Stories from Washington · United States

The US Treasury Department is launching a new initiative to provide cybersecurity intelligence to the digital asset industry at no cost.

Marijuana-related stocks saw a significant price increase following announcements from the Trump administration regarding the potential reclassification of cannabis. The administration is reportedly weighing several paths to move marijuana from its current Schedule 1 status. This regulatory shift is expected to impact the legal cannabis market and associated investment sectors. The news caused a intraday rally in related equities. This development follows recent executive actions regarding pharmaceutical treatments.

A C-SPAN Radio discussion highlighted the challenges facing the Wells Fargo franchise, noting it has been underperforming and restrained. The speaker suggested that fixing these issues would be a difficult but potentially rewarding task, especially given the current economic environment under the Biden administration.

WTOP Washington DC covered a Michael Jackson tribute event at Shaw's Kennedy Recreation Center. The event featured activities like skating, with participants wearing fedora hats and special gloves. Organizers aimed to celebrate the legacy of the 'King of Pop,' with children expressing enthusiasm for his music and dance.

FEMA has approved disaster relief funding for individual homeowners and businesses impacted by storms in Washington state. While a statewide hazard mitigation grant request for $182 million was denied, funds will be allocated for recovery efforts. This follows Governor Ferguson's request for a major disaster declaration.

US futures markets, including Kalshi, ban bets on war, assassination, and terrorism, aligning with US law. This policy was highlighted when users on Polymarket could bet on the death of Iran's supreme leader, while Kalshi users could not, due to these prohibitions.

Data from the Mexican government indicates that approximately 170,000 Mexican citizens were deported to their homeland during the first year of President Trump's mass deportation campaign. Many deportees are returning to their hometowns, while others are remaining in border cities to navigate their legal and social status. This movement highlights the significant demographic and social shifts occurring along the US-Mexico border.

The US Congress is expected to face significant legislative challenges in the coming week, with a vote on war powers related to Iran being a high-profile issue. This comes as the 60-day limit for presidential military action, stemming from the Vietnam War era, is approaching. Previous attempts to limit presidential actions on Iran have failed. Republicans control both the House and Senate and must resolve a dispute over spy agency powers before the upcoming congressional break. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a major surveillance tool, is set to expire on April 30. Additionally, Congress must secure funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has remained unfunded for over 70 days.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA have issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding cyberattacks on water systems affiliated with Iran.

Senior trade officials in the United States have outlined the government's negotiating strategy and ultimate goals for upcoming trade talks. The discussions aim to provide clarity on how these negotiations will impact the economy.