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.

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.