Stories from Washington DC · United States

Visa reported that housing starts in the United States reached a 15-month high last month. Construction on multi-family homes, condos, and apartment buildings also increased. Visa stated it sees a solid year ahead for the company. Visa stock was among the top performers among the 30 blue-chip stocks today. Visa reported a positive outlook for the upcoming year, contributing to its status as a top performer among 30 blue-chip stocks today. The company's stock performance was noted alongside anticipation for upcoming earnings reports from major technology firms including Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet. Analysts expect discussions regarding artificial intelligence investment levels to emerge during these reports.

The Trump administration is urging Congress to restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security as available funds dwindle. The White House has issued warnings to Congress regarding the situation, according to an AP News report.

Employees at the Environmental Protection Agency are filing allegations of agency retaliation. The employees claim that two-week suspensions violated their First Amendment rights and federal whistleblower protections. Attorneys representing the staff have submitted 15 complaints and stated that more are forthcoming. More than 600 EPA employees are filing claims of unlawful agency retaliation following an investigation launched in the summer of 2025. More than a dozen separate complaints have been filed so far, with lawyers representing workers stating more are expected. The investigation, which began around September 2025, resulted in disciplinary actions across three groups. These actions included proposed termination notices, outright firings of mostly probationary employees, and two-week suspensions without pay.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued that House Speaker Mike Johnson is allowing a small group of hard-right wingers to dominate the legislative process.

Pharmaceutical companies are expected to quickly finalize a much larger Federal bank.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is attempting to pass several major bills despite facing divisions within his narrow Republican majority in Washington. Differences are being amplified by distractions involving Donald Trump. Conservative members, specifically the House Freedom Caucus, are making consensus harder to achieve, according to the report. Leadership remains closely tethered to the president, complicating congressional progress. Speaker Johnson's leadership is reportedly tethered to President Trump, whose struggling poll numbers in this election year are fueling concerns and dividing the conference. Earlier this month, the House conference held a Tax Day event to promote legislative wins such as eliminating taxes on tips. Republican strategist Alex Conan stated that Speaker Johnson holds a slim one to four seat majority depending on the day.

Elon Musk is expected to continue testifying in a trial that is projected to last three to four weeks. Musk's financial advisor is also expected to take the stand later today. Sam Altman is anticipated to testify in the coming weeks.

A federal judge is pressing the Trump administration to explain why the Kennedy Center must be fully closed for two years starting this July for renovations. Preservation groups have filed a lawsuit against the administration to contest these plans. The proceedings aim to determine if the closure can be stopped. Executive director Matt Floca stated the current center will not be torn down during the process, though the administration noted safety risks would prevent the center from remaining open during construction. While the administration claims the closure is for maintenance and upkeep, preservationists cite comments from Kennedy Center Board Chair President Trump suggesting the project aims to create a brand new building. Both sides are scheduled to question newly appointed Executive Director Matt Floca during a hearing. on Wednesday, April 29.

A plot to assassinate President Trump involved the transportation of a firearm across eight lines. The attempt occurred this past Saturday and marks the third attempt on the American president's life. A third attempt to take the life of Donald Trump has been reported.

The United States communications regulator is reevaluating the federal license that authorizes ABC television broadcasting. The announcement follows demands from President Trump and Melania Trump to cancel the license and dismiss host Jimmy Kimmel. The move is reportedly linked to political pressure regarding Kimmel's content. Federal regulators are examining broadcast licenses tied to ABC following a joke by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel that alluded to the death of Donald Trump. The move has raised questions regarding the limits of the Federal Communications Commission's authority over broadcast media. Georgetown Law Professor David Coles stated that while the FCC regulates local stations, it does not have the authority in this specific context. The investigation follows reports of price increases in natural gas and oil due to supply chain issues.