Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

Online security secretary Mark Brain Mullen announced that several policies from previous DHS leadership have been reversed. More than $1 billion in backlog FEMA grants have been released. This announcement comes as FEMA prepares for the Atlantic hurricane season and the upcoming World Cup in June. President Trump signed an executive order establishing retirement accounts. This action follows recent administrative changes within the department. The funding is intended to address various construction needs across different states.

Prosecutors stated the kidnappings involved the use of knives and duct tape. The crimes were allegedly directed from jail to intimidate and silence a witness connected to a rape case.

The United States has frozen all assets held by Joseph Cabilla on American soil. These assets were reportedly used to bypass the traditional banking system. The announcement also included new sanctions targeting Chinese oil refineries. The Treasury aims to disrupt methods used to circumvent international financial regulations. The new sanctions specifically target Chinese companies and refineries, including Hengli and the Abariq al-Shal refineries. These refineries are noted for processing the majority of Iranian oil exports. Washington has imposed direct sanctions on several Iranian entities, including the Al-Shal refineries. These refineries reportedly account for 80% to 90% of Iran's oil exports. This volume is estimated at 1.4 million to 1.8 million barrels per day between 2025 and the present in 2026.

A shell company backed by Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump has agreed to merge with a critical minerals group. The group previously secured up to $1.6 billion in US government support for tungsten mining operations in Kazakhstan.

A domestic disturbance incident resulted in an explosion at a multi-family home today. Seven officers and one sergeant were injured during the response. The incident occurred after a woman reported her estranged husband forced entry into the home while intoxicated. The woman, her daughter, and three grandchildren escaped the residence, which reportedly had an odor of natural gas in the air. Police officers reported an explosion occurring while attempting to unlock an apartment door using a resident's keys. Officers were observed racing to save potential occupants trapped inside the building. The incident followed a 911 call reporting an estranged husband had forced his way into the home while intoxicated. Officers attempted to rescue anyone potentially trapped inside the building.

The House is set to pass procedural legislation during the week of May 11 to decouple the E-15 measure from the Farm Bill. This arrangement aims to ensure an up or down vote on an E-15 bill.

The US Farm Bill, valued at approximately $500 billion, has been delayed for three years. Republicans are expected to elaborate on the proposal details. The decision has drawn criticism due to potential risks of severe damage to regional flora and fauna. A representative stated that the $2 billion in funding will save millions of lives. Security for the funding is now established following a 76 day cutoff, according to the report. The Department of Homeland Security received funding following a simple voice vote on the House floor. The US House of Representatives gave final approval on Thursday to a 45-day extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The program was set to expire on Friday but is now extended through June 12. The short-term measure follows a dispute regarding a longer reauthorization of the surveillance program.

A 10% import tax introduced by Donald Trump is set to be reduced. Donald Trump has ordered the removal of the White House East Wing to facilitate the construction of a large ballroom. This decision follows a suspected third attempt on his life, according to a White House reporter. Critics suggest the new room will dominate the White House structure. Contractors are attempting to complete the ballroom construction in the White House East Wing ahead of the original schedule. The ballroom will feature bulletproof glass approximately four inches thick to ensure high security. Advisors are also pushing for focus on the new TrumpRx drug pricing website, though the ballroom remains a primary focus. A Fox News report from a Turning Point USA conference cited Jesse Waters stating Donald Trump intends the ballroom to serve as a monument to himself.

The Washington Post reported that social security numbers for some healthcare providers were inadvertently exposed in a publicly accessible database. Healthcare providers reported being contacted by reporters regarding the leak of their Social Security numbers. The process of verifying identity with spooked providers was described as tricky. A federal website exposure has left users concerned after personal data, including phone numbers, became available. Users reported being spooked by the availability of their phone numbers on a federal website. Officials stated they still intend to maintain a national provider directory despite the current technical difficulties. Previous reports from six months ago indicated existing problems with the directory's functionality. Officials stated they are still working to bring the system back online.

Syrian and Haitian nationals are planning to file lawsuits against the United States Department of Homeland Security. The case may reference the McNary precedent regarding whether final decisions are subject to judicial review. A commentator noted potential administrative pretexts and procedural irregularities in how these determinations are made. The discussion highlighted concerns from justices Thomas, Alito, and possibly Gorsuch regarding the scope of judicial deference in these cases. A lawsuit has been filed against the Department of Homeland Security accusing the agency of unlawfully using license plates and biometric data to track and intimidate residents. The plaintiffs claim the surveillance was used to target them for exercising First Amendment rights. Court records indicate some individuals claim they were singled out and threatened after observing federal agents.