Stories from Washington · United States

The US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee declined to reduce President Trump's demand for a $1.15 trillion Armed Services Budget. The committee's decision was made despite concerns about the country's ability to afford it. A US House committee has voted to reject proposed cuts to a budget demand made by former President Donald Trump. The budget proposal will now face further debate. The decision was made during a committee session in Washington. Further negotiations are expected on the budget. The committee cited concerns over the impact on essential services. The prediction market indicates a 50% chance of a Democratic winner in the Ohio Senate race and a 50% chance of a Republican winner for Ohio governor. There is also a 50% chance of a SCOTUS justice being confirmed in 2026. The specific committee and the details of the proposed cuts were not immediately available.

The leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs is leaving her post. A senior FDA official confirmed the departure to CBS News. The FDA has not yet announced a replacement or provided details on the departure. Food and Drug Administration's drug regulation division has departed. The departure raises questions about the future direction of drug oversight. Their exit comes amid ongoing scrutiny of drug approval processes.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a unified battle against drug traffickers, potentially involving military action. This potential action is part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trade. This potential action is aimed at disrupting international drug supply chains. The move signals a potential escalation in the fight against international drug trade. This potential action targets cartels operating in Latin America.

The average interest rate for US Treasury Bills was 3.690% as of May 31, 2026. This data reflects rates for Treasury Notes at 3.248% and Treasury Bonds at 3.413%. This development reflects current market conditions and economic outlook. Investors are monitoring these rate changes closely. Investors are seeking higher yields on short-term government debt. This adjustment reflects recent monetary policy decisions and market conditions.

The US power grid is reportedly approaching critical capacity limits, according to a new assessment. The report warns of potential issues with adequate capacity and transmission without upgrades. The United States' power grid is approaching critical operational limits. Grid operators are monitoring the demand and supply closely.

The United States has seized approximately $1 billion in cryptocurrency linked to Iran. The funds were reportedly used to support the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. The specific cryptocurrency and the exact nature of the illicit activity were not disclosed. The seizure is reportedly linked to sanctions against the country. Fighting continues on several fronts as Russia maintains pressure on the country.

Economists argue that the current AI boom is significantly boosting US GDP. This surge is being compared to a 'sugar rush' that is propelling American economic growth. The artificial intelligence boom is significantly contributing to the growth of the United States' Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This trend highlights AI's economic impact. The current boom in Artificial Intelligence is significantly propelling US GDP growth. This surge is attributed to increased investment and innovation in the AI sector. Analysts predict continued growth fueled by AI innovation. The exact percentage of GDP growth attributed to AI was not specified. Economists anticipate continued growth if AI adoption accelerates. This surge in AI investment and development is a key driver of economic expansion. The burgeoning artificial intelligence industry has significantly contributed to the growth of the U.S.

The United States is pushing for faster patch deadlines in cybersecurity due to rising threats driven by artificial intelligence. US cybersecurity agencies are urging faster deadlines for software patching to address vulnerabilities. Prompt patching is for national security. The US Cybersecurity agency has urged organizations to adopt faster deadlines for applying software patches. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is urging organizations to patch vulnerabilities more quickly. CISA highlighted the increasing threat of cyberattacks.

US radio programs are discussing the liberal media's role and the political landscape. One segment touched on the narrative being pushed by certain media outlets. Analysts are examining how media influences political discourse and public opinion. Portuguese radio is discussing political decisions, specifically mentioning the FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) and its perceived inefficiencies. The conversation likely covers media influence, political discourse, and potential biases.

Average interest rates for US Treasury Bonds, Bills, and Notes remained unchanged as of May 31, 2026. Rates for Treasury Bonds were 3.413%, Treasury Bills were 3.690%, and Treasury Notes were 3.248%. The financial markets are monitoring the stability of these rates. Secretary Scott Bessent was mentioned in relation to assessing proposals for unfreezing assets. This comes amid reports of a drone barrage on St. The US Treasury has maintained its current rates, making no changes to its financial policies. The rates affect various financial instruments. The announcement was made by the Treasury Department. The specific amount of funds and target exchange rates were not disclosed. This measure aims to prevent currency fluctuations.