Stories from Washington · United States

No US state has repealed its school vaccination laws despite hundreds of bills being introduced nationwide. Most people continue to support near-universal vaccination and understand its importance for protecting those unable to be vaccinated. This comes as state legislatures reconvene for special sessions.

The Washington Commanders signed undrafted free agent Drew Stevens to their rookie camp. Stevens is a former Iowa Hawkeye who recorded 22 successful field goals out of 28 attempts last season. The team also invited Boise State defensive back Jeremiah Irby and Charlotte Limbacker Shay Taylor to the rookie mini camp. Stevens played in the Big 10 for the last four years. The team had previously planned to invite him to a mini camp before deciding to sign him, according to the report.

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel denied that a joke made before the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was a call to violence. A public campaign reportedly contributed to Kimmel's reinstatement. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel defended a joke regarding the age difference between President Trump and the First Lady. Kimmel described the comment as a light roast about the President being almost 80 years old. This follows Wisconsin officials taking the platforms to court, alleging they are indistinguishable from traditional sports betting and violate state laws. The apps allow users to bet on various outcomes beyond standard agricultural commodities like soybeans and corn. She described his rhetoric as hateful and corrosive to the political climate in America. President Donald Trump subsequently called for Kimmel's immediate dismissal from his network via social media.

The federal government is currently weighing a $500 million bail package. The report was released as part of an opening bail report.

State Farm is facing lawsuits alleging the company secretly worked to reduce payments for hail damage. Attorney Drummond alleged in court filings that the company uses an internal policy to change rules during the assessment process. The dispute centers on how the insurer evaluates coverage for common policy types. Plaintiffs claim that while many policies sold by State Farm cover a broad range of perils including hail, the company uses internal policies to change the rules. Court filings allege that these policies do not identify limitations on hail damage to customers. Third-party roof inspector Drummond stated the alleged misconduct has shaken public confidence in the insurance system. His office has launched similar investigations into other insurers besides State Farm.

Prosecutors say President Trump's alleged attacker, Cole Allen, sent an email to family and friends in early March outlining his reasoning for the planned attack. Prosecutors allege Allen traveled from California to D.C. via Chicago on an Amtrak train with at least two guns. He reportedly booked a room at the Washington Hilton for the weekend of the White House Correspondents' Dinner and sent an email to family and friends just before leaving his hotel. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Secret Service during a DOJ press conference yesterday afternoon. Blanche stated that the system worked and law enforcement did not fail after Cole Allen ran approximately 60 yards past agents. He noted that hundreds of federal agents were positioned between Allen and the President of the United States.

Donald Trump is reportedly not satisfied with the latest proposal regarding negotiations. Donald Trump recently criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not providing more support in the conflict regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Trump reportedly called Starmer a "loser" and claimed the British Navy no longer holds significance. The comments come amid heightened diplomatic tensions. Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman also stated that Netanyahu is destabilizing the Middle East with US involvement. Donald Trump intends to use the naval blockade as a primary negotiating lever. Iran has sent a proposal to the United States for a phased peace plan through Pakistani mediators. US officials remain uncertain regarding who holds decision-making power in Tehran concerning a potential agreement.

DC lawmakers are holding off on fully legalizing autonomous rideshare services like Waymo in the district. The council is waiting on a city report before proceeding with the decision. Waymo has been testing self-driving cars in the district for several months. Lawmakers are expected to hold a hearing on the bill at a later date. Privacy experts expressed concerns regarding the volume of information recorded by vehicles. Even a system with 99% accuracy would generate millions of false positives annually, according to the report. The technology's readiness for a 2027 rollout remains uncertain.

White House Deputy Spokesperson Olivia Wales told CNN that the United States will not conduct negotiations through the media. Wales described the ongoing diplomatic discussions as sensitive. The source noted that reopening the Strait of Hormuz could remove a leverage point for the United States. However, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to keep fuel prices elevated in the United States.

The National Capital Planning Commission is seeking public comments on a plan to redesign Pennsylvania Avenue between the US Capitol and the White House. Officials stated the area needs a refreshed look to address its current condition. The proposed plan includes adding more trees and increasing green space. The project is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the iconic corridor. The plan also involves making upgrades to Freedom Plaza. A commission is proposing changes to Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. to create safer walkways and upgrades to Freedom Plaza. The Washington Business Journal reports the changes aim to make the area more pedestrian friendly and accommodate more events and protests. The public has until Thursday to provide input on the proposal. A final design is expected sometime next year.