Stories from Washington · United States

House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans are advocating for the use of a privately funded White House ballroom as a more secure venue for the president. The White House has not yet received a response from ABC regarding the matter. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche blamed political rhetoric and the use of critical names for the president as contributing factors to recent tensions. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have called for ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel following his monologue regarding the First Lady. Several Republican lawmakers, led by South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, have co-sponsored legislation to fund a proposed White House ballroom. The legislation aims to provide a meeting space on the White House grounds to accommodate events similar to those held at the Hilton Hotel.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans are advocating for more secure venues for the president following a weekend shooting at the Washington Hilton. Johnson stated on Fox that a privately funded ballroom on a secure compound would be a solution because it lacks hotel rooms above it. The White House is reportedly working on changes to presidential security protocols after the incident. Sources indicated the shooter did not use explosives, which could have resulted in a different outcome.

Savannah Wanzer, a prominent transgender advocate, has died at the age of 63. Her death was reported by WTOP news. Family and community members are mourning the loss of her leadership and voice. Nassima Shafi, CEO of Whitman Walker Health, noted Wanzer worked for the transgender community for decades. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement describing Wanzer as a fierce advocate and a beloved figure. Wanzer was known for her active presence at community events. Wanzer was recognized for her ability to overcome various barriers and her gentle leadership style in multiple settings. Wanzer was known for donating to shelters for abused women and children and organizing approximately 2,600 dinners. Colleagues described her as a force of nature who had a impact through decades of local advocacy. The death follows recent community efforts to center transgender individuals in the district.

Judges ruled that the Pentagon may restrict journalist access and require escorts for certain activities. ruled that the Defense Department can require journalists to be escorted on Pentagon grounds. This ruling suspends an April 9 decision by a U.S. district judge that had blocked the Pentagon's press access policy. The Trump administration is currently appealing the original decision which was challenged by the New York Times. The Pentagon has implemented restrictions on press access and reminded accredited journalists that work-issued mobile phones are being monitored. Officials have reportedly warned staff against using professional devices to communicate information to journalists. The move is described by media reports as an attempt to limit information flow. A court of appeals in Washington D.C.

The use of artificial intelligence and advanced technology is reportedly enhancing combat efficiency in recent US military actions against Iran. The Pentagon has been accused of attempting to downplay or conceal the extent of these losses, leading to questions regarding government transparency. Reports from NBC News, citing six sources, indicate that high-end radar systems on runways in the Gulf are part of the technological landscape. Six sources familiar with the matter indicate losses include high-end radar systems and runways. This lack of transparency has led to external questioning of US government accountability. Specific losses include one F-35 jet, multiple KC-135 tankers, and an advanced radar system. Pentagon estimates for the first six days of the Iran war in March exceeded $11.3 billion.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wildes is expected to convene a meeting this week to review presidential security. The Secret Service Director recently met with senior lawmakers on Capitol Hill to address the incident. Vance at home during a potential rescheduled dinner. This measure aims to prevent placing the entire line of succession in a single location. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed questions regarding the level of security provided on Saturday. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri is calling for a hearing within the same committee that conducted the investigation into the attempted assault. These adjustments are being considered in anticipation of a midterm election year and increased campaign travel. Investigative reporter David Farrenthold reported that the government inflated the value of this contract. The company involved is also building a ballroom for Clark.

A regulatory agency has issued a warning regarding weight plates that may dislodge from handles during use. The agency reported receiving over 150 incidents where plates came loose, posing a impact hazard to users. The warning specifically concerns the stability of the connection between the plates and the handles.

Thomas Helin, 31, appeared in court facing three charges, including an attempted assassination of the US President. Security was concentrated on the ballroom and lacked top-tier coordination or high-level federal protection, despite the perpetrator having checked into the hotel that day. New details reveal Cole Allen sent emails to family prior to the 25th mocking security at a hotel hosting a presidential event. He claimed in writing that he could enter with multiple weapons without being perceived as a threat. A judge will review evidence from both sides to decide if Allen should remain in jail pending trial. The shooting occurred during a White House Correspondents Association dinner at the Washington Hill hotel. Cole Allen, the suspected gunman from Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner, appeared in a D.C. His lawyers have agreed not to challenge his detention.

The US naval blockade continues to impact global energy markets. Maintaining the blockade is causing a rise in energy prices. This trend has already led to a sharp increase in gasoline costs in America. A final decision from the Trump administration remains unclear. According to the Wall Street Journal, Washington is expected to present a response to Tehran in the coming days. The US Department of Defense reports the blockade has impacted more than 30 ships, including the vessel Taska en route to Bandar Abbas. US Secretary of War Pete Sykes described the maritime blockade as an "economic fury" operation intended to force Iran to the negotiating table. The blockade has already diverted more than 30 vessels and targets the "shadow fleet" used for transporting Iranian oil. Recent interceptions include the cargo ship Taska en route to Bandar Abbas and oil shipments in the Bay of Bengal.

The US Treasury Department announced it will provide cybersecurity intelligence to the cryptocurrency industry at no cost.