Stories from Washington · United States

US authorities have introduced expanded background checks for all applicants seeking political asylum, green cards, or citizenship. Officials stated that the review process will now take longer to allow for more cautious screening of potential future offenders. Reuters reports that the new measures aim to identify individuals who may commit crimes in the future. The US immigration service is now analyzing social media activity to identify individuals seeking publications with anti-American views. Many asylum applications in the US have been temporarily frozen. Additionally, entry for citizens of 39 countries is now either limited or completely prohibited. The US State Department has issued a new order for consular officers to screen non-immigrant visa applicants regarding potential persecution.

White House representative Anna Kelly told Reuters that the United States continues to conduct negotiations with Iran. The Gulf region provides 1.3 million barrels of global oil supply daily. Before the conflict, aviation fuel was priced between $85 and $90 per barrel.

The Trump administration is urging Congress to restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security as available funds dwindle. The White House has issued warnings to Congress regarding the situation, according to an AP News report.

Greg Hogan has been appointed to oversee the US government's Login.gov platform. The move is part of an effort to integrate driver's licenses and passport information into the service.

Employees at the Environmental Protection Agency are filing allegations of agency retaliation. The employees claim that two-week suspensions violated their First Amendment rights and federal whistleblower protections. Attorneys representing the staff have submitted 15 complaints and stated that more are forthcoming. More than 600 EPA employees are filing claims of unlawful agency retaliation following an investigation launched in the summer of 2025. More than a dozen separate complaints have been filed so far, with lawyers representing workers stating more are expected. The investigation, which began around September 2025, resulted in disciplinary actions across three groups. These actions included proposed termination notices, outright firings of mostly probationary employees, and two-week suspensions without pay.

A report from a nearby American think tank suggests that US ammunition supplies used in the war have decreased by 50 percent. The report indicates that replenishing these primary munitions could take up to four years.

The US Department of Defense is working to redevelop directed energy weapons to address threats to US airspace. The agency is also developing stealth aircraft for deep penetration into enemy territory, though this carries risks of exposure to enemy fighters and air defense systems. Since the 1970s, research has been conducted on laser weapons for missile defense, with the US Air Force designing a program to explore developing an airborne laser weapon to protect strategic rockets from air defense missiles. These weapons are considered effective against low-cost, slow-moving reconnaissance drones, with systems like the "Reaper" drone capable of over 20 hours of continuous flight. These weapons are being developed to counter threats like the "Death Scythe" drone, which possesses advanced optical and infrared sensors and can perform long-duration hovering missions for intercepting drones.

A move to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook is being taken to the United States Supreme Court. If successful, the action would grant the initiator complete control over four positions.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued that House Speaker Mike Johnson is allowing a small group of hard-right wingers to dominate the legislative process.

Comey maintained his innocence and expressed belief in the independent federal judiciary. The case is being described by some commentators as patently absurd. The judge assigned to the case is reportedly a Republican appointee from the Bush administration. The judge ruled that the indictment process could not stand and that the indictments were not properly obtained. Federal judges have reportedly maintained the rule of law against administration pressure. The Department of Justice remains intent on prosecuting Comey, though some observers suggest the current process may undermine their credibility. The BBC World Service reported that the proceedings regarding the prosecution of James Comey may be undermining credibility.