Stories from Washington DC · United States

Federal investigations in the United States reveal criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to target elderly populations. Scammers employ AI-generated emails, sophisticated messages, and voice-cloning technology to impersonate government officials. Data indicates that one in five people over the age of 50 in the US has lost money to such schemes.

The Environmental Protection Agency is narrowing the scope of the Clean Water Act and reversing Biden-era air pollution limits. These regulatory rollbacks target polluting industries, moving in a direction favored by the MAHA movement. This shift represents a significant change in federal oversight of environmental toxins.

The US Department of Justice filed a legal brief supporting Bayer, the manufacturer of the herbicide glyphosate. This move highlights growing tensions between the MAHA movement and other conservative priorities regarding pesticide elimination in the US food system. The development follows years of advocacy by activists seeking to remove glyphosate from the agricultural supply chain.

Latvia and Jordan have officially joined the Artemis Accords, a U.S.-led international agreement for responsible space exploration. This brings the total number of signatory nations to 63.

Polls from Marquette University, Reuters, and Ipsos indicate significant American opposition to military action against Iran. Approximately 63% of Americans believe justifications for airstrikes are insufficient, while 60% explicitly oppose the strikes. Only 26% of respondents view the military action as justified, and 25% believe it enhances national security.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. has issued a Class II drug recall for Clonidine Transdermal System, USP (0.2 mg/day). The recall is currently listed as ongoing.

President Trump has abruptly dismissed Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress. Observers suggest the move provides insight into the pressure placed on Bondi and the Justice Department regarding indictments. The dismissal may relate to her handling of prosecutions and the Epstein files. A man has been indicted for making threats in interstate communication via an Instagram post. The indictment alleges the post, which showed shells on a beach arranged in the number 8647, would be interpreted by a reasonable person as a serious expression of intent to harm Donald Trump. Reporting reveals a message posted by Donald Trump was intended as a private communication to Pam Bondi. The post was accidentally made public, providing insight into Trump's motivations regarding the Justice Department. James Comey is cited as one of the individuals considered an enemy by Trump.

The White House is reportedly making decisions to punish reporters who ask difficult questions. This development follows ongoing concerns regarding the deterioration of weather forecasting quality and press freedom in the United States. The actions aim to control the narrative surrounding presidential inquiries.

Pope Leo has issued a condemnation of capital punishment, calling for its global abolition. This follows a US Justice Department proposal to consider firing squads, electrocution, and gassing as alternative execution methods. The recommendation stems from reported difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs.

Prince Andrew is providing testimony before a US Congressional committee regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The proceedings follow significant scrutiny of his past connections and social circles. This testimony is part of ongoing investigations into the Epstein network.