Stories from United States

The US House of Representatives approved a renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) on Tuesday. This agreement follows a period of negotiation between the two parties. The shutdown had previously resulted in long lines at airports, according to the report. The bill follows recent House actions to secure departmental funding. The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has lasted two and a half months, which is the longest shutdown for a federal department in U.S. The intelligence tool was set to expire at the end of the day on April 30. The extension provides a temporary window for the ongoing reconciliation process, which could reach approval by June. Speaker Johnson reportedly persuaded House conservatives to support the measure despite controversy surrounding the bill. The funding does not include money for immigration enforcement agencies, specifically U.S.

The US Treasury is launching a cybersecurity information-sharing initiative specifically for the digital asset industry. The program aims to provide cybersecurity intelligence to the crypto sector at no cost.

Bain Capital is reportedly planning to offload its majority stake in Tyger Capital.

Market reactions indicate a reduced likelihood of future interest rate cuts. Current interest rate futures data shows an 11% probability of a US rate hike.

A new report finds that U.S. power providers disconnected residential customers for non-payment millions of times in 2024. The findings were released under a law passed in 2023. The Center for Biological Diversity pushed for the legislation following household struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jean Sue of the Center for Biological Diversity stated the findings reflect a national energy affordability crisis. Disconnections force families to make difficult household decisions regarding electricity. Two power providers in the region have disconnected households due to non-payment. WTOP provided details on the utility service disruptions.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory focuses on protecting critical infrastructure from escalating threats.

The United States fell seven spots to 64th place in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. These demonstrations occur alongside global May Day rallies. According to RTHK Radio 1, the demonstrations are part of organized labor movements. Labor organizations held gatherings in Seoul to mark May Day, which has become a statutory holiday in South Korea. The protests are part of organized labor actions regarding current administration policies. Reporter's Without Borders reports that global press freedom has reached a new low, with increasing rollbacks in many countries. This was a direct result of actions such as interference in politics, persecution, and budget cuts for public broadcasters. The impact of these actions directly affects thousands of professionals.

Waymo autonomous vehicles are frequently obstructing access to fire stations in San Francisco. San Francisco Fire Department Chief Patrick Rabbitt reported the behavior has increased recently.

Analysts are questioning whether the Trump administration has a long-term strategy regarding global oil supply routes and control points. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that specific ceasefire timelines would be tied to Victory Day. Polish commentators noted that Vladimir Putin proposed a multi-day ceasefire to Donald Trump during a telephone conversation. The proposal suggests Ukraine agree to the terms to facilitate a pause in fighting. Putin indicated a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire if specific conditions regarding Gaza are addressed. US President Donald Trump suggested a short-term ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29. The US President stated that the Russian leader offered to assist regarding Iran's uranium enrichment issue.

Goldman Sachs has filed documentation with the SEC to launch a Bitcoin fund. Bitcoin price has exceeded $69,000 for the first time since February 16.