Stories from Washington · United States

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.

The Protecting Victims Amendment Act of 2026 has been introduced to provide enhanced legal protections for survivors of domestic violence. Executive Director Natalia Otero of DC Safe noted that the legislation is a crucial first step in breaking cycles of violence. Implementation details are currently being reviewed to ensure the provisions are effective.

Police in Washington D.C. sought an arrest warrant for an individual named Mills, but then-U.S. Attorney Ed Martin declined to sign it. This decision followed a change in the accuser's account after speaking with Mills, and an internal investigation into the officers' actions. The United States attorney for DC, Ed Martin, declined to issue a warrant for Congressman Mills. A police supervisor reportedly overrode an officer who spoke to Mills' accuser and wanted to pursue an arrest. Interim DC police chief Jeffrey Carroll stated the department is reviewing the events of that night. Carroll believes that if probable cause exists for a domestic offense, an arrest should be made.

Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen stated that the Department of Homeland Security spends approximately $1.7 billion every two weeks on payroll. Mullen attributed the current border situation to Democratic policies, suggesting they favor open borders over robust border protection and immigration enforcement.

Scammers in the United States are reportedly targeting gift card payments.