Stories from Washington · United States

WTOP is set to fire John Wardock following comments made on his late-night show last week regarding Melania Trump. The station is reportedly reviewing its licenses in relation to the incident.

The Hill reports a consensus has formed among hardline conservatives regarding legislation to reauthorize foreign spy powers under FISA Section 702. A long-term solution of three or more years remains difficult due to the inability to assemble a coalition. The provision within the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows agencies to collect communications. Lawmakers are continuing to work toward a long-term deal regarding the program. This extension comes ahead of the program's expiration tonight. The current extension was a temporary 10-day measure while a long-term agreement is being negotiated in both chambers. US Congress implemented a last-minute political maneuver to extend Section 702 surveillance authority for 45 days. The move comes amid political backlash regarding privacy concerns.

The United States reported a GDP growth rate of only 1.4 percent for the fourth quarter.

Meiad Maleki, former head of the sanctions office at the US Treasury Department, discussed how banking networks use Syrian and shell companies to bypass US sanctions. The discussion addressed the impact of these financial maneuvers on international trade.

Two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds were located in a courtyard area and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The wounds appear to be non-life-threatening. Officers were initially advised that a child had also been shot and transported from the local hospital. The incident occurred in a walkway and courtyard area in Washington D.C. MPD Chief Jeff Carroll stated that officers are searching for two individuals wearing dark clothing who opened fire and fled the scene. Other individuals were also shot and transported from a local hospital. The investigation is ongoing, according to the source. All victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Police are asking anyone with information to contact authorities. Another boy playing in the courtyard was also shot during the incident.

Police reported that children were hospitalized following a shooting in the Northwood area of Northwest Washington, D.C. on Inn Street in the Truxton Circle area. Police reported finding the two men with gunshot wounds in an apartment building's courtyard. All three victims were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No information regarding the suspects or motives was provided. Interim DC Police Chief Jeff Kerr provided details on the incident. Police reported that shots were fired just after 7 p.m. along N Street near New York Avenue. No suspects have been identified in the immediate report. Two adult males were located at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds. Both men were transported to a local hospital for treatment and their injuries are reported to be non-life threatening. Prince William County Fire and Rescue responded to the incident.

Lawmakers questioned USCIS Director Joseph Edlo during a recent congressional hearing regarding general delays in reviewing immigration applications. Edlo described the current delays as short-term pain that will lead to long-term gains in fair and proper processing. There are approximately 36 pending lawsuits regarding the pause in processing, according to new reports. The discussion noted that immigrants are pushing for faster answers due to these delays. There are approximately three dozen pending lawsuits regarding the processing pause, according to a Colorado lawyer. In one specific lawsuit, a federal judge mandated that USCIS review the applications of 33 individuals. Immigrants report losing residency status and facing uncertainty regarding when the pause will lift. The hearing followed concerns regarding national security risks involving Afghan nationals.

Western democracies have experienced a decline in public trust for the past 30 to 40 years. This trend is more advanced in the United States. The decline creates a cycle where politicians may stoke conspiracy theories for personal gain, further decreasing public trust.

The Justice Department is moving forward with potential indictments against Jim Comey. Attorney Lindsay Halligan was serving unlawfully. The former FBI director is being targeted by the justice system again in the United States. He is expected to speak to a leading legal analyst regarding the development. No specific details regarding the nature of the charges were provided in the broadcast. Comey deleted the post and apologized, stating he did not realize the connection to violence. The posts featured seashells arranged in the numbers 86 and 47. The DOJ describes 86 as slang for rejecting or eliminating and 47 as a reference to Donald Trump as the 47th president. Professor Daniel Richmond noted this would be the third attempt by the Trump DOJ to indict Comey since last fall. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has overseen active meetings regarding a classified information case.

A US-China summit is potentially scheduled for May 14. The meeting's progress depends on whether the current conflict in Iran escalates into a wider war. If a ceasefire continues, the summit is expected to proceed as planned. A recent poll was conducted from April 24 to April 27. A summit between US and Chinese leaders is expected to take place this month. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Donald Trump will not change the scheduled US-China summit on May 14. Bessent claimed China has been providing funds to Iran by purchasing crude oil. The Treasury Secretary expects Trump to raise these funding concerns with President Xi Jinping during the upcoming summit. The report was issued from Washington.