federal agencies

OpenAI's AI models accessed and probed the websites of the Department of Education and other federal agencies, according to Education Week. The report raises questions about how automated systems crawl government web properties, what data they collect, and whether agencies have consented to such access. It is likely to fuel ongoing debate about artificial intelligence companies' data-gathering practices and oversight of the technology sector.

Donald Trump has cancelled nearly $1bn in funding that had been approved by Congress, according to The Guardian. The move cuts money lawmakers had already allocated, raising questions over presidential authority over spending and likely prompting disputes in Washington. Lawmakers and watchdogs are expected to challenge the cancellations, while the affected programmes and agencies face immediate uncertainty over whether the promised federal money will actually arrive.

The Department of Justice has announced a $1.7 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' as part of a settlement resolving a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against the IRS. Under the agreement, the money will reportedly be dedicated to preventing the politicized use of tax enforcement. The settlement follows Trump's long-standing claims that federal tax authorities were weaponized against him during and after his presidency.

Space law experts note that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission can single-handedly approve massive spaceflight projects capable of permanently changing how the night sky looks worldwide. The agency's approvals have drawn outcry from astronomers and environmentalists concerned about satellite constellations and light pollution, yet critics say there are very few legal avenues outside the FCC to challenge or block such projects.

Federal health agencies are investigating an E. coli outbreak that has been linked to a raw milk cheese brand. The CDC and FDA have issued a joint notice connecting illnesses to the product, and consumers are being advised to check whether the cheese they purchased is affected. Raw milk products are a known source of E. coli contamination, and further details on cases and recalled lots are expected as the investigation continues.

Four environmental organizations filed a petition Thursday urging the Federal Communications Commission to reverse its approval of a startup's plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space to Earth. The groups argue the agency ignored potential impacts on wildlife and astronomy when clearing the project, reigniting debate over regulating commercial use of orbit.

Two stories are drawing attention: a US federal agency has reportedly been hacked, and an Olympic gymnast's home was burglarized. The two items are being featured together in a weekly news quiz, a format that tests readers on recent headlines. Neither report includes further details on which agency or athlete is involved, or the extent of the damage in either case.