Stories from Washington · United States

A US soldier is accused of placing approximately 13 bets related to a military effort to capture Maduro. The source reported the specific number of bets placed during the incident. The Department of Justice has arrested a soldier for allegedly making $400,000 in bets regarding the removal of Nicolás Maduro. Army Master Sergeant Gannon Van Dyke appeared in federal court in New York on Wednesday. He is accused of placing bets on the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro in January and allegedly collected over $400,000 in winnings before the raid was public. Van Dijk allegedly collected more than $400,000 in winnings.

The US government announced plans to release a limited series of 25,000 specially designed passports to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. US officials stated the portraits will appear on some passports soon. State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggett confirmed the limited release, according to the report. The announcement was reported by MPR's Michelle Kellerman. The White House will release a limited number of passports to commemorate 250 years since the United States declared independence. The release is being coordinated with international press agencies. Trump will be the first living president featured on such a travel document. The new passports are expected to be available shortly before Independence Day on July 4. State Department is releasing limited edition passports to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Great America in July.

A warrant requirement amendment failed in the House Rules Committee following a six-to-six tie vote. The amendment was offered by Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. Representative Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, criticized the amendment and discussed concerns regarding data collection mandates in vehicles. The debate included discussions on the implications of a 'kill switch' for vehicle data collection. The requirement amendment tied six to six, resulting in its failure. The amendment was tied to a broader discussion regarding redistricting efforts to create more Republican-leaning districts. This move is described as an attempt to maintain GOP control of the U.S. The vote resulted in a 6-6 tie, preventing the amendment from moving forward. Two Republicans, Chip Roy and Ralph Norman, voted alongside Democrats on the measure.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has classified memecoins as digital collectibles. This regulatory shift aims to remove uncertainty and potentially increase capital for meme token presales.

Major retailers saw stock declines on Tuesday. Walmart shares remained flat while Target fell 2%. Costco Wholesale slipped 0.4%. Amazon shares dropped approximately 0.5%. Meta Platforms rose 1.1%, while Alphabet (Google) declined 0.1%.

Attorney Blanche contended that the case against former FBI director James Comey is not a selective prosecution. The defense argued that the department brings similar cases against lesser-known individuals.

Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated that reimbursement or coverage cuts represent the most threat to Medicaid since its inception in 1965. These cuts could escalate a trend of hospitals closing or scaling back pediatric services.

New York Presbyterian Hospital CEO Dr. Brian Donnelly testified before Congress on Tuesday regarding rising healthcare costs.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has taken steps to focus Department of Justice efforts on perceived political enemies of President Trump. These targets reportedly include former CIA Director John Brennan and former President Joe Biden.

Trump stated via social media that Iran is in a state of collapse and that leaders are requesting the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to resolve leadership issues. Donald Trump intends to change the name of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The report was cited by the Spanish newspaper El País. The news was discussed on W Radio Colombia. ICE is the law enforcement body responsible for immigration duties. The agency has faced scrutiny following the deaths of 29 migrants during enforcement operations this year. The move follows a hardening of migration policies and a decline in presidential popularity. President Trump stated he is not satisfied with Iran's latest proposal to end the war with the U.S. and Israel. He indicated Iran is requesting terms he cannot accept. Discussions regarding peace talks remain ongoing.