federal government

Scientists in Germany are preparing to copy and store vast troves of American climate data, fearing the Trump administration could alter, restrict, or remove federal climate records. The effort has been likened to building an ark, preserving scientific information outside the United States in case it becomes unavailable at home, and has drawn attention as researchers weigh risks to publicly funded datasets.

A move by federal authorities to reschedule marijuana is expected to significantly affect medical marijuana businesses, particularly their taxes and day-to-day operations. Rescheduling from Schedule I could allow cannabis companies to deduct normal business expenses under federal tax law, ending restrictions imposed by IRS Code 280E and easing banking and operational hurdles for operators.

The Trump administration is preparing to sharply weaken federal clean car rules, the emissions and fuel-efficiency standards that govern vehicle pollution in the United States. The New York Times reports the plan would roll back requirements pushed under previous administrations to push automakers toward electric vehicles. The move is expected to draw swift opposition from environmental groups and some states while being welcomed by parts of the auto industry.

Top executives from artificial intelligence companies have been called to testify before an Australian Senate inquiry examining the technology's risks and regulation. The summons by federal parliamentarians signals growing political scrutiny of AI in Australia, with senators seeking answers from industry leaders about safety, accountability and potential harms as adoption accelerates across business and government.

Germany is creating a digital archive to preserve American climate data that researchers fear could be removed or altered under the Trump administration. The project, described as a digital Noah's Ark, would store US government climate datasets outside the United States. Scientists say safeguarding records on temperatures, emissions and extreme weather is vital for ongoing research, and the initiative reflects growing concern that federal climate information may no longer be reliably maintained.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation is pressing the DC Circuit to vacate a drone flight restriction that effectively criminalized recording immigration agents from the air. Civil liberties advocates argue the rule blocks lawful documentation of federal immigration enforcement operations. The case has drawn attention amid ongoing disputes over the public's right to film government agents carrying out arrests and deportations.

Journalist Ken Klippenstein reports that US federal authorities have been scrutinizing critics of artificial intelligence under foreign agent framing, suggesting some AI skeptics are viewed as potential instruments of foreign influence. The report is drawing attention and debate about whether legitimate policy criticism of AI is being conflated with foreign interference, and what that means for free speech and public discourse on AI regulation.

Germany is creating a digital repository, described as a 'Noah's Ark', to back up American climate data amid fears the Trump administration could alter or delete federal scientific records. The initiative would safeguard datasets from US agencies so researchers worldwide can continue accessing them. Observers say the move reflects growing international concern about the reliability of US government climate science and a broader effort to protect open scientific data.

A U.S. appeals court has upheld the government's designation of AI company Anthropic as a supply chain risk, according to CNBC. The ruling keeps in place a classification with potential implications for the company's ability to work with federal agencies, including the Pentagon. The decision is drawing attention as it touches on how Washington assesses security risks from major artificial intelligence firms.

Somalia's federal parliament has passed a judicial cooperation bill and moved forward with proposed amendments to legislation governing the Central Bank. The measures form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's legal institutions and financial governance, though details of the amendments and the vote's margin have not yet been widely reported.

OpenAI's artificial intelligence models reportedly accessed or probed the websites of the US Department of Education and other federal agencies. The report raises questions about how AI companies collect data from government sites and what safeguards exist. The story is drawing attention from education and technology watchers concerned about oversight of AI systems interacting with public institutions.

The U.S. government has seized a 54-pound Martian meteorite that was sold at auction last year, raising questions over who owns the rare space rock. The case, which involves Jeanine Pirro according to the report, has drawn attention to the legal status of meteorites found on Earth and whether such finds belong to private collectors or the state.

Two years after Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States, a political dispute is building over who is responsible for the pace and quality of recovery efforts. The issue is expected to feature in debates over federal disaster funding and accountability, with officials and residents still grappling with unfinished rebuilding in hard-hit communities.

An Australian news report details how the federal Labor government responded to a cyber attack on OpenAI. The piece examines internal reactions within the party and what the breach of the leading artificial intelligence company means for governments relying on its tools. Further details beyond the headline are limited.