Stories from Washington · United States

Prices for sand and gravel have doubled due to widespread supply shortages. The market impact has been immediate and sharp, with prices rising significantly since March. Prices for Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) have surged by 40 percent. This trend is being observed in response to rising energy costs. The price hike impacts various electronic manufacturing sectors. War in Iran is disrupting printed circuit board supplies, leading to a 40% price surge. The impact on global supply chains is. Small artisans in France are reportedly facing financial ruin due to rising fuel costs. The state is criticized for potentially profiting from high fuel prices. This situation is described as intolerable and economically counterproductive. This economic pressure is impacting their ability to operate and sustain their businesses. The situation affects agricultural fertilizers and other essential goods.

Consumer Reports investigated Kroger and found the company pocketed over $500 million by selling shopper data between 2020 and 2024. One shopper's profile was reportedly shared with data brokers, tobacco companies, and banks. One company that partners with health insurers also received shopper data. Consumers can use a Google Voice number for loyalty programs to protect their data. Alternatively, using a generic phone number like 867-5309 at checkout may also work.

Law enforcement officials are investigating the motives of suspect Cole Allen following an incident on Saturday. A White House official informed NPR that Allen's brother contacted law enforcement minutes before the event occurred. The brother allegedly reported a piece of writing that Allen had sent to family members. Allen's sister also provided information to law enforcement regarding the suspect's references. The investigation is currently approximately 36 hours into the process. US Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that Cole Allen likely traveled by train from Los Angeles through Chicago to Washington. Investigators are now examining whether security measures at the venue were sufficient.

Investigators executed search warrants at locations associated with a suspect identified as Alan. National security and law enforcement officials are treating the investigation as a dual-track process to prevent future occurrences.

The US Air Force is struggling with production capacities for advanced fighter jets like the F-15EX. Current shortages in ammunition and delayed update programs are complicating operations in the Middle East. These production delays may leave a combat capability gap following the retirement of the A-10 Warthog. The situation reflects broader challenges within the US military's ability to maintain force strength. These issues are compounded by the ongoing involvement of US forces in Middle Eastern theaters. The US Army believes its ground forces, particularly armored units, will face insufficient air cover during advances without the A-10 attack aircraft.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory follows a federal cyber strategy that provides limited details for state and local government implementation.

The action follows investigations into pandemic-era relief fund mismanagement. The transfer aims to address suspected fraud within the relief programs. This action marks the largest asset recovery in the agency's history. The loans, totaling over $22 billion, were part of the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs and were identified as having signs of fraud prior to this recovery effort. This recovery is part of ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes. The operation targeted fraudulent applications for pandemic relief loans. The United States has recovered more than $22 billion in funds that were fraudulently obtained through COVID-19 relief programs. The Justice Department has been leading these investigations. This represents a effort in combating pandemic-related financial crimes. The White House is holding a press conference in the briefing room.

A Customs and Border Protection officer faces formal charges for assaulting a federal offender. The specific details of the confrontation remain under investigation.

US utility companies interrupted civilian electricity and natural gas supplies 13.4 million and 1.7 million times respectively in 2024.

Secret Service employees remain unpaid due to an ongoing partial government shutdown. The US Secret Service is facing criticism for repeated catastrophic mistakes following recent security incidents. Analysts suggest that a successful attack on high-level officials like Donald Trump or JD Vance would have triggered a state of global chaos. Investigations are beginning into the tactical procedures and the failure of agents to maintain an alert mental state during recent attempts. Law enforcement agencies are investigating how a gunman breached security perimeters to reach the nation's capital. Officials are discussing potential changes to security protocols, such as implementing airport-style checkpoints for train travel. The investigation is examining how the suspect purchased firearms over the past two years and traveled by train without being challenged.