Federal Government & Policy:
- President Trump meets with congressional leaders to discuss a proposed federal hiring freeze for non-defense agencies through FY2026
- Department of Justice launches a new Office of Election Integrity to investigate voter fraud and cybersecurity threats ahead of the 2026 midterms
- Congressional Budget Office revises deficit projection upward to $1.98 trillion for FY2025, citing lower-than-expected tax revenue
- EPA suspends several Obama-era air quality standards pending review under the new National Environmental Permitting Reform Plan
- Bipartisan group of lawmakers introduces legislation to modernize the Emergency Alert System with next-gen digital transmission protocols
National Security & Defense:
- U.S. Navy confirms freedom of navigation operation in the Taiwan Strait amid growing tensions with China
- FBI arrests cybersecurity contractor in Virginia for exfiltrating classified data involving national defense networks
- DHS increases surveillance along the northern border in response to rising concerns over illicit crossings and trafficking networks
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announces successful test of swarming drone AI coordination in battlefield simulation
- U.S. Northern Command elevates readiness level for cyber operations following detection of anomalous network activity linked to foreign APTs
Economy & Infrastructure:
- Federal Reserve releases minutes from May meeting, showing deep division over next steps for interest rate policy amid stagnant wage growth
- United Auto Workers reach tentative labor agreement with Stellantis, averting a nationwide strike and ensuring continued EV production
- Department of Energy announces $600 million investment into modernizing the U.S. electrical grid to support load balancing during extreme weather
- Report shows housing starts fell 2.5% in April, with affordability pressures and zoning restrictions contributing to the decline
- FAA issues advisory to airlines over aging avionics systems after increase in inflight alerts and sensor malfunctions
Natural Disasters & Weather:
- Flash flooding continues in parts of Kentucky, with 9 inches of rain recorded in 48 hours and widespread road closures reported
- Massive hailstorm damages hundreds of vehicles and rooftops across eastern Colorado; insurance claims surge
- Wildfire in Northern Arizona expands past 12,000 acres; containment remains under 20% as dry winds persist
- NOAA projects above-average Atlantic hurricane activity for the second half of 2025, driven by warm sea surface temperatures
- Extreme heat persists across the Southwest, with Las Vegas and Phoenix posting record-breaking daily highs for May 20
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