Stories from Washington · United States

Prosecutor Savan Dyke faces charges of wire fraud and theft of non-public government information. Dyke allegedly earned over $400,000 from bets on the prediction market platform Polymarket. The prosecutor reportedly withdrew his winnings from the account on the same day as the operation. Dyke was involved in planning and executing an operation to oust President Maduro. Polymarket has referred the matter to the Department of Justice and is cooperating with investigators.

The US is evaluating new methods for capital punishment, including the potential use of firing squads and gas execution. These options follow the recent implementation of gas execution in Alabama. The review includes a re-adaptation of the 2021 lethal injection protocol. State prison offices have been instructed to modify protocols to integrate these legally permitted methods. The Justice Department plans to streamline internal processes to expedite death penalty cases. According to a Justice Department news release, these measures aim to deter barbaric crimes and provide closure to victims' survivors. This move comes as California maintains its suspension of the death penalty.

The White House Correspondents' Association issued a statement expressing opposition to President Trump attending the upcoming White House Correspondents' Dinner. A suspect has been taken into custody following a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton. One law enforcement officer was shot during the event but was wearing a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to be unharmed. President Donald Trump, the Vice President, Marco Rubio, and the First Lady are expected to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner tonight. Preparations for the speech are currently underway at the site. President Donald Trump and several cabinet members, including FBI Director Kash Patel, were present during the incident. Dignitaries were quickly evacuated from the premises as the situation unfolded. Erica Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, was also in attendance and reportedly shaken by the event.

The US Treasury's official 2025 financial report contains an admission regarding the government's fiscal state. This data was released quietly by the department. Analysts note that such fiscal conditions often drive citizens toward physical gold and silver savings. The findings are based on the Treasury's own published numbers. The US Treasury released an official financial report last week showing the United States government appears insolvent. The report indicates the government owes amounts that may be impossible to pay off in full. Potential options for addressing the debt include printing more money, devaluing savings, or raising taxes. Treasury report admitted that families earning $52,000 annually while spending over $73,000 are insolvent. This situation is expected to lead to increased money printing and further pressure on savers and retirees.

Prince Andrew testified before Congress regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The testimony follows public scrutiny of his friendship with the late financier. Reports indicate King Charles has declined requests to meet with Epstein's victims. The proceedings are expected to cause political embarrassment in Washington.

A BBC investigation suggests betting and stock activity occurs shortly before Donald Trump makes public statements. This deployment contributes to the highest number of American carriers in the region in 23 years. Several countries have expressed willingness to join a neutral mission to ensure safe passage in the waterway. Reports indicate that US naval operations and potential blockades in the Strait of Hormuz are being monitored as part of ongoing tensions. There is increased scrutiny regarding the impact of these maneuvers on regional stability and resource control. Congressional Republicans are reportedly anxious as the war approaches its 60-day mark next week. Senator Tim Kaine indicated Democrats will continue to introduce war powers resolutions. A US soldier has been charged with using classified information to bet on missile production levels.

Donald Trump has allocated $1.5 million to support the senatorial campaign of JD Vance. Shots were reported in corridors 25-30 meters from the event hall, and the incident occurred at the same hotel where Ronald Reagan was previously targeted. At least five gunshots were heard during the event, causing over 2,000 attendees to seek cover under tables. Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Karoline Leavitt were on the podium during the shooting. A suspected terrorist was shot during the incident, but no injuries were reported for Donald Trump, Melania Trump, or any cabinet members. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a shooting incident near the main press area. The US President was evacuated from the building in a panic following gunfire in the lobby. Security protocols including metal detectors were bypassed during the shooting incident.

The global data sphere is projected to exceed 175 zettabytes by 2025, posing an urgent problem as current digital storage and computing methods are running out of capacity. Molecular biologist Dina Zelensky stores data on DNA, which offers longevity and density superior to man-made devices with a small ecological footprint. While DNA data is stable at room temperature for a short period, it can be theoretically stored long-term in naturally cold and dry environments like the Utsida Ice Mill.

United States GDP grew by only 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker has called for military action against Iran. Wicker's comments follow reports that Iran's oil export revenue rose to at least $4.97 billion in the last month, a 40% increase from the pre-war monthly average of $3.45 billion. The calls for escalation come amid growing pressure on Donald Trump regarding the Iranian fleet. Experts suggest Donald Trump may use the Ukraine conflict as a bargaining chip in negotiations involving Iran. US military pressure and regional troop concentrations remain high. The discussion involves potential US strategic shifts regarding Tehran and Moscow. This follows reports of a deadlock in negotiations over Iran's ballistic missile program and red lines held by both Washington and Tehran. He stated that Iran has never faced a leader like Trump. He expressed a willingness to oppose the Supreme Leader of Iran.