Stories from United States

AI marketing campaign management firm Hightouch secured $150 million in funding led by Goldman Sachs and Bain. The company's valuation increased from $1.2 billion in 2025 to $2.75 billion following this round. Software development platform Blitzy has secured $200 million in funding. The company's total funding now exceeds $232 million following the investment which valued the firm at $1.4 billion.

A report released Monday found elevated levels of particulate matter, including carbon monoxide, in Northern Virginia. One individual reported experiencing throat and lung irritation on days when diesel generators are operational.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has started placing sensors to test air quality in Loudoun County, an area known as Data Center Alley. These sensors will later be moved to Prince William County to monitor another high-density data center region. One resident told NBC4 he welcomes the research because he lives near a data center powered by natural gas. The testing aims to assess the environmental impact of these facilities on the local air. The monitoring follows concerns regarding environmental impacts in these high-density technology corridors.

Authorities are appealing a judge's decision to throw out a case against Jim Comey in Virginia. Officials stated yesterday that the investigation into Comey will continue. The Justice Department under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is intensifying efforts against perceived enemies of Donald Trump. This follows a recent charge against the Southern Poverty Law Center regarding informant payments. Additionally, a former aide to Dr. DOJ officials confirmed he will face a jury trial to enter a plea. Benjamin Wittes of the Brookings Institution is participating in discussions regarding the pattern of targeting perceived enemies. The investigation includes allegations that Comey lied to Congress and made a threat against the President in a public Instagram post. The specific nature of the evidence required remains a point of inquiry.

Governor Hochul and legislative leaders in New York are considering a proposal to block car insurers from increasing rates without state approval. The discussions are part of an effort to reshape state auto insurance laws to lower costs for drivers.

Massachusetts has received new funding to train technicians for heating and cooling systems, including electric heat pumps. Greenfield Community College in Western Massachusetts reports a long waitlist of students for its HVAC training program. The initiative aims to address a shortage of skilled installers in the state. Greenfield is one of 13 community colleges receiving a portion of $13.4 million from the Commonwealth to support workforce development. The funding is expected to train 500 additional HVAC technicians. Christine Cole, VP of Workforce Development, stated these roles are in demand due to state decarbonization goals and are not threatened by AI. The program aims to address labor needs in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning sector. This funding is expected to support 490 to 500 more HVAC technicians.

The Department of Justice is serving 22 court-approved search warrants in and around Minneapolis related to ongoing fraud investigations. The investigation involves stolen tax dollars intended for social service and Medicaid programs. The U.S.

Federal judges blocked a measure affecting the status of over 350,000 Haitians and approximately 6,000 Syrians in the United States. The nine judges are currently hearing arguments and are expected to rule by the summer.

The White House announced new sanctions targeting high-ranking Cuban officials and individuals linked to the island's leadership. The White House press service stated the document is necessary to protect United States national security. The sanctions apply to persons associated with Cuba's security apparatus involved in corruption and human rights violations. The specific names of those targeted were not disclosed. This move is part of a multi-month campaign by the White House to increase pressure on Cuba. Specific targets of the new restrictions were not identified.

Democratic Congressman Joe Courtney stated the United States is positioned to uphold its obligations under the Orcus defense pact. The US must build an average of 2.3 submarines annually to compensate for vessels being transferred to Australia. Current reports indicate the US is only producing 1.1 submarines per year. Courtney expressed confidence that the US will meet its requirements.