Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

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.

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.

Former Virginia Republican congressman and Tea Party member David Bratt has been nominated for a diplomatic position. The nominee must be confirmed by the US Senate before assuming the role. Bratt's conservative views may present challenges for the Albanese government. The nomination comes 15 months into Donald Trump's second presidency. Last year, Bratt criticized the Biden Administration's investigation into electric vehicles.

Lawyer Iron Tcheminskiński stated that the war launched by US President Donald Trump against Iran is illegal. The proposal is currently under discussion among the national security team. Secretary of State Marc Rubio has acknowledged the seriousness of Iranian negotiating intentions, though the administration remains firm on protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Leaks suggest the US counter-offer may require Iran to reduce uranium enrichment and pledge not to manufacture nuclear weapons. Diplomatic efforts may shift from shuttle diplomacy to indirect communication via telephone. The National Security Council met this morning to discuss the Iranian proposal. Iran's Defense Minister stated that Russia maintains a firm position that the conflict with Iran must be ended through diplomatic channels.

The USDA will ban processing fees for low-income families loading money onto school meal accounts starting in 2027. The decision follows a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report showing families paid over $100 million annually in such fees. The rollout of related measures will continue through 2028. Schools must also limit added sugars in items like breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk for the first time. The Bureau is implementing changes to eliminate these charges. The USDA is rolling out updated nutrition standards for school breakfasts and lunches through 2027-28. The rollout of these new standards begins immediately, according to the report. The shift follows a period of modest consumer spending growth according to Bank of America checkpoints. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that consumer spending rose modestly through early 2026.