Stories from Washington · United States

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA have issued a joint advisory regarding cyberattacks on water systems linked to Iranian-affiliated actors. The advisory highlights vulnerabilities in state and local government infrastructure under the current federal cyber strategy. The advisory warns of escalating threats to critical infrastructure.

Admiral Paparo revealed that the US military is currently running a Bitcoin node. This development highlights increasing institutional and governmental interest in decentralized blockchain infrastructure. Concurrently, Goldman Sachs has filed with the SEC to launch a Bitcoin fund, indicating growing institutional interest in the cryptocurrency.

A Department of Justice watchdog has launched a review into how the agency is complying with laws regarding the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. The investigation aims to ensure transparency and adherence to legal mandates. This follows ongoing scrutiny regarding the handling of sensitive documents related to the late financier. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee on May 29th. Members of the panel confirmed the development on X today.

The US Senate voted 50-48 in the early morning hours to advance a $70 billion funding plan for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol. This measure provides instructions for committees to draft legislation to fund ICE and Border Patrol with $70 billion over three and a half years. Both federal immigration agencies under the Department of Homeland Security have been shut down since February 14. Additionally, members are expected to vote on the 2026 Farm Bill regarding nutrition and agricultural surveillance authority. Legislative efforts to provide funding for US immigration enforcement agencies are gaining mainstream support within both the Democratic and Republican parties. Immigration enforcement funding is receiving mainstream support from both Democrats and Republicans in the US.

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has released its fiscal 2027 national security and State Department funding bill. The legislation includes a provision to set aside $500 million specifically for military aid to Taiwan. This funding is part of the broader national security budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The US House Appropriations Committee voted on April 28 to pass the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of State and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The US House has proposed $500 million, approximately 15.7 billion Taiwan dollars, in military financing aid for Taiwan. House committee approved a spending bill on Tuesday that allocates US$500 million for military assistance to Taiwan. The funding is part of a larger legislative package currently moving through the House. The decision follows legislative efforts to bolster regional defense capabilities.

Bitcoin shares rose after a firm backed by Trump activated 11,000 BTC miners. This follows predictions from a Wall Street investment bank that Bitcoin could reach $140,000 this year. Admiral Paparo described Bitcoin as a tool for power projection amid ongoing US-China tensions. American Bitcoin shares rose following the activation of 11,000 BTC miners by a firm backed by Donald Trump. The surge follows merger plans with Strike and Elektron Energy. Galaxy CEO warned of potential supply shortages for Michael Saylor's acquisition strategy.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. The pool was drained and contained construction vehicles and porta-potties. Local resident Lori Collins observed workers spray-painting the gray surface blue. While observers suggest the project could take a year, President Trump stated the work is only supposed to take one or two weeks. President Trump stated in the Oval Office that a pool renovation project is expected to cost under $2 million. Trump noted the work is expected to take a year to finish, despite his previous suggestion that it would take one to two weeks. He expressed a preference for 'American Flag Blue' as the pool color. The project is expected to cost approximately two million dollars and last for 40 to 50 years. Trump stated the alternative approach would have cost hundreds of millions of dollars and taken several years to complete.

A United States soldier is accused of pocketing $400,000 by placing bets related to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Army Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke faces charges of wire fraud and theft of non-public government information. Prosecutors allege Van Dyke earned over $400,000 from bets placed on the prediction market Polymarket. He reportedly withdrew these winnings on the same day as a government operation. Polymarket stated it has referred the matter to the Department of Justice and is cooperating with investigators. Special Forces soldier has been accused of making hundreds of thousands of dollars through insider trading. The soldier reportedly used information regarding the arrest of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro to make $400,000 on the platform.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that over 675,000 immigrants have been deported during the first year of the second Trump administration. While cutting funding is a primary tool for Congress to stop wars, political implementation is considered difficult. Increasing costs and public reaction are adding political pressure on Trump ahead of upcoming elections. A decision from Washington is expected after May 1. Analysts are discussing the extent of President Trump's willingness to maintain a naval blockade against Iran. The discussion focuses on whether the administration will employ long-term strategic patience or increase pressure to force compliance with terms. The American telecommunications regulator has requested that ABC submit a new license application ahead of its scheduled expiration.

The United States has stated it will not seek to exclude Iran from the upcoming World Cup. This decision signals a diplomatic stance that separates sporting events from broader political tensions. The move is seen as a gesture of goodwill or a pragmatic approach to international sports. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play all of its 2026 World Cup group-stage matches on United States soil.