Stories from Washington · United States

The United States economy grew by just 1.4% in the fourth quarter.

A Yale Budget Lab study found that the President's trade war policies increased food costs for American families by $1,700 throughout 2025. The findings highlight the direct impact of trade deficits on grocery prices for households. This economic data comes as analysts monitor the ongoing consequences of protectionist trade measures.

A recent survey indicates that only 38% of Americans believe the American dream is accessible to everyone. The data suggests a significant decline in the perception of social mobility and economic opportunity within the United States. This sentiment reflects broader anxieties regarding the future of the nation's social contract.

Donald Trump has selected Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve.

In a discussion about a group's financial practices, a founder named Ben recounted an incident where a team member admitted to stealing money. This admission led Ben to suspect the individual, highlighting internal financial misconduct within the group.

A historian argues that violence is an intrinsic element in the formation of the United States, contrasting its rapid nation-building with European states that developed over centuries. The first volume of a historical work, titled 'Nez dans le sang' (Nose in the Blood), covers the period up to the mid-19th century, highlighting the pervasive violence present during the nation's establishment.

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.

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.

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.