Latest news with #NationalGovernorsAssociation
New York Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Understanding Lapses in Learning
To the Editor: Re 'Have We Quit on Learning?,' by Dana Goldstein (news article, May 11): Governors are rising up — not giving up — on education as we know it. Education is the single best investment we can make in the future of our states and economy. This is a national conversation not being had enough in the halls of Washington by either party. But it is happening in the states — and it's one we have to elevate nationally, before too many youngsters fall behind. States are passing nonpartisan, common-sense reforms, and it's making a difference. Colorado passed free full-day kindergarten and universal preschool to prevent achievement gaps from forming in the first place, give our youngest learners a strong start and save parents and families thousands of dollars. We've deployed targeted tutoring and after-school opportunities for K-12 students, including an online math platform that is free for schools to use, and that increased scores after just one year. Governors from both parties are leading similar efforts to improve student performance in reading and math, with science-based initiatives generating real results in states such as Alabama, California, Louisiana and New York. Through an effort I'm leading with the National Governors Association known as Let's Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success, we're looking at how we can best measure what skills and knowledge students need to thrive in school and beyond, invest in what works and change what doesn't.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Photos show every time Melania Trump has appeared at a public White House event this year
First lady Melania Trump is keeping a low profile during President Donald Trump's second term. An infrequent White House presence, she divides her time between homes in Florida, New York, and DC. Her latest appearances included the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act signing and an event for military mothers. It's a refrain dating back to the first Trump White House: Where's Melania? First lady Melania Trump, who remained an enigmatic figure during President Donald Trump's first term, has kept an even lower profile during his second. Ahead of the inauguration, Melania Trump told Fox News that she planned to divide her time between the White House, Trump Tower in New York City, and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. This schedule has made her an infrequent White House presence, averaging one to three appearances at public events each month. Melania Trump's communications director, Nicholas Clemens, declined to comment. Take a look at the first lady's White House activities and appearances thus far. January 20: Melania Trump attended the inauguration. Melania Trump held the Bible as Donald Trump was sworn in for his second non-consecutive term, and the couple danced together at several inaugural balls later that evening. For the swearing-in ceremony, Melania Trump wore a navy coat and skirt by Adam Lippes, an American designer. She accessorized with a matching wide-brimmed hat by Eric Javits. Her black-and-white inaugural gown was designed by Hervé Pierre. January 21: The president and first lady joined Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance at the National Day of Prayer Service. The service, the last of Donald Trump's inaugural events, was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. January 24: Melania Trump and Donald Trump visited California and North Carolina to survey damage caused by natural disasters. Melania Trump joined Donald Trump to visit Los Angeles in the aftermath of multiple wildfires and neighborhoods in North Carolina damaged by Hurricane Helene. Together, they met with first responders and residents who had lost their homes and businesses. Melania Trump was photographed hugging and shaking hands with those affected by the natural disasters. February 22: Donald Trump and Melania Trump hosted the National Governors Association dinner at the White House. Melania Trump wore a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo, similar to the outfit she chose for her official White House portrait, while posing for photos with governors from across the US. Donald Trump thanked Melania Trump in his speech, saying that she "made the evening beautiful." March 3: She participated in a roundtable discussion on the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act targeting revenge porn. "TAKE IT DOWN" is an acronym for "Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks." The act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes, and requires websites to remove them. "Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themself freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm," Melania Trump said in her opening remarks. March 4: Melania Trump attended Donald Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress. The first lady's guests included the families of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was fatally shot during an assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Laken Riley, who was killed by a man who had entered the US illegally. Melania Trump wore a gray skirt suit by Dior. April 1: She attended the International Women of Courage Awards. Melania Trump, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presented awards to several notable women in a ceremony held at the State Department. "These extraordinary women illuminate the transformative power of love in shaping our world," she said in her remarks at the event. "Their journeys remind us that true courage is born from a deep commitment to others, showing that love fuels the call for justice." April 21: She appeared alongside Donald Trump at the White House Easter Egg Roll. Melania Trump read the book "Bunny with a Big Heart" to a group of children at the event. April 25: Donald Trump and Melania Trump departed the White House together to travel to Pope Francis' funeral. The president and first lady were among several world leaders who attended the late pope's funeral in Vatican City. May 8: She hosted an event for military mothers and unveiled a US postage stamp honoring Barbara Bush at the White House. "I applaud Mrs. Bush's mark defending our society's vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker," Melania Trump said at the unveiling. "We have, can, and will build better families and run innovative businesses at the same time, ultimately shaping a brighter future." May 19: Melania Trump spoke at the signing ceremony for the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act in the Rose Garden. The bill, which was first presented to Congress in 2024 before Donald Trump took office, received widespread bipartisan support. "Artificial intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation: sweet, addictive, and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children," Melania Trump said in her remarks at the signing ceremony. May 20: Melania Trump hosted a Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event for children in the Kennedy Garden. The first lady greeted the children of White House staffers as they participated in an arts-and-crafts activity. "It is always special to see children's creativity and spirit on display, especially here at the White House where so many hardworking men and women support the success of our nation every day," she said in a White House statement. May 21: She spoke at the Senate Spouses Luncheon held at the National Gallery of Art. Melania Trump, accompanied by Usha Vance, spoke about her Be Best platform, which focuses on children's well-being, and her Fostering the Future initiative, which supports children transitioning out of foster care. "Together, we will uplift and empower our children, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive," the first lady wrote in a post on X. "Let's continue this vital mission and inspire a brighter future for all!" Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Photos show every time Melania Trump has appeared at a public White House event this year
First lady Melania Trump is keeping a low profile during President Donald Trump's second term. An infrequent White House presence, she divides her time between homes in Florida, New York, and DC. Her latest appearances included the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act signing and an event for military mothers. It's a refrain dating back to the first Trump White House: Where's Melania? First lady Melania Trump, who remained an enigmatic figure during President Donald Trump's first term, has kept an even lower profile during his second. Ahead of the inauguration, Melania Trump told Fox News that she planned to divide her time between the White House, Trump Tower in New York City, and Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. This schedule has made her an infrequent White House presence, averaging one to three appearances at public events each month. Melania Trump's communications director, Nicholas Clemens, declined to comment. Take a look at the first lady's White House activities and appearances thus far. January 20: Melania Trump attended the inauguration. Melania Trump held the Bible as Donald Trump was sworn in for his second non-consecutive term, and the couple danced together at several inaugural balls later that evening. For the swearing-in ceremony, Melania Trump wore a navy coat and skirt by Adam Lippes, an American designer. She accessorized with a matching wide-brimmed hat by Eric Javits. Her black-and-white inaugural gown was designed by Hervé Pierre. January 21: The president and first lady joined Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance at the National Day of Prayer Service. The service, the last of Donald Trump's inaugural events, was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. January 24: Melania Trump and Donald Trump visited California and North Carolina to survey damage caused by natural disasters. Melania Trump joined Donald Trump to visit Los Angeles in the aftermath of multiple wildfires and neighborhoods in North Carolina damaged by Hurricane Helene. Together, they met with first responders and residents who had lost their homes and businesses. Melania Trump was photographed hugging and shaking hands with those affected by the natural disasters. February 22: Donald Trump and Melania Trump hosted the National Governors Association dinner at the White House. Melania Trump wore a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo, similar to the outfit she chose for her official White House portrait, while posing for photos with governors from across the US. Donald Trump thanked Melania Trump in his speech, saying that she "made the evening beautiful." March 3: She participated in a roundtable discussion on the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act targeting revenge porn. "TAKE IT DOWN" is an acronym for "Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks." The act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes, and requires websites to remove them. "Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themself freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm," Melania Trump said in her opening remarks. March 4: Melania Trump attended Donald Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress. The first lady's guests included the families of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was fatally shot during an assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Laken Riley, who was killed by a man who had entered the US illegally. Melania Trump wore a gray skirt suit by Dior. April 1: She attended the International Women of Courage Awards. Melania Trump, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presented awards to several notable women in a ceremony held at the State Department. "These extraordinary women illuminate the transformative power of love in shaping our world," she said in her remarks at the event. "Their journeys remind us that true courage is born from a deep commitment to others, showing that love fuels the call for justice." April 21: She appeared alongside Donald Trump at the White House Easter Egg Roll. Melania Trump read the book "Bunny with a Big Heart" to a group of children at the event. April 25: Donald Trump and Melania Trump departed the White House together to travel to Pope Francis' funeral. The president and first lady were among several world leaders who attended the late pope's funeral in Vatican City. May 8: She hosted an event for military mothers and unveiled a US postage stamp honoring Barbara Bush at the White House. "I applaud Mrs. Bush's mark defending our society's vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker," Melania Trump said at the unveiling. "We have, can, and will build better families and run innovative businesses at the same time, ultimately shaping a brighter future." May 19: Melania Trump spoke at the signing ceremony for the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act in the Rose Garden. The bill, which was first presented to Congress in 2024 before Donald Trump took office, received widespread bipartisan support. "Artificial intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation: sweet, addictive, and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children," Melania Trump said in her remarks at the signing ceremony. May 20: Melania Trump hosted a Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event for children in the Kennedy Garden. The first lady greeted the children of White House staffers as they participated in an arts-and-crafts activity. "It is always special to see children's creativity and spirit on display, especially here at the White House where so many hardworking men and women support the success of our nation every day," she said in a White House statement. May 21: She spoke at the Senate Spouses Luncheon held at the National Gallery of Art. Melania Trump, accompanied by Usha Vance, spoke about her Be Best platform, which focuses on children's well-being, and her Fostering the Future initiative, which supports children transitioning out of foster care. "Together, we will uplift and empower our children, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive," the first lady wrote in a post on X. "Let's continue this vital mission and inspire a brighter future for all!" Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Photos show every time Melania Trump has appeared at a public White House event this year
January 20: Melania Trump attended the inauguration. Melania Trump held the Bible as Donald Trump was sworn in for his second non-consecutive term, and the couple danced together at several inaugural balls later that evening. For the swearing-in ceremony, Melania Trump wore a navy coat and skirt by Adam Lippes, an American designer. She accessorized with a matching wide-brimmed hat by Eric Javits. Her black-and-white inaugural gown was designed by Hervé Pierre. January 21: The president and first lady joined Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance at the National Day of Prayer Service. The service, the last of Donald Trump's inaugural events, was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. January 24: Melania Trump and Donald Trump visited California and North Carolina to survey damage caused by natural disasters. Melania Trump joined Donald Trump to visit Los Angeles in the aftermath of multiple wildfires and neighborhoods in North Carolina damaged by Hurricane Helene. Together, they met with first responders and residents who had lost their homes and businesses. Melania Trump was photographed hugging and shaking hands with those affected by the natural disasters. February 22: Donald Trump and Melania Trump hosted the National Governors Association dinner at the White House. Melania Trump wore a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo, similar to the outfit she chose for her official White House portrait, while posing for photos with governors from across the US. Donald Trump thanked Melania Trump in his speech, saying that she "made the evening beautiful." March 3: She participated in a roundtable discussion on the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act targeting revenge porn. "TAKE IT DOWN" is an acronym for "Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks." The act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes, and requires websites to remove them. "Every young person deserves a safe online space to express themself freely, without the looming threat of exploitation or harm," Melania Trump said in her opening remarks. March 4: Melania Trump attended Donald Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress. The first lady's guests included the families of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was fatally shot during an assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Laken Riley, who was killed by a man who had entered the US illegally. Melania Trump wore a gray skirt suit by Dior. April 1: She attended the International Women of Courage Awards. Melania Trump, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presented awards to several notable women in a ceremony held at the State Department. "These extraordinary women illuminate the transformative power of love in shaping our world," she said in her remarks at the event. "Their journeys remind us that true courage is born from a deep commitment to others, showing that love fuels the call for justice." April 21: She appeared alongside Donald Trump at the White House Easter Egg Roll. April 25: Donald Trump and Melania Trump departed the White House together to travel to Pope Francis' funeral. The president and first lady were among several world leaders who attended the late pope's funeral in Vatican City. May 8: She hosted an event for military mothers and unveiled a US postage stamp honoring Barbara Bush at the White House. "I applaud Mrs. Bush's mark defending our society's vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker," Melania Trump said at the unveiling. "We have, can, and will build better families and run innovative businesses at the same time, ultimately shaping a brighter future." May 19: Melania Trump spoke at the signing ceremony for the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act in the Rose Garden. The bill, which was first presented to Congress in 2024 before Donald Trump took office, received widespread bipartisan support. " Artificial intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation: sweet, addictive, and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children," Melania Trump said in her remarks at the signing ceremony. May 20: Melania Trump hosted a Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event for children in the Kennedy Garden. The first lady greeted the children of White House staffers as they participated in an arts-and-crafts activity. "It is always special to see children's creativity and spirit on display, especially here at the White House where so many hardworking men and women support the success of our nation every day," she said in a White House statement. May 21: She spoke at the Senate Spouses Luncheon held at the National Gallery of Art. Melania Trump, accompanied by Usha Vance, spoke about her Be Best platform, which focuses on children's well-being, and her Fostering the Future initiative, which supports children transitioning out of foster care. "Together, we will uplift and empower our children, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive," the first lady wrote in a post on X. "Let's continue this vital mission and inspire a brighter future for all!"
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Utah Gov. Cox's one piece of advice for Trump to be ‘more successful'
Since Day One, President Donald Trump has unleashed an unprecedented volume of executive actions. The policy tsunami has reshaped parts of the federal government. Much of it has also run into roadblocks from the courts and Congress. But there is one lesson from the Beehive State that could help the president accomplish more of what he wants to get done, according to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. 'I obviously would love him to adopt the 'Disagree Better' mantra,' Cox said Monday night. 'I think he would be more successful if he did.' Sitting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, Cox, a Republican, and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, explained how social polarization, performative politics and a loneliness epidemic created incentives ripe for dysfunction. Much of the gridlock in Washington is caused by the federal government doing the job of states and Congress giving away its responsibilities to the other branches of government, Cox said. This has resulted in an executive branch trying to do too much, according to Cox, and lawmakers being left with little to do except vie for attention on increasingly contentious online platforms. 'The federal government has gotten so much more powerful, which I think is a mistake, because what it does is it ... makes us more polarized when we think that one size fits all,' Cox said. 'Whoever's the president gets to make all of these decisions that impact all of us, and so there's a lot of unrest.' Before becoming Lujan Grisham's vice chair in the Western Governors Association, Cox led a nationwide initiative to model healthy bipartisan dialogue as chair of the National Governors Association. Toward the end of his term as chair, Cox surprised many of his supporters, and detractors, by endorsing Trump shortly after the Butler assassination attempt. He wrote Trump a personal letter where he encouraged the then-candidate 'to turn down the temperature' in order to 'unify and save our country.' On Monday, Cox joked that Trump would probably say that civility is 'not his top priority.' But some of Cox's fellow Utah conservatives are adamant that that is a good thing. Brad Bonham, the state GOP's national committeeman, and Cox's former entrepreneur-in-residence, said that 'Disagree Better' can get in the way of beneficial political victories if it is taken too far. 'While I agree we should try our best to be kind to one another, I strongly believe that being 'nice' has become the enemy of what's right,' Bonham said. 'Sometimes you need to cast out the money changers or hang a millstone around a child abuser.' Speaking to the crowd gathered at the Reagan Foundation and Institute's Center on Civility and Democracy, Cox said 'Disagree Better' is often misunderstood as compromising core beliefs but it really means listening with respect to encourage constructive conflict. However, Cox's former gubernatorial opponent, and the likely next chair of the Utah Democratic Party, Brian King, said Cox's message and his president — with whom Cox said he has 'a great relationship' — are incompatible. 'When (Trump) ignores the rule of law and the Constitution, what we get from Governor Cox is either support or silence,' King said. 'We need elected officials who will stand up for regular working Utahns.' While Cox and Lujan Grisham find themselves on opposite sides of most political debates — including their views on Trump — they agreed on Monday about the sources of America's division and its solutions. At the heart of the country's toxic politics is loneliness, Cox said. A series of studies recently showed that one-in-five Americans report feeling lonely most of the day and that the same percentage report having no close friends. This has led to an increase in political tribalism, Cox said, as people replace 'good tribes,' like local sports clubs, with 'not-so-healthy tribes.' 'I do believe that we are lonelier than ever before, and I believe that that loneliness has left us with a hole inside,' Cox said. 'If we don't have any real friends, at least we can hate the same people together on Facebook, right?' A survey conducted in January by the Reagan Institute's Center on Civility and Democracy found that 52% of Americans, including 72% of seniors, believe that democracy is weaker now than in the past. However, the same survey found that 83% of Americans want elected officials to find common ground with officials of different parties. The solution to America's political division and the dysfunction it fuels is the same thing Lujan Grisham said she discovered working with Native American tribes in New Mexico and what Cox said he discovered helping to broker Utah's 'Grand Compromise' on religious rights and LGBTQ discrimination in 2015. Forming relationships with people who think differently from you is the only way to overcome an 'addiction to outrage,' Cox said. But for this approach to catch on in Washington, D.C., it first needs to be valued and practiced by voters across the country. 'We can choose again, to have friends who are different than us, to learn from each other, to push back when we disagree, and do so in a way that respects each other,' Cox said. 'Because at the end of the day, there's nothing more un-American than hating our fellow Americans.'
