Stories from Washington DC · United States

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.

Trajector allegedly used a robo-dialer to monitor the disability payments of tens of thousands of veterans. Veterans and former workers claim the company sends bills to individuals when payment increases are detected, even if the company provided no assistance in obtaining the benefits. Trajector failed to assist a veteran in obtaining benefits, according to the source. The source stated the company did not take action to help the veteran secure those benefits. Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, joined by three Republican colleagues, has introduced a bill to block companies from using robodialers to target government lines. The move follows allegations that Trajector uses automated calls to notify veterans of eligibility changes before sending them bills. The legislation targets Trajector-related entities. The company's practices are under scrutiny.

Debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing tested positive for toxic materials at a public golf course. The National Park Service reported that an engineering firm found elevated levels of lead, chromium, and other contaminants in the dumped material.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Mitchell Miller reported that Lutnick was not entirely truthful regarding whether he had visited the island. No specific wrongdoing was identified in the email correspondence during the session. The appearance follows recent scrutiny regarding political figures and their past contacts. The source did not specify the name of the Secretary. The inquiry took place behind closed doors, according to the report. Democratic lawmakers expressed sharp criticism of the testimony. The lawmakers accused Lutnick of attempting to reshape his past ties to Epstein. The hearing took place on Capitol Hill. Congressman James Comer, chair of the committee, is overseeing the matter.

The Washington Nationals announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Max Kranich to a one-year major league contract. Kranich was immediately placed on the 15-day injured list to recover from elbow surgery. The team also designated Jackson Rutledge for assignment.

President Trump declined to specify what actions by Iran would be considered violations of a ceasefire agreement. The conflict around the Strait of Hormuz has a low possibility of ending quickly and could become prolonged, complex, or even expand.

Biopharmaceutical company Merck has decided to invest $1 billion. Merck plans to invest $1 billion in biopharmaceutical research and development. This investment is intended to advance new treatments.

The United States has announced a pause in its naval effort to escort commercial ships. The administration is evaluating if an agreement can be reached to prevent a blockade. This suspension follows progress in negotiations and was done by mutual agreement with the Iranian regime to determine if a final agreement can be reached. The United States and UAE have agreed to briefly suspend Operation Freedom. Oil prices fell following the announcement of the pause. US media criticized the decision, citing project failure as the reason for the halt. Donald Trump is pressing pause on his flagship project to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The President and Secretary of State held separate news conferences to discuss the details of the decision to call off military action to seek an agreement with Iran.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that lasting peace depends on Iran meeting U.S. Donald Trump has refused to provide specific details regarding alleged violations of an agreement with Iran. President Donald Trump announced the suspension of 'Operation Freedom' in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The UAE Ministry of Defense stated on May 5th that its air defense systems were responding to missile and drone attacks from Iran. Iran warned the United Arab Emirates of a firm response if any hostile actions originate from the UAE. Iran has warned the UAE that it will take decisive action if any adversarial moves are made from the UAE's direction, following recent missile or drone strikes. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would temporarily halt its plans related to a deal with Iran aimed at ending the Middle East conflict.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, Andrew Nixon, attributed a slowdown in research funding to Democratic actions. The funding issues have reportedly halted therapeutic development work involving potent drug combinations.