WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court on Friday ordered the Trump administration to halt construction of its $400 million ballroom at the White House without congressional approval.

President Donald Trump doesn’t have the unilateral authority to construct a 90,000-square-foot (8,400-square-meter) ballroom where the White House’s East Wing stood before he ordered its demolition, according to the decision by a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals sided with historic preservationists who sued to stop construction. The court said it would stay its own ruling for two weeks to allow the administration to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help,” the court wrote.

“This holding has nothing at all to do with whether the proposed ballroom is desirable, or not, as a matter of policy. This ruling does not even necessarily mean that the Defendants may not ultimately construct the ballroom.

“What it does mean,” the court continued, “is that the Defendants may not do so during the district court’s expeditious litigation without securing Congress’s authorization, as the Constitution and laws require.”

The panel upheld an April 16 order from U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for the administration to halt above-ground work on the ballroom. Leon, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush, allowed for construction to continue on below-ground work on a bunker and other “national security facilities” at the site.

Trump, a Republican, railed against Leon’s decision on social media, calling him a “Trump Hating” judge who “has gone out of his way to undermine National Security, and to make sure that this Great Gift to America gets delayed, or doesn’t get built.”

The appeals court case was assigned to Judges Patricia Millett, Neomi Rao and Bradley Garcia. Millett was nominated to the court by Democratic President Barack Obama. Trump nominated Rao. Garcia was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden. Both Millett and Garcia backed the decision, while Rao opposed it.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to challenge the project in December 2025, a week after the White House finished demolishing the East Wing to make way for a ballroom that Trump said would fit 999 people.

Government lawyers have argued that the project — the biggest structural change to the White House in more than 70 years — includes critical security features to guard against a range of threats, such as drones, ballistic missiles and biohazards.

“These upgrades, alterations, and improvements are essential to protecting the President, his family, and his staff, as well as the White House itself, and the entire project flows from them,” government attorneys wrote in a court filing.

Attorneys for the preservation group countered that the lack of a White House ballroom doesn’t constitute a national security emergency.

“That commonsense conclusion is not clearly erroneous, and there is no basis to disturb it,” they wrote.

In an initial ruling that the government also appealed, Leon barred above-ground work on the ballroom from proceeding without congressional approval. In response, the appeals court instructed the judge to reconsider the national security implications of stopping construction.

In his most recent decision, Leon ordered a stop only to the above-ground construction of the planned ballroom. The judge stressed that the White House is free to proceed with below-ground work, including the construction of any bunkers, military installations and medical facilities.

“Defendants argue that the entire ballroom construction project, from tip to tail, falls within the safety-and-security exception and therefore may proceed unabated,” the judge wrote. “That is neither a reasonable nor a correct reading of my Order!”

On April 2, Trump’s ballroom won final approval from the 12-member National Capital Planning Commission, which is charged with approving construction on federal property in the Washington region.

___

Barrow reported from Atlanta.

The Boyle Sports Premiership starts on Friday August 7th, with the final round of fixtures set for Saturday April 24

The World Cup kept local football fans ticking over, but now it’s back to the real thing – The Boyle Sports Irish Premiership.

It’s been just over three months since we last witnessed any action in the local leagues, as Coleraine waltzed off into the summer sun with the Clearer Water Irish Cup.

And the success might just keep on coming for the Bannsiders – according to AI tool Chat GPT.

We asked the Artificial Intelligence site who will come out on top in the Irish League this season, and it came up with a definitive answer.

It expects Coleraine to claim the top flight title for the first time in 53 years – and only the second time in history.

Chat GPT rate their probability of success as 35%, but warn that it is early for predictions.

“They have built on last season’s strong finish and are widely viewed as one of the main contenders heading into the campaign. Manager Ruaidhri Higgins has tried to play down the “favourites” tag, but that reflects the expectations around the club,” explained the AI site.

Higgins has been quick to dampen expectations around the Showgrounds in pre-season, despite the signings of Northern Ireland star Conor McMenamin, Jay Henderson, Ben Doherty, Aidan Wilson, Conrad Hunt and Rob Slevin.

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“When you finish second, win the Irish Cup and sign the quality of players that we have over the last two years, there’s going to be expectation,” said Higgins ahead of Saturday’s opening trip to Dungannon. “We have to embrace that.

“It’s interesting that we’re favourites, slightly disrespectful to the reigning champions in my opinion, but it is what it is.

“We haven’t won a league title in over 50 years. You can have all the ability in the world but you have to go and do it, talk’s cheap, you have to go and deliver and we have to go and do it.”

Defending champions Larne have a 30% chance of retaining their title, with Chat GPT saying: “They have the recent pedigree and experience to mount another challenge.”

Linfield suffered a difficult campaign last year, as defending champions themselves, and AI reckons things won’t get better any time soon for David Healy’s men.

“You can never discount Linfield. They remain one of the league’s strongest and deepest squads and are consistently among the betting favourites,” Chat GPT say.

Their Big Two rivals Glentoran are looking to end an 18-year wait for the Irish league title but they are given just a 10% chance of success, with the AI tool explaining: “Good enough to challenge if they find consistency, but I’d currently rank them just behind the top three. The biggest factor will likely be consistency after the league split. The title race in the Irish Premiership is often decided by how the top sides perform against each other in those final championship fixtures.”

That aligns roughly with what the bookmakers are expecting this season, though they give Coleraine a 52.4% chance of winning, pricing them at 10/11 for the title.

They make Linfield second favourites on 4/1, level with Larne, while Glentoran are priced at 5/1.

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A woman was rushed to hospital following the crash.

A Royal Mail van flipped on its roof after a horror two-vehicle smash in Fife.

Emergency crews were alerted to the incident at Ladybank junction on the A92 on Friday afternoon at around 12:44pm.

A woman was rushed to the hospital after the collision but no information is available on her injuries. It is unclear which vehicle she was travelling in at this stage.

Pictures from the scene show the red van on its roof with a huge dent on the side of the vehicle.

A woman appears to be leaning down towards the window of the van and a man stands nearby.

A white vehicle with a mangled front end and loose tyre can also be seen.

Another image shows a highway maintenence vehicle, an ambulance and police van at the scene.

Around #five fire officers and a uniformed cop stand on the road as traffic builds up behind them.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.44pm on Friday, 7 August to reports of a road traffic collision on the A92 in Fife on Cupar Road at the Ladybank junction involving a car and a van.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene to make the area safe.

“One female casualty was taken to hospital.”

Police Scotland and Royal Mail have been approached for comment.

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Secondary school pupils in the region were among around 150,000 young people across Scotland receiving their results earlier this week.

Young people across Perth and Kinross schools found out their exam results from Qualifications Scotland this week, with early indications locally that candidates have again performed well and continued to make excellent progress with increased levels of achievement.

Secondary school pupils in the region were among around 150,000 young people across Scotland receiving their results.

In 2026, Higher A-C passes in Perth and Kinross Council schools have reached record levels, while National 5 passes are at their highest level since 2020.

Advanced Higher awards have also shown a significant rise, putting passes at their highest level since 2022.

Education chiefs say that 2674 National 4 awards were achieved (a rise of 196 from numbers in 2025), and almost 7000 National 5 awards (an increase of 294 over the number of National 5 passes in 2024) and an 81 per cent success rate in 2026, compared to 80 per cent in 2025.

And 3841 Higher passes were awarded at an 80 per cent pass rate, compared to 75 per cent in 2025, while Advanced Highers awards also improved on the 2024-2025 session with 603 passes and a rise in the pass rate from 76 per cent in 2025 to 78 per cent in 2026.

The council’s Learning and Families Convener, Councillor John Rebbeck, said: “Today is an important milestone for 2026 exam candidates in our schools.

“Congratulations to everyone receiving their results, and as the high-level statistics show, young people in Perth and Kinross have performed extremely well this year.

“This aptly reflects the commitment they, their parents and carers, their teachers and school support staff all make to enabling them to achieve to their fullest.

“If your results haven’t gone quite as expected, please know that support and advice is available, through your school and by contacting the national Results Helpline, run by Skills Development Scotland. SDS Careers Advisers will be available on 0808 100 8000 for free advice and guidance until 8pm today and tomorrow, and from 9am to 5pm this Thursday and Friday.

“Whether you are looking to go to university or college, or into the world of work, there are lots of pathways and support to help you make those key decisions going forward.”

Meanwhile, Jim Fairlie MSP has praised the hard work of learners and teachers across the area as exam pass rates increase at all levels.

As students across Perth and Kinross received their exam results, pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers have all increased again, including a record number of National 5 passes.

Meanwhile, learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications, up by 121 per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

The results also show that the poverty-related attainment gap has narrowed compared with last year and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Mr Fairlie has highlighted the support available to help pupils and families take their next steps with confidence.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) offers a free Results Helpline, providing expert advice on everything from:

• UCAS confirmation and clearing

• College and university vacancies

• Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships

• Job, volunteering, and training opportunities

• Staying on at school

The helpline, staffed by experienced careers advisers, is available on 0808 100 8000, open from 9am to 5pm today (August 7). Locally, students can also access one-to-one guidance by visiting a Skills Development Scotland Careers Centre in Perth, open throughout Results Week.

Mr Fairlie, the MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, said: “Today is a moment of pride for so many young people, their families and teachers across Perth and Kinross – I want to congratulate everyone receiving their results today.

“Across Scotland, pass rates have increased with a record number of National 5 passes, and our learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications. That is something our schools, colleges and young people should rightly be proud of.

“John Swinney is focused on narrowing the attainment gap and, having empowered head teachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, I am particularly pleased to see progress being made in closing that gap.

“Today can be a whirlwind of emotions, with some young people experiencing joy, relief, disappointment or uncertainty. That is why it is so important that every learner has access to free, professional guidance and support. There is no wrong path, and there are many different routes to a successful future.

“Equality of opportunity is something the SNP Scottish Government will always put at the heart of our education system. Today’s results reflect the hard work of learners and educators across Perth and Kinross, and I wish all young people the very best in whatever they choose to do next.”

Details of local SDS Careers Centres can be found at www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/careers-centres

The University of Cambridge will review its process for appointing senior academics following the resignation of Jason Arday in the midst of a plagiarism row.

The institution said findings from an investigation into the education professor’s academic qualifications and appointments would “feed into” a new review on the appointment process for senior academic roles.

The Jesus College fellow has also faced accusations of fabricating or exaggerating elements of his CV. He has defended himself and his work, with attention now turning to Cambridge’s handling of concerns and his upcoming memoir.

News of the review comes after a group of academics called for an independent probe into his appointment.

Priyamvada Gopal, professor of postcolonial studies at Cambridge and among those calling for an independent inquiry, said the university was facing “massive reputational damage” over the affair.

“This is reputational damage that has upset colleagues across disciplines, across the political spectrum,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday.

“I’ve been quite struck by the number of people who are very upset by what has happened. So I don’t think it is an option for Cambridge to just sweep this under the carpet and not take any action at all.”

Gopal said the university should not be “marking its own homework”, adding that the group of academics of which she is a part had suggested a mix of senior academics at Cambridge and elsewhere to conduct an investigation.

Cambridge said on Friday that it was “fully aware of the public commentary and concerns” and would “continue to investigate the circumstances around Jason Arday’s appointment and tenure”. A spokesperson declined to comment further.

It previously announced an investigation into “new information” about Arday’s academic qualifications and appointments on Wednesday, having already said it was looking into allegations of plagiarism.

Jesus College welcomed the appointments review, saying Arday’s role as fellow there had been “contingent on his university position”.

“We rely on the university to do checks on academic credentials for its appointments,” a spokeswoman added.

Accusations of plagiarism in Arday’s work were first voiced by Nathan Cofnas – a US researcher whose role at a Cambridge college was terminated after backlash against his view that under a true meritocracy black people would “disappear from almost all high-profile positions outside of sports and entertainment”.

He highlighted that plagiarism detection software had found several tracts of Arday’s PhD dissertation to be copied verbatim or lightly rephrased from prior academic works by other authors.

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), which awarded Arday’s PhD, has said it investigated the allegations of plagiarism last year and dismissed them, saying they were likely the result of “honest and reasonable error”.

It told the BBC on Friday that its position remains unchanged in light of recent events and that his PhD “still stands”.

Cofnas also noted that a retired professor had previously raised concerns about Arday’s subsequent academic articles, which led to two journals issuing correction notes, and raised questions about some of his claimed achievements, including extensive marathon running and raising millions for charity.

Several universities at which Arday claimed on his CV to have had academic positions have since denied him having those roles.

The controversy has attracted a range of opinions, including within academia, about whether he had been scrutinised unfairly because of his race.

Arday has admitted errors in his work but denied plagiarism, saying his autism and a lack of adequate supervision early in his academic career may have contributed to those mistakes. He also denied lying about his achievements.

He said his decision to step down should not “be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me”, which he has previously said were “racially motivated”.

Gopal said universities were “being targeted in particular by a lazy and false division between academic excellence and diversity and equality on campus”, which was “really part of culture wars rather than any part of university life”.

She and her colleagues found it “unusual” that Arday had been appointed to a “very senior, very prestigious” post early in his career – and that he had been put forward in the media with “frankly a bit of a target on his back”.

Gopal also said any investigation should review “whether the university was involved in any way or any level with efforts to deter journalists from reporting on the allegations”.

This came after it emerged the Metropolitan Police investigated Times Higher Education (THE) reporter Jack Grove over a complaint of harassment after he contacted Arday concerning allegations of plagiarism last year.

The Telegraph also reported that Arday hired law firm Carter-Ruck to send a letter to THE which implied that the “apparent attack” on Arday might be “racially motivated”.

The Met closed the case and Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for the investigation, telling LBC on Thursday that the complaint should have been “screened out earlier on as not requiring investigation”.

NHS staff are alleged to have accessed the medical records of a nine-year-old girl found fatally injured on a Scottish industrial estate.

Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was discovered just after midnight on Monday at the Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath, Angus, while her family were camping in the area.

She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she was later pronounced dead.

Her father Christopher Rice, 35, has appeared in court charged with her murder.

Health board NHS Tayside, which runs the hospital, is now investigating claims staff accessed Minnie’s medical records without clinical need or permission.

In the early hours of Monday morning, emergency services including four ambulances were called to the estate where the family had camped the night before. 

Minnie and three other people were rushed to hospital.

Rice was also taken to the same hospital separately but was later discharged and charged over his daughter’s death.

Christopher Rice, 35, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with her murder on Wednesday

During a hearing at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Rice did not enter a plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. 

He is due to appear in court again next week. 

A spokesperson for the health board said: ‘NHS Tayside is currently investigating the circumstances of an alleged data breach, which happened in a working clinical area where staff access patient information.

‘As a matter of governance, any data protection breach would be recorded and investigated by NHS Tayside and, where appropriate, reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

‘It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on individual staffing matters.’

If the data breach is proven, matters could be escalated to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

It is not the only example of medical staff allegedly accessing records with no proper reason – in June, it emerged that a probe was underway after 40 NHS employees were accused of accessing the records of a three-year-old boy allegedly thrown into a crocodile pit in Cambridgeshire. 

And Southport attack survivor and teacher Leanne Lucas described being ‘devastated and horrified’ after it emerged 48 hospital workers inappropriately accessed the records of some of the victims.

Tributes have been laid at the scene on behalf of the public at the scene in Arbroath

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Paul Arnold, ICO chief executive officer, said: ‘When people seek medical care, they share some of their most sensitive personal information and trust that it will be kept safe. 

‘As we’ve seen in a number of recent cases, unauthorised access to those records is not just a breach of data protection law – it can be a betrayal of that trust, with real and lasting consequences for patients and their families.

‘Having the ability to view a record is not the same as having a legitimate need to do so. Every member of staff at health organisations across the UK has a personal responsibility to respect that boundary, and every patient has a right to expect that they will. 

‘Staff who breach that trust face serious consequences: loss of employment, removal of professional accreditation and criminal prosecution.’

Minnie’s family had earlier paid tribute to her in a statement released through Police Scotland.

They said: ‘We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.

‘Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.’

Her mother Laurie said in a heartbreaking social media post: ‘You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong. 

‘My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death. I will hold my head high knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life, I will see you again that I know for sure. I love you eternally.’

The victim suffered a broken nose and injuries to his face

A man dragged and kicked a pubgoer in the head in Peterborough just days before Christmas. Abdiftah Ahmed, 27, launched a “vicious” attack on the victim, who had just left a pub in Broadway and was looking for a taxi, at about 12.35am on December 22, 2019.

Ahmed dragged the man, who was in his 40s, to the ground and kicked him multiple times to the head. He then walked away but returned with his mobile phone and appeared to take a photo or video of the victim before kicking him twice more, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

Onlookers came to the victim’s aid, and he was taken to hospital with a broken nose and injuries to his face which required surgery.

An investigation was launched, with a police officer identifying Ahmed from CCTV footage. The 27-year-old was arrested and data from his mobile phone confirmed he was in the area at the time of the attack.

Ahmed, of Brantwood Road, Luton, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on October 26, 2020. An assessment initially deemed Ahmed mentally unfit to plead, leading to a significant delay in sentencing.

However on Tuesday, August 4, at Cambridge Crown Court, he was jailed for five years, having admitted a lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

Det Sgt Sarah Morgan said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on a man who was simply trying to get home after a night out. It was a distressing experience for the victim and I’m pleased Ahmed has finally faced justice after a protracted court process.”

It comes as Manchester Airport is facing its busiest period of the year

Manchester Airport has issued a warning to anyone flying abroad this summer to avoid being held up at security.

Throughout the six-week summer holidays, Manchester Airport is expecting to see more than six million passengers travelling through. Due to the busy period, staff have stressed the importance of packing bags correctly to avoid any delays and to ensure your bag makes it onto the plane.

Certain items should never be packed in your hold luggage, and should instead be place in your hand luggage or left at home entirely, warns Manchester Airport’s security expert.

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Anthony Shaw, a security team leader within the hold baggage screening team at Manchester Airport, explained: “Small electronic devices like vapes, power banks and tablets are often powered by lithium batteries.

“These are very powerful batteries with a long lifespan and fast charging times, which makes them popular for these kinds of devices – but they store a massive amount of energy in a small space. If the battery gets too hot, or is faulty, it can catch fire without warning.”

He continued: “For that reason, these devices are forbidden within hold luggage and must be carried in your hand luggage – where, in the event of an emergency, the problem will be spotted more quickly and can be more easily dealt with. Batteries for products like power tools are often lithium-based and these are not permitted for the same reasons.”

All checked baggage gets checked by Manchester Airport staff to ensure that it complies with security requirements. If a device is found which contains a lithium battery, the bag may have to be checked

“Our team screens all checked baggage to ensure it complies with security requirements – so if you pack a device containing a lithium battery into your hold luggage, we may have to open your bag and remove it. We don’t want to have to do that – so it’s really important that passengers acquaint themselves with the rules before packing their bags.”

Although devices powered by lithium batteries are not permitted in checked luggage, there are range of items which must be packed in your checked bag, not your hand luggage.

Anthony explained: “The 100ml liquids rule for hand luggage remains in place at Manchester Airport. We have now installed brand-new CT scanners in both of our terminals that will ultimately allow the 100ml rule to be lifted, but we are awaiting certification from the Civil Aviation Authority.

“For the time being, if you wish to bring liquids over 100ml – such as bottles of shampoo, conditioner or sun cream – you need to pack these in your hold luggage. Sports equipment like golf clubs, cricket bats and skis must be checked in too, due to their size – but also due to the risk that a bat or club could be used as a weapon.”

He explained: “For a large aircraft on a long-haul flight, we could be screening almost 1,000 checked bags – but even for a short hop holiday flight, we have to look at several hundred. Each bag that fails to pass security checks gets pulled aside, and often needs to be inspected manually – which is a process that takes several minutes per bag.

“This can create delays, but it also creates a risk that your hold bag might not make it onto the plane at all – so it’s really important to ensure your bag is packed correctly and that your vapes, power banks and small electronic devices are in your hand luggage.”

Things NOT to pack in your hold luggage

The following should be placed in your hand luggage if you want to bring them abroad:

• Vapes
• Power banks
• Tablet computers

Other security tips

Review the airport’s list of prohibited items

Certain hazardous items are not permitted in either hold luggage or hand luggage. This includes fireworks and pyrotechnics, non-safety matches, flammable liquids like oil, fuels, paint and thinners, real or replica firearms, as well as ammunition.

Anthony says: “Many of these don’t sound like everyday items, but sometimes we do see people trying to bring common household items and appliances with them that are not compliant with these rules – including party poppers; cleaning products, like bleach; cooking oils, which are flammable liquids, or a mini-fridge to keep drinks cool, which are not permitted because they contain compressed gas.”

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Manchester Airport’s full list of prohibited items can be found on its website.