Stories from Washington · United States

Multiple scientists serving on an independent board for a United States basic science funding agency were terminated from their positions on Friday. An index indicates the decline in US academic freedom began in 2020, predating the current Trump administration. Catherine Kinselbach noted that her index shows a decline in academic freedom in the US beginning in 2020. The development follows previous state-level efforts to limit university freedoms regarding curriculum and accreditation. Catherine Kinselbar, leader of the European Collaboration, stated the firings align with findings from the Global Academic Freedom Index. Kinselbar suggested the administration is using its position to politicize science. Researchers have expressed rising concerns about the White House's approach to science funding. Keevan Stassen, a board member, stated this to news hours.

President Trump is attending the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner this morning. This marks the first time he has attended the event as President. He is expected to address the gathered journalists during the proceedings. The Marine Corps band is performing welcoming music for the event.

A driver was arrested after an SUV crashed into a police patrol car at the intersection of Ida B. Wells and Wabash in Washington. The collision occurred when the SUV allegedly ran a red light. Two women were passengers in the SUV; one sustained minor injuries while the other refused medical treatment. Two officers in the patrol car were rescued from the wreckage with non-life-threatening injuries.

Kaloyan Stove, 26, was found guilty on two counts of second-degree murder and multiple weapons charges. The conviction stems from a January 2025 shooting that killed Marcel Hebron and Elani Marquin. Prosecutors stated the incident occurred following a marijuana transaction. Stove reportedly sat on Hebron's body after the shooting before fleeing to a hotel where detectives arrested him. The trial took place in Washington.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA have issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory warns of escalating threats to critical infrastructure. The advisory follows federal cyber strategy discussions concerning state and local government vulnerabilities.

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.