Emergency hearing set over Trump arch proposal

Susan, thanks very much. In the meantime, an emergency court hearing today over President Trump's plans for that massive arch by the Memorial Bridge. The administration says construction could begin next week despite pending lawsuit. And Fox 5's Mellie Oluk, she's live at Memorial Circle in Arlington with the latest on this evolving story. Mel. This is one of just two hearings in the same federal court today regarding President Trump's construction projects, which seem to be picking up the pace. Now, in the Arch lawsuit, the veterans and historians who are suing this, they want the judge today to issue a stop order. They want a preliminary injunction. To prevent any construction from beginning here before the lawsuit plays out saying that it would cause irreparable harm. Now, this lawsuit argues that the project to build the Triumphal Arch requires congressional approval and that the 250 foot structure will block historic views connecting Arlington Cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial, which were. ...deliberately created to signify the post-Civil War reunification. President Trump said a couple weeks ago that the arch would also become a top-grade military complex, which has also raised alarm among folks in the area. Now, the judge in this case has already ordered the government to provide 48 hours notice before starting any prep work. Now the administration says it plans to break ground as soon as next Friday, saying the only approval it needs is the National Capital Planning Commission, which meets on Thursday to vote on this. A second lawsuit over the arch was filed this month by Arlington County. Arguing the administration illegally bypassed required environmental reviews. Now, the Trump administration says, again, that it doesn't need any special approvals for these projects and that they will be for the benefit and the beautification of Washington, D.C., its residents and its visitors. Now, again, two projects here. We're talking about the Arch Court hearing. That begins at 2 this afternoon. But at 10 this morning in the same federal courthouse, this story about East Potomac Park. We have been covering the judge there, wanting to know why President Trump is insisting on closing the park at Hains Point on November 15th, and wanting to press the government on whether the executive branch is going to follow judicial orders. Marissa?