The Kennedy Center board voted to close the performing arts venue over financial problems and a dispute over efforts to put Trump’s name on the building.

Earlier Tuesday, a federal judge blocked the center from adding Trump’s name anywhere on the structure or grounds, ruling that only Congress can authorize such changes.

The board has argued that without recognition for Trump’s support, he may be unwilling to help fund major renovations.

Source: AP

US prosecutors allege that two Chinese companies used Binance accounts to move $61mn linked to black-market Iranian oil sales.

The Justice Department says the funds passed through digital wallets connected to a broader network that handled more than $1.5bn in Iranian oil proceeds.

Prosecutors allege some of the money was intended for the Iranian government, and its agents and proxies.

Source: FT

Trump:

The Board of The Kennedy Center today agreed, almost unanimously, to close the Building for Safety reasons, and so that it can begin the process of Reconstruction.

The closing will take place immediately, however, the Renovation and Reconstruction, which is a very large and complex job, cannot begin until such time as the D.C. Circuit rules on the Board’s approved name.

If the ruling is a negative one, which it should not be, and is not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Reconstruction and the Renovation of The Kennedy Center will not take place.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken:

Taking the off-ramp — which means a diplomatic agreement with Iran that, by definition, gives Iran something — means it looks like a loss.

And I think that’s the hesitation on Trump’s part.

The Iran war could and should be over tomorrow.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken:

The Gulf states are all looking to talk to Tehran, maybe cut a deal with Tehran.

They’re looking to cut deals because they know that, unfortunately, what they’ve seen is we can’t necessarily defend them.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken:

The Iranians have an interesting way of begging, if that means launching more projectiles at us, at our partners, getting the Houthis in the act to pull down the Red Sea corridor along with the Strait of Hormuz.

Look, we’re in a very difficult position, unfortunately, of Trump’s making.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken:

If you’re part of the crowd "from the river to the sea" that says you want Israel to go away — guess what? It’s not.

If you’re a part of the Greater Israel crowd that wants the Palestinians to go away — guess what? They’re not.

There are 7 million Jews. There are 7 million Arabs. No one is going anywhere.

And until you reconcile that basic reality, you are part of the problem, not the solution.

What is the solution? The solution is what it’s been, even though no one seems to believe it anymore: a secure Israel, a sovereign Palestine.

Vice President JD Vance said the U.S.-Iran war could enter a “much different phase in a couple of months,” backing Trump’s suggestion that the conflict may wind down after the midterms.

“There are really two phases to this thing, and the first phase is done,” Vance said, describing the first as destroying Iran’s nuclear program, conventional military and ability to project power. The second, he said, is to “ensure that they’re not able to rebuild” while maintaining global stability.

Vance also said the U.S. is “not engaged in aggressive operations” and that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has recovered to “well over 50% of normal traffic,” despite continued Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.

Source: New York Post

The Pentagon is asking commanders to nominate troops for Pete Hegseth’s Sept. 30 “State of the Force” address, with candidates required to meet fitness, waist-to-height, grooming and uniform standards.

Selected servicemembers must also be top performers with strong leadership records and may have the opportunity to work out with Hegseth.

Source: WSJ

Marco Rubio:

Today, I’m announcing a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals who enact or enable policies that promote race-based discrimination, incite violence, or enable land confiscation without compensation in South Africa.

Those responsible for these injustices have no place in the United States.

Finneas (Billie Eilish's brother) pulled out of Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after Macklemore was dropped for saying "Free Palestine" and showing Gaza imagery onstage.

Stadium owners including Robert Kraft pressured venues to remove Macklemore.

Three other support acts — Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga — also withdrew.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang:

The second idea is AI is going to destroy jobs. That's also completely nonsense.

The House voted 232-147 to block Rep. Al Green’s (D-Texas) attempt to impeach Trump, marking the third failed impeachment push in two years.

BIG: Germany's DPA claims Yemen's Houthis now laid naval mines Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Sen. John Fetterman yells at a reporter:

I’m not going to be a Republican!

Ed Sheeran's remaining dates now have no listed openers.

— Macklemore: Dropped from the tour after saying "Free Palestine" and showing Gaza imagery onstage. Stadium owners including Robert Kraft pressured venues.

— Aaron Rowe: Irish singer, withdrew from U.S. dates. Said he won't stay while "billionaires" silence voices.

— Beoga: Irish band, withdrew from U.S. dates. Said playing venues that silence "Free Palestine" is "simply not an option."

— Finneas: Billie Eilish's brother, withdrew from South America dates. "I stand with Palestine and its people."

— Lukas Graham: Danish band, withdrew from U.S. dates. "We love Ed but can't carry on as things stand."

Andy Burnham is expected to meet Trump in New York next week during the UN General Assembly.

Source: The Times