Washington death toll from mudslide rises
ARLINGTON, Wash. – The official death toll from Washington state’s mudslide has increased to 28, and the Snohomish County medical examiner’s office says 22 of those victims have been identified.
That’s up from 27 dead with 19 identified Tuesday morning.
The latest names added to the list are 65-year-old Thom E. Satterlee, 60-year-old Lon E. Slauson and 23-year-old Adam Farnes. Like the rest, they died of blunt force injuries suffered in the March 22 slide northeast of Seattle.
Officials say receding floodwaters near the rural community of Oso are helping in the search for human remains by exposing more sites.
Obama gets legislation for aid to Ukraine
WASHINGTON – Congress sent President Barack Obama a bill on Tuesday to provide $1 billion in loan guarantees to cash-poor Ukraine and punish Russia for its bold annexation of part of the former Soviet republic.
Russia’s incursion into Crimea caused a deep rift between Moscow and Washington, and the bill, passed with bipartisan support, was a way for Congress to denounce Russia’s move and express support for Kiev.
The House voted 378 to 34 for the bill, which also is aimed at discouraging any further actions that President Vladimir Putin might be contemplating in the region.
White House press secretary Jay Carney said Obama welcomed congressional passage of the bill.
Carney said it would help Ukraine regain economic and political footing and added the administration supports the targeted sanctions authority provided in the legislation.
Associated Press
