Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

The Daily Wire reports that officials within the Biden administration used a code word to conceal taxpayer loans made to a major abortion provider. A senator reacted to the report on social media.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory follows an EY study showing cybersecurity leaders are increasing investments in AI-driven defenses to combat escalating AI-enabled threats.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced plans to abolish the Senate filibuster once Democrats regain power. Jeffries also stated intentions to pack the United States Supreme Court. The announcement was framed as a response to recent political developments.

The Trump administration has reinstated the 'gun show loophole' as part of a broader rollback of firearms restrictions. This move permits certain firearm sales to occur without the background checks required in other retail settings.

The US House is investigating Airbnb and the AI coding tool Cursor regarding their use of Chinese AI models. The probe focuses on national security implications related to AI regulation and models like Alibaba's Qwen.

Senator Nyamu has introduced legislation aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence.

Maine Senator Angus King is among lawmakers questioning the actions of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. The discussion includes whether military operations were planned with the expectation that Iran would respond in the manner observed. The U.S.

A report from The Guardian suggests that a potential weakening of OPEC could lead to lower oil prices. This shift could help reduce energy inflation in the United States. Additionally, the US shale oil industry may find opportunities to expand its market influence if OPEC's control diminishes. The report notes that if more members leave the organization, it could create a domino effect on global energy geopolitics.

US anti-immigration police have identified several countries as priority targets in recent months. Entry restrictions are currently applied to nations including Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. Travelers may bypass these restrictions by paying fees ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

The United States Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE) rose to a near three-year high in March, according to reports from the United States on April 30. Rising gasoline prices due to war are cited as a factor in this trend. The data explains why the Federal Reserve maintained interest rates unchanged during its most recent meeting. The year-on-year rate reached 3.5% amid sustained gasoline price increases driven by conflict. This increase follows rising oil prices linked to the Iran war. The US Department of Commerce reported that the March PCE price index rose 3.5% compared to one year ago. Shoppers in New York City are reportedly hesitating to spend due to these rising costs. The rise in the price index, a key metric for the Federal Reserve's 2 percent inflation target, has led to concerns regarding stagflation.