Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

The US Treasury Department is planning the launch of a commemorative one-dollar coin featuring the image of Donald Trump. It remains unclear if applicants can opt out of the commemorative design. Standard passports will remain available to those who apply online or through offices outside of Washington D.C. The design will feature a portrait of the President and a gold imprint of his signature on an interior page. A commemorative emblem consisting of a gold American flag encircled by stars and the number 250 will appear on the back cover. Plans also include a commemorative gold coin. The obverse of the coin will depict Trump at a White House desk, while the reverse will show an eagle in flight. These coins will be significantly larger than standard US gold coins, measuring 5 centimeters in diameter compared to the usual 1.5 centimeters.

Shopkeepers on Connecticut Avenue in Washington D.C. are requesting $2 million in grant money from the local government. Bill McLeod stated that ongoing construction is driving customers away and making it difficult for merchants to pay rent. The funds are intended to help the Dupont business community survive the construction period. Bill McLeod reported on the efforts to support local businesses during the project. Bill McLeod, executive director of the DuPont Circle Business Improvement District, is seeking assistance for merchants on Connecticut Avenue to manage construction impacts. Business owner Hua Pingxiu of DuPont Lash & Brow Bar is among those affected. The initiative aims to assist local businesses with their bottom line.

Latest polling data indicates Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to a new low during his term. New reports confirm Trump's support has hit a new low during his tenure. The US Senate rejected a Democratic motion on the 28th during a procedural vote. The motion aimed to prevent President Trump from launching military actions against Cuba without Congressional authorization.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. Donald Trump is planning a triumphal arch and the renovation of the Kennedy Center. He is also involved in a legal battle regarding his White House ballroom. Architect and public historian Neil Flanagan stated that the reflecting pool is being refinished in a manner more suitable to a swimming pool at Mar-a-Lago. The Interior Department told NPR that work on the renovation is expected to be completed by the end of May. While a judge stated a two-year closure is for maintenance and upkeep, Kennedy Center Board Chair President Trump claimed the building will be demolished and replaced with a new structure. The hearing allows groups to question Matt Floakup, the new executive director appointed by President Trump last month. The administration stated that the exterior of the building will not be materially different from its current state.

US lawmakers filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court to preserve Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. The Trump administration is seeking to end the Temporary Protected Status program, which allows eligible refugees to remain in the U.S. if they cannot safely return to their home countries. Democratic lawmakers gathered outside the Capitol to call for protections for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Sibonaller stated she is unsure how the Supreme Court will rule on the matter. Andrea Shu of NPR reported from Washington on the ongoing protests by Democratic lawmakers regarding Temporary Protected Status protections. The report noted concerns and prayers for the justices to utilize legal precedence in their decisions. Nurses and home care providers are being pushed out of their roles despite a caregiver shortage.

An eyewitness, Miramar Martinez, was shot five times by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers while sitting in her car. Martinez was reportedly yelling and honking her horn after witnessing CBP and ICE agents targeting individuals based on race and accents.

A federal judge has mandated that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) review the applications of 33 individuals. Other applicants remain in a waiting period due to a pause in immigration reviews.

Acting Secretary of Defense Hung Cao stated that the defense industry can assist in preventing the Pentagon from repeating mistakes made during the Global War on Terror. Cao's comments follow the recent removal of his predecessor.

The FDA says it plans to overhaul how drug companies test new medicines. The agency aims to cut months or years off drug development times by monitoring weather experiments. The source did not specify the exact timeline for implementation.

Business owners in Washington D.C.'s Dupont Circle are requesting $2 million from lawmakers to offset construction costs. The request follows a 42% revenue decline for some businesses due to a construction project. Concerns were voiced during an EC Council hearing on Monday. The funds would be used to cover rent and support merchant well-being during the construction period. Executive Bill McLeod stated that construction is deterring customers and making it difficult for shopkeepers to pay rent. Merchants are asking for assistance to survive the short-term financial strain caused by the project. Challenges include the inability to offer food to-go or accommodate guest drop-offs and rides. Jeff Cole, owner of the Golden Hour cocktail bar, reported monthly costs of $50,000 due to the construction.