Powerful storms dump heavy rain and swell rivers across US Pacific north-west

Tens of thousands of residents in western Washington are facing potential evacuation orders as heavy rain continues to impact the region, with rivers approaching historic flood levels. The forecast indicates another round of intense rainfall on Thursday, raising concerns about catastrophic flooding.

Bajun Mavalwalla, an Afghanistan war veteran, has been arrested on felony conspiracy charges following his participation in a protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Spokane, Washington. He maintains his innocence and is preparing for a jury trial, while others arrested during the same protest have opted for plea agreements to avoid lengthy prison sentences.

The Federal Reserve has announced a cut in interest rates for the third time this year during a rate-setting meeting in Washington, which occurred amid a data blackout due to the prolonged federal government shutdown this fall. This decision reflects ongoing economic challenges and inflation concerns that have influenced the Fed's monetary policy.

Residents of Lakeview, Oregon, have launched a unique fundraising initiative by creating nude calendars, inspired by a movie, to raise money for essential snowplowing services in their town. This creative approach aims to address the financial challenges faced by the community during winter months.

President Trump, in a recent interview, did not dismiss the possibility of deploying U.S. troops to Venezuela, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. He refrained from making definitive statements regarding military intervention, indicating a cautious approach to the situation.

Kyiv and Washington have established a framework aimed at catalyzing investment in Ukraine, focusing on critical minerals essential for future resilience. This initiative is part of broader efforts to support Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges.

A recent survey reveals that more local officials are expressing concerns about the negative impact of political polarization on the nation, particularly in larger communities, coinciding with increased political violence and legislative gridlock in Washington.

Arlene Wagner, at 101 years old, has dedicated nearly 50 years to collecting nutcrackers, resulting in one of the largest collections in the world, now displayed at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Washington.