Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

Senator Ed Markey is introducing legislation intended to combat the Trump administration's attacks on loans for immigrant business owners. The move follows a new White House policy created last month that bars non-citizens from certain loan access. The legislation aims to mitigate the impact of these policy changes on immigrant-led enterprises. Markey stated the current administration's message to immigrants is that the American dream is not for them.

A demonstration group has sued the city alleging that police violated their constitutional right to protest. Huffman stated that while the city has made no admission of wrongdoing, the sizable payment sent a message.

A city has agreed to pay $5,000 to four individuals who alleged police brutality by officers during a Black Lives Matter protest six years ago. The settlement includes no admission of wrongdoing by the city. The report was provided by John Bender. The city will pay a $5,000 settlement following a lawsuit related to a protest in May 2020. Jasmine Huffman, one of four plaintiffs, alleged her constitutional right to protest was violated after being hit in the chest with a baton by a city police officer. The payment is intended to send a specific message, according to a source. A sizable payment by the city has been made to compensate for an incident involving police brutality. Huffman stated that the payment sends a message that an event occurred deserving of compensation. Huffman expressed hope that the settlement prompts reforms in police conduct.

The US special envoy to Ukraine will leave her position, according to a report by the Financial Times. The envoy, Julie David, reportedly grew increasingly frustrated by the Trump administration's lack of support for Ukraine.

The United States Air Force revealed a special commemorative paint scheme on an F-15E fighter jet. The design honors the 40th anniversary of Operation El Dorado Canyon.

The US government announced plans to release a limited series of 25,000 specially designed passports to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. US officials stated the portraits will appear on some passports soon. State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggett confirmed the limited release, according to the report. The announcement was reported by MPR's Michelle Kellerman. The White House will release a limited number of passports to commemorate 250 years since the United States declared independence. The release is being coordinated with international press agencies. Trump will be the first living president featured on such a travel document. The new passports are expected to be available shortly before Independence Day on July 4. State Department is releasing limited edition passports to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Great America in July.

A warrant requirement amendment failed in the House Rules Committee following a six-to-six tie vote. The amendment was offered by Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. Representative Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, criticized the amendment and discussed concerns regarding data collection mandates in vehicles. The debate included discussions on the implications of a 'kill switch' for vehicle data collection. The requirement amendment tied six to six, resulting in its failure. The amendment was tied to a broader discussion regarding redistricting efforts to create more Republican-leaning districts. This move is described as an attempt to maintain GOP control of the U.S. The vote resulted in a 6-6 tie, preventing the amendment from moving forward. Two Republicans, Chip Roy and Ralph Norman, voted alongside Democrats on the measure.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has classified memecoins as digital collectibles. This regulatory shift aims to remove uncertainty and potentially increase capital for meme token presales.

Major retailers saw stock declines on Tuesday. Walmart shares remained flat while Target fell 2%. Costco Wholesale slipped 0.4%. Amazon shares dropped approximately 0.5%. Meta Platforms rose 1.1%, while Alphabet (Google) declined 0.1%.

Attorney Blanche contended that the case against former FBI director James Comey is not a selective prosecution. The defense argued that the department brings similar cases against lesser-known individuals.