Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

A budget request includes a $215 million increase for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to enforce regulations on high-end AI technology chips. The funding aims to prevent these chips from being diverted to South Central Asia. The request specifies the addition is intended to bolster enforcement capabilities against unauthorized distribution.

White House Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles is meeting with Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security officials to discuss increasing security for President Trump. The King has met with the President several times previously and is expected to participate in celebrations for America 250. Observers describe the trip as a soft power initiative for the United Kingdom. King Charles is scheduled to address the United States Congress. The monarch is expected to maintain a role above political fray during the visit. Commentators noted that the King's role as a constitutional monarch allows him to remain above the political fray during diplomatic tensions. This distinction is highlighted as a contrast to the public nature of disagreements involving the US President. The visit is described as a deep partnership between the US and the UK that has existed for 80 to 200 years.

Prosecutors stated Davis used makeup and wigs to impersonate three different NFL players during multiple video calls with investors. The case involves the use of disguises to facilitate the fraud, according to the report. The case involves the impersonation of professional athletes to facilitate fraud.

US lawmakers are pushing a bill to grant American soldiers serving in the Israeli army the same legal protections as US troops. The legislation would apply to approximately 20,000 personnel.

US Secretary of State Mark Rubio stated to Fox News that Iran is serious about exiting its current predicament. The comment follows reports that the Israeli military intends to keep the Hormuz Strait open. Rubio noted that Tehran still possesses half of its missile capabilities. This development occurs amid suspended negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear file.

The administration is proposing to defund the Minority Business Development Agency. It is also proposing to zero out the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, which assists small and medium-sized US manufacturers in creating and preserving jobs. This follows previous attempts to shut down the Minority Business Development Agency. The proposal follows an attempt to illegally shut the agency down, according to C-SPAN Radio. The agency's spend plan was only received this week.

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.