The FBI is officially leaving its iconic J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, D.C., citing concerns about the safety of its workforce.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the agency will relocate staff away from the capital region, although a new headquarters location has not yet been announced, as the Daily Caller reports.
In a clip airing Friday on Fox Business, Patel unexpectedly announced the federal law enforcement agency will be leaving its longtime base at the J. Edgar Hoover Building. The clip came from an interview with host Maria Bartiromo, with the full segment scheduled for release on Sunday.
Patel described the current headquarters as unfit for FBI personnel, calling it unsafe. He emphasized that employees of the FBI should expect a workplace that reflects the prestige of serving in what he referred to as the world’s premier law enforcement agency. “This FBI is leaving the Hoover building,” Patel said during the interview. “This building is unsafe for our workforce.”
Following Patel’s announcement, Deputy Director Dan Bongino responded by saying, “You just gave up a big nugget there! -- expressing surprise at the seriousness of the statement. The announcement had not been prepared in advance, suggesting it was a candid revelation by the newly appointed FBI chief.
Patel expanded on the motivation behind the move. He noted that the current facility falls short of representing an institution of the FBI’s scale and importance. “If you are going to come work at the premier law enforcement agency in the world,” he said, “we are going to give you a building that is commensurate with that -- and that is not this place.”
The FBI has operated from the J. Edgar Hoover Building since 1974. It was named after the agency’s first director, and President Richard Nixon officially dedicated the site just two days following Hoover’s death in 1972.
No new facility has been identified yet to replace the current headquarters. However, Patel confirmed that various FBI employees currently based in Washington, D.C., will be reassigned to offices across the country. “Look, the FBI is 38,000 when we are fully manned, which we are not,” Patel said, referring to the agency’s staffing levels. He said the D.C. metropolitan area, defined as within 50 miles of the capital, currently houses 11,000 FBI workers. He argued that having this many personnel stationed in one place does not reflect the true geographic spread of criminal activity across the nation.
As part of the agency’s new direction, Patel announced that at least 1,500 of those employees will be relocated to other areas. He did not offer a projected timeline for these reassignments but indicated that change was already underway.
Patel’s views on decentralizing the FBI are not new. In a 2024 interview on the Shawn Ryan Show, he expressed his intent to close the current D.C. facility and transform it into what he called a “museum of the ‘deep state.’” He also floated a more aggressive reorganization during that appearance. “I’d take the 7,000 employees who work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals,” he said at the time. While that figure differs from the current plan, it aligns with a broader desire to redistribute FBI personnel throughout the country.
During the Fox Business interview, Patel did not elaborate on whether those earlier ideas specifically influenced the latest decision. Still, his comments signal that a nationwide restructuring of the FBI's presence remains a priority.
The J. Edgar Hoover Building has not undergone a full-scale renovation in decades. Numerous reports over the years have described the aging structure as inefficient and in need of major upgrades.
While no specific building defects were cited during Patel’s announcement, the use of the term “unsafe” suggests internal reviews may have identified issues that hinder daily operations or create potential hazards for employees. There were no immediate reactions from congressional leaders or local D.C. officials regarding the announcement. The full interview, expected to air Sunday, may provide added details about the rationale and future plans.
For now, the lack of a confirmed new headquarters keeps several logistical questions unresolved, including where the core administrative operations will reside. Patel provided assurance that the agency remains committed to its mission while working through the transition. It is also unclear whether the move will involve only staff from the central office or include changes to other federal law enforcement facilities currently located in or near the capital.
As the relocation plan develops, this marks one of the most significant shifts in the physical structure of the FBI in over 50 years. Future updates are expected as leadership identifies next steps and a permanent site for the bureau’s base of operations.
A string of powerful tornadoes late Friday left a scar across parts of Kentucky and Missouri, killing at least 21 people and destroying entire neighborhoods as search and rescue efforts continue through the weekend.
The rare supercell storm blew across the Ohio Valley, claiming 14 lives in Kentucky and 7 in Missouri, triggering widespread states of emergency, power outages, and infrastructure devastation, as Breitbart reports.
The tornadoes were part of a supercell weather system that swept into the region Friday evening. Supercells are rotating storm formations capable of producing large hail, strong winds, and violent tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service. The intensity and duration of these conditions stunned many residents and weather experts alike.
The hardest-hit area was Laurel County, Kentucky, where nine people were confirmed dead. The town of London in particular suffered catastrophic damage. Drone video from the area Saturday morning showed entire neighborhoods flattened, with debris from homes and trees scattered by winds estimated as high as 200 mph, consistent with an EF4 tornado classification.
One survivor in London recounted the terrifying moments when the tornado struck their home. Speaking to Fox Weather, the resident described diving into a hallway with her daughter seconds before the storm collapsed the structure. "My husband came running in and pretty much jumped on top of her because you could feel the air sucking in, and it sounded like a train," she said. “Next thing you knew, most of the house was gone,” she added, sharing the narrow escape that saved her family’s lives.
Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky had declared a state of emergency early Friday before the storms hit. On Saturday, he praised first responders and state agencies for working overnight to keep citizens informed and safe. He added that rescue operations remain the top priority as emergency crews continue to search for survivors in storm-stricken zones.
As of Saturday morning, Kentucky remained in the rescue stage, with five counties officially under a state of emergency. An estimated 100,000 residents were without electricity across the state. Road closures, downed power lines, and significant damage to homes have created dangerous conditions for both victims and emergency personnel.
In Missouri, seven people lost their lives, and dozens were injured as tornadoes ripped through various communities. St. Louis was especially affected, with city officials confirming at least five storm-related deaths within the metro area. More than 5,000 homes suffered damage, prompting Mayor Cara Spencer to implement a city-wide curfew for residents' safety.
Scott County, located approximately two hours south of St. Louis, also reported severe destruction. Sheriff Derick Wheetley described the tornado’s impact in grim detail. “The tornado moved from the eastern part of the county, leaving behind a trail of destruction, with multiple homes completely lost and areas left unrecognizable,” he said Saturday.
Authorities confirmed at least two fatalities in Scott County, with additional victims suffering injuries of varying severity. Relief efforts have been complicated by blocked rural roads and widespread structural damage, which continue to hamper access to remote areas in need. Visual evidence shared online depicted the sheer scale and force of the tornadoes. Near Morganfield, Kentucky, a storm chaser captured a large twister ripping through open land, providing insight into the storm’s ferocity. Another video posted on YouTube showed a tornado briefly illuminated by lightning as it moved into the London area, moments before causing widespread destruction.
On Saturday morning, aerial footage revealed the aftermath in London and adjacent parts of Laurel County. Entire blocks of homes were flattened, trees were reduced to splinters, and vehicles were flipped or thrown. Weather experts analyzing the footage cited it as consistent with a high-end EF4 tornado, one of the most violent storm classifications on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
“Entire neighborhoods were gone,” reported a storm chaser with WXChasing. These images are expected to aid the National Weather Service in determining how many tornadoes touched down and how severe they were. While the precise number of tornadoes generated by the supercell system is still under investigation, experts agree that the impact was among the most severe in recent years in the region. The National Weather Service and emergency management agencies are continuing coordinated assessments alongside local officials.
Gov. Beshear urged residents to remain cautious and alert in the storm’s aftermath. He praised the ongoing work of emergency crews and called for public support and prayers for affected communities. "All of our resources are now focused on rescue efforts," he said in a post Saturday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Emergency personnel stressed that the situation remains fluid. Search and rescue teams continued canvassing damaged neighborhoods over the weekend in hopes of locating survivors who may be trapped under rubble or displaced from their homes. While relief and recovery work is just beginning, some residents have already started returning to their neighborhoods to assess the damage. In many cases, homes have been completely destroyed, with families forced to seek temporary shelter elsewhere.
Across Missouri, more than 80,000 customers were still without power as of Saturday morning. Utility crews are working to restore electricity, but widespread downed power lines, fallen trees, and blocked roads continue to hinder progress in several rural counties. In both Kentucky and Missouri, the road to recovery is expected to be long and difficult. Officials are asking for patience and continued cooperation as rebuilding efforts slowly begin. As damage assessments continue and emergency declarations remain in place, the full scope of the disaster is still unfolding.
President Donald Trump took aim at Walmart over the weekend, accusing the retail giant of unjustifiably raising prices in response to U.S. tariff policies.
The clash follows Walmart’s announcement that it will increase prices as early as next month, citing financial pressures from tariff-related costs and a notable drop in quarterly profits, as The Hill reports.
On Thursday, Walmart revealed plans to begin raising prices sometime next month, attributing the move to mounting expenses caused by a series of tariffs implemented on Trump's order. The announcement was part of the company's quarterly earnings release, which noted a decline in profit compared to the same period last year.
According to Walmart, its first-quarter earnings fell to $4.45 billion, or 56 cents per share -- a decline from the $5.10 billion, or 63 cents per share, reported a year earlier. The company also withheld a future profit forecast, citing the unpredictability of today’s economic environment. Commenting during an earnings call, Walmart CEO Doug McMillion explained that the retail chain was “not able to absorb all the pressure” stemming from the tariffs, referencing the tight operating margins that are common in the retail sector.
By Saturday, Trump had issued his personal response via his Truth Social platform, lashing out at Walmart’s explanation for the upcoming price increases. He accused the corporation of pointing fingers at tariff policies instead of managing cost internally.
“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain,” Trump posted. He went on to highlight Walmart’s profitability, stating, “Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected.”
The president suggested that Walmart should deal with the extra costs itself rather than shifting them to shoppers, writing that Walmart and China alike should "EAT THE TARIFFS." He added, “I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!”
In response to Trump’s criticisms, a Walmart spokesperson issued a statement to The Hill on Saturday, emphasizing the company’s long-standing efforts to minimize costs at checkout. “We have always worked to keep our prices as low as possible and we won’t stop,” the spokesperson said.
The company further explained that although they aim to shield consumers from price escalations, they can only continue doing so within the constraints of thin retail profit margins. “We’ll keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can given the reality of small retail margins,” the spokesperson added. Retail experts have warned for months that the tariff landscape could translate into added costs for American consumers, particularly in the household goods and apparel markets where Walmart commands substantial market share.
Adding another layer to the economic discussion, the Trump administration earlier in the week enacted a significant change in its approach to tariffs on Chinese goods. The White House reduced those tariffs from a peak of 145% to 30% for a temporary 90-day window.
In response, the Chinese government also eased its retaliatory measures, bringing its tariff rate down from 125% to 10%. This mutual decrease in trade penalties marked a notable reversal in the international tariff policy pursued in past years.
These adjustments followed a pattern of shifting trade strategies during Trump’s presidency, with occasional exemptions applied to Chinese imports and a rollback of a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. A 90-day pause on “reciprocal” tariffs affecting various other countries was also introduced as part of the broader reassessment.
Despite the short-term relief from lowered tariffs, Walmart's leadership remains cautious about future financial outlooks. The absence of a profit forecast for the current quarter reflects the instability businesses face amid evolving fiscal policies and global trade dynamics.
Walmart is one of the largest private employers and retailers in the United States, and its pricing decisions can have a ripple effect across the broader retail landscape. Whether the company’s upcoming price adjustments will impact its customer base remains to be seen.
As consumers prepare for potential changes at store shelves, the public dispute between Trump and Walmart underscores the broader debate over who ultimately bears the burden of international trade decisions: corporations or shoppers.
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has stepped aside as an external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct moves forward.
The United Nations’ internal oversight office is examining claims against Khan, a development that coincides with heightened scrutiny of the ICC’s recent arrest warrants targeting Israeli and Hamas leaders, as Fox News reports.
The ICC confirmed Friday that Khan will be on leave until the investigation concludes. The inquiry is being led by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, which serves as the U.N.’s internal watchdog. Khan has denied all allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Initial reports of the alleged misconduct surfaced last year in May, when two ICC staff members said a victim had privately shared accusations involving Khan. The ICC’s in-house watchdog launched a short inquiry, speaking with the alleged victim but ending the probe after five days when she declined to file a formal complaint.
Although the inquiry closed without a formal conclusion, the watchdog recommended Khan reduce direct interaction with the woman to help maintain confidence in the court. Khan himself was not interviewed during that initial review.
The situation escalated over the past week as media outlets, including the Associated Press and Fox News Digital, highlighted the unresolved misconduct claims. Fox News asked both the court and Khan if he would resign or face removal soon. Khan’s decision to pause his duties followed shortly after.
Women's rights organizations had previously pushed for Khan's resignation when the accusations first emerged. At the time, he refused. Now, with an external investigation under way, he has agreed to step back temporarily from his role. Attorneys from the British law firm Carter-Ruck Solicitors, who represent Khan, issued a statement denying all claims against him. They said he is cooperating fully with the UN-led inquiry and has done nothing wrong.
While the misconduct investigation was unfolding, Khan made international headlines with the ICC’s decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three senior Hamas leaders. These charges follow the outbreak of war in October 2023, when Hamas militants entered Israel and killed more than 1,200 people, including several Americans.
Khan had reportedly canceled a planned visit to Israel and Gaza shortly before making the announcement, adding fuel to suspicions that the timing of the prosecutions may have been politically motivated. Critics have questioned whether Khan’s move was an attempt to redirect attention away from the allegations against him. Lawyers for Khan defended the prosecutorial decision, saying that the ICC's judges approved the arrest warrants after determining the evidence met legal requirements under the Rome Statute. They also rejected claims that the timing of the filing was influenced by personal matters.
Legal scholars have voiced sharp criticism of the court’s operations. Eugene Kontorovich, a constitutional law professor and expert on international law, claimed that Khan's departure doesn’t go far enough. He said that deeper institutional failings at the ICC have allowed such issues to persist unchecked. Kontorovich went further by arguing that the misconduct scandal jeopardizes not only the charges brought by Khan but also casts doubt on previous prosecutions. He cited the court’s limited success over its 25-year existence -- only six final convictions for atrocity crimes—to support his argument that the ICC should be shut down altogether.
Hillel Neuer, head of U.N. Watch, suggested that Khan’s leave is a strategic move to protect the court's image while continuing what he called politically driven legal actions against Israel. He emphasized that the controversy extends beyond any one individual, challenging the motives behind the court's recent high-profile prosecutions.
Israeli officials have requested the ICC withdraw the warrants filed against its leaders, labeling the court's decisions as biased and unjust. However, the ICC has made no public move to retract its actions. A spokesperson declined to speculate on the status of the warrants, citing a pending procedural request.
In one especially controversial twist, President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Khan in February 2025. The move heightened tensions between the ICC and the U.S. and complicated global perceptions of the court's impartiality in prosecuting international crimes. Adding to the intrigue, critics highlighted past writings by Khan that seemed to contrast with his current actions. In 2013, he published an academic piece suggesting that prosecutions like Netanyahu’s would be legally flawed, as the ICC was unequipped to ensure fair judicial processes in such cases.
So far, the Office of Internal Oversight Services has not disclosed a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion. Meanwhile, Khan remains on leave, with court operations continuing under interim leadership. The outcome of the inquiry may shape the direction and credibility of the ICC for years to come. UN officials declined to weigh in on the matter, pointing to the International Criminal Court’s status as an independent body. While the U.N.’s inspector general office leads the investigation, the judicial institution makes decisions separately from U.N. political branches.
With both legal and public attention focused heavily on the court, the ICC faces growing pressure to demonstrate transparency, accountability and adherence to legal norms. The results of the misconduct inquiry and subsequent handling by court leadership may define how the institution moves forward in the wake of deepening controversy.
A vital communications line meant to coordinate aircraft activity between the Pentagon and Reagan Washington National Airport has been down for over two years without detection.
The disabled hotline remained unnoticed since March 2022 and only came to light after two passenger jets had to abruptly abort landings due to an uncoordinated Army helicopter's presence in active airspace near Washington, D.C., as the Washington Examiner reports.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed last week that the dedicated hotline between Reagan National Airport’s air traffic control and military personnel at the Pentagon has not functioned since early 2022. The breakdown only became apparent after a potential collision incident involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter triggered alarms within the aviation community.
On that day, around 2:30 p.m., the helicopter approached Washington’s airspace en route to the Pentagon. As it entered the path of two incoming commercial flights, air traffic controllers were forced to issue emergency course corrections. Delta Air Lines Flight 1671 from Orlando and Republic Airways Flight 5825 from Boston both aborted their scheduled landings and conducted go-arounds, a standard safety maneuver in which aircraft circle before attempting to land again.
This close call rekindled serious concerns about coordination between military and civilian aviation operations in one of the nation’s busiest and most tightly controlled airspaces.
The Army helicopter in question belonged to a Virginia-based unit that had only recently resumed flights in the D.C. region. The unit had halted operations earlier in the year following a tragic aerial crash on January 29, when one of its helicopters collided with an American Airlines regional jet. That incident claimed 67 lives and prompted a temporary grounding of Pentagon-bound flights for review.
In response to the latest airspace disruption, the same Army unit voluntarily suspended its flights again to conduct another internal investigation. Military officials are now working closely with air traffic authorities to examine what went wrong and how to prevent future incidents.
The FAA stated that it is reviewing whether to revoke a long-standing arrangement allowing the military to operate in the region’s restricted airspace without prior approval. Such a move could drastically change the protocols and timelines for military aviation activity in the capital region.
In fact, the agency has already made several adjustments to address safety concerns. In March, authorities closed a key commercial flight path permanently and placed limits on two of Reagan National’s smaller runways. These restrictions go into effect during times when military helicopters carry out urgent or time-sensitive missions nearby.
Despite these adjustments, the threat of miscommunication remains. A central concern for officials is that the malfunctioning hotline was completely unknown for over two years -- an oversight with significant implications for airspace safety. According to Deputy FAA Air Traffic Control Chief Franklin McIntosh, it wasn’t until the go-around event that the agency realized the direct hotline had been non-operational.
“We became aware after that event,” McIntosh said. “Now that we became aware of that event, we’re insisting upon that line to be fixed before we resume any operations out of the Pentagon.”
Until the dedicated line is restored, communication between Pentagon helipad operators and Reagan’s control tower is being handled through traditional landline calls. While considered slower, these phone calls still allow for basic coordination and flight clearance. “We still have landline abilities,” McIntosh explained. He said helipad personnel can make direct calls to the operations center, where supervisors or lead air traffic controllers can receive the information and facilitate necessary coordination.
Though these workarounds exist, the FAA has made it clear that the hotline must be repaired before full-scale operations resume out of the Pentagon. There is no official timeline for when that will happen, but McIntosh noted that the Department of Defense had been alerted, and he expected steps would be taken to “expedite” the repair process.
As the situation unfolds, lawmakers are keeping a close watch. The Senate Commerce Committee, led by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, announced that it is actively monitoring both the safety situation at Reagan National and the broader implications for civil-military aviation coordination. “Let me say, the developments of DCA and its airspace are extremely concerning,” Cruz said. He added that the committee -- working alongside Senators Maria Cantwell, Tammy Duckworth, and Jerry Moran -- is focused on ensuring all airspace users behave responsibly and that a safe return to operations is achieved.
In the meantime, both civilian and military aviation officials are navigating the fallout from the newly discovered communications breakdown. With no direct channel currently available, close coordination and transparent updates will be key in preventing further incidents.
Federal immigration agents made a series of high-profile arrests in cities across the United States on May 15, targeting undocumented individuals with violent criminal records.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained several non-citizens in sanctuary cities, sparking renewed debate over immigration enforcement and the impact of sanctuary policies on public safety, as Just the News reports.
In Boston, 32-year-old Mexican national Manuel Seberiano Garcia-Munoz was detained by ICE. According to federal authorities, Garcia-Munoz had previously been deported and later convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, for which he served four years in prison. ICE stated that they apprehended him due to his criminal background and immigration violations.
On the same day in Everett, Massachusetts, federal agents arrested 28-year-old Jose Reyes Alvarez, originally from El Salvador. Homeland Security officials allege Alvarez has ties to the gang MS-13, and he was apprehended for operating a vehicle without a license, and his arrest was coordinated with support from ICE’s Los Angeles division.
Later that day in Newark, authorities arrested Oscar Juracan, a 32-year-old Guatemalan national. Juracan had been convicted of aggravated sexual assault committed during a robbery and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He now remains in ICE custody as he awaits deportation proceedings.
In Philadelphia, ICE agents detained Tito Flores-Gonzalez, a 27-year-old citizen of Mexico. Officials revealed that Flores-Gonzalez had been voluntarily deported twice prior to this arrest. He was first taken into custody by Delaware State Police in January 2025 on multiple state charges.
Flores-Gonzalez faced allegations including attempted kidnapping, harassment, and terroristic threats. According to authorities, he was convicted and is currently awaiting removal proceedings in federal custody. Officials reiterated that his prior deportations and repeat offenses played a key role in his federal detention.
Assistant Homeland Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed strong disapproval of sanctuary city policies in the wake of the arrests. She warned that these local policies, which limit law enforcement cooperation with immigration officials, make it harder for ICE to remove individuals with criminal backgrounds. “These sanctuary politicians are playing Russian roulette with American lives,” McLaughlin said. “While they work to hinder federal efforts, the Department of Homeland Security will continue identifying and removing criminal illegal aliens from American communities.”
McLaughlin added that elected leaders have a duty to safeguard public safety and not shield individuals who pose serious threats. She stated that Americans should not have to fear that known criminals are being protected due to local immigration stances.
Tom Homan, who serves as Trump’s top adviser on border security, emphasized the administration’s immigration enforcement priorities following the arrests. He claimed that illegal border crossings have plummeted nearly 97 percent under the current administration’s tightened security measures. Homan also asserted that financial networks supporting drug cartels are weakening as continued immigration enforcement has disrupted cross-border criminal activity. One of his key responsibilities is leading what officials describe as the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history.
Beyond border security and deportations, Homan said his goals include tracing more than 290,000 missing non-citizen children identified by the Department of Homeland Security in May 2024. The status and welfare of these children remain a top priority for federal authorities, he added.
The arrests have further heightened tensions between the federal government and sanctuary jurisdictions. Local authorities in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Newark have enacted policies limiting how local police may cooperate with federal immigration officers.
Federal officials argue that these policies allow violent offenders to remain in the United States. DHS representatives maintain that public safety is harmed when local law enforcement does not transfer custody of convicted criminals to federal agents once these individuals complete their sentences.
ICE officials said they acted independently where necessary to apprehend the suspects, based on known criminal histories and current intelligence. All four individuals remain in federal detention as proceedings continue regarding their removal from the United States.
While the Biden and previous Trump administrations have both faced scrutiny over immigration enforcement tactics, this latest operation highlights the persistent divide over how best to manage undocumented migrants with violent criminal records.
Washington state lawmakers are facing heated debate following the passage of a bill that could allow undocumented immigrants to receive housing support benefits.
The Democrat-led Legislature approved Senate Bill 5232 in April, which -- if signed into law -- would remove legal residency requirements for recipients of a state housing aid program, drawing criticism amid a significant budget shortfall, as Fox News reports, a move sure to infuriate the Trump administration.
Senate Bill 5232 was passed by Washington’s legislature, controlled by Democrats, and is now awaiting action from Gov. Bob Ferguson. The bill focuses on the state’s Housing and Essential Needs Referral Program, or HEN, which helps low-income individuals unable to work due to mental or physical illness.
Under current rules, only those legally in the United States -- such as citizens, lawful permanent residents, and others with legal status -- can receive these benefits. The new bill seeks to remove that legal residency requirement, potentially expanding access to undocumented immigrants. The legislation has sparked strong opposition from some Republican lawmakers and budget critics, pointing to the state’s financial issues.
Washington is currently facing a projected $16 billion gap in its budget. The HEN program already receives about $130 million in funding from the state. Opponents argue that expanding eligibility could stretch resources even thinner. State Sen. Leonard Christian has been one of the most vocal critics of the bill. “This year seems to be the year for noncitizens,” Christian said, questioning the state’s financial priorities. He also referred to previous Medicaid expansions for noncitizens, arguing that the cumulative costs are unsustainable.
Christian also took personal issue with the method of distributing cash assistance, warning from lived experience that unrestricted funds could be misused. “He used the money that was given to my mom to buy groceries and food for us kids, to buy marijuana and alcohol at the age of 12,” he said, reflecting on the potential downsides of poorly monitored financial aid.
While the bill has cleared the Legislature, it will not become law unless Ferguson signs it. Ferguson, a Democrat, has not yet stated if he will approve or veto the legislation. Fox News Digital reached out to Ferguson’s office and to the sponsors of the bill for comment. As of now, no confirmation has been given on the governor’s decision regarding SB 5232.
In recent months, Ferguson has supported measures aimed at strengthening immigrant protections in the state. These include new laws that ban bail bond agents from enforcing immigration rules and give the state authority to inspect private detention facilities.
Detractors of SB 5232 argue that giving undocumented immigrants access to housing aid may come at the expense of people who are legally residing in Washington. That concern has been echoed by Republican Rep. Travis Couture. “Same budget with more recipients. That means our people get kicked out of line in favor of illegal immigrants,” Couture said, urging the governor to reject the measure. “Gov. Ferguson -- veto this. It’s unfair and it’s wrong. Put our own people first!”
Christian expressed similar concerns about what he sees as the economic burden of expanding social support programs. He accused fellow lawmakers of ignoring financial consequences. “They don’t get the fact that somebody else has got to pay for that crazy program,” he said, pointing to what he describes as unrealistic policymaking.
Supporters of the legislation argue that HEN exists to help individuals in critical situations regardless of legal status. Removing legal residency as a requirement, they say, ensures that those unable to work due to serious health issues are not denied basic needs like housing.
Though not quoted directly, bill sponsors have emphasized that access to stable housing could reduce homelessness, improve public health outcomes, and reduce emergency service costs in the long term. They contend that aid should be based on need, not immigration status. Still, the issue remains politically delicate as Washington continues to grapple with financial challenges and an increasingly divided electorate on immigration policy.
Ferguson has only a narrow window to decide the fate of SB 5232. His choice will likely intensify a growing debate over who should benefit from state-funded support programs, and what role immigration status should play in eligibility decisions.
Many are watching closely to see whether Ferguson aligns with the Legislature’s majority or responds to criticism from the bill’s detractors. His decision could set a precedent for how far individual states may go in offering benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Whether signed or vetoed, the bill has already ignited discussion around social responsibility, state spending, and legal definitions of eligibility -- issues that will remain central as lawmakers continue to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
A once-secret Cold War military installation has been detected deep beneath Greenland’s ice sheet, renewing a controversial U.S. interest in the island.
The surprising rediscovery of Camp Century by NASA scientists in April 2024 has prompted President Donald Trump to revive his goal of acquiring Greenland, citing strategic and security interests tied to the long-abandoned base, as the Daily Mail reports.
The facility, known as Camp Century, was constructed in 1959 during heightened Cold War tensions as a U.S. military outpost beneath Greenland’s ice. It served as a cover for Project Iceworm, a covert proposal to install intercontinental nuclear missile launch sites hidden in the Arctic. By 1967, the project was discontinued due to the unstable nature of the glacier, and Camp Century was subsequently abandoned. Though the nuclear reactor that once powered it was removed, various hazardous materials remained buried onsite. Details about the base’s true purpose remained classified until 1997.
In April 2024, Chad Greene, chief scientist at NASA, rediscovered the site during a radar imaging flight across northwestern Greenland. The mission used the Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) to map the glacier’s subsurface layers. Greene’s findings captured unprecedented top-down and side images showcasing Camp Century’s 3D layout and internal tunnels. According to Greene, “In the new data, individual structures in the secret city are visible in a way that they've never been seen before.”
The rediscovered base spanned 21 tunnels and stretched approximately 9,800 feet. Despite being buried under layers of snow and ice, the radar identified signatures identical to archived diagrams of the original construction.
Following the rediscovery, Trump publicly renewed his interest in placing Greenland under U.S. control. Since reclaiming the White House, Trump has named the acquisition of Greenland as a policy priority.
In a May 4 interview on Meet the Press, Trump commented, “We need Greenland very badly,” linking the island’s geography to national defense objectives. He also said, “Greenland is a very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security.” When asked whether he might use military force to acquire Greenland, Trump replied, “I don't rule it out,” signaling he viewed the rediscovery of Camp Century as a potential strategic asset.
The United States' interest in Greenland dates back decades. During World War II, American forces took responsibility for defending the island while Denmark was under Nazi occupation. After the war ended, the U.S. offered Denmark $100 million in 1946 to purchase Greenland, but the offer was declined. Nevertheless, a 1951 defense treaty allowed Washington to continue building bases and stationing troops on the island.
During the Cold War, the U.S. maintained as many as 17 bases in Greenland with around 10,000 troops. Today, only about 150 U.S. personnel remain stationed at Pituffik Space Base, which supports missile defense, space surveillance and Arctic operations.
In addition to military value, Greenland has tremendous economic potential. Its territory holds vast deposits of rare earth elements, oil and natural gas -- resources increasingly sought after by global powers.
The Trump administration previously argued that Greenland’s natural resources, combined with its location along vital Arctic routes, make it critical for U.S. and NATO influence in the region. The rediscovered Cold War facility has only added to that narrative. The reopening of Camp Century discussions has, however, reawakened environmental concerns regarding the waste left behind. Though the nuclear reactor was removed in the 1960s, items like chemical waste, diesel fuel and low-level radioactive remnants remain buried in the ice sheet. NASA’s radar could now play a critical role in monitoring these potential hazards.
Analysts suggest that interest in Greenland is part of a broader scramble for Arctic influence. As ice melts and new shipping routes open, countries like the U.S., Russia and China are vying for access and stakes in polar resources.
Greenland’s geographical position and untapped natural resources make it one of the most coveted territories in this emerging landscape. Trump’s push for annexation draws on this long-term strategic calculus and a revived sense of military urgency. The rediscovery of Camp Century may have added fuel to this rationale, providing both historic and symbolic justification in support of American expansion into Arctic policymaking.
Lawmakers in Washington state have approved legislation that could allow undocumented immigrants access to a major state-run housing assistance program, drawing polarized reactions amid deep budget concerns.
The bill, SB 5232, was passed by the Democratic-led Legislature in April 2025 and if the governor agrees, would remove a legal residency requirement for the Housing and Essential Needs Referral Program, known as HEN, as Fox News reports.
The HEN program helps low-income individuals who are unable to work due to mental or physical disabilities by providing housing assistance and other basic needs support. Previously, applicants were required to be U.S. citizens or legally residing in the country to qualify for the aid.
SB 5232 eliminates that legal status requirement, potentially extending the program’s reach to those who are undocumented. With approximately $130 million currently allocated to HEN, some legislators have raised concerns over how extending eligibility might impact the program’s finances and priority of service.
The bill has been delivered to Democrat Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has not yet said whether he will sign it into law. If enacted, it would represent a substantial policy shift amid Washington’s reported $16 billion budget shortfall. Critics argue the legislation would stretch limited resources and displace U.S. citizens in need. Rep. Travis Couture voiced opposition, stating that expanding the program without increasing the budget means “our people get kicked out of line,” and urging Ferguson to veto the proposal.
Sen. Leonard Christian also objected strongly, describing this legislative session as one focused on benefits for noncitizens. He warned that the changes would lead to direct cash and housing support for undocumented individuals, despite the state’s financial constraints.
Supporters of the bill argue it aligns with broader state efforts to protect and provide support to vulnerable populations, regardless of immigration status. This comes as Ferguson recently enacted laws increasing oversight of private detention centers and restricting bail bond agents’ role in immigration enforcement.
Christian, however, expressed skepticism about those broader initiatives, saying, “It just seems like the state is trying really hard to pick a fight with the Trump administration.” The reference points to rising national tensions over state-led immigration policies and federal immigration enforcement. Christian also shared personal experiences, revealing concerns about giving assistance to individuals with substance abuse issues. He recalled how his mother’s cash aid was misused during his childhood, saying it was spent on “marijuana and alcohol,” instead of food for the family, illustrating his worries about accountability in distributing aid.
The debate has highlighted a larger divide in Olympia over budget priorities and how far the state should go to support undocumented immigrants. Democrats have framed their proposals around equity and access to essential services, while Republicans have increasingly focused on fiscal responsibility and prioritizing assistance for legal residents.
Christian criticized the financial logic behind such expansions, suggesting Democratic lawmakers were acting emotionally. “A lot of times,” he said, “the Democratic Party thinks more with their hearts than with their head.” He also questioned who would ultimately bear the cost, stating, “Somebody else has got to pay for that crazy program.” Christian compared it to maxing out a credit card without concern for who will be left with the bill afterward.
As attention turns to the governor’s upcoming decision, pressure is mounting from both sides. Fox News Digital reportedly reached out to Ferguson's office and supporters of the bill but received no confirmation on his stance.
Backers of the measure are urging the governor to sign the bill, arguing it reflects Washington’s commitment to inclusivity. Meanwhile, opponents are calling for a veto, warning it could reduce access for current U.S. citizens in need and worsen the state’s financial crisis. If signed, the bill will mark yet another move by Washington to expand immigrant rights, which may place the state at odds with national immigration policy under a potential future Trump administration.
The final decision rests with Gov. Ferguson, whose choice could define the direction of state aid programs and influence the balance between welcoming newcomers and managing limited state resources.
A Mexican naval training vessel struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, triggering panic along the East River as hundreds looked on in disbelief.
A massive sail-powered ship operated by the Mexican navy collided with the iconic New York landmark after reportedly losing power while backing away from Pier 17, leaving two dead and at least 19 others injured, including several critically, as the Daily Mail reports.
The tall ship Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican training vessel built in 1981, was attempting to leave lower Manhattan just before 8:30 p.m. when the impact occurred. The ship had completed a public exhibition docked near the South Street Seaport and was scheduled to continue its voyage toward Iceland. With masts reaching up to 147 feet, the Cuauhtémoc stood taller than the Brooklyn Bridge’s 135-foot clearance. As the vessel moved in reverse, it collided with the underside of the bridge, snapping its masts and scattering debris onto the deck below.
The violent collision sent parts of the ship’s structure -- including large wooden beams, cables, fixtures, and sail cloth -- crashing down. Witness accounts describe scenes of horror, with naval cadets suspended from damaged rigging and others being thrown through the air. At the time of the incident, 277 individuals were on board, according to Mayor Eric Adams. In a message posted online, he confirmed that 19 sustained injuries during the incident, and two later died from their wounds.
Emergency crews from the NYPD Harbor and Scuba units as well as city fire personnel responded rapidly. Despite the severity and chaos on deck, no one was thrown into the East River, police confirmed. All injuries occurred on board the ship itself.
Among the most harrowing moments reported by bystanders were the sights of sailors dangling in the aftermath. Spectators watched as crew members in white uniforms clung to what was left of the mangled rigging high above the deck. One witness, Lily Katz, described using her phone to zoom in on a person hanging from a harness for about 15 minutes. “We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes,” she said. “There was someone dangling from the top for what felt like an eternity before they were rescued.”
Another bystander, Nick Corso, 23, likened the surreal scene to something out of a film. “I didn’t know what to think,” he said, describing the sound as “like the loud snapping of a big twig” and speaking of the sense of pandemonium that followed.
City officials believe a mechanical issue led to the crash, with Mayor Adams stating that the vessel lost power while attempting to reverse. A police official also noted suspected mechanical failure but did not elaborate on the nature of the problem. Videos taken by onlookers show the Cuauhtémoc creeping backward before its tallest mast violently crumples against the bridge’s lower deck. These clips, circulated widely on social media, document the moment passengers began to fall and climb for safety.
The vessel had been on a goodwill journey, flying the Mexican flag as part of an educational and cultural exchange tour. The ship had recently opened its decks for public visits in New York Harbor in collaboration with the South Street Seaport Museum.
Fortunately, the Brooklyn Bridge reported no significant structural damage as a result of the impact. Traffic was briefly halted in both directions but resumed around 10:30 p.m., less than two hours after the initial crash. The historic bridge, a symbol of New York City since its completion in 1883, has a known clearance limitation that posed a challenge for the towering Cuauhtémoc. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of clearance protocols for large ships navigating under city landmarks.
Officials have not stated why the vessel attempted to reverse beneath a clearance it could not safely navigate, especially while dealing with an apparent loss of engine functionality.
In the aftermath, Mexico’s foreign ministry confirmed that the country’s ambassador to the United States and diplomatic officials were providing assistance to injured cadets and coordinating with local emergency services. The Cuauhtémoc was first commissioned in 1981 out of Spain and is widely regarded as a symbol of naval pride in Mexico. It is used both to train cadets and to represent Mexico in international maritime events.
Saturday night’s accident marks a serious setback for the voyage and casts new attention on the nautical and safety procedures followed during port departures in major urban environments like New York. Authorities have opened an investigation into the collision, and further details about mechanical failures or command decisions that led to the crash have yet to be disclosed.