Stories from Washington · United States

Japan has deployed 1,400 personnel for joint military exercises, making it the third-largest participating country after the United States. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged Japan to deeply reflect on its militaristic actions. The exercises involve the deployment of Japanese troops for joint drills. Japan is participating in the 2026 US-Philippines joint military exercise 'Balikatan' for the first time as a formal member. Japan participated as a formal member in the US-Philippines 'Balikatan' joint military exercises for the first time, deploying approximately 1,400 personnel, the helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga, and the destroyer JS Samidare. Japan has deployed approximately 1,400 personnel, including the helicopter destroyer Ise and destroyer Inazuma, to participate in the US-Philippines military drills.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the US military 'Operation Storm' launched in February has officially ended. Rubio stated that Washington is now shifting focus toward ensuring security in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. The White House has notified Congress that hostilities have concluded. Under US war powers, military operations exceeding 60 days require congressional approval. Rubio confirmed that the United States has achieved the objectives of the operation. The operation faced Iranian backlash and was suspended amid Iran tensions. The World Health Organization reported on May 6 that an additional person has been infected with Hantavirus on the Red Sea 24 cruise ship. A passenger on the Red Sea 24 cruise ship died on April 12, but officials initially attributed the death to natural causes.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated his agency was kept out of the Nancy Guthrie investigation for four days at the beginning. Patel told Sean Hannity's podcast that he personally contacted Google to request a search of doorbell camera images, despite Guthrie not having a paid subscription. Guthrie has been missing for over three months. The investigation into her disappearance is ongoing.

Trajector allegedly used a robo-dialer to monitor the disability payments of tens of thousands of veterans. Veterans and former workers claim the company sends bills to individuals when payment increases are detected, even if the company provided no assistance in obtaining the benefits. Trajector failed to assist a veteran in obtaining benefits, according to the source. The source stated the company did not take action to help the veteran secure those benefits. Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, joined by three Republican colleagues, has introduced a bill to block companies from using robodialers to target government lines. The move follows allegations that Trajector uses automated calls to notify veterans of eligibility changes before sending them bills. The legislation targets Trajector-related entities. The company's practices are under scrutiny.

The US administration is working to ensure electronic health record systems display prices for chosen pharmaceuticals and their therapeutically equivalent alternatives.

Debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing tested positive for toxic materials at a public golf course. The National Park Service reported that an engineering firm found elevated levels of lead, chromium, and other contaminants in the dumped material.

United States President Donald Trump described his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as very good, calling Xi a person with whom he gets along well.

The US government has imposed a 15% tariff on goods exported to the EU and is maintaining diplomatic arrangements with the bloc. The United States has replaced previous tariffs on goods imported from the European Union with a 15% tariff on goods from all countries and regions.

A powerful cybersecurity AI model named Mistral, developed by Enthopic, is reportedly a factor behind a shift in the White House's stance. The White House is reassessing its stance on cybersecurity following the release of a powerful AI model named Mistral by Enthopic.

Potential issues with US visa processing could impact the attendance of international fans at upcoming events.