Stories from United States

Investors are expressing concerns regarding the return on artificial intelligence investments in the United States. These investments are expected to exceed $1 trillion across 2025 and 2026.

A gilded bronze statue of Donald Trump has been installed at the Trump National Doral golf club in Florida. The statue, which includes a pedestal, exceeds 6.5 meters in height. According to GOLF WIG magazine, the sculpture depicts the president with a raised hand during the 2024 assassination attempt. One visitor described the statue as "very tall and very gold." The project was funded by a group of cryptocurrency investors. The statue was created by a sculptor based in Ohio. A group of crypto-money investors named Patriot funded a gold Trump statue with approximately $500,000. The statue is currently on display at a club in Doral, which is a preferred golf destination for the former U.S. The Trump family announced they are not involved in the Patriot cryptocurrency business. The project was financed by the Patriot investor group.

The United States communications regulator is reevaluating the federal license that authorizes ABC television broadcasting. The announcement follows demands from President Trump and Melania Trump to cancel the license and dismiss host Jimmy Kimmel. The move is reportedly linked to political pressure regarding Kimmel's content. Federal regulators are examining broadcast licenses tied to ABC following a joke by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel that alluded to the death of Donald Trump. The move has raised questions regarding the limits of the Federal Communications Commission's authority over broadcast media. Georgetown Law Professor David Coles stated that while the FCC regulates local stations, it does not have the authority in this specific context. The investigation follows reports of price increases in natural gas and oil due to supply chain issues.

The Department of Interior is conducting resurfacing work on a national monument in Washington DC. The monument last underwent major renovations 15 years ago and receives annual deep cleanings. Officials stated the monument requires regular and expensive refills.

United States GDP grew by only 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter.

Over 1.5 million signatures have been collected to trigger a vote on the Billionaire Tax Act. This number is more than double the amount required to bring the act to a vote. The election is scheduled to take place on Election Day in November. The initiative aims to address budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Supporters claim to have collected double the required signatures to place the tax on the November ballot. Proponents argue the tax will fund healthcare, while Governor Newsom opposes it, citing potential business exodus. The measure proposes a one-time 5 percent tax on the total wealth of California-resident billionaires, including stocks and real estate, and is set for a November vote. Google co-founder Sergey Brin has commented on a proposed California tax measure scheduled for a November vote.

A committee is investigating allegations that leadership within the Metropolitan Police Department manipulated crime statistics.

A co-founder of OpenAI is seeking an estimated $134 billion in damages. The individual claims the company benefited from his money, advice, recruiting efforts, and connections. He reportedly wants to prevent the ChatGPT maker from transitioning into a for-profit company.

Scientists report that climate warming is eroding natural barriers that previously suppressed rat reproduction in colder North American regions. The emergence of genetically drug-resistant super-rats and the bioaccumulation of traditional rodenticides are complicating control efforts. Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach including source control of rat fertility and improved environmental hygiene to manage the population. The report notes that human-driven climate change is a primary factor in this shifting ecological dynamic. Previously, long winters in colder regions acted as a natural barrier to rodent breeding. The shift in climate is now allowing these populations to expand.

The US administration is pushing to expand the president's image on official items. Plans include placing the president's signature on US dollar notes and creating a commemorative gold coin. A gold American flag encircled by stars and the number 250 will appear on the back cover of a commemorative document. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the move, suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio should focus on other priorities instead.