Ex-Olympian Denies Damaging DC Reflecting Pool Amid Trump Renovation

Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to a felony count of property destruction over allegations that he damaged the bottom lining of Washington's reflecting pool during a $14.7 million renovation on the National Mall, a project tied to Donald Trump. Prosecutors say more than $1,000 in damage occurred and that the pool was forcefully tampered with; Hearn's lawyers argue the indictment is unwarranted and that simply touching the pool isn’t a crime. He was released on personal recognizance and a status hearing was scheduled for Aug. 5. The case comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump's renovation efforts on the National Mall, which have faced other issues like algae blooms and peeling lining.