The Latest Breaking News from Washington D.C.

China Says AI Distillation Is 'Normal' Business, Not Theft, and Warns US Against Crackdown

China denies US accusations of AI model theft, calling it a normal practice. Beijing warns of countermeasures and urges cooperation, while US agencies detail alleged distillation methods.

International Business Times UK · Sep 9

Voters in six states to decide eight income or wealth tax ballot measures in 2026

In 2026, voters in six states will decide—or have already decided—nine statewide ballot measures related to income or wealth taxes. On August 4, voters defeated Missouri Amendment 5, which would have required reductions in the individual income tax until the tax was eliminated in the state. The remaining eight measures…

Ballotpedia · Sep 9

In 1972, FHWA used 5 inches of scrubber waste in a parking-area base at Washington's Dulles Airport. 2 years later, wet weather caused the experimental base to soften and be replaced

Early tests explored scrubber waste for road bases and subbases. Florida projects between 1977 and 1989 showed highly satisfactory performance. Pennsylvania roads survived severe freeze-thaw conditions, proving successful. Texas and Ohio tests compared FGD material with gravel and haul road applications.

The Economic Times · Sep 9

Blackouts, fuel shortages and empty taps: How Cuba’s energy crisis is disrupting daily life

Cuba faces a severe crisis with prolonged power outages and fuel shortages affecting daily life. Water supplies are increasingly unstable, creating significant health risks for citizens. United States energy pressure on Cuba has intensified, impacting vital import companies. This situation stems from a long-standing dispute between Washington and Havana since…

The Times of India · Sep 9

‘Unfounded accusations’: China rejects US claims of 'malicious' AI distillation by its firms

China on Wednesday rejected US allegations that its artificial intelligence companies are engaged in “aggressive, malicious” efforts to extract capabilities from advanced American AI models, calling on Washington to stop making what it described as unfounded accusations.

The Times of India · Sep 9

US allies lack resources to keep pace on AI, top Pentagon official says

Cameron Stanley talks up ‘revolutionary’ AI capabilities and says Washington working with Nato and Five Eyes partners

The Guardian - US · Sep 9

Rubio hails Colombia's new pro-Trump leader De la Espriella on first stop of Latin American tour

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged closer security cooperation with Bogota on the first stop of his three-nation tour of pro-Washington Latin American nations. Rubio hailed the election of Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella as part of a growing alignment with US interests across the Western Hemisphere.

France 24 · Sep 9

US bans Canadian alcohol, motorcycles and dairy products as trade spat escalates

The US and Canada escalated a bitter trade dispute on Tuesday, with Washington imposing new import bans on Canadian alcohol, motorcycles and dairy products as Ottawa's retaliatory tariffs on US goods took effect.

France 24 · Sep 9

Washington Wants Venezuela's Gold Next, Just Days After Claiming Its Oil — REPORT

The White House is weighing an order on Venezuela's gold and minerals, 11 days after claiming its oil — here's what checks out and what doesn't.

Latin Times · Sep 9

Your Immigration Hearing May Have Moved to a Secret Building — Here's How to Check: REPORT

An NPR investigation found immigration hearings from Maryland and Virginia quietly moved to an FEMA-leased D.C. building and unmarked Falls Church office.

Latin Times · Sep 9