Federal Ruling Makes Trump’s Construction Blitz Tougher as Arlington Arch Plan Pauses

Arch plan put on hold

The proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery has been halted by a federal ruling. The decision arrived hours after a panel that included several Trump appointees gave the project final approval.

The administration launched a website promoting the monument on the day of the ruling. Some veterans have opposed placing it near the cemetery, arguing that the project would diminish the site’s solemn character.

Justice Department departures

Two more senior Justice Department officials have resigned. One, Jason Reding Quinones, helped lead an investigation described as a “grand conspiracy” probe into President Trump’s political opponents. Attorney General Todd Blanche thanked both departing officials but offered no further information about their exits. Harmeet Dhillon had left her role leading the department’s Civil Rights Division the day before.

Floodwaters recede in Georgia

Residents near the Georgia-Tennessee border are returning after record flooding subsided. First responders used helicopters, drones and swift water boats to carry out dozens of rescues. In McCaysville, Georgia, mud and debris overwhelmed businesses. One business owner estimated inventory losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, while noting that some people suffered more severe losses. McCaysville and neighboring Copperhill, Tennessee, had only recently finished cleaning up from another flood in August.

Other developments Friday

Pope Leo arrived in Uruguay to begin a three-country, 12-day tour of Latin America. The 71-year-old pontiff was greeted by Uruguay’s president in Montevideo, three weeks after lung cancer surgery had cast uncertainty over the trip.

On Wall Street, the Dow fell nearly 240 points. The Nasdaq rose by more than 1 percent, and the S&P 500 also finished higher.