Stories from Washington · United States

There is commentary suggesting that US officials involved in negotiations with Iran are not being taken seriously. Diplomatic tensions persist between the United States and Iran regarding potential negotiations. Closing existing gaps in negotiations remains a challenge for envoys. The current atmosphere complicates efforts to move toward a formal agreement. Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs stated that US intelligence agencies have repeatedly indicated Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons. Sachs noted that Iran's primary goal is reaching a diplomatic agreement to lift existing sanctions. He warned that current US actions could lead to negative consequences. The discussion highlighted that negotiations must address core interests, including preventing nuclear development and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The US administration is reportedly reformulating school textbooks ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. Reports indicate that discussions of American genocide and slavery are being removed or downplayed. This move has drawn criticism, with comparisons made to downplaying atrocities at Auschwitz. The Trump-Vance administration is reformulating American school textbooks ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary on July 4. New guidelines prohibit mentioning American genocide in certain contexts and alter how slavery is taught. President Trump stated it is for students to learn that not everything regarding slavery was horrible. These changes represent a shift in how historical narratives are presented to American schoolchildren. The US administration under Trump and Vance is rewriting school textbooks regarding the history of slavery.

A new graphic novel, 'America 250,' by Romuald de Siorat and Bastien Bertin, offers a critical perspective on the history of the United States. The book covers events from the genocide of Native American nations to the rise of a global superpower, examining contemporary American institutions.

Nearly 90% of American adults are considered vulnerable because they lack a crucial document. This situation highlights potential risks and preparedness issues for a significant portion of the population.

The United States faces a projected annual deficit of approximately $2 trillion as government spending outpaces revenue. The US deficit is projected to increase by approximately $1.1 trillion over the next ten years following Supreme Court rulings and tariff adjustments. Swagel noted that while the Supreme Court canceled certain tariffs, the government has re-added others. The government maintains authority to adjust tariff content at any time. Consequently, the final deficit figure remains difficult to estimate precisely until the entire process is complete. Gas supply is expected to decrease by 10 million barrels per day due to the war in the Middle East and infrastructure attacks. Brent crude prices could reach $86 per barrel this year, potentially rising to $115 if the conflict escalates. Prices for industrial metals are projected to increase by 42%.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 23 other attorneys general and the Governor of Pennsylvania, has filed a request in federal court to block President Trump's executive order on mail voting. The officials argue that states, not the president, hold the authority to establish election rules. The administration is required to respond to the legal challenge by a forthcoming deadline. The Department of Justice stated that federal agencies have not yet begun work on an order from the Trump administration to restrict voting by mail.

Rosa Kettumäki has been appointed as the second correspondent to Washington, joining Ilmari Reonameen.

Autonomous taxi companies are testing their services in Washington D.C. but face delays in regulatory approval from DDOT. While companies are eager to launch, citing successful operations in other cities like Los Angeles and Austin, D.C. has cited federal issues. Proponents argue self-driving taxis could be safer than human drivers. The announcement comes alongside new data regarding the impact of federal cuts on the regional economy. No specific timeline for the rollout was provided in the report.

Casinos have been actively recruiting churchgoers, offering them incentives like free rooms and liquor to gamble. This strategy has led to some individuals becoming 'whales,' or high-stakes gamblers, with casinos flying them to various locations for play.

Prosecutor St Van Dyke has been charged with wire fraud and the theft of non-public government information. The charges follow his withdrawal of winnings from a Polymarket account on the day of a major operation. Polymarket has referred the matter to the Department of Justice and is cooperating with investigations.