Stories from Washington · United States

Lawmakers are seeking information regarding contacts between Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein. Some funding for the National Institutes of Health has been restored, though researchers report ongoing suffering from previous cuts. Treasury Secretary Howard Lutnick participated in a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee regarding his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick testified that he cut ties with Epstein in 2005. However, Department of Justice documents indicate Lutnick traveled to Epstein's private island with his family in 2012. House Oversight Committee chair James Comer stated that Lutnick attended the hearing voluntarily. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared before a House committee today to testify regarding investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. The hearing focused on questions concerning Lutnick's contacts with Epstein.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez is calling for a full and independent review of transactions involving the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Gomez stated that there are serious unresolved questions regarding these investments that could jeopardize national security.

The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the closure of the Office of the Immigration Detention Inspector, which oversaw misconduct within immigrant detention systems.

Reports indicate that Washington has granted Tehran a 48-hour deadline to provide a final response. The memorandum is considered potentially illegal under US law because 60 days have passed since the start of the war without a formal Congressional pronouncement. Analysts suggest Iranians may seek concessions to protect their nuclear program, reopen the strait, and restart their economy. A preliminary memorandum between Washington and Tehran is currently under consideration to reduce escalation in the Gulf. This follows discussions regarding the use of electronic or cable-based media in drone operations. US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that if Iran agrees to a fundamental deal, the 'Wrath of God' operation will end and the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.

A 2023 survey indicated that approximately 50% of Republicans and 51% of Democrats expressed more concern than anticipation regarding the widespread application of AI in daily life. The upcoming AI law in Europe is set to be simplified, which is viewed as potentially negative news for European consumers. The simplification may impact consumer protections related to AI technologies.

The United States is working to prevent Iranian-linked positions from holding global influence.

Former President Trump noted business dealings between the US and China, stating that China earns substantial revenue from oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan has deployed 1,400 personnel for joint military exercises, making it the third-largest participating country after the United States. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged Japan to deeply reflect on its militaristic actions. The exercises involve the deployment of Japanese troops for joint drills. Japan is participating in the 2026 US-Philippines joint military exercise 'Balikatan' for the first time as a formal member. Japan participated as a formal member in the US-Philippines 'Balikatan' joint military exercises for the first time, deploying approximately 1,400 personnel, the helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga, and the destroyer JS Samidare. Japan has deployed approximately 1,400 personnel, including the helicopter destroyer Ise and destroyer Inazuma, to participate in the US-Philippines military drills.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the US military 'Operation Storm' launched in February has officially ended. Rubio stated that Washington is now shifting focus toward ensuring security in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. The White House has notified Congress that hostilities have concluded. Under US war powers, military operations exceeding 60 days require congressional approval. Rubio confirmed that the United States has achieved the objectives of the operation. The operation faced Iranian backlash and was suspended amid Iran tensions. The World Health Organization reported on May 6 that an additional person has been infected with Hantavirus on the Red Sea 24 cruise ship. A passenger on the Red Sea 24 cruise ship died on April 12, but officials initially attributed the death to natural causes.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated his agency was kept out of the Nancy Guthrie investigation for four days at the beginning. Patel told Sean Hannity's podcast that he personally contacted Google to request a search of doorbell camera images, despite Guthrie not having a paid subscription. Guthrie has been missing for over three months. The investigation into her disappearance is ongoing.