Coverage in Washington

Federal court

Cole Allen waives detention fight for now in Trump assassination-attempt case

The 31-year-old California man remains jailed as prosecutors allege he traveled to Washington with guns and knives before trying to reach the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner

Defense spending

Pentagon puts Iran war cost at $25B as lawmakers question the real bill

Defense officials say the figure mainly covers munitions and operational costs; Democrats and economists argue fuel, food, repairs and long-term obligations could push the total far higher

Royal diplomacy

King Charles’ U.S. visit tests whether pageantry can ease alliance strains

The king and Queen Camilla moved from Washington ceremonies to New York, with Virginia events next, as officials look for signs that royal soft power can steady a tense U.S.-U.K. relationship

Monetary policy

Fed holds rates steady as inflation pressures persist

The central bank kept its benchmark rate at 3.5% to 3.75%, but an 8-4 vote showed rare internal division over how to frame possible future cuts

Iran policy

State Department rebukes Wendy Sherman after Trump Iran criticism

The former Obama Iran negotiator said Trump lacks a strategy; a department spokesperson answered that she has “no credibility” on Tehran

Inflation and growth

Core inflation rose to 3.2% in March as GDP missed forecasts

The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge accelerated while first-quarter growth came in at 2%, complicating the central bank’s next move after it held rates steady