Stories from Washington · United States

The United States spends more than $2.5 billion per day to maintain its forces in the region, according to a report discussed on Al Araby Radio. The source noted that this expenditure is required for the continued presence of these troops.

Senator Nyamu has introduced legislation aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence. Senator Ed Markey is introducing new legislation to roll back a White House policy that bars non-citizens from accessing federal small business loans. The policy, implemented last month, prevents even those with legal status from accessing such funds. Markey stated the administration's message to immigrants is that the American dream is not for them. The legislation aims to address the impact on 1,800 people working in public sectors affected by the Trump administration's actions.

The United States is reportedly accelerating the deportation of migrant children through express hearings. Many of these children are allegedly being processed without the opportunity to defend themselves. The report was shared by the news service director in Pasto.

The US Army has ordered over 100 IFPC Increment 2 launchers to bolster anti-drone and missile defense capabilities. The contract is valued at $617 million. This procurement aims to address the industrial scale of modern drone warfare.

The Connecticut Avenue streetscape project in Washington DC is impacting local business revenues. Jeff Coles, owner of the Golden Age Bar on Connecticut Avenue, reported a 42 percent decrease in revenue and a 61.6 percent drop in guest counts. The project aims to build a park over the Connecticut Avenue underpass and improve the surrounding area. A business improvement district is requesting an additional $2 million to assist with construction relief.

The Government Accountability Office is set to launch an investigation into how the Justice Department handled files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory warns of escalating threats to critical infrastructure. CISA has added two new vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog. The advisory follows concerns over federal cyber strategy details for state and local governments.

US President Donald Trump announced in October that the United States has ordered 11 icebreakers from Finland. Four of these vessels will be constructed at Finnish shipyards, while the remaining seven will be built in the United States.

The United States will spend $2 billion to provide crews for 11 new Arctic icebreakers. US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Landry announced the funding. The expenditure aims to ensure operational readiness for the new vessels.

The Commonwealth Fund reported finding racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access across all 50 United States. David Radley noted that many minorities struggle with the affordability of medicine and doctor co-payments. States such as New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts are performing better due to Medicaid program expansions under the Affordable Care Act. These states have reportedly gone beyond standard requirements to make various services available. Minority groups, specifically Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations, struggle most with healthcare access. These struggles follow cuts to Medicaid and the expiration of Obamacare premium tax credits. Radley noted that Asian Americans and white people tend to receive the best healthcare services. Black, Hispanic, and indigenous populations, including Alaska Natives and American Indians, tend to struggle the most.