Stories from Washington · United States

Pope Leo has issued a condemnation of capital punishment, calling for its global abolition. This follows a US Justice Department proposal to consider firing squads, electrocution, and gassing as alternative execution methods. The recommendation stems from reported difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs.

Prince Andrew is providing testimony before a US Congressional committee regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The proceedings follow significant scrutiny of his past connections and social circles. This testimony is part of ongoing investigations into the Epstein network.

President Trump is permitting the US Air Force to ignore specific water pollution requirements to facilitate combat jet training in the Mountain West region. The administration argues that supersonic flight training is in the paramount interest of national security. This move prioritizes military readiness over environmental regulations in the western United States.

A new ice cream treat called the 'Rainbow Bobo Waffle' has been introduced, inspired by a Japanese home run hitter. The colorful dessert includes gummy bears, strawberry sauce, and a homemade waffle batter. This innovative offering is made entirely in-house, reflecting a commitment to fresh, unique products.

The Dutch royal couple has undertaken a trade mission in the United States, visiting locations including Miami and Pennsylvania. They met with business leaders and promoted Dutch companies, acting as ambassadors for the Netherlands. The mission aimed to foster connections and facilitate business opportunities.

The Bureau of Prisons has been directed to reinstate federal executions following a moratorium previously held under the Biden administration. Currently, only three individuals remain on federal death row: Dylan Roof, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Robert Bowers. This move marks a significant shift in federal capital punishment policy. The Trump administration is expanding the lethal injection protocol to officially include additional methods such as firing squads. Officials state this move aims to provide justice for victims and ensure deterrence for the most serious crimes. This move reverses policies from the Biden administration, which converted the sentences of 37 federal prisoners to life imprisonment at the end of his term. The new administration argues that Biden's previous policies caused irreparable harm to society.

A US State Department official failed to disclose having relatives in the United States on an application. The official's family members had immigrated to America in the early 20th century, and the official had visited them in Hartford, Connecticut.

Figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson are reportedly distancing themselves from Donald Trump. This shift suggests a potential fracture within the MAGA movement, with some allies no longer enthusiastically endorsing Trump's ideology or political style.

The law firm Morgan & Morgan, described as America's largest injury law firm, has reported significant success in legal battles against insurance giants, winning over $30 billion. The firm emphasizes its role in helping rebuild broken families and addressing various injury cases, including crashes and medical mistakes.

International traveler arrivals to the United States fell by 5% compared to the previous year, totaling 58 million visitors. While US numbers declined, global tourism saw an increase of 80 million visitors year-over-year. This shift highlights changing travel patterns between North America and regions like Asia Pacific and Europe.