Washington Monthly

The United States and Russia watered down key safeguards in landmark United Nations negotiations aimed at regulating lethal autonomous weapons, according to The Washington Post. The talks earlier this month marked the furthest progress yet toward a potential global treaty, but both powers successfully pushed to strip requirements for human oversight of the weapons. Critics warn the weakened pact leaves dangerous latitude for machines to make lethal decisions without human control.

President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's most recent proposal, with the conflict between the two countries now in its eighth month. The rejection signals no immediate breakthrough toward a ceasefire or negotiated settlement, and attention is turning to how Tehran and Washington will respond next and whether diplomatic channels remain open.

Donald Trump has rejected Iran's most recent proposal as the war enters its eighth month. The rejection signals continued deadlock in efforts to reach a settlement, with Tehran's offer failing to meet Washington's demands. Attention now turns to whether either side will shift positions or if the conflict will escalate further in the coming weeks.

An Olympic figure skater has paid public tribute to their parents, who died in the midair collision over Washington, DC involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter in January 2025. The crash killed 67 people, including several members of the figure skating community. The skater's tribute has drawn widespread sympathy and renewed attention to the victims' families.

A Washington Monthly piece examines evidence that artificial intelligence systems display biased or discriminatory behavior toward women. The article argues that AI tools, trained on data reflecting existing societal prejudices, can reinforce stereotypes and disadvantage women in areas like hiring, search results, and generated content, raising concerns about accountability and the need for stronger oversight in how these systems are built and deployed.

Former Kennedy Center employees allege that officials stopped needed repairs months before the venue's closure, according to reporting by The Hill. The claim raises questions about whether the shutdown of the famed Washington, DC performing arts center was foreseeable or avoidable, and who is responsible for the deferred maintenance.

The remains of a mother from Pierce County, Washington, who had been reported missing and was suspected to be a murder victim, have been found months after she disappeared. Authorities have not detailed the circumstances of the discovery, and the case remains under investigation as police work to identify those responsible.