Tropical Storm Bertha Hits Louisiana and Threatens Texas Coast
Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon and is now tracking west toward the Texas coast, where forecasters expect a second landfall later on Thursday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said in a Thursday morning update that the storm came ashore in St. Bernard Parish, southeast of New Orleans, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 45 mph and higher gusts.
Forecasters warned of coastal flooding, heavy rain and dangerous surf along the Gulf Coast as Bertha approaches Texas. Officials had earlier warned that storm surges of up to 4 feet were possible along parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts.
Early assessments suggested damage would likely be limited because the El Niño weather pattern is expected to counter the storm's worst effects, though unusually warm Atlantic waters continue to raise the risk of destructive storms this season. The system also generated rough surf along Panama City Beach, Florida, where winds reached 59 mph, while a separate band of tornadoes caused major damage across parts of the Midwest to the Northeast on Tuesday.
House Republicans Refer Ex-Trump Prosecutor Jack Smith for Criminal Inquiry
The Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee has referred former special counsel Jack Smith for criminal investigation, asking the Justice Department to examine whether he lied to Congress about his investigation into Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The GOP chair of the committee urged the department to consider criminal charges against Smith, who led two criminal investigations of President Trump.
Democrats condemned the referral as baseless, vindictive and an attempt to weaponize the justice system. The move could provide a catalyst for a prosecution of Smith, who has been a frequent target of the president's attacks on social media.
Independent Autopsy Yields No Answers in Death of Nolan Wells
An independent autopsy commissioned by the family of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Mississippi teen, returned inconclusive preliminary results, finding his cause and manner of death "undetermined, pending investigation," family attorney Ben Crump announced Wednesday. Wells was found dead just off Horn Island after a Fourth of July boat trip with friends, having been left on the island by companions.
The announcement, made nearly three weeks after Wells's body was discovered, leaves his family pressing for answers as authorities continue their investigation.
Secret Service Agent on JD Vance Detail Investigated Over Alleged Leak
A Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance's protective detail is the subject of an administrative investigation and a potential criminal inquiry over allegations of compromising operational and information security, the agency's chief of communications said. The agent came under suspicion after allegedly providing information for an MS Now report about the vice-president's helicopter trip.
Police Fatally Shoot Man in Madison, Wisconsin, Sparking Protests
A police officer in Madison, Wisconsin, shot and killed a man Wednesday in a busy neighborhood lined with restaurants, bars, shops and homes. The shooting was captured on cellphone footage that circulated widely online and prompted local protests.
Madison Police Chief John Patterson said the officer was injured with a knife while attempting an arrest and cautioned that the footage represented only one perspective of what happened.
Amish Shah Wins Arizona Democratic Primary in Swing House District
Emergency physician Amish Shah won the Democratic primary in Arizona's 1st Congressional District, a swing seat covering parts of Phoenix, defeating a rival backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He will face Republican Jay Feely, a Trump-backed former NFL kicker, in November.
Minnesota Lawmaker Shooter Vance Boelter Sentenced to Two Life Terms
Vance Boelter, who admitted shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses in their homes last year, was sentenced Thursday to two life prison terms followed by 40 years. Prosecutors had opted not to seek the death penalty, and Boelter pleaded guilty.
Flash Floods Inundate West Virginia as National Guard Deploys
Torrential rains this week caused flash flooding that inundated homes and businesses across West Virginia, prompting the deployment of about 500 National Guard members and ongoing search-and-rescue operations. Governor Patrick Morrisey addressed the response at a Wednesday news conference, and two people remained missing as of the latest reports.
House Again Votes to Rebuke Trump on Iran War Powers
The House voted Thursday for the second time to rebuke President Trump over the conflict with Iran, approving a resolution that directs him to end the war and seek authorization for military action. Four Republicans joined Democrats in backing the measure.
UK Plans Business-Rate Cut for Pubs, Clubs and Music Venues
The UK government plans to cut business rates by 20 percent from next April for pubs, clubs and live-music venues, a £100 million package the Treasury says will save the typical pub about £1,100 in the next financial year. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds insisted the plan is fully funded, though she acknowledged that related changes to rules for vape shops and online marketplaces remain under review and consultation.
R. James Woolsey, Former CIA Director Under Clinton, Dies at 84
R. James Woolsey, who served as CIA director during the first two turbulent years of Bill Clinton's presidency, died Tuesday at his Washington home after a stroke, his wife, Conchita Sarnoff Woolsey, confirmed. He was 84. A conservative Democrat who later drifted rightward, Woolsey supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq and Donald Trump's 2016 presidential bid.
Scottish Police Officer Was Serial Rapist Who Attacked Women for Years
A Scottish police officer who took his own life in May after officers visited his home has been identified as a serial rapist who attacked at least nine women over 14 years. PC Alan Greer's offending came to light after his first known victim reported being raped in her Glasgow home in 2012 after she had called police to report a crime; detectives anticipate many more victims may emerge.