Stories from United States

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will conclude his eight-year tenure on May 15. Powell's mandate ends on May 15 after an eight-year term marked by crises. His departure has raised concerns regarding the independence of the Federal Reserve. Kevin Worsh, a former central bank governor and associate of Donald Trump, is a potential successor, suggesting increased presidential influence on monetary decisions. No interest rate decisions are expected this Wednesday. The arrival of Kevin Warsh, a former U.S. inflation is currently at 3.3%, which remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. The Fed is currently maintaining a waiting posture to observe how the economy absorbs the impact of the war in the Middle East. He stated he will stay for an undetermined period of time. Powell cited legal attacks by the Trump administration as a reason for his decision.

Approximately 1,870 employees at Baltimore City Community College are scheduled to hold a rally on campus this afternoon. The event is taking place on Liberty Heights Avenue. The rally follows recent discussions regarding faculty and staff. The protesters are demanding fair compensation and improved working conditions. They also seek a contract that reflects the value of their work. WBAL has reached out to Baltimore City for comment regarding the demonstration. Union and staff members of AFSCME 1870 rallied at a community college in Baltimore today. Protesters accused school leadership of delaying contract negotiations and ignoring issues affecting employees and students. Laura Pope, an instructor, reported that students have complained about class cancellations caused by low enrollment. Some classes currently lack assigned instructors, according to the rally participants.

Redistricting efforts in special sessions may create new congressional maps that impact representation. Districting experts expect Republican-controlled state legislatures in the South to eliminate some Democratic-represented House districts previously protected under the Voting Rights Act. This process could lead to the largest ever decline in representation by Black members of Congress. Senate Democrats are currently raising concerns regarding these legislative moves. Anzila Wong of NPR reported on these concerns. Florida lawmakers are debating new maps, with Governor DeSantis citing population growth since the 2020 census as the reason for the change. Republican officials in states including Georgia and Tennessee are calling for congressional redistricting as soon as possible to help the GOP maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives after this year's midterm election.

Dan Bonjino has been indicted and is turning himself in today.

US agencies have identified approximately 30 million dollars in sanctions evasion involving companies and individuals linked to Iran. The agencies stated that these funds were moved through online networks to bypass existing sanctions. The report indicates that funds are being used to support Iranian military operations and activities in the Middle East. The source notes that these financial flows are being used to bypass international sanctions.

The proceeding noted that the refusal to share the email could lead to a future subpoena.

Representative Ro Khanna stated that an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) will be required if current operations extend past 90 days. Khanna implied that many Republicans would agree with the necessity of this authorization.

A Government Accountability Office report found the Treasury Department failed to follow key IT security protocols last year. The GAO stated the department did not configure security tools to identify or block unencrypted payment information. This failure resulted in a DOGE employee improperly sending data outside the Bureau of Fiscal Service payment systems. The report follows an investigation into how staff gained access to these systems. The Treasury also did not hold the DOGE staffer accountable for following IT security rules prior to the issuance of a laptop. The department has agreed to Government Accountability Office recommendations to improve data protection controls.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory notes that the federal cyber strategy lacks specific details for state and local government implementation. The advisory warns of escalating threats to critical infrastructure. Pentagon officials noted that the majority of funds have been allocated toward munitions. The source noted that after May 1, following 60 days from the first attack, Trump will no longer be able to order military operations without Congressional approval. The report notes the Iranian regime has sentenced 21 people to death and arrested at least 4,000 others in the last two months. Pentagon reports indicate that the ongoing war with Iran has incurred costs of $25 billion to date. Democrats in Congress are criticizing the high costs of the conflict with Iran.

Prosecutors included a selfie of Cole Allen in a written argument regarding an incident at the Washington Hilton. The photo shows Allen in a black dress shirt, black pants, and a red necktie with a shoulder holster, knife, pliers, and wire cutters.