Crypto News: Despite cost cuts, Trump plans pricey renovations

While the Trump administration continues to gut the federal workforce and slash spending in the name of efficiency and cost savings, the president is looking to refashion Washington's most iconic places in his own image with costly renovations.

Trump, who's filled the Oval Office with elaborate gold fixtures, has mused about adding a $100 million ballroom to the White House. He's promised an overhaul of the Kennedy Center, while his executive orders promoting classical architecture stand to have major ramifications for Brutalist buildings like the FBI headquarters. Housing Secretary Scott Turner, meanwhile, has pitched a renovation of his office — what he's called "the ugliest building in DC." Kriston Capps reports today on CityLab: Despite Cost-Cutting Moves, Trump Plans to Remake DC in His Style

— Linda Poon

More on CityLab

The Scary Thing About the Wildfire That Was Stopped
The Palisades and Eaton blazes were deadlier, but the fast-moving Hughes Fire, which threatened new homes in a Los Angeles exurb, could be a preview of future disasters.

Trump DEI Purge Hits Affordable Housing Groups
Millions of dollars in affordable housing contracts were canceled after a DOGE review of their websites and social media for terms linked to equity and diversity.

Turkey Detains Erdogan's Top Rival, Triggering Market Meltdown
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who could one day challenge the president's rule, was taken into custody on Wednesday, sparking protests.

What we're reading

Black Baltimore-area neighborhoods face racial bias in home appraisals, report finds (Baltimore Banner)
One Washington city's innovative approach to transparency and civic engagement (Governing)
Japan's aging population is pushing shrinking cities to grapple with a new reality (The World)
How Trump's hostility to Canada is inflicting pain on NYC tourism (New York Times)
Musk team targets nearly two dozen environmental offices for closure in California (Los Angeles Times)