More local officials than ever say political polarization is harming the nation, survey finds

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.

A series of powerful storms has impacted the Pacific north-west of the United States, particularly affecting Washington and Oregon. These storms have resulted in heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and necessitated high-water rescues across several areas. An atmospheric river is responsible for the intense weather, bringing significant precipitation and snowfall to the region.

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.

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.

A federal judge has overturned former President Trump's order that blocked the development of wind energy, a decision prompted by a legal challenge from attorneys general in 17 states, including California and Washington. This ruling is significant as it opens the door for renewable energy projects that were previously hindered by federal restrictions.