From White House brawls to algae blooms: The week that was in U.S. news
It was a week where the surreal became routine: The White House hosted a UFC event on its South Lawn, federal agencies squabbled over who cracked a terror plot, and Washington's iconic Reflecting Pool turned into a science experiment gone wrong. Here's what you missed.
UFC at the White House: Action, spectacle — and a foiled attack
“UFC Freedom 250” wasn’t just another pay-per-view. For the first time, the mixed martial arts promotion held an event on the South Lawn of the White House, drawing President Donald Trump, UFC CEO Dana White and thousands of fans. But behind the scenes, federal investigators say a group of would-be attackers planned to unleash explosive-laden drones on the crowd, then have snipers open fire on VIPs as they fled. The plot unraveled when a suspect’s mother tipped off police, according to court documents. At least five people from across the country have been arrested. The Secret Service, which initially stayed quiet about the threat, later took over the investigation — and made clear it wasn’t happy that the FBI disclosed the details. “This case remains active,” the agency said, “and we had intended to keep it under wraps.”
Washington's Reflecting Pool: A $2M makeover, then an algae invasion
Just days after a multimillion-dollar resurfacing and repaint project turned the Reflecting Pool a crisp blue in time for America’s 250th birthday celebrations, crews were back out — this time vacuuming up thick green algae. The Department of the Interior blamed the outbreak on dead organic matter and hailed President Trump for “fixing the Reflecting Pool for good.” But environmental experts say the green is likely to stick around. “The Fourth of July is probably the worst time of year for algae,” said Hans Paerl, an environmental sciences professor at UNC Chapel Hill. “It’s Mother Nature running the show, not the government.” Photographs of the pool’s transformation from blue to green quickly became a symbol of the tension between grand civic ambition and the stubborn realities of summer heat.
Bahamas jet ski warning: Sexual assault and safety fears
The U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a rare security alert this week, warning travelers — especially women — about jet ski excursions in the Bahamas. Officials said multiple female tourists had been solicited for rides by Nassau-based operators, then taken to remote islands and sexually assaulted. A new law now prohibits jet ski operators from riding with guests in an effort to prevent “unwanted sexual misconduct.” The alert also cited recent jet ski accidents involving U.S. citizens, including a rider killed in a boat collision and cases where operators ignored storm warnings. For the millions of Americans who visit the Bahamas each year, the warning is a stark reminder that vacation safety can come with hidden risks.
Spielberg phones home — and lands his biggest original opening
Steven Spielberg hasn’t lost his touch. “Disclosure Day,” his thriller about the race to reveal extraterrestrial life to the public, opened at No. 1 with $44 million — the biggest debut of his career for an original film (i.e., not a sequel). It’s the director’s third major alien-themed hit after “E.T.” and “Close Encounters,” but he insists the subject isn’t just a storytelling device. “It’s become overwhelming to me that we’re not alone in the universe,” Spielberg told USA TODAY earlier this month. The film’s success, coupled with its timely theme of government secrecy and disclosure, has sparked fresh debate about what might really be out there — and who’s in control of the information.
Two cities, two titles, one emotional week in sports
For the New York Knicks and the Carolina Hurricanes, decades of drought finally ended. The Knicks, trailing by 16 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, stormed back to beat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90, clinching their first championship in 53 years. Stars courtside erupted; back in New York, fans flooded the streets. Meanwhile in Las Vegas, the Hurricanes shut out the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 to capture their first Stanley Cup in 20 years. “It was our time,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour, his voice hoarse from the celebration. For two franchises and their long‑suffering fan bases, the wait — finally — was over.
— Compiled and written by Robert Abitbol
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: From White House brawls to algae blooms: The week that was in U.S. news