Stories from Washington DC · United States

Small business owners in a Washington DC neighborhood are requesting city assistance to cover rent costs. The owners stated they understand the long-term goals of the project but require short-term financial support to survive. Bill McLeod is assisting merchants with the process. Merchants on Connecticut Avenue in Washington DC are seeking assistance to survive ongoing construction. Hua Pingxiu, owner of DuPont Lash and Brow Bar, stated that such funds make small businesses feel supported by the government. The assistance aims to protect both the well-being and the bottom lines of local merchants. The funds are intended to help establishments remain operational through the end of construction scheduled for next spring. The request follows a decline in foot traffic in the area. Business owners near Dupont Circle are requesting rent assistance from the District of Columbia government.

Maureen Comey, a former federal prosecutor in New York, claims she was fired due to President Trump's animosity toward her father, Jim Comey. Justice Department officials cited the president's Article 2 power to terminate her employment via email.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement has emerged as a political force on the right. The movement consists of a broad coalition including vaccine skeptics, nutritional zealots, and anti-pesticide activists. Some members of the coalition are reportedly frustrated with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for backing away from promised policies. The movement's splintering is being analyzed for its potential impact on the Republican Party.

A US jury has begun deliberations in the trial of an alleged Islamic State militant. A US jury is currently deliberating in the trial of an alleged ISIS militant charged in connection with a deadly bombing at the Kabul airport.

A new Gallup poll finds that 55% of Americans report their finances are getting worse. The survey indicates that the high cost of living is the most financial problem for 31% of respondents.

More than 70 Democrats in the United States House of Representatives have requested that President Donald Trump prevent Chinese automakers from building or selling vehicles within the country. The meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping is expected to take place in May. The effort was led by Michigan Representative Debbie Dingle and 73 colleagues. This move precedes Trump's scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi in Beijing next month. lawmakers are calling on President Trump to prevent Chinese carmakers from entering the American market. The lawmakers warned that allowing these manufacturers access could lead to irreversible consequences. Beijing has urged Washington to cease these actions, according to the report. lawmakers are proposing a sweeping review of China's artificial intelligence capabilities.

A State Department official confirmed to Fox News Digital that a new US passport design will be rolled out in July. The rollout is intended to coincide with the United States' 250th birthday.

A US school district is implementing a program to provide licensure for paraeducators. The goal is to train approximately 200 individuals by paying for their tuition and licensure exams. The program aims to increase the number of male educators in the field.

Security protocols have been reinforced in Washington DC and New York following a security incident involving President Trump over the weekend. The event has raised questions regarding security preparations and event safety. A letter from the attacker involved in Saturday's incident at the press corps scene has been released in the United States. A person involved in the incident issued an apology to travelers, hotel staff, and bystanders who were put at risk during the event. The individual expressed regret for the danger caused to those who were not targets. President Trump resumed hostilities with the Washington press after 60 Minutes anchor Nora O'Donnell read portions of an alleged gunman's manifesto during an interview. Donald Trump has been reposting and retweeting editorials written by news anchor Marquessenne.

The White House has withdrawn a hospitality executive previously nominated to lead the National Park Service. Cole Allen, a California man, has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president during the White House Correspondents' Dinner last Saturday night. Allen also faces federal gun charges following an attempt to storm the black-tie event with multiple weapons. The White House press secretary attributed the incident to divisive rhetoric from Democrats and journalists that she claims fuels political violence in the U.S. New details identify the suspect as Cole Allen, a California man. Federal gun charges have been filed in the case. Prosecutors in Washington D.C. A detention hearing is pending to determine if he will be released on bail or under specific conditions. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 11.