Motel culture: Road trip through the USA - | Encounter with a different America:

"I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people."— Pope Leo XIV speaks about the war in Ukraine during his first Sunday blessing.

"It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years."— Public letter by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe criticizing the government's decision.

They expressed 'their concern about the treatment of travelers entering the USA.'— The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) stated this regarding the entry denial of a Swiss citizen into the USA.

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Syrian economy, which has lost 85% of its value, will likely need between 20 and 25 years to return to half of its pre-war level."— Anwar al-Qassem, an economic analyst at the Financial Times, commented on the challenges facing the Syrian economy post-war.

The United States will no longer be 'giving you lectures on how to live.'— President Trump declared this during an investment conference in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

"Let us take up this precious legacy and continue on the journey, inspired by the same hope that is born of faith."— Pope Leo XIV addressed the cardinals about continuing the legacy of Pope Francis and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

"You should be embarrassed asking that question."— Donald Trump, responding to a reporter's question about the ethics of accepting a luxury jet from Qatar during a news conference at the White House.

"Putin has shown no interest in ending the war so far."— This statement reflects Vladimir Putin's stance regarding the negotiations and the war in Ukraine.

"The people of Gaza deserve a much better future."— Donald Trump speaks about the conditions in Gaza during his address.

I have never read a book on leadership, but I’m fine operating in chaos and a very ambiguous environment.— David Richardson, the acting FEMA Administrator, during his first address to FEMA employees.

Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies. And we should do our part. Sensibly approach this issue, to show that it’s not us that is slowing down the process.— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking to a small group of journalists in his office at the presidential administration in Kyiv.

"The last check on power after the checks and balances of government have failed are the people, you and me."— Bruce Springsteen, during his concert in Manchester, emphasizing the importance of the people in a democracy.

"Tonight, we embark on a new chapter."— John Ewing Jr. told supporters after his victory in the Omaha mayoral election.

"The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death."— Donald Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, where he ordered a 100% tariff on foreign films.

The legal principle is a 'privilege' that could be suspended to make it easier to detain and deport immigrants.— Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, comments on Trump's considerations regarding the suspension of habeas corpus.

"What we really need is more consistency. U.S. companies need to be able to plan instead of scramble to reroute supply chains, which can be difficult to do quickly. And American families are quite spooked by the impact these and other tariffs are going to have on their pocketbook."— Miriam Sapiro, a nonresident fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former acting USTR chief under then-President Barack Obama.

It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe 'big F-ing deal' Biden of 2010.— George Clooney in an op-ed for The New York Times.

"We will miss you greatly, dear old man. Thank you for everything you gave us and for your profound love for your people."— Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi about José Mujica.

I don't think she will make a wrong decision.— A former senior Harris campaign official commented on her political ambitions.

"It is evident that his family is going to the U.S. because of a negotiation or an offer that the Department of Justice is giving him."— Omar García Harfuch, Mexican Security Secretary, in a radio interview about the crossing of family members of Ovidio Guzmán López into the U.S.

"It is modern-day appeasement."— Joe Biden, in an exclusive interview with the BBC, criticizing Donald Trump's pressure on Ukraine.

Alcatraz is, I would say, the ultimate, right? Alcatraz, Sing Sing, and Alcatraz, the movies. But it’s right now a museum, believe it or not.— Donald Trump during an Oval Office press conference where he expressed his views on reopening Alcatraz as a prison.

People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that 'he died rich' will not be one of them.— Bill Gates on his decision to donate 99 percent of his wealth.

"As you know from the real estate business: There are places that will never be for sale."— Mark Carney, in response to Trump's provocations about a possible takeover of Canada.

"It will be one of the most important announcements made in many years on a very important topic."— Donald Trump regarding his upcoming announcement during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

"Hatred is foreign to me"— Margot Friedländer, Holocaust survivor who tirelessly fought against forgetting.

It’s way better with Greg than with me because I didn’t want to work as hard as he works.— Warren Buffett discussing the transition of leadership to Greg Abel at Berkshire Hathaway.

We received the greatest gift imaginable – news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza.— Edan Alexander's family speaks about his return home.

"When I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved."— Donald Trump thanked Rubio for his 'unbelievable' work, highlighting his trust in Rubio to resolve issues.

Art has always had a significant impact on not just culture, but also our policies and politics. Artistic expression — whether it's dance, music, visual arts or fashion — has a way of capturing the mood and language of the people without words. Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go.— Kamala Harris, in an interview with Vogue discussing the importance of art in relation to politics.