Stories from Washington · United States

Crews are removing soil from the C&O Canal down to the clay bottom to facilitate restoration. Workers are cleaning canal locks by hand to preserve the site. The project includes fixing the clay bottom and planting native vegetation. John Lyle with DC Water stated the process is labor intensive. Crews using heavy machinery have collected contaminated soil from the bottom of a canal to prevent wastewater from entering the Potomac River. Work is currently focused on locks 12, 13, and 14.

A suspected gunman was shot by federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C. The incident involved a man who was shot during an encounter with federal agents. A witness reported identifying a suspicious individual with a firearm, prompting Secret Service police to make contact.

ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes has been selected as the host for this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee. She is the first celebrity host for the event since LeVar Burton hosted in 2022. The selection follows Scripps taking over the broadcast from ESPN in 2022.

Political advisor Lena Mendoni, a member of the archonts' delegation, recently met with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Washington. The meeting has reportedly caused a clash with Greek political diplomacy.

A PDVSA subsidiary is accused of using millions of dollars to influence United States politics in favor of the Nicolás Maduro regime. The case alleges the entity failed to register under federal law.

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in the Oval Office this morning to restore the Presidential Fitness Test Award. The assessment, which originated in the 1950s, includes a mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, a sit-and-reach test, and a shuttle run. The administration stated the move aims to defend athletic traditions and promote excellence and competitiveness in students. The proclamation was signed Tuesday morning. The office was tasked with restoring the award as part of the administration's actions. The administration stated it is working to defend American athletic traditions. No specific implementation dates or program details were provided in the announcement. The program previously shifted focus from competition to personal health during the Obama administration. Trump described the test as the gold standard of fitness.

Five publishers have filed a lawsuit against Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

A new bill passed by the county council imposes a $1,000 fine and up to 60 days in jail for individuals attending unsanctioned car racing events. The legislation, sponsored by Council Member Yoneka Fisher, targets spectators as well as drivers.

Hotel bookings in the United States for the upcoming men's World Cup soccer tournament are running significantly below expectations. An industry survey from the American Hotel and Lodging Association indicates that nearly 80% of hotels in host cities report low booking levels.

Pete Hegseth stated during a Pentagon briefing that American destroyers are supported by hundreds of jets, helicopters, and drones to monitor shipping routes. The first step involves mapping a safe path for vessels to cross the Strait and then providing a defensive umbrella to cover and secure that route. Discussions have commenced with shipping operators and stranded sailors regarding the implementation of the safe corridor and defensive umbrella. The source discussed the requirement for protecting units and commercial vessels seeking safe passage. Defense Secretary Hagel Seth stated the US military does not seek conflict with Iran and does not require entry into Iranian territorial waters or airspace to conduct operations. The Secretary of War stated that Washington is ensuring it maintains control over the critical naval route of the Strait of Hormuz.