Stories from Washington · United States

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is scheduled to plead guilty today in a gambling investigation. Prosecutors allege Jones cashed in on rigged poker games and provided non-public injury information regarding star players, including his former teammate LeBron James. He admitted to helping defraud sports betting companies by using connections to obtain insider information regarding player injuries. Jones is the first person to plead guilty in a case involving more than 30 basketball stars and alleged mobsters. Other defendants, including former NBA players Terry Rosear and Chauncey Billips, have not entered guilty pleas. The investigation is linked to broader discussions regarding OPEC's influence on pricing, according to the report. The case is being handled in the United States.

Donald Trump signed a decree on Monday providing for sanctions against the International Criminal Court. The move comes amid increasing international tension regarding the court's authority. The decree targets leaders and officials associated with the court.

The National Army Museum has introduced a new augmented reality exhibition focused on the American Revolution. Visitors can use a provided tablet to scan markers to view the exhibit. The program is being presented by Luke Luker.

Consumer confidence rose modestly in April despite growing anxiety regarding soaring energy prices caused by the war. consumer confidence index rose to 92.8 in April. The report noted that these price increases are being driven by the war in Iran. Americans show increased confidence in the overall economy compared to one month ago, according to ABC's Sherry Preston. This uptick in confidence occurred from March through April despite rising concerns regarding oil and gas supplies. The average nationwide price for gasoline is currently 4.18 per gallon. The board's chief economist noted little overall change despite concerns regarding rising gas prices linked to the war in the Middle East. The S&P 500 dropped approximately 35 points, or about 0.5 percent, to 71.38. Major retailers reported mixed results, with Walmart remaining flat and Target's stock down 2 percent.

Leaked remarks from new Ambassador Christian Turner suggest the United States maintains a special friendship with Israel rather than Britain. Turner reportedly made these comments to sixth formers in Washington.

The U.S. Navy has successfully delivered its first metal 3D printed aircraft parts to the fleet.

The United States maintains a generally negative view of current Israeli military actions, according to CRI News Radio. US officials expressed a desire to maintain a surface-level ceasefire to create an environment for US-Iran negotiations.

Vice President Vance has repeatedly questioned the Defense Department's depiction of the war in Iran. The consideration follows security and safety insights regarding potential risks to the administration's leadership continuity. The reporting was provided by ABC's Sophie Flay. The report notes these concerns follow ongoing scrutiny of the conflict. The Atlantic reported that Vance shared concerns with President Trump about the United States running low on missiles due to the conflict with Iran. This follows discussions regarding the impact of the war on military supplies. This follows comments regarding the potential for a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. The report also noted the President's comments on enriched uranium used for nuclear weapons. The report suggests the discussion involves the status of U.S.

Debates have intensified in Washington regarding how military operations against Iran can continue after May 1. The US Senate rejected a Democratic proposal to limit presidential war powers during a procedural vote on April 28. The legislation aimed to prevent President Trump from conducting military operations in Cuba without Congressional authorization. The Asian Development Bank reported on April 29 that global commodity food prices have risen 6% and European crude oil prices have increased 53%. The bank also noted that economic growth forecasts for the next two years were lowered to 4.7% and 4.8% from a previous average of 5.1%. The US Congress is shifting focus from war costs to a potential constitutional crisis as a 60-day deadline expires this Friday. This deadline pertains to the War Powers Act, which governs President Donald Trump's ability to continue military operations.

Dr. A former advisor faces multiple criminal charges following a House subcommittee investigation. The charges include conspiracy against the United States, destruction or falsification of records in federal investigations, and concealment or mutilation of records. Evidence released by the subcommittee showed the individual used personal email to discuss NIH grants with an infectious disease group. The Justice Department has indicted a former National Institutes of Health official. The indictment involves alleged efforts to evade a Freedom of Information Act request. Moran is accused of deliberately using personal emails to avoid scrutiny and bypass FOIA requests. This follows a series of emails published by House Republicans two years ago. Prosecutors claim Moran concealed federal records to obstruct evidence regarding whether COVID-19 originated from a laboratory in China.