Stories from Washington · United States

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

Over 1.5 million signatures have been collected to trigger a vote on the Billionaire Tax Act. This number is more than double the amount required to bring the act to a vote. The election is scheduled to take place on Election Day in November. The initiative aims to address budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Supporters claim to have collected double the required signatures to place the tax on the November ballot. Proponents argue the tax will fund healthcare, while Governor Newsom opposes it, citing potential business exodus. The measure proposes a one-time 5 percent tax on the total wealth of California-resident billionaires, including stocks and real estate, and is set for a November vote. Google co-founder Sergey Brin has commented on a proposed California tax measure scheduled for a November vote.

A committee is investigating allegations that leadership within the Metropolitan Police Department manipulated crime statistics.

The US administration is pushing to expand the president's image on official items. Plans include placing the president's signature on US dollar notes and creating a commemorative gold coin. A gold American flag encircled by stars and the number 250 will appear on the back cover of a commemorative document. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the move, suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio should focus on other priorities instead.

Space technology company True Anomaly has secured $650 million in new funding, bringing its total valuation to $2.2 billion. The capital is intended to support the company's entry into the Golden Dome program to develop interceptor satellites.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is scheduled to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday. He will be joined by General Dan Cain, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the acting Comptroller. The budget includes funding for the Golden Dome Missile Defense System, aircraft procurement, drones, and the construction of over a dozen Navy warships. Some Senate Republicans are reportedly questioning Hegseth's leadership and the removal of senior military officials. The head of the Pentagon is facing scrutiny regarding budget matters, according to reports. Defense Secretary Pete Hegsted and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Kaine participated in a hearing regarding the Pentagon's $1.45 trillion budget request. This marks the first such hearing involving these officials since the war started in February.

Metropolitan police have cleared the crash scene on northbound DC 295. The incident occurred on the N2 highway, which is reportedly taking some time to clear up.

The research and advocacy group PHI estimates the United States will need to fill nearly 10 million caregiving jobs over the next decade. Advocacy group member Rita Sibonauter and local neighbors held a demonstration this morning to protest workforce reductions.

The US justice system has condemned a pharmaceutical firm for its role in provoking the opioid crisis in the United States. Health authorities estimate the medication had a high potential for addiction.

The US Treasury Department announced that banknotes will bear Donald Trump's signature, marking the first time an incumbent president will sign currency. A gold coin featuring Trump's image will also be issued.