Stories from Washington DC · United States

Lawmakers have requested more details about the cost of the war with Iran. They are defending the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion budget request before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

The FCC has approved EchoStar's spectrum sale to SpaceX and AT&T. EchoStar will sell 65 MHz of spectrum to SpaceX for its direct-to-cell service, and AT&T will acquire 50 MHz. The Federal Communications Commission has approved the spectrum sale from EchoStar to SpaceX and AT&T.

The auction of $42 billion of 10-year US Treasury notes experienced weak demand. This was partly attributed to a higher-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) number released earlier. The Treasury Department will monitor future auctions closely.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly initiating investigations within the Department of Health and Human Services. The source expresses skepticism about the predetermined outcomes of these investigations.

US inflation has accelerated to an annual rate of 8%, driven significantly by rising gas prices. The core inflation rate, excluding food and energy costs, rose to an annual rate of 8%. Energy prices increased by nearly 18% in April. This figure indicates a rise in the cost of goods and services across the economy. President Trump has endorsed the idea of addressing this inflation. Technology stocks have been impacted by these economic conditions. This rise in consumer expectations could drive actual inflation. The April increase was the highest in three years, with economists polled by The Wall Street Journal expecting inflation of 3%. Consumers are expected to continue feeling the squeeze of inflation exceeding wage gains. This figure was reported from Washington D.C. Higher energy costs from the Middle East conflict are contributing to these pressures.

China has resumed buying U.S. soybeans late last year, though not at the levels previously hoped for. Small businesses report low confidence, with the lowest level since 2024. This action indicates a shift in trade relations. This move comes amid ongoing trade negotiations and evolving global market conditions. The volume of these purchases is being closely watched. The move signals a potential easing of trade tensions. This development was reported from Beijing.

The Department of Homeland Security is requesting $7.5 million to develop facial recognition wearable devices for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Some agents are already utilizing off-the-shelf versions of this technology.

The federal government is requesting information about minors who have received gender-affirming care. The request was filed by the Department of Justice. The specific nature of the information sought is not detailed. This initiative is being handled by the Department of Health and Human Services.

A large retail theft ring operating across the United States has been targeted by law enforcement. The ring is accused of operating in at least nine different states.

A new Congressional Budget Office report projects that Donald Trump's proposed antimissile shield, referred to as 'Golden Dome,' would cost more than $1 trillion. This estimate is largely based on a previous executive order.