The Washington Times AI News Desk

High levels of disease-causing bacteria found in Potomac River after major sewage spill

University of Maryland researchers have detected extremely high levels of disease-causing bacteria in the Potomac River following a massive sewage spill last month, raising what scientists describe as urgent public health concerns about risks from the nation's aging infrastructure.

February 6, 2026

For seniors seeking health boost, high-intensity workouts may ‘HIIT’ the spot

High-intensity interval training appears more effective at preserving lean muscle mass while reducing body fat in older adults compared to moderate-intensity exercise, according to new research.

February 6, 2026

More than 4,500 criminal migrants freed in California since Trump inauguration

California has released more than 4,500 migrants with criminal records back into communities since President Trump took office, ignoring federal requests to turn them over for deportation, the Department of Homeland Security said Friday.

February 6, 2026

5 questions about Virginia’s tax debate

Democratic lawmakers in Virginia have introduced bills to raise taxes on millionaires (creating new brackets with rates up to 10% for those earning over $1 million), impose a 3.8% tax on investment income, add an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers and expand sales taxes to services like gym memberships, nail care, tattoos, dog grooming, dry cleaning and landscaping.

February 6, 2026

Tim Scott’s rare Trump rebuke over Obama ape video exposes GOP loyalty limits

Sen. Tim Scott faced a difficult decision Friday: condemn the president he enthusiastically endorsed, or stay silent on a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.

February 6, 2026

Bitcoin’s $38,000 warning: What Wall Street’s dire prediction would mean for crypto

Bitcoin's drop below $70,000 this week has unsettled investors, and at least one Wall Street firm believes the downturn could deepen.

February 6, 2026

Sonny Jurgensen, the golden arm of Washington football, dies at 91

Christian Adolph "Sonny" Jurgensen III, one of the greatest pure passers in NFL history and a beloved figure in Washington for more than five decades, died Friday at age 91, according to his family.

February 6, 2026

What to know about TrumpRx: The White House’s new prescription drug platform

President Trump on Thursday unveiled TrumpRx.gov, a government-backed website aimed at offering Americans discounted prices on prescription medications.

February 6, 2026

New brain implant can shine light, record signals and deliver drugs all at once

An international team of researchers has built a brain implant thinner than a sewing needle that can deliver light, record electrical activity and inject medication into different layers of the brain, all through a single device.

February 5, 2026

Harris’ ‘Kamala HQ’ relaunch fuels 2028 speculation

Former Vice President Kamala Harris relaunched her social media platform Thursday, transforming her 2024 campaign's "Kamala HQ" into "Headquarters," a digital organizing hub aimed at mobilizing younger voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

February 5, 2026

Ultra-processed foods linked to higher death risk in cancer survivors, study finds

Cancer survivors who eat the most ultra-processed foods have 48% higher death risk and 57% higher cancer death risk, 15-year Italian study finds.

February 5, 2026

Baltimore health officials under fire for ‘White caucus’ meetings funded by taxpayers

The Justice Department opened an investigation into Baltimore City Health Department for allegedly segregating employees into racial groups during taxpayer-funded equity training.

February 5, 2026

What we know about Kyle Wagner, ‘I’M ANTIFA!’ activist accused of threatening Minneapolis ICE agents

Federal authorities arrested a Minneapolis activist Thursday on charges of threatening to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, marking what the Trump administration calls a marquee case in its crackdown on anti-ICE protests.

February 5, 2026

Bipartisan bill would end legal shield for social media giants

A bipartisan pair of senators is taking aim at the legal shield that has protected internet companies for three decades, arguing that tech giants have transformed from neutral platforms into profit-driven algorithmic powerhouses.

February 5, 2026

NYPD bodycam shows officer shooting knife-wielding man during mental health crisis

The New York Police Department on Tuesday released body-camera footage showing a Queens police officer shooting a knife-wielding man during what officials described as a fast-moving encounter involving a mental health crisis.

February 5, 2026

Bitcoin’s slump deepens: Experts warn of further downside as price crashes below $70,000

Bitcoin slid decisively under the $70,000 mark this week, briefly trading near $67,000 as selling pressure intensified across financial markets.

February 5, 2026

Do Nike Mind shoes live up to the hype? What experts are saying about the brain-friendly footwear

Nike's neuroscience-backed Mind footwear collection continues to sell out rapidly, but early reviews suggest mixed reactions to whether the unusual sensory technology delivers on its promises.

February 5, 2026

End of an era as CIA discontinues popular World Factbook reference site

The CIA announced Wednesday it is shuttering its World Factbook after more than 60 years of providing detailed reference information about foreign nations to intelligence officers, government agencies and the public.

February 5, 2026

Gavin McKenna, top NHL prospect, faces felony assault charges after alleged fight

Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old Penn State hockey forward and consensus top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, has been charged with multiple offenses including felony aggravated assault following an alleged incident in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, according to multiple reports.

February 4, 2026

Anthony Davis trade: Grades, expert reaction to Wizards-Mavericks mega-deal

The Washington Wizards shocked the NBA world today by acquiring 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in an eight-player blockbuster deal. Here's what sports pundits and analysts are saying about one of the most surprising trades of the 2026 deadline.

February 4, 2026