Stories from Washington · United States

The United States space agency lost original video archives from its lunar missions. Italian filmmaker Massimo Mazzucco has released a documentary titled 'American Moon' marking the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. The film presents claims that humans never left Earth, following Mazzucco's previous work on conspiracy theories regarding the pharmaceutical industry and 9/11. The archives include sound recordings of communications between astronauts on the lunar surface and the NASA base in Houston. The acquisition aims to preserve the natural signal delay inherent in the 400,000 km distance between Earth and the Moon. Filmmaker Massimo Mazzucco claims the recovered footage shows communication delays of less than one second between Earth and the Moon. Massimo Mazuko noted that the original footage quality was mediocre by modern standards.

The US Department of Homeland Security has implemented a strict review process for hundreds of pending foreign applicants. Applicants must pay $1 million personally or $2 million with corporate sponsorship plus a 1% annual fee. Trump expects the program to generate over $100 billion for tax cuts and debt repayment. Republican Senator Tom Tillis stated he will not support the confirmation of Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair until investigations into Jerome Powell are resolved. Republican concerns grow regarding the potential for a Senate flip, which would prevent the confirmation of administration nominees. Analysts note that the lack of a Republican Senate could hinder large-scale policy changes intended to address issues with China, Venezuela, and Iran. The Senate continues to face uncertainty regarding the Trump Federal Reserve nominee.

Fifteen Australian flags were incorrectly displayed near the White House ahead of King Charles's visit to the United States. Authorities have requested the President leave the building in accordance with established protocol. An eyewitness reported to Reuters that individuals are involved in the announcement. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Trump stated that while Americans may face higher oil prices in the foreseeable future, the strategic outcome would be an Iran without nuclear weapons. Global oil prices have returned to wartime highs as tensions with Iran persist. S&P Global Vice Chairman Daniel Jurgen noted that the Strait of Hormuz impact extends beyond oil and gas to include fertilizer, helium, aluminum, and petrochemicals.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker has called for military action against Iran. Wicker requested that the Commander-in-Chief order military leaders to destroy Iran's conventional armed forces. He also called for the liquidation of any remaining elements of Iran's nuclear program. This follows reports that Iran's oil export earnings increased by 40% over the last month. The comments come amid rising calls for escalation from former Trump envoy Keith Kellogg.

Real estate acquisitions in the United States can now be partially funded using cryptocurrency.

Multiple scientists serving on an independent board for a United States basic science funding agency were terminated from their positions on Friday. An index indicates the decline in US academic freedom began in 2020, predating the current Trump administration. Catherine Kinselbach noted that her index shows a decline in academic freedom in the US beginning in 2020. The development follows previous state-level efforts to limit university freedoms regarding curriculum and accreditation. Catherine Kinselbar, leader of the European Collaboration, stated the firings align with findings from the Global Academic Freedom Index. Kinselbar suggested the administration is using its position to politicize science. Researchers have expressed rising concerns about the White House's approach to science funding. Keevan Stassen, a board member, stated this to news hours.

President Trump is attending the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner this morning. This marks the first time he has attended the event as President. He is expected to address the gathered journalists during the proceedings. The Marine Corps band is performing welcoming music for the event.

A driver was arrested after an SUV crashed into a police patrol car at the intersection of Ida B. Wells and Wabash in Washington. The collision occurred when the SUV allegedly ran a red light. Two women were passengers in the SUV; one sustained minor injuries while the other refused medical treatment. Two officers in the patrol car were rescued from the wreckage with non-life-threatening injuries.

Kaloyan Stove, 26, was found guilty on two counts of second-degree murder and multiple weapons charges. The conviction stems from a January 2025 shooting that killed Marcel Hebron and Elani Marquin. Prosecutors stated the incident occurred following a marijuana transaction. Stove reportedly sat on Hebron's body after the shooting before fleeing to a hotel where detectives arrested him. The trial took place in Washington.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA have issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory warns of escalating threats to critical infrastructure. The advisory follows federal cyber strategy discussions concerning state and local government vulnerabilities.