Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

The United States announced an plan to end an outdated policy and begin normalizing relations with Cuba. The announcement follows 18 months of secret meetings between trusted aides and the Cuban government. Ben Rhodes, a former speechwriter for Barack Obama, was among those involved in the discussions. The move aims to advance US interests after decades of failed approaches. The administration's guiding diplomatic principle of not talking to the country as a form of punishment is being challenged. Cuban-American relations have remained hostile since the 1959 revolution when Fidel Castro overthrew the US-backed dictator. The agreement includes the release of political prisoners, the loosening of sanctions, and increased internet access in Cuba. The process follows a period of hostility that lasted 54 years between the two nations.

The US Treasury is launching a cybersecurity information-sharing initiative specifically for the digital asset industry. The program aims to provide intelligence to the crypto sector at no cost.

The US Navy Chief of Naval Operations stated that the Navy cannot transition its current structure to one using only unmanned vessels and drones in the short term.

The White House opposes a plan by Anthropic to expand access to its Mythos AI model. Officials are reportedly concerned about the implications for US capabilities. Bloomberg reported that the opposition stems from these security or strategic worries. The specific nature of the capabilities mentioned was not detailed in the report. The move targets the distribution of the company's powerful AI capabilities.

More than 36 bills supporting the availability of unpasteurized raw milk have been introduced in state houses across the United States. Proponents are currently advocating for the product to be made more widely available. This movement occurs alongside a new E. coli outbreak affecting children in the country. Health officials have issued warnings that raw milk can contain potentially deadly germs. This legislative momentum occurs despite a recent E. Coli outbreak that sickened children in the U.S. Backers of raw milk have introduced over three dozen bills in state houses across the United States to increase availability of unpasteurized products. The movement is supported by social media influencers and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who cite freedom of choice and local food benefits.

The Trump administration is implementing new requirements for United States visa applicants. Applicants must now formally affirm that they do not fear persecution in their home countries as part of efforts to restrict asylum seekers.

Over 100 groups are calling on Congress to reject rushed approvals for data centers. The coalition cites concerns regarding irreversible harm and a lack of public oversight for Big Tech operations.

A grand jury has issued an arrest warrant for Navid Akram following a Department of Justice presentation of evidence.

An assailant was neutralized by security services during an incident at the Washington Hilton hotel on April 25. No injuries were reported among Donald Trump, his spouse, or his immediate circle. The incident occurred during a period involving US-Iran negotiations.

Justice Kavanaugh expressed uncertainty in a concurring opinion regarding whether states should have a time limit on conducting race-based redistricting. Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh raised questions regarding whether there should be a sunset provision for considering race during the redistricting process. In a concurring opinion related to the Allen v. The discussion occurs amid ongoing partisan redistricting disputes in states like Florida. UCLA Law Professor Rick Hasson stated that courts in states like Florida may be able to re-redistrict without considering Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Hasson noted that lawsuits will likely challenge existing maps, potentially impacting the 2028 election cycle. He also predicted future attacks on state-level Voting Rights Acts. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor questioned U.S.