Stories from Washington DC · United States

Council member John Chapman expressed concern regarding the rising cost of living in Washington DC. The council also discussed an increase in fines for parking violations. City officials stated these steps are necessary due to a hard budget. The increase is contingent on certain factors according to Brennan. This change is expected to generate 2.4 million dollars in additional revenue. The real estate tax remains untouched as part of the current budget proposal. The increase could generate an additional $1.4 million in revenue based on 90,000 tickets. Potential uses for the new funds include Alexandria City Public Schools and housing initiatives. Leaders are currently debating how to allocate the projected revenue. Parking meter and Park Mobile receipts in Washington DC are expected to increase in cost starting July 1st. The change was reported by WTOP in Alexandria.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber threats targeting water systems. The advisory follows reports of escalating AI-enabled threats to critical infrastructure.

United States President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro are scheduled to make simultaneous televised announcements regarding changes to the relationship between the United States and Cuba.

The Federal Communications Commission voted to update satellite spectrum-sharing regulations. The new rules replace existing EPFD limits to manage power levels for next-generation satellite systems.

The Justice Department reported that multiple computers and weapons were recovered from an individual named Allen's home in California. Inside a hotel room where Allen stayed, officials found a laptop and a hard drive. Allen reportedly spent hours tracking the president's movements on a Saturday before storming a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton. Evidence shows Allen was outfitted with a shotgun, pistols, several knives, pliers, and wire cutters. Allen reportedly took a selfie in his hotel room while outfitted with a shotgun and pistol approximately 30 minutes before the incident.

Employment and job scams have nearly tripled between 2020 and 2024, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is the government body that tracks these types of scams. The increase represents a explosion in fraudulent activity in the employment sector. Scammers use recruitment emails and pitch decks to pose as employers on platforms like LinkedIn. Some scammers have reportedly begun making follow-up phone calls to verify the target's identity. Financial losses from these scams increased from approximately $90 million to $500 million as of two years ago.

The FISA 702 warrantless buying program is set to expire tonight. The House has passed a three-year extension for the program.

The FDA has authorized initial testing of a drug related to ibogaine for individuals with alcohol use disorder. Potential risks include abuse potential and traumatic side effects, though the substance is considered reasonably safe under controlled settings. The program is expected to resume normal operations tomorrow. Gale Saltz of Weill Cornell Medical College discussed the announcement, noting that previous MDMA applications faced rejection in 2024 due to geopolitical concerns. The agency is currently considering methamphetamine as an alternative due to fewer side effects. The FDA has authorized clinical testing of ibogaine, a hallucinogenic substance derived from an African shrub, to treat alcohol use disorder. Reports indicate potential success in reducing cravings after a single session. Ongoing clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.

A US pilot program launched last year is awarding national priority vouchers to companies developing products aligned with national health priorities. The program aims to expedite the review and approval process for innovative breakthrough therapies.

A crash has been reported on northbound DC 295 after Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Travel lanes remain open on the 14th Street Bridge.