‘Our alliance cannot rest on past achievements’ and other royal quotes of the week

“I think there is probably one country that has a special relationship with the United States – and that is probably Israel.” – United Kingdom Ambassador Christian Turner,  talking about the state of diplomatic ties with the Trump administration. (Tuesday, The Financial Times)

“The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone. … But in this unpredictable environment, our alliance cannot rest on past achievements, or assume that foundational principles simply endure.” – King Charles III in a historic address to a joint meeting of Congress. (Tuesday, The Hill)

“When the White House ballroom is complete, President Trump and his successors will no longer need to venture beyond the safety of the White House perimeter to attend large gatherings at the Washington Hilton,” – Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate in a letter to Gregory Craig, who represents the National Trust for Historical Preservation in a lawsuit seeking to block the ballroom from being built without Congress’ authorization. (Tuesday, CNBC)

“If Republicans truly want to improve security, they should join Democrats in funding the Secret Service, not Donald Trump’s luxury ballroom.” – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reacting to GOP efforts pushing for the proposed ballroom as an effort that would allow Presidents to host events safely.  (Wednesday, Associated Press)

“I don’t think that this is a pipe dream type of project … This is actually going to act as a proof-of-concept of how we can better invest the dollars that previously were allocated to DART to help move Dallasites.” – Dallas Council member Adam Bazaldua talking about a proposal to build a streetcar between downtown and Fair Park. (Tuesday, The Dallas Morning News)

“We know our customers rely on portable chargers to keep devices powered throughout their journey … These updates allow crew members to respond quickly should an issue arise with the portable charger, align with industry standards and underscore American’s commitment to safety — our top priority.” – A statement by American Airlines announcing restrictions for the use of portable chargers by customers. (Tuesday, The Dallas Morning News)

“The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans.” – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in prepared remarks about the war in Iran to the House Armed Services Committee, before any member asked a question. (Wednesday, The New York Times)

“Well, they’re back – this time about a picture of seashells on a North Carolina beach a year ago, and this won’t be the end of it … But nothing has changed with me. I’m still innocent, I’m still not afraid and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary. So let’s go.” – Former FBI Director James Comey, who was indicted over a social media photo of seashells arranged on a beach that officials said constituted a threat against President Donald Trump. (Tuesday, Associated Press)

“I didn’t have time to process my emotions … I just wanted to make sure that nobody got hurt.” – Sixth-grader Jackson Casnave, 12, from Hancock Middle School in Hancock County, Mississippi, who helped steer a school bus after the bus driver passed out with an asthma attack. (Wednesday, Associated Press)