Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is drawing fresh attention after President Donald Trump shared new photos of the renovation and said the project is on track to finish before July 4, part of the broader America 250 timeline. Fox News reported that the images showed a sample test of the pool with the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument reflected in the water. (Trump shares stunning photos of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, says project is ahead of schedule, Fox News)

Renovation Update

According to Fox News, Trump said the administration upgraded construction materials and expects the job to be completed before Independence Day. The report also said critics have challenged the use of a vivid blue coating and questioned whether the proper historic-review process was followed before work moved ahead. (Trump shares stunning photos of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, says project is ahead of schedule, Fox News)

Contract Questions

A separate Yahoo report added another layer to the story, saying Trump denied knowing the contractor tied to the project and said the Interior Department handled the $13.1 million no-bid deal. That report described criticism over the contract structure, the project cost and the plan to give the pool a bright blue finish. (Trump Denies Knowing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Contractor, Says 'Interior' Handled $13.1 Million No-Bid Deal, Yahoo)

Why It Matters

The renovation has become more than a maintenance story because the Reflecting Pool is one of Washington's most recognizable public landmarks. Debate over the coating color, the review process and the no-bid award means the project is now being judged on both appearance and oversight, not just on whether it finishes before the July target date.

What Comes Next

The next test for the project is straightforward: whether the renovation is completed on schedule and whether the final result addresses the criticism surrounding the design and contracting decisions. For now, the public picture is split between the administration's claim that the job is ahead of schedule and ongoing questions about how the work was approved and awarded. (Fox News report; Yahoo report)

Belmont Park Fall Meet 2026 Schedule Announced

The New York Racing Association has announced the stakes schedule for the 2026 fall meet at Belmont Park, with live racing set to return on September 18 after the track's long redevelopment project. In its announcement, NYRA said the reimagined Belmont Park will open the fall meet with 72 stakes races worth a combined $17.7 million.

Racing Returns to Belmont Park

The 2026 opening day will be the first live racing at Belmont Park since July 9, 2023. Newsday reported that the reopening remains on schedule and that the opening-day card will feature the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. NYRA's release also said the fall meet will include 32 graded events and run through December 6.

Key Details From the Schedule

NYRA said the rebuilt venue will open with a new main dirt track, two turf courses, and a one-mile synthetic oval. The fall meet is designed to consolidate NYRA's downstate racing program at Belmont and establish a foundation ahead of the 2027 Breeders' Cup World Championships. Newsday added that the new grandstand will not yet be at full capacity when racing resumes, with the broader construction project continuing into 2027.

What Comes Next

For racing fans, the headline is simple: Belmont Park is set to resume live racing on September 18, 2026, with a full stakes schedule already in place. The return marks a major step in NYRA's long-term rebuild of one of the sport's signature venues.

Kentucky Derby Winner Skips 2026 Preakness

The 2026 Preakness Stakes will run without Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, ending any chance of a Triple Crown bid this year. According to the Washington Times report, trainer Cherie DeVaux is sending the colt to the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course instead of the second leg of the Triple Crown at Laurel Park.

Why Golden Tempo Is Skipping the Race

The decision keeps Golden Tempo out of the 151st Preakness and continues a recent pattern in which Derby winners do not return on the two-week turnaround. The Washington Times reported that this move ends a possible Triple Crown run in 2026, while USA Today reported that it is the second straight year and the third time in five years that a healthy Derby winner has skipped the Preakness.

What the Reporting Says

USA Today said DeVaux made the call soon after Golden Tempo's last-to-first Kentucky Derby victory on May 2, with the stable choosing to give the horse more recovery time before the Belmont. The Washington Times also noted that DeVaux cited the colt's long-term health and the demanding schedule between the Derby and Preakness as key factors in the decision.

What Comes Next

Golden Tempo is now being pointed toward the Belmont Stakes, which will again be held at Saratoga while Belmont Park renovations continue. That means the Preakness will go forward without the Derby winner, and the Triple Crown will remain unclaimed for another season.