Stories from Washington · United States

NXP Semiconductors has launched a $5 billion share buyback program following the failure of a deal with Qualcomm Inc.

A plot to assassinate President Trump involved the transportation of a firearm across eight lines. The attempt occurred this past Saturday and marks the third attempt on the American president's life. A third attempt to take the life of Donald Trump has been reported.

News agencies report that Donald Trump's name has been added to several iconic buildings in Washington. A new legislative proposal will allow the inclusion of a Donald Trump portrait in US passports. German Federal Minister Patrick Schaff stated the move aims to make processes at ports more efficient and reduce waiting times. The proposal involves airlines reading data from chips in passports and identity cards. The US State Department issued a record 24.5 million passports in 2024, marking the third consecutive record year. Commemorative passports featuring a picture of President Trump will be available for those renewing or applying for new documents. Correspondent Ed Donahue explains that commemorative passports featuring President Trump's picture will be issued.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber threats targeting water systems. The advisory specifically targets vulnerabilities within water systems. The RSA Conference announced winners where AI security dominated the awards landscape.

Communication since the last Federal Reserve meeting indicates most policymakers are more inclined to keep interest rates on hold than earlier this year. This follows recent economic activity in Washington D.C. Senator Elizabeth Warren has expressed concerns regarding potential pressure on the Federal Reserve. Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed opposition to the move, characterizing it as an attempt by Donald Trump to take control of the Fed. The US Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds rate target range at 3.5% to 3.7% following a two-day meeting. The decision passed with 8 votes in favor and 4 votes against. One dissenting member, Li Simran, advocated for a 0.25% rate cut. The remaining three dissenters included language in their statement suggesting a tendency toward policy easing.

The United States communications regulator is reevaluating the federal license that authorizes ABC television broadcasting. The announcement follows demands from President Trump and Melania Trump to cancel the license and dismiss host Jimmy Kimmel. The move is reportedly linked to political pressure regarding Kimmel's content. Federal regulators are examining broadcast licenses tied to ABC following a joke by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel that alluded to the death of Donald Trump. The move has raised questions regarding the limits of the Federal Communications Commission's authority over broadcast media. Georgetown Law Professor David Coles stated that while the FCC regulates local stations, it does not have the authority in this specific context. The investigation follows reports of price increases in natural gas and oil due to supply chain issues.

The Department of Interior is conducting resurfacing work on a national monument in Washington DC. The monument last underwent major renovations 15 years ago and receives annual deep cleanings. Officials stated the monument requires regular and expensive refills.

United States GDP grew by only 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter.

Over 1.5 million signatures have been collected to trigger a vote on the Billionaire Tax Act. This number is more than double the amount required to bring the act to a vote. The election is scheduled to take place on Election Day in November. The initiative aims to address budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Supporters claim to have collected double the required signatures to place the tax on the November ballot. Proponents argue the tax will fund healthcare, while Governor Newsom opposes it, citing potential business exodus. The measure proposes a one-time 5 percent tax on the total wealth of California-resident billionaires, including stocks and real estate, and is set for a November vote. Google co-founder Sergey Brin has commented on a proposed California tax measure scheduled for a November vote.

A committee is investigating allegations that leadership within the Metropolitan Police Department manipulated crime statistics.