should be a “point of pride” for the District of Columbia, Duffy said. He said the Republican administration’s move would help beautify the landmark in an economical way and was in line with Trump’s vision.

“He wants Union Station to be beautiful again. He wants transit to be safe again. And he wants our nation’s capital to be great again. And today is part of that,” Duffy said.

It’s Trump’s latest attempt to put the city under his control. In recent weeks, Trump has increased the number of federal law enforcement and immigration agents on city streets while also taking over the Metropolitan Police Department and activating thousands of National Guard members. Last week, Trump said he wants $2 billion from Congress to beautify Washington.

Duffy said the federal government can do a better job managing the train station and attract more tenants and generate more revenue that will be spent on upgrading the station, which opened in 1907. Since then, the cavernous Roman-columned building has been through multiple management changes and numerous ups and downs regarding its cleanliness, safety and state of repair.

National Guard troops have patrolled in and around Union Station ever since Trump announced the anti-crime effort this month. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were shouted down by opponents of the federal intervention when they visited with troops there last week.

Duffy had pressed Amtrak about crime at the station in a March letter to its chief operating officer and requested an updated plan on how it intended to improve public safety there.

The deputy transportation secretary, Steve Bradbury, cited a new roof and new public restrooms among $170 million in upgrades that he said are needed at the station.

Amtrak’s new high-speed train, the NextGen Acela, will start serving the Northeast Corridor on Thursday, said Harris, Amtrak’s president. The trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 mph, about 10 mph faster than the high-speed train it is replacing. Duffy and the Amtrak officials from the event boarded one of the new high-speed trains after the event for an inaugural ride to New York’s Penn Station.

Union Station has had a history of ups and downs during its nearly 120-year history.

In 1981, after rain started pouring through the ceiling, the National Park Service, which has jurisdiction over some of the area surrounding the station, declared the building unsafe. The station was closed for five years for renovation and President Ronald Reagan signed the Union Station Redevelopment Act to help fund and organize its comeback.

More recently, the building fell on relatively hard times during the COVID pandemic. Foot traffic plummeted after passengers shunned mass transit while multiple shops closed at the station. But the past three years have witnessed a bit of a comeback.

The station has occasionally been a magnet for homeless individuals seeking shelter inside or camping in tents on Columbus Circle in front of the building. The proliferation of tents prompted the Park Service to clear the encampment in front of the station in June 2022.

Control and management of the physical building also have shifted over the years.

—-

Associated Press writer Ashraf Khalil contributed to this report.

Some FEMA staff are put on leave after signing dissent letter

Some FEMA staff are put on leave after signing dissent letter

By GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA Associated Press

Some employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency who signed a public letter of dissent earlier this week were put on administrative leave Tuesday evening, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press.

More than 180 current and former FEMA employees signed the letter sent to the FEMA Review Council and Congress on Monday critiquing recent cuts to agency staff and programs, and warning that FEMA’s capacity to respond to a major disaster was dangerously diminished.

Thirty-five signed their names while 141 signed anonymously for fear of retribution.

The Associated Press has confirmed that at least two of the signatories received notices Tuesday evening informing them they would be placed on leave indefinitely, with pay and that they must still check in every morning confirming their availability. It was unclear what the status was for other signatories.

The notice said the decision “is not a disciplinary action and is not intended to be punitive.”

FEMA did not respond immediately to questions about how many staff received the notice and whether it was related to the opposition letter.

The Washington Post first reported that some FEMA employees were being put on leave.

The dissent letter contained six “statements of opposition” to current policies at FEMA, including an expenditure approval policy by which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem must approve contracts exceeding $100,000, which the signatories said reduces FEMA’s ability to perform its mission.

It also critiqued the DHS decision to reassign some FEMA employees to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the failure to appoint a qualified FEMA administrator as stipulated by law, and cuts to mitigation programs, preparedness training and FEMA workforce.

In an email Monday, FEMA spokesperson Daniel Llargues said that the Trump administration “has made accountability and reform a priority so that taxpayer dollars actually reach the people and communities they are meant to help.”

“It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform,” Llargues said. “Change is always hard.”

Employees at other agencies including the National Institutes of Health and Environmental Protection Agency have issued similar statements. About 140 EPA staff members at the were placed on administrative leave for signing an opposition letter.

N.C. State, East Carolina resume testy instate rivalry with season-opening matchup

N.C. State, East Carolina resume testy instate rivalry with season-opening matchup

East Carolina at N.C. State, Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT.

BetMGM College Football Odds: N.C. State by 11 1/2.

How to watch: ACC Network.

Key stats

ECU (2024):

Overall offense: 436.4 yards per game (24th in FBS)

Passing: 264.0 yards per game (27th)

Rushing: 172.4 yards per game (50th)

Scoring: 32.0 points per game (34th)

Overall defense: 405.2 yards allowed per game (100th in FBS)

Passing: 235.3 yards allowed per game (96th)

Rushing: 169.8 yards allowed per game (94th)

Scoring: 27.3 points allowed per game (83rd)

N.C. State (2024):

Overall offense: 377.8 yards per game (76th in FBS)

Passing: 232.6 yards per game (58th)

Rushing: 145.2 yards per game (83rd)

Scoring: 28.5 points per game (62nd)

Overall defense: 390.8 yards allowed per game (88th in FBS)

Passing: 233.8 yards allowed per game (93rd)

Rushing: 157.0 yards allowed per game (79th)

Scoring: 30.2 points allowed per game (104th)

Team leaders

ECU (2024)

Passing: Katin Houser, 2,006 yards, 18 TDs, 11 INTs, 60.8 completion percentage

Rushing: London Montgomery, 359 yards, two TDs

Receiving: Anthony Smith, 799 yards, 41 catches, six TDs

N.C. State (2024)

Passing: CJ Bailey, 2,413 yards, 17 TDs, 10 INTs, 64.9 completion percentage

Rushing: Hollywood Smothers, 571 yards, six TDs

Receiving: Justin Joly, 661 yards, four TDs

Last game

East Carolina beat N.C. State 26-21 in the Military Bowl to end last season in a game that included a late on-field brawl. N.C. State finished 6-7, while ECU went 8-5.

Next game

East Carolina has its home opener Sept. 6 against Campbell.

N.C. State will host Virginia on Sept. 6 in an unusual scenario: a meeting of Atlantic Coast Conference teams that won’t count in the league standings. The schools added that game to fill a nonconference spot in the schedule rather than being paired through the league’s scheduling model.

Easy Lemon and Spinach Orzo

Easy Lemon and Spinach Orzo

This orzo pasta recipe is the perfect quick and easy comfort food. It’s warm and cozy and full of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 1/2 cups broth of your choice (vegetable or chicken work well)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. pepper
  • 1 tbsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the base
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil and garlic and sauté for a minute or so, until the garlic is slightly toasted.

2. Add the pasta
Combine the lemon zest and uncooked orzo and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until some of the pasta is slightly toasted and brown.

3. Add the liquids
Add the broth and lemon juice to the mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick. When the orzo is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed, it’s done!

4. Dress it up
Incorporate the spinach, heavy cream and parmesan cheese and stir together until the spinach is wilted and the orzo is creamy. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.

5. Serve it hot
Serve immediately and enjoy the coziness!

August 27th 2025

August 27th 2025

Thought of the Day

August 27th 2024
Photo by Getty Images

Time is like the ocean, always there, always different.

Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Lena and Zucchini!

Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Lena and Zucchini!

Buckle up, adventure seekers! I’m Lena, your purr-fect companion ready to explore life with you. I’m always eager to cuddle up close and be the center of attention during our journey called life. I absolutely adore being right by your side, soaking up every moment of companionship and making sure you never feel alone. My friendly personality means I’m always up for meeting new people and making friends. So pack your bags, grab my carrier, and let’s embark on the adventure of a lifetime together – I guarantee with me around, every day will be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories! How did I get here? Transferred from Durham APS. **I have tested positive for FeLV (feline leukemia) – please speak with an adoption specialist for more information.** ~My adoption fee is waived.~

Hey there, I’m Zucchini, your soon-to-be celebrity canine companion! Think of me as the Jennifer Lawrence of the dog world – totally easygoing, charming, and ready to steal your heart. While I might have a bit of a playful side when it comes to energy, I’m basically the cool, calm celebrity who knows how to work a room (or a living room). I’ve got some impressive skills like sitting, shaking paws, and looking absolutely adorable on command. If you’re looking for a co-star who will bring joy, cuddles, and a touch of star power to your life, then look no further – Zucchini is ready for her close-up! PS: I’m not big on cat co-stars, so let’s keep this casting call strictly about us. I am full grown at ~53lbs. How did I get here? Adopted & returned when my owner was no longer able to care for me. ~My adoption fee is $120.00.~

Meet Lena

Meet Zucchini

Cracker Barrel relents, says its old logo will return

Cracker Barrel relents, says its old logo will return

By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer

Cracker Barrel said late Tuesday it’s returning to its old logo after critics — including President Donald Trump — protested the company’s plan to modernize.

In a post on its website, Cracker Barrel said it will retain its old logo, which features an older man in overalls sitting next to a barrel and the words “Old Country Store.”

“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel,” the company said in a statement. “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.”

The tempest over the logo began last week, when the company announced plans for a simplified design featuring only the company’s name. Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel, which has 660 restaurants in 43 states, made the change as part of a wider plan to modernize its restaurants and appeal to younger customers.

The chain’s sales have been slipping as it faces growing competition from breakfast chains and others. In its 2024 fiscal year, Cracker Barrel’s same-store sales, or sales at locations open at least a year, dropped 0.1% despite a 4.9% increase in menu prices. Same-store retail sales at its shops fell 5.5%.

But many protested the change. On Monday, Cracker Barrel put out an apologetic statement, saying it “could have done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be.”

At that point, Cracker Barrel didn’t say it would change the logo, but said it would listen to its customers and keep many of the things they have come to love about the restaurant, like the rocking chairs on its front porches. The company said it would continue to honor Uncle Herschel — the older man in its logo, who represents the uncle of Cracker Barrel’s founder — on its menu and on items sold in its stores.

But the controversy continued. On Tuesday morning, Trump said via Truth Social that Cracker Barrel “should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before.” Cracker Barrel’s shares rose after more than a week of declines.

By Tuesday evening, Cracker Barrel had made its decision and scrapped the new logo.

“At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family,” the company said. “As a proud American institution, our 70,000 hardworking employees look forward to welcoming you to our table soon.”

Trump was among those celebrating the move.

“Good luck into the future. Make lots of money and, most importantly, make your customers happy again!” Trump said via Truth Social.

Kitty Interviews Beauty and the Beast Performer Kevin Ligon

Kitty Interviews Beauty and the Beast Performer Kevin Ligon

Listen in as Kitty interviews performer Kevin Ligon, who plays the character of Belle’s father in DPAC’s upcoming production of musical “Beauty and the Beast.” Catch Kevin’s excitement as he shares about changes and enhancements that been made to the Disney show for this latest touring production. You can enjoy the show — and see Kevin in person — at DPAC from September 2nd through September 14th.

Overcoming School-Related Anxiety: Madison Interviews Mental Health Counselor Kim Dillon

Overcoming School-Related Anxiety: Madison Interviews Mental Health Counselor Kim Dillon

Looking for practical tips on how to overcome back-to-school anxiety for parents and children alike? Then listen to Madison’s interview with licensed, clinical mental health counselor Kim Dillon from Therapeutic Partners in Raleigh. You’ll hear informational nuggets about how to get children to open up and share their feelings, the warning signs of when professional help is needed to overcome school-related anxiety, and the mindset that parents are encouraged to adopt for their college-age children.

A late push sends Wall Street near its records

A late push sends Wall Street near its records

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers

Wall Street capped a choppy day of trading Tuesday with slight gains for stocks, leaving the major indexes just below their recent all-time highs.

The S&P 500 closed 0.4% higher after wavering between small gains and losses for much of the day. The benchmark index finished just 2.6 points below its record high set earlier this month and short of recouping all of its losses from the day before.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also bounced back from an early slide, finishing with a 0.3% gain. The Nasdaq composite added 0.4%.

The market’s uneven start to the week comes after Wall Street notched big gains last week on hopes for interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.

Gains in technology, financial and industrial stocks helped outweigh losses in communication services and other sectors. Chipmaking giant Nvidia rose 1.1% and JPMorgan Chase added 1.2%.

Boeing rose 3.5% for one of the biggest gains among S&P 500 companies after Korean Air announced a $50 billion deal with the company that includes buying more than 100 aircraft. Dish Network parent EchoStar surged 70.2% after AT&T said it will buy some of its wireless spectrum licenses in a $23 billion deal.

Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.26% from 4.28% late Monday.

The broader market remained subdued following President Donald Trump’s escalation of his fight with the Federal Reserve. On Monday, he said that he’s removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Cook’s lawyer said she’ll sue Trump’s administration to try to prevent him from firing her.

It marks the latest escalation in his dispute with the central bank over its cautious interest rate policy. The Fed has held rates steady since late 2024 over worries that Trump’s unpredictable tariff policy will reignite inflation. Trump has also threatened to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, often taunting him with name-calling. Still, he is only one of 12 votes that decides interest rate policy.

“We will continue to monitor rising political pressure on the Fed but expect its decision-making to remain guided by its mandate in the near term,” said Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, chief investment officer for the Americas and global head of equities at UBS Global Wealth Management.

Wall Street is still betting that the Fed will trim its benchmark interest rate at its next meeting in September. Traders see an 87% chance that the central bank will cut the rate by a quarter of a percentage point, according to data from CME Group.

The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for Fed action, slipped to to 3.68% from 3.73% late Friday.

The Federal Reserve spent much of the last several years fighting rising inflation by raising interest rates. It managed to mostly tame inflation and avoided having those higher rates stall economic growth, thanks largely to strong consumer spending and a resilient job market.

The Fed started shifting its policy by cutting its benchmark interest rate late in 2024 as the rate of inflation neared its target of 2%. It decided to hit the pause button heading into 2025 over concerns that Trump’s unpredictable tariff policy could reignite inflation. Lower interest rates make borrowing easier, helping to spur more investment and spending, but that could also potentially fuel inflation.

The Fed and Wall Street will get another update on inflation Friday, when the U.S. releases the personal consumption expenditures index. Economists expect it show that inflation remained at about 2.6% in July, compared with a year ago. Businesses have been warning investors and consumers about higher costs and prices because of tariffs.

The Fed has recently become more worried about the state of the employment market, which has shown signs of weakening. Aside from keeping inflation in check, the central bank is tasked with using its tools to help maintain a healthy job market. It will get another big update on the employment market in early September, ahead of its next policy meeting.

Consumer confidence declined modestly in August as anxiety over a weakening job market grew for the eighth straight month. The small decline from the Conference Board’s monthly survey was mostly in line with economists’ projections.

Crude oil prices fell. European and Asian markets closed lower.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 26.62 points to 6,465.94. The Dow gained 135.60 points to 45,418.07, and the Nasdaq added 94.98 points to 21,544.27.

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