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In the news today: King Charles III’s speech to Congress; the State Department will issue passports with Trump’s picture commemorating America's 250th birthday; and how rare earth mining is poisoning Mekong River tributaries, threatening ‘the world’s kitchen.’ Also, a rare two-colored lobster captivates New Englanders.
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Britain’s King Charles III speaks to a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, in Washington, as Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson listen. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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King Charles III highlights US-UK bond during busy day of diplomacy with Trump and Congress
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Speaking Tuesday to a joint session of Congress, King Charles III marked the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain with gratitude that the two countries united to build “one of the most consequential alliances in human history.” He also delivered a series of nuanced warnings encouraging leaders in the U.S. to remain collaborative and engaged in global affairs. Charles later joined Trump for a state dinner in the East Room of the White House. Read more.
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- Charles’ speech came amid tensions between President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the war in Iran. The king, who is expressly apolitical, never directly criticized Trump. He said the alliance between the U.S. and the U.K. “cannot rest on past achievements.” Charles urged “unyielding resolve” in backing Ukraine against Russia.
The king praised religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue in terms that are rare in Trump’s Washington. And acknowledging a scandal that has roiled politics in both the U.S. and U.K., Charles subtly alluded to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender with ties to British officials, including the king’s brother, Andrew.
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US will issue commemorative passports with Trump’s picture for America’s 250th birthday
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The concept for the special passport includes a rendering of President Donald Trump’s face, making him the first living president to be featured in the travel document. Read more.
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It’s the latest instance of Trump having his name and likeness added to buildings, documents and other highly visible tributes. There are efforts to put Trump’s signature on all new U.S. paper currency, also a first for a sitting president, as well as to include his image on a gold commemorative coin to celebrate the country’s founding.
The commemorative passport will be the default document for people applying in person at the Washington, D.C., passport office. But those who want a standard passport will be able to get one by applying online or outside Washington.
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Rare earth mining is poisoning Mekong River tributaries, threatening global food supplies
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Toxic runoff from unchecked expansion of rare earth mines in war-torn Myanmar is contaminating waters that flow into Thailand, threatening the Mekong River and millions who rely on those waterways for farms and fisheries. Read more.
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Demand for rare earth elements is rising, because they are vital to modern technology, from smartphones and electric vehicles. But mining can pose a health risk, because exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead and cadmium raises risks of cancer, organ failure and developmental harm, especially for children and pregnant women. Scientists have found elevated heavy metal pollution in several Mekong tributaries.
Thailand is bearing the brunt of the mining boom as such toxins imperil its global food exports from bags of rice in U.S. supermarkets to edamame snacks served in Japan and garlic used in Malaysian kitchens.
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A rare split-color lobster is seen at the Wellfleet Shellfish Company, in Eastham, Mass., April 17. (Shannon Keresey/Wellfleet Shellfish Company via AP)
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Rare two-colored lobster spared from the kettle
A Cape Cod seafood company has donated a rare two-colored lobster to a science center because of its remarkable coloration. The lobster is the typical brown color on one side and bright orange on the other. Gene mutations cause color abnormalities in lobsters. Some are blue or orange, some are spotted calico and others are so brightly colored they’re called “cotton candy” lobsters.
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Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Nadja
And join us for our next Press Freedom Week webinar, today at 11 a.m. Eastern. Sign up here.
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