Stories from Washington · United States

Alphabet's Google has signed an agreement with the United States Department of Defense to provide artificial intelligence models for classified activities. This move joins other major technology firms including OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI in supporting US government operations. Google employees have reportedly expressed concern regarding the partnership. The agreement follows a precedent set by Anthropic, which reportedly declined similar arrangements. New private investments totaling $50 billion are being directed toward new and expanded manufacturing facilities and production lines in the defense sector. These investments are expected to create more than 70,000 new jobs. The source stated these are private investments rather than government spending from taxpayer dollars. The shift follows changes in the US War Department's business model.

Police at the US Capitol reported receiving over 15,000 threats against members of Congress within the past year. The report noted that political violence has become a social norm in the United States due to multiple overlapping factors.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory follows a federal strategy to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities in state and local government infrastructure. The advisory focuses on mitigating risks to critical water infrastructure. The US administration has imposed sanctions on 35 entities for their role in facilitating Iranian operations. US Treasury Secretary announced Tuesday in Washington that sanctions are part of a broad campaign targeting Iranian financial and oil networks. The measures aim to disrupt the infrastructure of the banking sector.

Wes Bryant, former head of the Pentagon's civilian harm reduction team, outlined the requirements for formal investigations into civilian harm.

Demand for private bunkers is rising in the United States. Specialized experts must first conduct soil sampling and drilling to determine site suitability for water wells. Systems may utilize one or two pumps for water extraction depending on requirements. The director of construction company Provgen, Mikhail Bondarenko, stated that no special licenses are required for individuals building bunkers on dacha properties. However, Bondarenko warned of the risk of hiring incompetent contractors. All construction organizations should be members of a self-regulatory body, according to the source. This information was provided by a company specializing in bomb shelters. Autonomy for these structures depends on fuel volumes for generators and can last at least two months.

The United States will not be able to provide Virginia-class submarines to Australia until production reaches a delivery rate of 2.3 vessels per year. The US is currently prioritizing billions of dollars in shipments to the UK and itself.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has reportedly raised concerns regarding the accuracy of Pentagon intelligence provided to him about the progress of the war in Venezuela. According to reports in Atlantic magazine, Vance questioned the reliability of information presented in closed-door meetings. He specifically highlighted decreases in missile stockpiles during communications with Donald Trump. The incident is being linked to US military action. No meaningful accountability or action has been taken following the strike, according to the report. The event involves the targeting of civilians, specifically children. A strike linked to US military action has raised the death toll to 107 children. Shiva Melira, the International Representative of the Iran Teachers Association, stated that the Iranian regime killed more than 300 children in the street one month before the war.

The proposed budget includes a $4.6 billion reduction for the Environmental Protection Agency, representing a 52 percent cut. Full Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro stated the reduction would gut research funding.

King Charles III addressed the US Congress to advocate for the continued strength of the alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. He also referenced a recent incident near the US Capitol building that targeted national leadership.

The United Kingdom and United States have reached agreements to increase joint work on F-35 production and an ideal submarine program.