NEWS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE ON MAY 8TH, 2015

Here's what's going on at the White House today.

DAILY SNAPSHOT Friday, May 08, 2015

Follow Along: The President's Day

All times are Eastern Time (ET) 12:15 PM: The President delivers remarks on trade WATCH LIVE 4:50 PM: The President arrives Watertown, South Dakota 5:30 PM: The President delivers a commencement address for the graduating class at Lake Area Technical Institute WATCH LIVE 9:45 PM: The President arrives the White House

From the Photo Office

Presenting the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy President Barack Obama greets Coach Troy Calhoun, Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy football team in the State Dining Room before presenting the team with the Commander-in-Chief Trophy in the East Room of the White House, May 7, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) See more from the Air Force Academy football team's visit, and watch the President's full remarks.

More from 1600 Penn

Weekly Address: Honoring the 70th Anniversary of V-E Day In this week's address, the President honored the 70th anniversary of V-E Day. On this occasion, we commemorate the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. It is a day to pay tribute to the men and women who decades ago served and sacrificed for the cause of freedom. This was the generation that, by ending the war, literally saved the world, laying a foundation for peace. READ MORE Trading on the Oregon Trail: What Small Businesses Are Saying About the TPP President Obama is in northern Oregon today to visit the headquarters of Nike and discuss how both large and small American businesses can benefit from increased access to trade. Whether a cup of morning tea or a ride to work, the state has thousands of small businesses that Oregonians depend on -- and in turn, these businesses depend on accessibility to world markets in order to expand and hire more employees. READ MORE The Employment Situation in April The economy added 223,000 jobs in April as the unemployment rate fell to 5.4 percent -- the lowest since May 2008 -- and the participation rate ticked up. The private sector has now added 12.3 million jobs over 62 straight months of job growth, extending the longest streak on record. READ MORE

Quote of the Day

"We are the warmest of the Dakotas, we have Mt. [Rushmore], and when I just go to the park, I sometimes see coyotes, hawks, and bald eagles. Please visit us soon." -- Rebecca, an 11-year-old who wrote the President, asking him to come visit South Dakota

Question of the Week

Why should more Americans have access to community college? During his 2015 State of the Union address, President Obama laid out a proposal to make community college free for responsible students for two years. This week, we asked you to share why you think Americans should have access to community college and whether you agree with the President's plan. Here's a look at what you told us: "I think the proposal is great, I as a responsible high school student would love to have this option available to me and many others across the nation. This would encourage more Americans to earn an education and brighten America's future." -- Mark, El Paso, TX "I am a nontraditional student and a veteran...I am now 43 and a Sophomore at Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, Iowa...Everyone is worried about HOW we are going to pay for college and not wanting to burden our parents. I was not well off. I came from a family of 9 children to a single mother. You would provide the ultimate opportunity to students. This they should not refuse. Good luck and I hope this becomes a reality by the time my 12 year old and 4 year old graduate from high school." -- Charlotte, Tampa, IA "Basic post-high school education is vital to the future well-being of the individual, the individual's family, and the country as a whole." -- Stan, Eugene, OR "I think it is a great thing if the President can make free education for all Americans. America has fallen behind and this would certainly be a step in the right direction. My husband is a high school teacher and I have seen so many of his students not go to college because of the cost." -- LeeAnn, Modesto, CA Later today, President Obama will deliver the commencement address at Lake Area Tech Community College. Take a look at a few stories from their Class of 2015 to see why hardworking students are worth investing in.