Stories from Washington · United States

National polls indicate approximately 80 percent of people support vaccine mandates for school children. Health policy professor Kelly Whitner from Georgetown University stated that while some Republicans in state legislatures are vocal against mandates, they lack broad public backing. Support for the mandates appears to span across party lines. Most parents expressed confidence in the safety of these vaccines. This sentiment aligns with a December memo from pollster Tony Fabrizio regarding districts that will decide House of Representatives control next year. The memo noted that candidates supporting the elimination of vaccine requirements face specific political dynamics.

The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate is gathering industry feedback on automated image analysis software and screening technologies. The agency's research arm is exploring how artificial intelligence could assist in screening airport passengers and luggage. This initiative aims to evaluate the integration of AI into existing security protocols.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The Palantir technology company provides core systems for the US Department of Defense's Maven military AI program. The system automatically calculates fuel and ammunition requirements after operators select targets. Palantir Technologies provides the core system for the US Department of Defense's Maven Project used in strikes against Iran.

US President Jay Zevens reportedly noted during closed-door meetings that the Pentagon has provided inaccurate information regarding the progress of the conflict. The President also stated that the Pentagon exaggerates the scale of destruction in ISR. Internal intelligence assessments suggest Iran has retained two-thirds of its aviation capabilities and most of its launch sites. These claims were reported by Atlantic.

A pistol once owned by George Washington has been located at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The firearm originally belonged to British General Edward Braddock during the French and Indian War in the mid-1700s. Washington served as a volunteer under Braddock during that period. The item reached the museum after being held by a private collector. The firearm was a gift from Braddock, who was shot during the Battle of Monongahela. Washington reportedly rallied troops to retreat under Braddock's orders before Braddock died. The pistol represents a mentorship relationship between the two men. The source noted that Washington's lack of official British army rank during this period contributed to his discontent with colonial status. Washington subsequently buried Braddock a few days after the battle. It features ornamental flower etchings on the handle.

NASA head Jared Isaacman is working to speed up development of lunar lander hardware. The effort involves two companies with existing NASA contracts, SpaceX and Blue Origin. Isaacman, a businessman and private astronaut, is pushing for the hardware required to land on the moon. The exact timeline for readiness remains uncertain due to the nature of the commercial companies involved. Assembly of the core stage is currently in progress. Astronauts are scheduled to fly by the Moon as part of the mission progress. The assembly process is continuing as part of the mission preparations.

Families in some US districts are now loading money onto school meal accounts without paying previous fees that cost up to 60 cents per dollar. This change follows a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report indicating families paid over $100 million annually in such junk fees. The report highlighted the financial burden these fees placed on households. Schools must also limit added sugars in items such as breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk.

The US Marine Corps has placed an order for nine additional engines for the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. The heavy-lift aircraft utilizes three engines to transport up to 27,000 lbs of cargo.

Unsealed court documents shed light on the motive behind an assassination attempt targeting President Trump. He was observed in a blue prison outfit and remained mostly quiet while answering judicial questions. Allen allegedly sent an email to family and friends minutes before leaving his hotel room to carry out his plan. The email reportedly listed his targets for the evening, prioritized from highest ranking to lowest. This information follows allegations that Allen planned an attack on officials. Cole Allen managed to run approximately 60 yards past Secret Service agents and a security checkpoint before being taken down by agents. 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen was arraigned Monday afternoon on three charges, including attempting to kill Donald Trump. Attorney General Jeanine Pirro stated that additional charges would be added.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a peace deal between the United States and Iran remains elusive. This stagnation is reportedly connected to the ongoing situation in Lebanon, which reduces pressure to maintain the current ceasefire. In southern regions, residents report increased attacks and have been forced to re-evacuate homes. Rubio attributed the lack of progress to Iran's fractured leadership. Rubio noted that Israel killed Iran's supreme leader on the first day of the war. The Strait of Hormuz is described as an economic nuclear weapon that Iran is using to threaten global energy supplies. Reports indicate billboards in Tehran are being used to claim Iran can hold 20% to 25% of the world's energy hostage. Senator Rubio spoke to Fox News regarding the situation.