Stories from Washington DC · United States

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.

Senator Tom Tillis described the current global alliance landscape as a revived axis of evil. The comments were made during a six-hour congressional hearing regarding the current conflict with Iran. The hearing included testimony from the Pentagon chief before the House Armed Services Committee. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker stated that Iran has a history of practicing violence and seeking nuclear blackmail. The remarks highlight a partisan divide in the Senate regarding the administration's response to Iran. The warning was issued during a Senate Armed Services Committee session focused on the Department of Defense budget. Wicker noted that the administration's approach is being scrutinized amidst Republican support and Democratic criticism. The remarks occurred during a session addressing the proposed $5 trillion defense budget.

The president announced Dr. The White House stated the administration is continuing its affordability agenda, though the current legislation does not fund immigration enforcement for ICE or the Border Patrol. The nomination follows a funding agreement between Congress and the President for the Department of Homeland Security, excluding immigration enforcement. The announcement was reported on Friday morning. During a February confirmation hearing, Dr. Means reportedly does not hold an active medical license. No specific details regarding the third nominee's identity or qualifications were provided in the broadcast. She is also described as a wellness influencer and an originator of the Make America Healthy Again movement. The nomination follows reports that previous efforts were obstructed by Democratic opposition.