Stories from Washington · United States

A recent poll indicates that less than 25% of Americans currently view a college degree as essential for achieving the American dream. This shift follows a massive increase in tuition, with costs at major private colleges rising tenfold since 1980. The rising expense is driving a political and social divide regarding the value of higher education. A man interviewed on Times Radio UK noted that college has become too expensive to function as a tool for social mobility. He stated that university in the US is often out of reach for many. He added that even those who graduate are frequently trapped in debt for years.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA have issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyberattacks targeting water systems. The warning highlights escalating threats to critical infrastructure and the need for enhanced defenses. US banks have been issued warnings against conducting trade with Iran, amidst broader concerns about cybersecurity and critical infrastructure related to Iran.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced on Friday that he will not step down despite recent political shifts. The decision comes as gas prices rise by 3.5%. The Wall Street rally saw new historical highs early in the week but was quickly dampened by rising oil prices, fueling inflation and economic concerns. David Kuhn noted the decision serves to demonstrate the Federal Reserve's standing to the markets. Jerome Powell's term as Federal Reserve Chair ends on May 15, but his term as a Fed governor continues until late January 2028. Jerome Powell stated that the US government's actions have crossed a line and could alter the Federal Reserve's operations. Jerome Powell is expected to remain as Federal Reserve Chair, despite being described as a negative figure by Treasury Secretary Bessent.

The Trump administration has proposed a budget request that includes the elimination of all Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants. The plan also seeks to claw back $63 million in previously approved bipartisan grant funding. This move comes amid a period where 70 percent of Americans disapprove of the president's economic management.

The United States economy grew by just 1.4% in the fourth quarter.

A Yale Budget Lab study found that the President's trade war policies increased food costs for American families by $1,700 throughout 2025. The findings highlight the direct impact of trade deficits on grocery prices for households. This economic data comes as analysts monitor the ongoing consequences of protectionist trade measures.

A recent survey indicates that only 38% of Americans believe the American dream is accessible to everyone. The data suggests a significant decline in the perception of social mobility and economic opportunity within the United States. This sentiment reflects broader anxieties regarding the future of the nation's social contract.

Donald Trump has selected Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve.

In a discussion about a group's financial practices, a founder named Ben recounted an incident where a team member admitted to stealing money. This admission led Ben to suspect the individual, highlighting internal financial misconduct within the group.

A historian argues that violence is an intrinsic element in the formation of the United States, contrasting its rapid nation-building with European states that developed over centuries. The first volume of a historical work, titled 'Nez dans le sang' (Nose in the Blood), covers the period up to the mid-19th century, highlighting the pervasive violence present during the nation's establishment.