Former Defense Secretary James Mattis roasted his former boss at the Alfred E. Smith dinner in New York City on Thursday night. read more
President Trump has awarded the 2020 Group of Seven summit of world leaders to his private company, scheduling the summit for June at his Trump National Doral Miami golf resort in Florida, the White House announced Thursday. That decision is without precedent in modern American history: The president used his public office to direct a huge contract to himself. Trump's Doral resort " set among office parks near Miami International Airport " has been in sharp decline in recent years, according to the Trump Organization's own records. Its net operating income fell 69 percent from 2015 to 2017; a Trump Organization representative testified last year that the reason was Trump's damaged brand. Now, the G-7 summit will draw hundreds of diplomats, journalists and security personnel to the resort during one of its slowest months of the year, when Miami is hot and the hotel is often less than 40 percent full. It will also provide a worldwide spotlight for the club.
The hardwood industry in the U.S. has been shrinking for decades. But in the wake of the Great Recession, China has been a bright spot. That is, until the trade war. Since Chinese counter-tariffs took effect last September, industry leaders estimate a decrease of more than 40% in exports to China, and a $615 million drop in the total value of lumber exports. In May, the Trump administration granted U.S. farmers " including soybeans " a $16 billion relief package intended to help make up for losses related to the trade war. But the hardwood industry has received no such support. "Unlike the other main row crops," French says, "we have gotten absolutely no support other than comments of, you know, 'take one for the team' or, 'we can't help you " it's too complicated,' 'you're not really an agricultural product.' " read more
A majority of Americans surveyed in a new Gallup poll - 52 percent - say they want President Trump impeached and removed from office as House Democrats pursue an impeachment inquiry against him. read more
A self-described former pro golfer from South Florida who was indicted last week on campaign finance charges was arrested by federal authorities on Wednesday. read more
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