Stories from Washington · United States

Officials are planning to rework Pennsylvania Avenue between the US Capitol and the White House to address area decline. The proposed plan includes adding more trees, increasing green space, and creating safer walkways. Upgrades are also planned for Freedom Plaza to better accommodate protests, events, and national moments. Public comments on the project are being accepted until Thursday. Designers expect to move forward with a final version of the plan next year.

Analysts warn of potential confrontation from the Trump administration regarding news content payments on digital platforms. Under a federal government news bargaining incentive plan, tech companies could face a 2.5% revenue tax if they fail to reach agreements with traditional media companies. The warning follows concerns regarding the consumption of foreign cultural content in North Korea.

Spanish shoemaker Miramind is planning to open a store in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The new location is expected to be near 30th and M streets. According to the Washington Business Journal, the retailer aims to open the store this summer or fall. This location would represent only the second store for the company in the district. The retailer, known for handcrafted loafers and boots, currently operates stores in Paris and Madrid. This location would be the retailer's second store in the United States, following an existing location in New York City. The Washington Business Journal reported the expansion follows recent growth where the company added more than 1,600 rooms.

The Deputy British Ambassador stated that the United States and United Kingdom are connected by $1.3 trillion in mutual investments and $340 billion in trade volume. The discussion included cooperation in defense and economic sectors. The remarks were made following a meeting involving US President Donald Trump and James Roscoe.

Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen stated that emergency funds used to pay department employees will run out in May. The report was delivered by Corva Coleman from NPR News in Washington. The situation was reported by WBUR Boston. The proposal seeks to fund immigration enforcement separately through a reconciliation bill. This plan requires cooperation from the GOP-led House, which currently opposes the measure. Hardline conservatives in the House are resisting a bill that lacks immigration enforcement funding. The House may attempt to remove language from the Senate bill this week to address these concerns. The depletion of these funds creates a deadline for addressing departmental payroll. The announcement indicates a looming fiscal deadline for the agency. DHS Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin says funding for the department will run out early next month in May.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham wants Congress to pass a standalone bill providing $400 million for the construction of a secure White House ballroom. Funding for immigration enforcement agencies has been zeroed out, according to reports from Washington. The disagreement centers on the specific funding requirements for immigration enforcement within the broader DHS package. In the Ukrainian parliament, 2 deputies voted against the bill, 5 voted in favor, and 45 deputies did not vote. The proposal follows an interview of James Comey by the Secret Service regarding political violence against Republicans and Democrats. President Trump has used recent attacks to justify the construction of a ballroom on White House grounds to provide secure space. Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a bill to provide $400 million in mostly taxpayer money to fund a new facility.

Several US states have adopted laws prohibiting the unauthorized use of voices and images by artificial intelligence. Many of these laws specifically target malicious or commercial use of AI-synthesized content. Artists have expressed concerns regarding the abusive use of their likenesses and voices. AI models can now synthesize a voice in seconds using only a short vocal fragment.

Reports indicate the United States intends to keep military solutions as a last resort regarding Iran. Diplomatic channels are being activated at various political and diplomatic levels to manage the situation. This approach follows previous experiences with both Iranian and American military engagement. The source noted that internal Iranian factions may have differing views on the current trajectory. The United States maintains that Iran continues to hold leverage regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Washington may only be able to resolve this issue through military operations. Such a move would represent a major risk for US President Donald Trump. The source indicates neither side is currently willing to make concessions.

A White House official told NPR that Cole Allen's brother contacted law enforcement minutes before the incident on Saturday. The brother allegedly informed officials about a piece of writing Allen had sent to family members. Allen's sister also told law enforcement that Allen referenced a plan to "do something to fix the issues with today's world." Investigators are interviewing witnesses and acquaintances of Alan to build a profile of his actions leading up to the Saturday night incident. Officials stated they believe Alan acted alone and do not see any foreign involvement or nexus.

Unsealed court documents reveal details regarding the travel of Cole Allen, the suspect in the assassination attempt on President Trump. Law enforcement officials reported that five shots were fired during the incident. The suspect could face life in prison if convicted, according to the source. The incident occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner last Saturday. Allen faces two additional firearms charges, according to NPS Jacqueline Diaz. United States federal justice processed the alleged perpetrator of the assassination attempt against President Donald Trump. No specific charges or names of the suspect were provided in the report. The suspect is described as the presumed author of the attempt. Shenan Piero Allen appeared in a 15-minute court hearing in Washington, D.C.