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Nor'easter Brings Heavy Rain, Winds, and Flooding to US Northeast

Nor'easter Brings Heavy Rain, Winds, and Flooding to US Northeast

A powerful early-season nor'easter has impacted the northeastern United States, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding over the weekend. The storm, which began affecting the region on Saturday, caused widespread disruptions, including power outages, travel delays, and significant flooding in coastal areas. Wind gusts exceeded 70 mph in some locations, such as Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and Block Island, Rhode Island. Rainfall totals reached over 7 inches in parts of Massachusetts, including Joint Base Cape Cod and Acushnet. The storm also coincided with a full moon, exacerbating high tide flooding along the coast. While the storm is weakening, its effects are expected to linger into Monday, particularly in New England.

Representative Walberg Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation Efforts

Representative Walberg Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Great Lakes Conservation Efforts

On September 28, 2026, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), David Joyce (R-OH), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Hillary Scholten (D-MI) introduced the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act. This bipartisan and bicameral bill aims to enhance federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation. The legislation proposes designating the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) as the official Regional Great Lakes Partnership within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Regional Ocean Partnerships Program. This designation is intended to ensure the Great Lakes region receives a fair share of program funding, thereby providing federal resources to support the GLC's ongoing work in coordinating Great Lakes research and conservation efforts. Companion legislation has also been advanced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH).

Renton City Council Debates Ban on ICE Activity on City Property

Renton City Council Debates Ban on ICE Activity on City Property

The Renton City Council is actively considering a ban on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) civil immigration activity on city-owned property. This discussion follows a motion on June 1 to ban ICE from city property, which was subsequently reviewed by the public safety committee. The committee, however, concurred with a staff recommendation that no further action was needed at that time, a stance the council agreed with on August 17. Despite this, Councilmember Carmen Rivera reignited the debate on September 21, moving for the city to ban ICE from civil immigration activity on city property. Rivera cited an incident where ICE allegedly harassed an American citizen in her neighborhood, arguing that ICE agents are unprofessional and do a disservice to law enforcement. Councilmember James Alberson expressed concerns about the enforceability of such a ban and the potential for civil litigation, while Councilmember Ruth Pérez emphasized the importance of protecting residents' rights without offering...

Emily Schwickerath Appointed Director of Government Relations for Iowa State Association of Counties

Emily Schwickerath Appointed Director of Government Relations for Iowa State Association of Counties

Emily Schwickerath has been appointed as the new director of government relations for the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC). Schwickerath brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously worked with U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who represents Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District. Additionally, she has experience working within the Iowa Legislature. Her primary objective at ISAC will be to leverage her governmental experience to strengthen the relationships between the state government and Iowa's 99 counties. ISAC's mission is to provide counties with a voice in state policy, foster collaboration, and offer administrative support, legal assistance, and technology services. Schwickerath is slated to lobby during the 2027 legislative session, advocating for the interests of the counties and ensuring clear communication regarding how state legislation impacts county operations and resources. She aims to act as a partner with both the legislature and the state executive branch to represent ...

Representative Nancy Mace Introduces Pesticide Transparency on Federal Land Act

Representative Nancy Mace Introduces Pesticide Transparency on Federal Land Act

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) has introduced the Pesticide Transparency on Federal Land Act. This legislation aims to mandate federal agencies to publicly disclose all pesticide applications on federal lands and facilities. The bill specifically directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a publicly accessible database for this information. Federal agencies would be required to report pesticide use within five days of application, detailing the location, active ingredient, date, and purpose of the application. The act also seeks to make previously compiled federal pesticide application data available through the EPA's database. A limited exemption for national security concerns is included, though agencies would still report such information to the EPA and notify Congress.

Severe Nor'easter Causes Widespread Power Outages and Travel Disruptions on East Coast

Severe Nor'easter Causes Widespread Power Outages and Travel Disruptions on East Coast

A powerful nor'easter is currently impacting the East Coast of the United States, leading to significant disruptions. The storm features wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and has caused over 71,000 power outages across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. States of emergency have been declared in New York and New Jersey. The combination of relentless rainfall and strong winds is pushing ocean water inland, creating a severe threat of tidal inundation, with some coastal communities experiencing up to three feet of water. Waterfront areas in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, have reported deep standing water on roadways, prompting voluntary evacuations. The severe weather has also led to hundreds of flight cancellations nationwide, with Boston Logan International Airport and regional hubs like Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard particularly affected. Amtrak has canceled regional passenger services between Boston and Philadelphia due to downed wires and track hazards, and bus bridges have been deployed betw...

Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Bill to End Federal Funding for Dog and Cat Biomedical Experiments

Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Bill to End Federal Funding for Dog and Cat Biomedical Experiments

U.S. Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Mark Pocan (D-WI), along with other lawmakers, have introduced legislation aimed at ending Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) funding for biomedical experiments involving live dogs and cats. The proposed bill, H.R. 10522, known as the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing Act, seeks to prohibit the use of HHS funds for the purchase, breeding, housing, transportation, and experimental use of these animals in covered biomedical research. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions to facilitate the adoption or rescue of animals no longer required for federally funded research. This legislative effort coincides with the 'March to End Animal Testing,' a 207-mile trek concluding at Marshall BioResources, a facility that houses thousands of beagles, cats, ferrets, and pigs for biomedical research. The march highlights growing public and advocacy group concerns regarding animal welfare in scientific testing.

Congressman Tim Moore Reassures North Carolina on Hurricane Helene Recovery Amidst Governor Stein's $10 Billion Request

Congressman Tim Moore Reassures North Carolina on Hurricane Helene Recovery Amidst Governor Stein's $10 Billion Request

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has requested an additional $10 billion in federal aid for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, marking two years since the storm devastated Western North Carolina. The requested funds include $3 billion for rebuilding dams and municipal roads, $1.5 billion for economic recovery, and another $3 billion for home rebuilding and lost housing stock. This request comes despite previous substantial federal investments in the state's recovery. Republican Congressman Tim Moore has publicly stated his confidence in the Trump administration's commitment to these recovery efforts, countering Governor Stein's criticism of President Trump regarding earlier comments about relief funds. Moore emphasized that the entire North Carolina congressional delegation, across both Republican and Democratic parties, views Helene recovery as a vital issue and believes Capitol Hill leadership is responsive to their needs.

Senators Blumenthal and Governor Lamont Accuse Trump Administration of Politically Motivated Grant Blockage

Senators Blumenthal and Governor Lamont Accuse Trump Administration of Politically Motivated Grant Blockage

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut have publicly accused the Trump administration of illegally withholding federal clean energy grants for political reasons. They claim that 284 terminated grants, totaling $7.6 billion, were blocked because the recipients were in states that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and are represented by Democratic senators. Lawyers for the administration have conceded in court stipulations that the inclusion of grants in the termination notice was based solely on the political identity of the recipient's state. Despite U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruling the terminations illegal in two separate cases, the administration has reportedly not released the funds, including $53 million owed to Connecticut recipients like the University of Connecticut and RTX.

Brookings Institution Calls for New U.S. Transportation Policy Paradigm to Address Safety, Cost, and Accessibility

Brookings Institution Calls for New U.S. Transportation Policy Paradigm to Address Safety, Cost, and Accessibility

The Brookings Institution is advocating for a fundamental shift in U.S. transportation policy, arguing that the current paradigm, which has historically prioritized interstate commerce and large-lot housing, has led to significant shortcomings. These include compromised user safety, excessive personal spending on transportation, limited consumer choice, and high maintenance costs for infrastructure. The institution highlights that the average trip distance now exceeds 12 miles, making cars an essential good for most, and exposing drivers to congestion. This situation exacerbates household accessibility challenges, particularly in metropolitan areas. The report emphasizes the need for a new approach that rebalances priorities to address these critical issues effectively.

U.S. Senators Reintroduce Bill to Ban Toxic Chemicals in Plastic Beverage Bottles

U.S. Senators Reintroduce Bill to Ban Toxic Chemicals in Plastic Beverage Bottles

Five U.S. Senators have reintroduced legislation aimed at prohibiting toxic substances from being used in plastic beverage containers. The 'Banning Toxics from Plastic Bottles Act' was co-sponsored by Democratic Senators Peter Welch of Vermont, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Corey Booker of New Jersey, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The bill also proposes the creation of a fund to assist communities in preventing and mitigating the consequences of plastic waste. Furthermore, it mandates the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize rural and historically underserved communities when distributing pollution remediation and restoration grants. The substances targeted by this bill have been identified by the U.S. Plastics Pact Group as problematic or unnecessary due to their adverse effects on human and environmental health, high likelihood of littering, ability to be replaced, hindrance to waste processing, or inability to be recycled, reused, or compo...

Attorney General Bonta Secures Injunction Against Trump Administration's School Mental Health Funding Termination

Attorney General Bonta Secures Injunction Against Trump Administration's School Mental Health Funding Termination

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a coalition of 15 attorneys general, has secured a preliminary injunction from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. This injunction continues to block the Trump Administration's plan to terminate federal funding for school mental health services. The funding, established through the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program, was created by Congress following school shootings in Parkland, FL, and Uvalde, TX. These programs aim to address shortages of mental health professionals in schools, particularly in high-need areas. The court's decision prevents the U.S. Department of Education from ending these grants, a move that Attorney General Bonta stated was an attempt by the Trump Administration to cut critical mental health funding for schools.