Stories from Washington · United States

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News that control over the Strait functions as an economic nuclear weapon. He noted that nuclear proliferation was the initial cause of the war. Rubio said that the ability to disrupt energy supplies is being used as a form of leverage against the world. Rubio suggested that if these actors had access to actual nuclear weapons, they would hold the entire world hostage. Rubio indicated that while the resumption of negotiations remains up to the president, the threat to global energy is being used as leverage. US Minister Marco Rubio stated that Iranian proposals regarding the conflict do not meet American demands. The White House is reportedly reviewing a proposal where Iranian leadership may lift blockades if the US ceases blocking Iranian ships. Discussions between Iran and the United States remain at a standstill.

The administration is proposing to defund the Minority Business Development Agency. It is also proposing to zero out the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, which assists small and medium-sized US manufacturers in creating and preserving jobs. This follows previous attempts to shut down the Minority Business Development Agency. The proposal follows an attempt to illegally shut the agency down, according to C-SPAN Radio. The agency's spend plan was only received this week.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory follows discussions on federal cyber strategies for state and local governments. The advisory specifically identifies threats affiliated with Iran. The advisory aims to bolster defenses against escalating AI-enabled threats to critical infrastructure.

A court decision has overturned lower court rulings that allowed the disclosure of names of clergy and church staff cited in grand jury investigations. The investigation involves child sexual abuse by the archdiocese. The court stated that grand jury secrecy exists to protect unindicted individuals from public disgrace. Survivors and advocates argue the public has a right to know the names to ensure protection. The decision impacts how much information can be released regarding widespread abuse cases.

A new survey of 2,000 Americans indicates that nearly one in five adults believe they possess psychic abilities. The poll suggests that intuition remains a major factor in everyday decision-making despite the prevalence of data and AI. The findings were reported in a recent survey. The survey results were reported by RTHK Radio 3. The source noted that belief in intuition remains strong for many despite modern technology. Younger generations, specifically Gen Z, are noted as being most likely to claim psychic traits.

Two-thirds of Americans are opposed to the war, according to reports. Hostility toward Israel is increasing in the United States across both Democratic and Republican parties. The source noted that this level of bipartisan opposition has not been seen previously.

President Trump is endorsing a possible name change for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The rebranding aims to present the agency as more approachable to the population. The decision comes amid reports of 29 deaths during ICE operations since migration policies were tightened. The proposal was reported by the Spanish newspaper El País. The proposal would require passing a new regulation through Congress. The broadcaster noted the name change is being discussed in the context of current political moves. The Trump administration has proposed rolling back federal gender identity protections within the housing sector. The proposed adjustment is expected to incur costs exceeding $50 million. The announcement was made on April 28. The Department of the Interior is involved in the planning.

Kaul Allen has spent his first night in provisional prison following charges related to an attempted assassination of a president. The defendant faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment.

Negotiation tracks between the United States and Iran are not significantly far apart, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The President will only conclude an agreement that is positive for the American people and the world. The New York Times reported that the United States should end the naval blockade before negotiations begin and that the fate of Iran's nuclear program must be excluded from any agreement. One source suggested such a deal might feel like a loss to President Trump. President is reportedly dissatisfied with Tehran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the naval blockade, as the proposal defers nuclear program negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a proposal involving the exchange of the Strait of Hormuz for the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports was better than expected.

Members of Congress are demanding accountability from the Department of Homeland Security following a shooting incident near the President. Cole Allen, 31, made his first court appearance in Washington D.C. Investigation documents show Allen was shot in the chest while wearing a bulletproof vest. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the motive is still being investigated. following the shooting at a White House Correspondents' Association dinner on October 27. Federal prosecutors have requested that the judge order mandatory detention without bail, citing the suspect's high level of social danger. A Secret Service agent wearing a bulletproof vest was present during Allen's proceedings, according to NBC News Radio. The judge ordered temporary detention with a detention hearing set for April 30 and a preliminary hearing for May 11.