The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has officially removed the 'Trump' branding from its building, a move that comes as the lineup of guests for Bill Maher's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony was announced. The decision marks a significant shift in the institution's political associations.
Kennedy Center Drops Trump Name
In a statement released Monday, the Kennedy Center confirmed that it has removed the name of former President Donald Trump from its facility. The change follows years of debate over the appropriateness of honoring a former president whose tenure was marked by controversy. The center's board voted unanimously to restore the original naming, citing a desire to focus on artistic excellence rather than political affiliations.
Bill Maher's Twain Award Guests
Meanwhile, the Kennedy Center revealed the guest list for this year's Mark Twain Prize ceremony, honoring comedian and political commentator Bill Maher. The event, scheduled for October, will feature appearances by a range of entertainers, including several surprise guests. Maher, known for his sharp wit and controversial opinions, is expected to deliver a memorable acceptance speech.
The ceremony will be broadcast on PBS later this year. Past recipients of the award include Richard Pryor, Tina Fey, and Dave Chappelle.
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In international news, a U.K. family spent $10,000 on a trip to Toronto for the World Cup without securing tickets to any games, highlighting the high cost and risks of unplanned travel. In Canada, Peel police reported that an officer and a suspect were injured during a criminal investigation in Etobicoke. A missing 15-year-old girl was found safe in British Columbia, according to RCMP.
Canada Post warned of potential World Cup-related delays in Toronto and Vancouver, urging customers to plan ahead. Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien expressed cautious optimism about Alberta's separation referendum, advising against complacency. Calgary homebuilders were fined $250,000 after a workplace accident.
OC Transpo resumed double-car service on O-Train Line 1, improving capacity. A man died after being pulled from Carleton University's swimming pool, prompting an investigation. A psychological evaluation was ordered for a Montreal synagogue arson suspect facing six charges.
In entertainment, Rihanna received a special gift from a Kahnawake flight attendant. Elections Alberta began hiring for the 'colossal' October referendum. A fire destroyed the Wetaskiwin Memorial Arts Centre, described as a loss of history. A house fire in Annapolis Valley, N.S., damaged a home and sent a firefighter to hospital.
A large power outage affected downtown and north end Halifax. Grade 12 students in Winnipeg turned a school project into signage for the city. A 12-year-old Winnipegger created a booming business with garbage bins. A tornado warning was issued for southeastern Saskatchewan.
Volunteers in the Cathedral neighbourhood planted hundreds of trees to grow the urban forest. A woman is wanted for assault and property damage in Guelph. The SIU mandate was invoked after the death of a Guelph man. RCMP investigated a serious crash on a Saskatchewan highway.
Blind River firefighter was hospitalized with serious injuries. Two people were charged after a serious assault in Hollinger Park in Timmins. A Pride flag was stolen and its pole cut down at a Norwich school. Police are looking for a suspect after a Hanover drive-in attack. A water gun shut down a Barrie high school.
Air Ornge reaches remote parts of Georgian Bay. An active police investigation is underway in Harrow. Kingsville proposes a 50% cut to development charges to unlock sewer funding. B.C. averages 14 hiking and climbing deaths per year, according to the coroner's service. Shots were fired from a vehicle toward people in a park in Nanaimo.
A B.C. family says their son faces years in a Georgian prison over prescribed medication. A Los Angeles trial began for the man accused of sparking the deadly Palisades Fire. France's justice minister refused to resign over lapses in a girl killing case.
In politics, Ottawa offered millions in loans to airlines struggling with high jet fuel costs. Louise Arbour became Canada's 31st Governor General. In business, WestJet signed a codeshare deal with Icelandair, offering easier access to Europe. A guru accused Pepsi bottler of abusing dominant position at the Competition Tribunal. Another European utility looks to lock down supply from Ksi Lisims LNG.
In health, childhood egg allergies fall as early introduction becomes more common. The late-night eating habit that may throw your gut health into chaos was highlighted. Organizations work to address mental health of Canadian farmers.
In entertainment, Kim Kardashian watched Lewis Hamilton claim 2nd place at the Monaco Grand Prix. Tony winners thanked voice teachers and babysitters as Broadway crowned 'Schmigadoon!'. Dua Lipa and Callum Turner threw a big Italian wedding.
In sports, the Hurricanes experienced a playoff baby boom, the Golden Knights could join in amid a wild Stanley Cup Final. NYC imposed stringent security as Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. Sibling rivals lined up for different teams at the World Cup.
In lifestyle, experts weighed in on 'tattle phones'. Need to recharge your brain? Stop swiping and turn a page. Taipei Zoo welcomed a pair of red pandas from China, the first in over a decade.
In climate and environment, Tropical Storm Boris formed off Mexico's southern Pacific coast, bringing flooding threat. A flesh-eating cattle parasite is spreading in Texas as two far-flung screwworm cases were found. An earthquake killed at least 35 in the Philippines and set off a tsunami.
In sci-tech, Apple knows it has a Siri problem and is about to fix it. An apex predator scorpion crawled the Earth hundreds of millions of years ago. Trump called for the military to accelerate use of AI while protecting Americans.
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