Stories from Washington · United States

This statement comes two decades after Pluto was downgraded to a dwarf planet status. This announcement was made during a discussion regarding agency priorities. Isaacman stated that documents are being prepared to initiate a formal review within the scientific community. The proposal follows the historical discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh, who was originally from Kansas. NASA chief Jared Isaacson told a US Senate committee that Pluto should be reclassified as a planet. Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 after failing to meet specific scientific criteria. Isaacson argued it is time to welcome the celestial body back into the planetary fold. The potential move follows long-standing public and scientific debate regarding the classification. The project would address the ongoing scientific discussion about Pluto's status in the solar system.

The US Department of War has helped stimulate over 150 investment deals across 39 states and 180 cities. The new plan includes the establishment of new assembly lines. Sources report the initiative focuses on new assembly lines as part of the broader investment strategy.

The United States is experiencing its largest measles outbreak since 1990. The situation involves discussions regarding the politics of public health and vaccines. The outbreak is being monitored by health reporters at KFF Health News.

US non-defense capital goods orders, excluding aircraft, grew 3.3% in March on a monthly basis. New orders for manufactured goods in the United States rose 1.5% last month compared to the previous month. The Census Bureau reported this data, noting that the increase is not an outlier. Recent data indicates that orders also rose in April. Other upcoming economic reports include the April jobs report, productivity numbers, and new home sales data. This increase occurred despite ongoing uncertainty regarding energy costs and international conflict.

The Senate Banking Committee has approved Ken Warsha for the position of head of the Federal Reserve. A vote on the candidacy is expected to follow. The U.S.

Supporters of the 'Making America Healthy Again' (MAHA) coalition are expressing disappointment with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding health reform delivery. The coalition includes vaccine skeptics, nutrition-focused parents, and anti-pesticide activists.

Kamala Harris stated she welcomes all steps forward in the ongoing police investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Police announced that three women and one man have been interviewed under caution.

Mr. A prosecuting attorney stated that the investigation into Kevin Warsh is not over, despite previous announcements suggesting it was dropped. No specific timeline for the full Senate vote was provided in the report. This development follows the committee's formal approval process. The vote distribution followed party lines, with Republicans supporting the candidacy. Bloomberg reported the committee's decision. A Senate committee approved the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the new chair of the United States Federal Reserve. The appointment must now proceed to the full Senate for a majority vote to be confirmed. Powell has been a frequent target of President Trump's criticism regarding interest rate cuts. Lawmakers received their first cost estimates for the war with Iran today. The candidate, Cabin Warsha, received a majority vote from commission members.

The United States Senate is scheduled to vote today on President Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve. The nominee's previous selection is expected to hold a final meeting in charge before the transition. Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed concerns regarding potential presidential pressure on the Federal Reserve during the process. Thirteen Republicans supported President Trump's nominee, Bondid, in a recent Senate vote. Eleven Democrats voted against the nominee. The decision has been passed to the full Senate for final approval, which must occur before May 15, 2026. This deadline coincides with the expiration of current Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's term. The nominee previously worked at Morgan Stanley from 1995 to 2002 and served as an economic advisor to George W. The nominee also served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors during the 2008 financial crisis.

Defense Secretary Heg Seth arrived on Capitol Hill to face questioning regarding the Iran conflict. The mission aims to convince lawmakers to vote for this budget allocation. The testimony is occurring in Washington D.C. The testimony highlighted that extended deployments and equipment issues like plumbing and fires are hitting readiness significantly. The source noted the USS Ford will not be sent to the Indo-Pacific to fill gaps. A committee member noted that the USS Gerald R. Ford's readiness is being impacted by fires, plumbing problems, and extended deployments. The carrier is not currently deploying to the Indo-Pacific to address regional gaps. Secretary of Defense is expected to testify before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington D.C. regarding the war in the Middle East.