The construction of a new $300 million ballroom at the White House is expected to be completed by summer 2028, just before President Trump leaves office. The project involves demolishing the East Wing, which has raised concerns about its impact on the historic grounds and architecture. Despite some environmental and historical concerns, the National Park Service concluded the project will have no significant adverse impact, though it will alter views and remove some trees and structures.
Residents of Lahaina, Maui, are concerned about the safety of their homes and the potential health risks following a deadly wildfire in August. The lack of clear guidelines and national standards for assessing the cleanliness of homes damaged by nearby fires has left residents uncertain about the long-term effects of the fire. The burning-trash-barrel scent that lingers in the air raises questions about the accuracy of government environmental assessments, as officials face pressure to restore the tourism industry. The presence of toxic substances such as dioxins, released when household materials are burned, adds to the concerns. Residents are seeking a second opinion on environmental assessments, but finding raw data is challenging. The cleanup efforts and testing by state and federal agencies have been questioned, with skepticism about transparency and the potential hiding of information. The long-term health risks and the safety of homes in the burn zone remain uncertain, leaving residents to make their own risk assessments.
