Stories from United States

A new proposal regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has been unveiled in the U.S. Following this, debate began on the Section 702 powers bill under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to expire on Thursday. Congressman Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chair from Ohio, expressed support for the extension. Congresswoman Zoë Lofgren, a Democrat from California, rose in opposition to the reauthorization without meaningful reform. Lofgren stated the Trump administration is building a sweeping surveillance apparatus that cramps civil rights and disregards the rule of law. The debate includes discussions regarding the Liberties Protection officer within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Lawmakers did not include a requirement for warrants in the approved version.

The Iranian Supreme Leader, Parliament Speaker, and President issued joint statements via social media to deny allegations of a nuclear weapons program. The comments follow ongoing tensions regarding US maritime presence near the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump responded to a Fox News correspondent at the White House regarding whether he will resume military strikes. This follows a period of more than three weeks involving drone activity and communication blackouts related to the conflict. The decision remains pending as the administration evaluates military options. Donald Trump has refused to supply any nuclear materials to Iran, including resources intended for peaceful use. The US leader stated his primary goal remains a total ban on the republic acquiring atomic weapons.

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for the first-ever gene therapy designed to treat deafness. This medical milestone offers a potential cure for genetic hearing loss by addressing the underlying biological causes. The approval marks a significant advancement in regenerative medicine and auditory science. The treatment reportedly restores hearing in 90% of participants. The approval follows clinical evaluations of the therapy's efficacy. The treatment was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The treatment targets specific genetic mutations, such as the FoxP2 gene associated with language development. Research indicates that in certain families, up to 15 out of 30 living members carry the specific mutation. BrioHealth Solutions is the subsidiary involved in the process. The source noted the therapy's potential to help those with hearing disabilities.

AI startup Anthropic reported an annualized revenue run rate of $30 billion as of April 2026, a significant increase from $9 billion at the end of 2025. This growth follows the launch of Claude Code, which contributes approximately $2.5 billion to the company's annual recurring revenue. The surge highlights the rapid commercial scaling of major artificial intelligence providers. This figure surpasses OpenAI's reported $24 billion revenue.

A new federal bill has been introduced to establish a grant program aimed at training the cybersecurity workforce. This initiative seeks to address the expanding attack surface created by the rise of agentic AI. Counselor Crystal Oriata stated the grants will help providers start or expand services. Jasmine Mumtaz, a childcare provider, expressed confidence in relaunching her business due to the potential support. County Executive Aisha Braveway was absent from the signing ceremony despite her signature being required for the legislation to become law.

A mass shooting has occurred at a shopping mall in Louisiana, according to social media reports. Details regarding the number of casualties or the identity of the shooter are currently unavailable. The incident has prompted immediate discussions regarding gun control in the United States. The Gun Violence Archive reported over 175 shootings involving injury or death across the United States in the last 72 hours. This follows a foiled attack on President Trump and the death of eight children in Louisiana two weeks ago.

Multiple subway lines are experiencing delays in both directions following a report of a track fire near Pelham Bay Park. The FDNY is currently on the scene responding to the incident. The fire has disrupted service for 6X trains and other lines in the area. This disruption is affecting travel between Manhattan and Queens. Uptown A, B, and D subway trains are experiencing delays. The disruptions follow an investigation conducted by the NYPD at the 59 St-Columbus Circle station.

The U.S. The DOJ alleges the post was a call to assassinate President Trump. Comey denies the allegations and stated he is ready to defend himself. He maintains his innocence and expressed belief in the independent federal judiciary. The indictment also includes charges for allegedly lying to Congress. The indictment follows a previous case that was reportedly dismissed. The post in question allegedly featured a picture of seashells on a North Carolina beach from one year ago. The Justice Department is pursuing indictments against former FBI Director James Comey. The case involves an online photograph posted by Comey last year that authorities allege was an attempt to harm President Trump. Comey stated he believed the photo had a political message rather than a threat and has since removed it.

A man from Bedford has been legally prohibited from conducting any form of securities business within the state of New Hampshire. The restriction follows regulatory actions regarding financial conduct.

American agricultural producers are demanding legislative action to pass a new comprehensive farm bill. The current lack of updated legislation is creating economic instability and market volatility for farmers. This push comes seven years after the last major farm bill was implemented. The United States Congress is preparing to consider and pass a new version of the Farm Bill. The legislation is a law that covers agriculture and food assistance programs. Michael Hap of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy stated the bill sets the rules for the food and farm economies. The bill consists of 12 sections or titles. This legislation is typically reviewed and passed approximately every five years. The process is being monitored by Marketplace in New York.