Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

The United States and the Green Party are calling for a ban on deepfake applications used to create and distribute fake content on social media platforms. Responsibility for this issue is being attributed to various actors, including app stores that host such applications.

The US State Department will release a series of limited-edition passports featuring images of Donald Trump. There are also attempts to include the Presidential signature on all new paper currency. This move breaks the global tradition of using only historical images on passports. It is currently unknown if travelers can choose between different passport designs. The announcement was made on Wednesday. The United States will issue 30,000 limited edition passports to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. The design features a portrait of the President. Applicants applying in person at the Washington DC passport office may not be able to opt out of the special edition. Standard passports remain available via online applications or from locations outside Washington.

Juan Carlos and Juan Rodríguez appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as the nominee for United States Ambassador to Guatemala. The appearance occurred during a scheduled Senate committee session. Senate Committee members questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding departmental changes and service disruptions. Lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties expressed concern over the defunding of TRIO college readiness programs for low-income students. The hearing addressed confusion caused by layoffs and the transfer of services to different federal agencies. Members also inquired about potential paths forward for student loan borrowers. The Senate Appropriations Committee questioned Education Secretary Linda McMahon regarding the president's proposed budget for the department. The hearing was reported by NPR's Sequoia Carrillo.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amode previously warned that artificial intelligence is not yet reliable enough for such applications. He said the desire to avoid purchasing or using technology that is not believed to be completely dependable.

The Trump administration improperly terminated temporary protected status for more than 300,000 Haitians. Rita Sibonala, a resident in an independent living retirement community, stated that workers like those at Goodwin Living have already been let go.

The US Treasury Department is planning the launch of a commemorative one-dollar coin featuring the image of Donald Trump. It remains unclear if applicants can opt out of the commemorative design. Standard passports will remain available to those who apply online or through offices outside of Washington D.C. The design will feature a portrait of the President and a gold imprint of his signature on an interior page. A commemorative emblem consisting of a gold American flag encircled by stars and the number 250 will appear on the back cover. Plans also include a commemorative gold coin. The obverse of the coin will depict Trump at a White House desk, while the reverse will show an eagle in flight. These coins will be significantly larger than standard US gold coins, measuring 5 centimeters in diameter compared to the usual 1.5 centimeters.

Shopkeepers on Connecticut Avenue in Washington D.C. are requesting $2 million in grant money from the local government. Bill McLeod stated that ongoing construction is driving customers away and making it difficult for merchants to pay rent. The funds are intended to help the Dupont business community survive the construction period. Bill McLeod reported on the efforts to support local businesses during the project. Bill McLeod, executive director of the DuPont Circle Business Improvement District, is seeking assistance for merchants on Connecticut Avenue to manage construction impacts. Business owner Hua Pingxiu of DuPont Lash & Brow Bar is among those affected. The initiative aims to assist local businesses with their bottom line.

Latest polling data indicates Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to a new low during his term. New reports confirm Trump's support has hit a new low during his tenure. The US Senate rejected a Democratic motion on the 28th during a procedural vote. The motion aimed to prevent President Trump from launching military actions against Cuba without Congressional authorization.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. Donald Trump is planning a triumphal arch and the renovation of the Kennedy Center. He is also involved in a legal battle regarding his White House ballroom. Architect and public historian Neil Flanagan stated that the reflecting pool is being refinished in a manner more suitable to a swimming pool at Mar-a-Lago. The Interior Department told NPR that work on the renovation is expected to be completed by the end of May. While a judge stated a two-year closure is for maintenance and upkeep, Kennedy Center Board Chair President Trump claimed the building will be demolished and replaced with a new structure. The hearing allows groups to question Matt Floakup, the new executive director appointed by President Trump last month. The administration stated that the exterior of the building will not be materially different from its current state.

US lawmakers filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court to preserve Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. The Trump administration is seeking to end the Temporary Protected Status program, which allows eligible refugees to remain in the U.S. if they cannot safely return to their home countries. Democratic lawmakers gathered outside the Capitol to call for protections for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Sibonaller stated she is unsure how the Supreme Court will rule on the matter. Andrea Shu of NPR reported from Washington on the ongoing protests by Democratic lawmakers regarding Temporary Protected Status protections. The report noted concerns and prayers for the justices to utilize legal precedence in their decisions. Nurses and home care providers are being pushed out of their roles despite a caregiver shortage.