Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

US Senate officials are demanding answers regarding allegations that Jared Kushner collected billions of dollars for his private equity firm from foreign countries. The Democratic Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability have raised these concerns. The allegations involve Kushner's capital investment ties to various regional nations. The scale of the reported investments is described as being in the billions. Senate officials are questioning Jared Kushner regarding potential financial interests from entities such as the United Arab Emirates. The discussion suggests these interests may influence negotiations involving Iran or Ukraine.

US and Iran may have less differences than publicly appear, according to sources reported by US media on April 27. Al Araby Radio reported that Iran believes there is still room for negotiation with the United States. The Iranian Parliament leader stated the proposal includes charging fees for ships passing through the Strait. Iran has proposed a plan to the United States via mediators in Pakistan to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz for normal ship traffic. The proposal reportedly includes commitments to end restrictions imposed by Iranian forces on the waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for approximately 20% to 25% of the world's total oil and energy consumption. The document allegedly contains details regarding uranium enrichment processes. The proposal includes requirements for ships to pass through Iranian-controlled points.

A 60-day period for US operations abroad under the War Powers Resolution expires on Friday, May 1. The source suggested that withdrawing troops could be difficult for Trump. A prolonged blockade of Iran has reportedly embarrassed the US, with Middle Eastern oil-producing nations now seeking better relations with Iran. The US military's actions in the region are being questioned, with some suggesting a lack of professionalism in their response. US President Donald Trump's authority to declare war expires on May 1st. Intelligence agencies are assessing the impact of a potential withdrawal, particularly on oil prices and international alliances. The current situation has reportedly left Trump in an awkward position, with advisors evaluating his next steps. The long blockade of Iran has been challenging for the nation, yet it has managed to corner the United States.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed a rule to remove terms including gender identity and sexual orientation from all HUD programs. The proposal would replace these terms with sex defined strictly as male or female. This move follows an executive order from President Trump regarding gender ideology extremism. HUD stated that women's safety is at risk if they share shelters with biological males who identify as women. The agency's proposal includes threatening to withhold funding from providers that do not comply with the new rule. The specific impact on housing providers remains a subject of the proposal. Critics argue the rule could increase homelessness among LGBTQ individuals.

Officials are planning to rework Pennsylvania Avenue between the US Capitol and the White House to address area decline. The proposed plan includes adding more trees, increasing green space, and creating safer walkways. Upgrades are also planned for Freedom Plaza to better accommodate protests, events, and national moments. Public comments on the project are being accepted until Thursday. Designers expect to move forward with a final version of the plan next year.

Analysts warn of potential confrontation from the Trump administration regarding news content payments on digital platforms. Under a federal government news bargaining incentive plan, tech companies could face a 2.5% revenue tax if they fail to reach agreements with traditional media companies. The warning follows concerns regarding the consumption of foreign cultural content in North Korea.

Spanish shoemaker Miramind is planning to open a store in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The new location is expected to be near 30th and M streets. According to the Washington Business Journal, the retailer aims to open the store this summer or fall. This location would represent only the second store for the company in the district. The retailer, known for handcrafted loafers and boots, currently operates stores in Paris and Madrid. This location would be the retailer's second store in the United States, following an existing location in New York City. The Washington Business Journal reported the expansion follows recent growth where the company added more than 1,600 rooms.

The Deputy British Ambassador stated that the United States and United Kingdom are connected by $1.3 trillion in mutual investments and $340 billion in trade volume. The discussion included cooperation in defense and economic sectors. The remarks were made following a meeting involving US President Donald Trump and James Roscoe.

Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen stated that emergency funds used to pay department employees will run out in May. The report was delivered by Corva Coleman from NPR News in Washington. The situation was reported by WBUR Boston. The proposal seeks to fund immigration enforcement separately through a reconciliation bill. This plan requires cooperation from the GOP-led House, which currently opposes the measure. Hardline conservatives in the House are resisting a bill that lacks immigration enforcement funding. The House may attempt to remove language from the Senate bill this week to address these concerns. The depletion of these funds creates a deadline for addressing departmental payroll. The announcement indicates a looming fiscal deadline for the agency. DHS Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin says funding for the department will run out early next month in May.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham wants Congress to pass a standalone bill providing $400 million for the construction of a secure White House ballroom. Funding for immigration enforcement agencies has been zeroed out, according to reports from Washington. The disagreement centers on the specific funding requirements for immigration enforcement within the broader DHS package. In the Ukrainian parliament, 2 deputies voted against the bill, 5 voted in favor, and 45 deputies did not vote. The proposal follows an interview of James Comey by the Secret Service regarding political violence against Republicans and Democrats. President Trump has used recent attacks to justify the construction of a ballroom on White House grounds to provide secure space. Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a bill to provide $400 million in mostly taxpayer money to fund a new facility.