Trump wants White House helipad while Mar-a-Lago's sparks 'anxiety'

PresidentDonald Trumpis reportedly considering installing a landing pad for helicopters on theWhite House South Lawn.

TheWall Street Journalfirst reported that plans were in discussion to install a helipad on the South Lawn to prevent new Marine One helicopters from damaging the grass.CNNandThe Washington Postalso reported these discussions, citing anonymous sources on May 18. The White House did not comment on the possibility of a helipad specifically; instead, spokesperson Davis Ingle said, "President Trumphas continued to make improvements at the White House and all around D.C. to benefit future presidents and Americans.”

The Post reported the helipad has long been under consideration. It would be the latest in a series of development projects around D.C., including the$400 million White House ballroom, repainting the bottom of the Lincoln MemorialReflecting Pooland a proposed250-foot "Triumphal Arch."

At his Winter White House in Florida, the Mar-a-Lago helipad has been tightly regulated by the town. The helipad installed during his first term was destroyed shortly after he left office. It's set to be rebuilt in the coming months, now that Trump is back in office. Recently, the town considered granting permission for the pad to remain past the end of Trump's presidency.

More:Trump approval rating sinks to term low in new poll amid Iran war

Mar-a-Lago helipad was built and destroyed

When a Mar-a-Lago helipad was first approved by the Palm Beach Town Council in 2017 at the beginning of Trump's first term, it came with the condition that the concrete pad had to be removed when Trump left office.

The helipad was used sparsely for presidential business during Trump's first term. In one instance in 2019, the site was used for takeoff and landing for a presidential visit to the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee west of Palm Beach.

The original helipadwas demolished in 2021, within weeks of Trump's departure from the White House.

Late last year, Mar-a-Lago representatives came back to Town Hall with the request to reinstall a larger pad to accommodate newer helicopters used to carry the president and White House staff and officials. The Landmarks Preservation Commission, which oversees any exterior changes at landmarked Mar-a-Lago,approved the design for the pad in October.

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The new pad is planned to be 8 inches deep, with an 18-foot-long and 5-foot-wide walkway connected to a nearby service road. The landing area would be on Mar-a-Lago's west lawn, in the same location where it was from 2017 to 2021. Construction is expected to take place this summer.

The town originally said that the pad must be removed after Trump leaves the White House, but another request from the Secret Service under consideration by Palm Beach's council could change that.

Private citizen use of the pad gives mayor 'anxiety'

The Secret Service asked the town to allow the helipad to remain in place while a person protected by the Secret Service is in residence at Mar-a-Lago. The helipad is needed, Mar-a-Lago representative Harvey Oyer told the town council in April, because of ongoing and increasing threats to Trump and his family that could extend past the end of this presidency.

Council members want to establish guardrails for how the pad is used — including rules that would ban club members or others who are not members of law enforcement or the military from using the landing site. Those rules should be established to protect the town and its residents, Oyer said.

"This is not for club use. It's not for club-member use. It's not for private use," he told the council. "It is for governmental use, (Trump's) duties as president and any emergency evacuation by some agency, whether that is Secret Service or White House Military Office or your (police)."

In December of 2017, a private helicopter bearing the Trump logoparked on the helipad for more than a week, prompting outrage from some residents and town officials who called out the use as a violation of the conditions under which the landing site was approved.

The thought that the helipad might be used to accommodate a private aircraft again "gives me anxiety," Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore said during the April council meeting. She said she had heard the same from residents who questioned how much the town can control how the helipad is used.

After the end of Trump's presidency, the designation of protectee would be extended only to first ladyMelania Trump, and not to President Trump's children or his extended family, Oyer said.

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her onX (Twitter),Threads,BlueskyandTikTok.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:After White House ballroom, Trump reportedly considering new helipad

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

May 19, 2026

Trump wants White House helipad while Mar-a-Lago's sparks 'anxiety'

PresidentDonald Trumpis reportedly considering installing a landing pad for helicopters on theWhite House South Lawn. TheWall Str...

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Penn State miss out on former O-line commit

While theNittany LionslostLayton Von Brandtearlier in the recruiting cycle and were not the favorites to land him again, many expected him to sign with theNotre Dame Fighting Irish. However, after moving up his commitment date to today, he went a highly unexpected route. Instead of following several other four star O-linemen to South Bend, Von Brandt committed to theAuburn Tigers. While Penn State will be disappointed that he did not stick with his early intentions, it somewhat feels like a win after Penn State lost out on many players to theFighting Irishon the recruiting trail.

For now, this leaves theNittany Lionswithout a four star lineman amongst their class, but still enough talent at the position to get by. With local recruits in David Tarawallie and Ryan Robbins, Campbell could have two bookend tackles of the future. They also have some interior talent with Jon Sassic and Owen Reilly. However, Notre Dame being spurned is the bigger takeaway as they looked to continue to stockpile at the position. Auburn's win is perhaps a testament to their persistence in recruiting him and both Penn State and Notre Dame landing other commits at the position, thus losing focus on Von Brandt.

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Now all eyes will be on another prospect, this time three star Lucas Rhoa, who locked down an official visit. For now, the sting of losing Von Brandt hurts just a little less than potentially expected.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire:Penn State miss out on former O-line commit

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

May 19, 2026

Penn State miss out on former O-line commit

While theNittany LionslostLayton Von Brandtearlier in the recruiting cycle and were not the favorites to land him again, many expected ...

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Revised Iranian proposal to end war shared with US, Pakistani source says

ISLAMABAD, May 18 (Reuters) - Pakistan has shared with the U.S. a revised proposal from Iran to end the conflict in ‌the Middle East, a Pakistani source told Reuters on Monday, ‌as peace talks appeared to remain stalled.

"We don't have much time," the source said, ​when asked if it would take time to close gaps, adding that both countries "keep changing their goalposts".

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran's views had been "conveyed to the American side through mediator Pakistan".

U.S. President ‌Donald Trump said last week ⁠that a ceasefire with Iran, which was reached in early April, was "on life support" after Tehran's response to ⁠a U.S. proposal to end the war made clear the two sides were still far apart on a number of issues.

The issues holding up ​negotiations between ​the two sides include Iran's nuclear ​ambitions and its control of ‌the Strait of Hormuz, where it has shut down shipping traffic that normally carries one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.

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Iran has called for an end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, where U.S. ally Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Tehran ‌has ruled out discussing its nuclear programme ​before the "permanent end of hostilities".

Tehran also wants ​compensation for war damage, ​an end to the U.S. naval blockade, a guarantee ‌of no further attacks, and resumption ​of Iranian oil ​sales.

Baghaei said Tehran was prepared for all scenarios.

"As for their threats, rest assured that we are fully aware of how to ​respond appropriately to even ‌the smallest mistake from the opposing side," Baghaei told a ​televised weekly press conference.

(Reporting by Saad SayeedWriting by Sakshi Dayal ​and Parisa HafeziEditing by YP Rajesh)

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

May 18, 2026

Revised Iranian proposal to end war shared with US, Pakistani source says

ISLAMABAD, May 18 (Reuters) - Pakistan has shared with the U.S. a revised proposal from Iran to end the conflict in ‌the Middle East, a...

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USA TODAY report shows how conference realignment crushed the Pac-12

It was obviously a disaster for the Pac-12 Conference that the league splintered and watched USC leave. The Trojans left for the Big Ten, as did UCLA, Oregon and Washington from the West Coast. The Arizona schools left for the Big 12. So did Utah and Colorado. Cal and Stanford left for the ACC.Now USA TODAY Sports has detailson the extent to which the Pac-12's collapse crushed conference revenue.

"The numbers in it are jarring but also a reminder that this is a league that is building back up soon withseven incoming full members in 2026. The tax return was obtained from the league by USA TODAY Sports for fiscal year 2025, which runs from July 2024 through June 2025, a year in which Oregon State and Washington State were the Pac-12’s only members. Here is what it shows:

"Revenue collapsed from $566.6 million in fiscal 2024 to $111.5 million in fiscal 2025. This is primarily because there was a drastic reduction in television companies wanting to pay for their games. The league’s television rights fees went down to $3 million from $381 million in the previous fiscal year, when the Pac-12 still had 12 members.  Oregon State and Washington State football games in 2024 were televised byThe CW Network and Fox Sports. The depleted revenue stream also led to a deficit of $21.7 million after $133.2 million in expenses.

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“'FY25 is the first of two build-up years ahead of the Pac-12’s launch as a new conference beginning with the 2026-27 season,' the league said in a news release May 15. That’s when the league will add Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State."

The Pac-12 could have played its cards differently ... but it didn't. The costs can now be seen in full.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire:Pac-12 Conference revenue cratered after major realignment exodus

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

May 18, 2026

USA TODAY report shows how conference realignment crushed the Pac-12

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24 days to the World Cup: The Italy legend now leading Uzbekistan

The countdown to the2026 World Cupis on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.

Uzbekistan secured qualification to the 2026 World Cup last June. Despite the achievement for the central Asian nation, the Uzbekistan Football Association sought a manager with more international experience.

National team hero Timur Kapadze had led the country to the tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, but the goal is to do more than just show up.

Joachim Löw, the man who led Germany to the 2014 World Cup title, and Paulo Bento, who managed Portugal and South Korea, were linked to the job. Neither ended up coming on board, resulting in theUzbekistan turning to Fabio Cannavaro.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament

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The 52-year-old Italian had a distinguished playing career, suiting up for clubs including Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid, among others. He also captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup title and made 136 appearances for his country. His exploits on the field earned him the 2006 Ballon d'Or.

After retiring, Cannavaro took on the job of manager working in the Middle East, China, Italy and Croatia before Uzbekistan got in touch last fall. In six matches in charge, the “White Wolves” have two wins, two draws and two defeats under Cannavaro.

Uzbekistan will finish World Cup preparations with friendly’s against Canada and the Netherlands before heading into battle against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, DR Congo and Colombia in group play.

As the excitement builds ahead of the country’s first World Cup experience, Cannavaro hopes fans set realistic expectations as he knows how difficult of a competition it is.

“They are expecting great results from us, some even expect us to win the title. But this is our first World Cup,”Cannavaro said. “Therefore, we should not put excessive pressure on the players. The most important thing is to enjoy this tournament. I believe the players will give their all for our people and the honor of the Motherland.”

byVaclavien Pynzarien

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May 18, 2026

24 days to the World Cup: The Italy legend now leading Uzbekistan

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly wins second straight NBA MVP award

Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won his second consecutive NBA MVP award,ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.

The announcement is expected to be officially made on before Sunday’s Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons on Amazon Prime Video.

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Gilgeous-Alexander is the 14th player in league history to win MVP in back-to-back seasons.

This story will be updated.

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At least 80 dead in Congo's Ebola outbreak as WHO declares public health emergency

Concern grows in central Africa over deadly Ebola virus 02:59

At least 80 deaths have been reported inCongo's new Ebola disease outbreakin the eastern Ituri province, authorities said, as health workers raced Saturday to intensify screening and contact tracing to contain the disease.

The World Health Organization announced later Saturday that it had declared the outbreak "public health emergency of international concern," butsaidit fell short of the criteria for a "pandemic emergency.'

Officials first announced the outbreak on Friday, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases. Locals in Ituri's capital, Bunia, said they were afraid for their lives amid frequent burials.

"Every day, people are dying ... and this has been going on for about a week. In a single day, we bury two, three or even more people," said Jean Marc Asimwe, a resident of Bunia.

Congolese Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said late Friday there have been eight laboratory-confirmed cases, and among them four deaths.

Test results confirmed it is the Bundibugyo virus, a variant of the disease that has been less prominent in Congo's past outbreaks. This is Congo's 17th outbreak since Ebola first emerged in the country in 1976.

Ebolais highly contagious and can be contracted through bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. The disease it causes is rare, but severe and often fatal.

The Bundibugyo virus has only been responsible for two previous Ebola outbreaks, according to CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder. One, in Uganda in 2007, resulted in 55 cases. The other, in the Congo in 2012, resulted in 57 cases. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for this strain of Ebola, Gounder said, noting "medical professionals seem very concerned about the possibility or the ability to contain this."

The suspected index case in the latest outbreak is a nurse who died at a hospital in Bunia, Kamba said. He said the case dates back to April 24.

He did not say whether samples from the nurse were tested, but said the person presented symptoms suggestive of Ebola.

A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than 10 years agotold CBS News on Fridaythat he is "really concerned" for healthcare workers treating Ebola patients. Medical staff have "very close contact with people when they're most contagious," said Dr. Craig Spencer, an emergency room physician and public health professor at Brown University.

Outbreak spreads to neighboring Uganda

Uganda confirmed Friday an Ebola case that authorities said was "imported" from Congo. The person died at the Kibuli Muslim Hospital in Uganda's capital, Kampala, on May 14.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had said it is concerned about the risk of further spread due to the proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan.

Medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said it was preparing a "large-scale response" and called the rapid spread of the outbreak "extremely concerning," according to the Agence France-Presse.

The body of the patient who died in Kampala was later taken back to Congo and no other local case has been confirmed, Uganda's health ministry said.

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On Saturday, people were being screened at the entrance of the Kibuli Muslim Hospital.

Ismail Kigongo, who resides in Kampala, said the new outbreak reminded him of his father, whom he lostduring the COVID-19 pandemic. "I really get scared because I remember burying my father without looking at his body," he said.

Kenya, Uganda's neighbor, said Saturday there is only a "moderate risk of importation" of the Ebola virus due to regional travel. Kenya's government said it has formed an Ebola preparedness team and has strengthened surveillance at all points of entry.

Logistical challenges complicate outbreak management

Congo often faceslogistical challengesin delivering expertise and supplies to affected regions during disease outbreaks.

As Africa's second-largest country by land area, Congo's provinces are far from one another and mostly battling conflict. Ituri, for instance, is around 620 miles from the nation's capital, Kinshasa, and isravaged by violencefrom Islamic State-backed militants.

"What we know very well [is] that the country has experience, but the region where it is happening is highly volatile with the humanitarian situation going on and the population moving around from South Sudan to Uganda and other parts," said Dr. Abdi Rahman Mahamud, WHO director of health emergency alert and response operations, during a news conference Friday.

The disease has so far been confirmed in three health zones in Ituri province, including the capital city, Bunia, and the areas of Rwampara and Mongwalu, where the outbreak is concentrated.

Only 13 blood samples have been tested at the National Institute of Biomedical Research; eight tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain. The remaining five could not be analyzed due to insufficient sample volume, the health minister said.

In Bunia, Ituri's main city, businesses and regular activities in public places appeared normal on Friday.

Resident Adeline Awekonimungu said she hopes the outbreak is quickly contained. "My recommendation is that the government take this matter seriously and that it takes charge of the hospitals so that this matter can be brought under control," she said.

Questions about U.S. response remain

The U.S. has been the single largest external player in Ebola outbreak response in the past, but experts worry the Trump administration's cuts to theU.S. Agency for International Developmentandits withdrawalof the country from the WHO may impact such efforts.

Spencer said the U.S. does not have the capacity right now to respond quickly to global outbreaks. He suggested to CBS News there may be a connection between the shutdown of USAID and the fact that the latest outbreak was not announced until Friday.

"Before the second Trump administration, USAID would have been on the ground," Spencer said. "The CDC would have been on the ground at a moment's notice, maybe even before a moment's notice, of a new outbreak of Ebola because we were in a bunch of countries. We created relationships beforehand."

Spencer also pointed to absences in the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response and other health agencies. However, he said the U.S. is still capable of dealing with the outbreak.

Ebola "is not that great at spreading," he said, and highlighted the United States' response to adeadly outbreak of a rare strain of hantavirusaboard a Dutch cruise ship.

"We've seen over the past couple weeks with the national quarantine unit we have in Nebraska and the over-a-dozen centers that we have around the U.S. that are capable of taking care of very high consequence pathogens like hantavirus and Ebola," Spencer said. "These were all commitments that we made as a country, particularly and partly because of cases like my own a decade ago."

byVaclavien Pynzarien

in

May 17, 2026

At least 80 dead in Congo's Ebola outbreak as WHO declares public health emergency

Concern grows in central Africa over deadly Ebola virus 02:59 At least 80 deaths have been reported inCongo's new Ebola diseas...

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