Stories from 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.

A co-founder of OpenAI is seeking an estimated $134 billion in damages. The individual claims the company benefited from his money, advice, recruiting efforts, and connections. He reportedly wants to prevent the ChatGPT maker from transitioning into a for-profit company.

Scientists report that climate warming is eroding natural barriers that previously suppressed rat reproduction in colder North American regions. The emergence of genetically drug-resistant super-rats and the bioaccumulation of traditional rodenticides are complicating control efforts. Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach including source control of rat fertility and improved environmental hygiene to manage the population. The report notes that human-driven climate change is a primary factor in this shifting ecological dynamic. Previously, long winters in colder regions acted as a natural barrier to rodent breeding. The shift in climate is now allowing these populations to expand.

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.

Upstate New York businessman Miles Marshall pleaded guilty to charges related to running a Ponzi scheme. Prosecutors stated Marshall stole more than $50 million from hundreds of victims. A bankruptcy trustee found that Marshall owes approximately 1,000 people a total of about $95 million. Marshall faces a prison sentence of four to twelve years when sentenced in June.

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.