Texas flash floods leave at least 2 dead in region devastated a year ago
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — Authorities in Texas have rescued hundreds of stranded drivers and people trapped in homes and at least two people have died due to catastrophic flooding. The region is still recovering from devastating floods a year ago. The governor said Thursday that the hardest-hit areas are expecting more rain and are not out of danger yet. The National Weather Service says a “deadly flood wave” churned down the Guadalupe River that runs alongside Camp Mystic. That's where two dozen children and two counselors were killed last July. Gov. Greg Abbott says more than 2,000 first responders had been deployed and that some evacuations began before the worst of the flooding.
AP Exclusive: ICE officer in Maine shooting has history of violent behavior, family and records say
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot a Colombian man in Maine this week is an Army veteran who has struggled with serious mental health issues since early childhood, according to close relatives who spoke to The Associated Press. Several of David Brouillette's close relatives say he told them he was the ICE officer who shot 25-year-old Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero on Monday. They say Brouillette never should have been given a badge and gun, and they accuse him of attacking women in his life over the years. His troubling past further challenges how thoroughly the Department of Homeland Security has vetted recruits as it went on a hiring spree to help carry out President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Weather conditions again brought devastating floods to a vulnerable swath of Texas
WASHINGTON (AP) — Severe storms have dumped over 20 inches of rain in parts of Texas, causing significant flooding. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly early Thursday, affecting areas still recovering from last year's deadly flash floods. Experts say slow-moving storms fueled by lots of moisture created days of downpours. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said drones and helicopters are being used for rescues. Experts said the flooding is severe but not as bad in some areas as last year. Climate change may be creating conditions that make storms like these more common.
Hopes for US-Iran diplomacy still alive as fighting intensifies over the Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has intensified. But hopes for a possible diplomatic solution have shown stubborn signs of life. Vice President JD Vance told podcaster Joe Rogan that the U.S. will not indefinitely bomb Iran and that “you’ve got to actually be willing to talk and to try to figure out the problem.” Mediators from countries that include Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt also have been working to resume talks. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday that the parties eventually “will have to come to the negotiating table to settle all outstanding issues.”
Trump uses primetime address to raise doubts about US elections ahead of midterms
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has used a primetime address to question the legitimacy of U.S. elections and push for more restrictive voting laws. On Thursday, he revisited debunked theories about his 2020 loss, despite ongoing voter concerns about other pressing issues. Trump claimed election interference but provided no evidence of manipulated votes. Former intelligence official Sue Gordon called the speech "dangerous." Some networks choose not to air the address live. Democrats accuse Trump of trying to discredit the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. They argue his claims are baseless and aim to sow confusion.
Wildfire smoke makes air unhealthy from the US Midwest to East Coast. Officials say stay inside
NEW YORK (AP) — Heavy smoke from wildfires is darkening skies from the U.S. Midwest to the East Coast. The smoke on Thursday prompted warnings that breathing the air outside could be dangerous for people. The smoke is coming from fires that are burning primarily in Canada but also in northern Minnesota. A National Weather Service Meteorologist in Detroit says a lingering high pressure system has trapped the smoke close to the ground. Officials in many cities are urging residents to stay inside or wear masks outside as air quality reaches unhealthy to hazardous levels, meaning it’s unhealthy for anyone, regardless of health conditions.
Trump administration revives rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits
MIAMI (AP) — The Trump administration is reviving a rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits that could include food stamps, Medicaid, housing vouchers and more. The policy appeared Thursday in the Federal Register and comes into effect Sept. 18. The policy was first implemented in February 2020 as one of President Donald Trump’s moves to limit legal immigration during his first administration, but it was reversed after Democratic President Joe Biden came to power. Federal law already requires those seeking permanent residency or legal status to demonstrate that they will not become a public charge. The new rule broadens the grounds for disqualification.
Blanche meets with Epstein accusers after demand from Republican senator crucial to confirmation
WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has met with accusers of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the demand of a Republican senator whose support is crucial to his nomination to lead the Justice Department. Blanche met for about an hour Thursday with a group of Epstein’s accusers at Justice Department headquarters in Washington. After the meeting, he told reporters that he encouraged the accusers to come to the FBI with any information that could help investigators. “It wasn’t all cordial,” Blanche said. One accuser called it a “mere ‘check-the-box’ exercise intended to secure votes for his confirmation.”
FDA approves a first-of-its-kind pill to cut cholesterol in high-risk patients
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a first-of-its-kind pill that can drastically reduce cholesterol. The drug cleared Thursday can lower dangerous cholesterol in a way that’s previously only been available with expensive, injectable drugs. The Lipfendra pill from Merck is the first noninjectable option for blocking a liver protein that interferes with the body’s ability to clear cholesterol from the blood. Biotech injectables targeting the protein have been available from other drugmakers for more than a decade. But patient access has been limited by high prices, insurance restrictions and low prescribing by doctors.
Jackson Suber leads a day of surprises at Birkdale with a 65 in his first British Open
SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — So much focus was on the new Royal Birkdale. What the British Open delivered Thursday was a bunch of newcomers. Leading the way is Jackson Suber. This not only is his first time on links golf, it's his first time to Europe. But the 26-year-old American delivered superb shots at the end of his 65 to lead over Dan Brown and Sungjae Im. Bryson DeChambeau quietly had a 67. He was joined by four players in the British Open for the first time. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot 68. Rory McIlroy had a rough day on the greens for 72.
