National news update

Here's a summary of some of the top national news stories:

Politics

• The House of Representatives has passed a bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, a move that could help millions of low-wage workers across the country. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to face opposition from Republicans.
• The Senate has confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Jackson was confirmed by a vote of 53-47, with three Republicans joining Democrats in supporting her nomination.
• The Biden administration has announced plans to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for millions of borrowers who attended colleges that closed or merged. The move is part of a broader effort to address the growing student loan crisis.

Economy

• The US economy grew at a slower pace than expected in the first quarter, with GDP increasing by 1.4% compared to 2.1% in the previous quarter. The slowdown was attributed to a decline in consumer spending and a rise in inflation.
• The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the third time this year, citing concerns about inflation and the economy. The move is expected to slow down the pace of borrowing and spending.
• The US unemployment rate has fallen to 3.6%, the lowest level in 50 years. The jobless rate has been declining steadily since the pandemic, with many economists attributing the trend to the strong labor market.

Health

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a public health emergency in the US. The move marks a significant shift in the country's response to the pandemic, which has killed over 6 million people worldwide.
• The FDA has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as 6 months old. The vaccine is the first to be approved for use in infants and is expected to help protect young children from the virus.
• The US has seen a surge in cases of monkeypox, a rare viral disease that can cause fever, headache, and rashes. The CDC has reported over 1,000 cases in the country, with most cases occurring in men who have sex with men.

Crime

• The FBI has arrested a suspect in the murder of a 13-year-old girl who was found dead in a park in Washington, D.C. The suspect, a 22-year-old man, was arrested after a tip from the public led investigators to his location.
• The US has seen a surge in violent crime, with many cities reporting increases in homicides and shootings. The FBI has reported a 5% increase in violent crime nationwide, with many experts attributing the trend to factors such as poverty, unemployment, and social media.

Environment

• The Biden administration has announced plans to protect 30% of the country's land and water by 2030, a move aimed at preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. The plan is part of a broader effort to address the growing environmental crisis.
• The US has seen a surge in wildfires, with many states experiencing record-breaking heat and drought. The National Interagency Coordination Center has reported over 30,000 wildfires across the country, with many fires burning out of control.
• The EPA has announced plans to regulate the use of PFAS, a class of chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems. The move is part of a broader effort to address the growing problem of environmental pollution.

These are just a few of the top national news stories.