Stories from Washington · United States

The FCC has approved EchoStar's spectrum sale to SpaceX and AT&T. EchoStar will sell 65 MHz of spectrum to SpaceX for its direct-to-cell service, and AT&T will acquire 50 MHz. The Federal Communications Commission has approved the spectrum sale from EchoStar to SpaceX and AT&T.

The auction of $42 billion of 10-year US Treasury notes experienced weak demand. The auction results could influence future bond pricing. The auction results were reported by Modernity/fed_treasury. The average interest rate for Treasury Bonds was 3.403% as of April 30, 2026.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly initiating investigations within the Department of Health and Human Services. The source expresses skepticism about the predetermined outcomes of these investigations.

US inflation has accelerated to an annual rate of 8%, driven significantly by rising gas prices. Wage increases may no longer be outpacing inflation. Core CPI, excluding volatile food and energy prices, rose to 0.4% in April and 2.8% year-over-year.

China has resumed buying U.S. soybeans late last year, though not at the levels previously hoped for. Small businesses report low confidence, with the lowest level since 2024. This action indicates a shift in trade relations. This move comes amid ongoing trade negotiations and evolving global market conditions. The volume of these purchases is being closely watched. The move signals a potential easing of trade tensions. This development was reported from Beijing.

The Department of Homeland Security is requesting $7.5 million to develop facial recognition wearable devices for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Some agents are already utilizing off-the-shelf versions of this technology.

The federal government is requesting information about minors who have received gender-affirming care. The request was filed by the Department of Justice. The specific nature of the information sought is not detailed. This initiative is being handled by the Department of Health and Human Services.

A call is being made for senators to reject the "Save Our Bacon Act" (SOB Act), a factory farm bill. Concerns are raised about foreign ownership of American agricultural assets, with 40% of pigs reportedly owned by Chinese and Brazilian companies.

A large retail theft ring operating across the United States has been targeted by law enforcement. The ring is accused of operating in at least nine different states.

A new Congressional Budget Office report projects that Donald Trump's proposed antimissile shield, referred to as 'Golden Dome,' would cost more than $1 trillion. This estimate is largely based on a previous executive order.