Stories from Washington · United States

The Trump administration has lost a legal round concerning gender affirming care. This is viewed as another legal setback for President Donald Trump. The case involves information from Rhode Island's largest hospital. A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's efforts against gender-affirming care, marking another legal setback for the Justice Department. President Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping offered assistance regarding Iran, a claim China has not yet confirmed. The leaders are engaged in talks concerning trade and Taiwan. A court ruling has blocked the administration's demand for data related to transgender individuals.

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's demands for confidential transgender patient information from a Rhode Island hospital. The DOJ claimed such data was necessary for its case.

Consumer spending is slowing in April, with growth expectations unmet. Consumers are becoming more cautious as inflation pushes up prices, impacting spending at furniture stores, car dealerships, and clothing retailers.

Artificial intelligence will be deployed to manage the risks posed by solar storms during the Artemis II mission. NASA scientists observed a record-breaking radio burst originating from the Sun in August 2025. The initial observation did not reveal anything unusual about the burst.

Democratic lawmakers have warned former President Trump that an attack on Cuba would be unlawful, deeply destabilizing, and catastrophic. The warning was issued in response to potential actions Trump might consider regarding Cuba.

The Trump administration's Department of Energy is compelling five aging coal plants to remain operational beyond their planned closure dates. This decision is expected to cost ratepayers over $200 million in higher electricity bills and increase pollution.

The number of people being monitored for hantavirus in the U.S. has risen to 41, according to the CDC. Passengers from a cruise ship are among those being monitored in Nebraska and Georgia. None of the individuals tested positive for the virus.

Goldman Sachs reportedly stated that Donald Trump settled a case for $1.7 billion to create a slush fund for allies, including January 6th rioters. This settlement was allegedly made because a judge was expected to dismiss the case. The source also mentioned that the Trump administration had a policy regarding Federal Reserve nominees. The accusation comes from prosecutors in Washington D.C. A statement alleges that ordering the Department of Justice to hand over $1.7 billion to individuals who attacked police officers constitutes a weaponization of the DOJ. This accusation is part of ongoing political discourse.

Michael Banks, the head of the US Border Patrol, resigned from his position on Thursday. The reasons for his resignation were not immediately disclosed. His departure comes amid ongoing challenges at the US border. His departure follows reports of prostitution allegations and comes amid a string of exits by Trump administration immigration officials. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Michael Banks has resigned. Banks replaced Greg Bovino, who served in the position for seven months. Banks stated it is time to return home to Texas. Banks stated that his team has delivered the most secure border the country has ever seen. He added that their accomplishments in the last year and a half are amazing. The resignation comes as the administration faces pressure to address border control issues.

The Trump administration's efforts to influence federal reserve nominees were discussed. The administration sought nominees who would align with its economic policies, particularly regarding interest rates.