Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

The United States has stated it will not seek to exclude Iran from the upcoming World Cup. This decision signals a diplomatic stance that separates sporting events from broader political tensions. The move is seen as a gesture of goodwill or a pragmatic approach to international sports. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play all of its 2026 World Cup group-stage matches on United States soil.

President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon during a meeting at the White House. The extension follows direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington D.C. to prevent further escalation. The Lebanese President and Israeli Prime Minister are expected to visit the United States within the next two weeks to facilitate the agreement.

Senate Republicans have decided to utilize the reconciliation process to provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The legislation has reached its furthest point in Congress since the 2018 reauthorization. Congressman Frank Lucas of Oklahoma urged members to support the bill during Wednesday night's debate. The bill still faces challenges in the Senate due to policy disagreements. The shutdown had caused concerns regarding homeland security and impacted 260,000 DHS employees. This measure aims to allow funding to flow to other agencies including the TSA and the Coast Guard. The deal follows a month of stagnation in the House due to disagreements within the GOP. The action comes as funding used by Trump to maintain DHS worker payrolls was set to expire.

The United States Senate has approved a $70 billion budget intended to modernize critical infrastructure systems. The decision marks a significant step in national system modernization efforts. The US House of Representatives approved a spending plan that could lead Congress to consider an additional $70 billion for federal immigration enforcement activities. The proposal requires further detailing by lawmakers before it can be sent to President Donald Trump for signature. The plan aims to fund increased oversight and activities by federal agents. The vote resulted in 215 ayes and 200 nays with one member voting present. House Speaker Mike Johnson intends to pass a second part of the plan to fund the remainder of the Department of Homeland Security, excluding ICE and Border Patrol, through September 30th.

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for the first-ever gene therapy designed to treat deafness. This medical milestone offers a potential cure for genetic hearing loss by addressing the underlying biological causes. The approval marks a significant advancement in regenerative medicine and auditory science. The treatment reportedly restores hearing in 90% of participants. The approval follows clinical evaluations of the therapy's efficacy. The treatment was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The treatment targets specific genetic mutations, such as the FoxP2 gene associated with language development. Research indicates that in certain families, up to 15 out of 30 living members carry the specific mutation. BrioHealth Solutions is the subsidiary involved in the process. The source noted the therapy's potential to help those with hearing disabilities.

The U.S. The DOJ alleges the post was a call to assassinate President Trump. Comey denies the allegations and stated he is ready to defend himself. He maintains his innocence and expressed belief in the independent federal judiciary. The indictment also includes charges for allegedly lying to Congress. The indictment follows a previous case that was reportedly dismissed. The post in question allegedly featured a picture of seashells on a North Carolina beach from one year ago. The Justice Department is pursuing indictments against former FBI Director James Comey. The case involves an online photograph posted by Comey last year that authorities allege was an attempt to harm President Trump. Comey stated he believed the photo had a political message rather than a threat and has since removed it.

American agricultural producers are demanding legislative action to pass a new comprehensive farm bill. The current lack of updated legislation is creating economic instability and market volatility for farmers. This push comes seven years after the last major farm bill was implemented. The United States Congress is preparing to consider and pass a new version of the Farm Bill. The legislation is a law that covers agriculture and food assistance programs. Michael Hap of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy stated the bill sets the rules for the food and farm economies. The bill consists of 12 sections or titles. This legislation is typically reviewed and passed approximately every five years. The process is being monitored by Marketplace in New York.

The US Department of the Treasury has issued sanctions against a criminal network operating across India, Mexico, and Guatemala to traffic drugs. This move targets the infrastructure used by the Sinaloa Cartel to facilitate international distribution. The sanctions aim to disrupt the financial and logistical capabilities of the organization. The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on 35 entities and individuals. These targets are accused of overseeing a parallel banking network used by Iran to bypass sanctions. The network reportedly moves tens of billions of dollars. One specific target is the head of operations for Hamas military intelligence in northern Gaza.

Sean Plankey has requested to withdraw his name from consideration to lead the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The move follows a year of leadership instability within the agency. This development occurs as the Trump administration continues its appointments for key cybersecurity roles. Sources told NPR that the nomination had been on hold for weeks due to ethics and conflict of interest concerns. Former Park Service employees also pointed to ties between Socia and interests pushing for national park privatization. The agency has previously operated with only acting directors during the first Trump administration. Former Park Service employees had previously noted Socia's ties to interests advocating for the privatization of national parks. The agency is currently facing record visitation levels alongside billions of dollars in maintenance backlogs.

More than 120 US-based organizations have issued warnings to football fans regarding potential risks to their rights while traveling for the FIFA World Cup. The warnings highlight concerns over legal and safety protections for international travelers. This development comes as preparations for the global tournament intensify. Measles outbreaks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico have prompted travel precautions ahead of the World Cup starting in June. These three nations are currently the epicenters of measles cases in the Americas. Brazil was declared measles-free in 2004, but the country continues to receive imported cases. Travelers heading to the host nations are advised to ensure they are protected against the disease.