Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

The U.S. The Forest Service declined a request for an interview regarding the budget change. The American Petroleum Institute warned that fuel shortages could hinder responses during the peak fire season from June through September. Federal forecasters predict an active fire season across much of the Western United States. The agency stated it maintains flexibility to increase spending if necessary. Austin Amistoy reported for NPR that fuel availability is critical for response capabilities during the peak June to September timeframe. The US Forest Service experienced a staff reduction of more than 5,000 employees as of last summer. This reduction is part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of government.

The lawsuit follows previous actions by eight states despite prior approval from the DOJ and FCC. Five additional states joined a federal antitrust lawsuit on Friday to block the merger of Tecna and Nexstar. The group includes the Republican Attorneys General of Kansas and Indiana. If the merger is approved, the combined companies would own 264 television stations. US diplomats have been called to request partner participation by Friday. If approved, the merger would result in the two companies owning 264 TV stations across the United States. Five additional states, including Kansas and Indiana, have joined a federal lawsuit to block the merger of Nexstar and Tegna. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the merger would allow the companies to dominate the media landscape.

The White House is moving to loosen decades-old requirements for preserving presidential records. Federal officials released new surveillance video and details regarding an attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The individual is seen bursting out seconds later and running past the magnet. Cole Thomas Allen did not enter a plea during a brief federal court appearance. Suspect Cole Allen is currently held in a Washington D.C. President Trump faces domestic pressure following a decline in whiskey sales attributed to his tariffs. This decline has caused Scottish producers to purchase fewer used bourbon barrels from Kentucky, which are used for aging Scotch. The report was delivered by Scotland editor James Cook. President Trump removed the 10% import tax on Scotch whisky in the Oval Office. Trump stated the action was taken in honor of the king and queen.

A proposed $1.5 trillion budget represents a 40-plus percent increase from fiscal year 2026.

A US funding bill passed by the Senate and House via voice vote provides funding for most Department of Homeland Security agencies through late September. This follows an incident earlier this year where two American citizens were killed by federal law enforcement. A $75 billion allocation for ICE was included in a bill passed last year, significantly exceeding the agency's typical $10 billion annual budget. This funding has insulated ICE from political pressure during immigration reform negotiations. The funding reportedly left airport workers and cybersecurity experts with insufficient resources. The budget includes $75 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency that typically receives a $10 billion annual budget. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended delaying the vote, stating the previous version was haphazardly drafted at 2:00 AM.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory follows federal cyber strategy discussions concerning state and local government protections.

The US Treasury is launching a program to provide cybersecurity intelligence to the digital asset industry at no cost.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the US President has ordered advisors to prepare for a prolonged maritime blockade. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued that President Trump does not need to comply with the War Powers Resolution. Hegseth claimed the cease-fire agreement reached with Iran paused the clock on the 60-day Congressional approval obligation. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia disputed this position. Trump maintained that the United States cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. Trump stated at the White House that only he and a few others know the actual progress of US-Iran negotiations. The source noted that the fragile ceasefire between the two nations persists. Trump and the Defense Secretary claimed the Iran war is popular with Americans as tensions rise.

The nomination of Patty Casey Means for Surgeon General has been withdrawn. This development represents a setback for the Make America Healthy Again movement led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Casey Means, President Trump's second pick for a position.

The investigation follows a New York Times report suggesting Trump-branded coins commemorating America's 250th anniversary may contain illegal gold sourced from outside the country. The Treasury Department is unlikely to completely halt foreign gold imports due to high demand and insufficient domestic production. US Treasury Secretary Bessent held a video call with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss the impact of US export control regulations on global supply chains.