Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

Justice Jackson challenged a Department of Homeland Security decision regarding race during court proceedings. The discussion involved whether the administration's position prevents the consideration of context regarding racial epithets.

Washington DC officials plan to combine $46 million to expand the Youth Services Center and the New Beginnings Youth Development Center. Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker expressed concern that construction might consume recreation space without addressing core facility issues.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that a specific bill will not pass because it includes a ban on Central Bank digital currency. Fox News reported that the Senate will now have to rework the legislation and return it to the House. The decision follows discussions regarding the bill's provisions.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended his department's conduct of the war during a congressional hearing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Senator Tim Kaine that the 60-day timeline required by the War Powers Resolution of 1973 is currently on hold. The 1973 resolution requires a president to obtain Congressional authorization within 60 days of starting hostilities or withdraw troops. Defense Secretary Hexat argued during a Pentagon budget session that the war in Ukraine could continue without formal Congressional approval. He stated that the military operation period granted by the US Constitution has expired. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized the administration, stating the American people do not believe the war is a success. Critics highlighted the conflict's cost exceeding $25 billion and its impact on US gasoline prices.

Disney-owned ABC affiliates must prove to FCC Chairman Brandon Carr that they have been operating in the public interest. This requirement follows a controversy involving comedian Jimmy Kimmel and the Trump administration. The request follows comments made by Kimmel regarding Melania Trump. This requirement follows escalating tensions between the media giant and the Trump administration. Lawyer Josh Gerben stated the regulatory pressure follows calls from the President and First Lady for Kimmel's firing.

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

USCIS has added new security checks to immigration applications, according to spokesperson Zach Kaler. The agency is gaining increased access to federal criminal databases to facilitate these checks.

The Federal Reserve indicated that inflation remains high due to global energy prices. The Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee reduced the Selic basic interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, from 14.75% to 14.5% per year. The cut occurs amid Middle East conflict pressures. The Copom mentioned that the Selic rate decision occurs amid Middle East war pressures causing global inflationary concerns. The Federal Reserve maintained US interest rates at 3.5% to 3.75% per year, the lowest level since September 2022. Jerome Powell will leave his position as Fed Chair on May 15. Three regional Federal Reserve presidents dissented from the Federal Open Market Committee regarding interest rate decisions. Chairman Powell reinforced the importance of Federal Reserve independence during his comments. The members also changed the description of inflation from 'slightly elevated' to 'elevated'.

The United States national debt has reached approximately $39 trillion. The source noted that the debt continues to rise annually. According to Fox Business New citing Bureau of Economic Analysis data, the debt reached $31.27 trillion as of March 31. This development follows reports of US defense measures aimed at accelerating the transition to an AI-oriented military model. Inflation for March was recorded at 3.5%. GDP was estimated at $31.22 trillion for the 12-month period ending in March. Gasoline prices in the U.S. rose by 33 cents a gallon over the last week, including a 9-cent increase overnight. AAA reports the average price for regular gasoline nationwide is currently $4.39 a gallon. Energy markets remain volatile as the conflict with Iran enters its third month.

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace entered documents into the record claiming Cory Mills lied about his military service for years. Five fellow soldiers and a general on his Bronze Star paperwork reportedly contradict his claims.