Sen. Ed Markey, 80, wins Mass. Democratic primary over opponent who called for generational change
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts has secured the Democratic nomination in his bid for a third term in office. Markey fought off a challenge from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, 47, who argued that it was time for a generational change. During the campaign, Moulton told voters it was time to do away with the “status quo.” Markey pointed to Moulton’s more moderate positions to argue that it was Moulton — not the older incumbent — who was out of touch with the state’s voters. In heavily Democratic Massachusetts, the primary is considered the most critical election hurdle.
Judge sends Charlie Kirk murder case to trial with defendant facing potential death penalty
PROVO, Utah (AP) — The murder case against the Utah man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk is headed for trial. Defendant Tyler Robinson faces a potential death sentence if convicted. Utah District Judge Tony Graf on Tuesday sided with prosecutors who said they had “overwhelming” evidence that Robinson shot Kirk as he addressed a crowd last September in Orem, Utah. Robinson’s lawyers have tried to block the case from proceeding to trial. They said prosecutors didn’t give enough evidence to warrant seeking the death penalty. One of Robinson’s attorneys entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf following the decision. Kirk’s family called the ruling “an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice.”
US military completes latest strikes against Iran, while Trump vows more for Tehran's retaliation
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has hit targets in Iran, and Tehran has fired missiles and drones in response. Iranian officials say the latest U.S. attacks hit a house hosting a wedding, killing five people. Central Command said late Tuesday that the new barrage was complete after the U.S. hit Iranian military targets. Explosions have been seen over the southern Jordanian city of Aqaba as Iran says it is retaliating for U.S. strikes. U.S. President Donald Trump says the strikes targeted Iranian radar systems. Hostilities are flaring once again in an intermittent war that has lasted more than six months.
House censures Rep. Chuck Edwards for conduct toward former female staffers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has censured Rep. Chuck Edwards after an Ethics Committee investigation concluded he engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers in his office. The 413-2 vote is the latest example of Congress grappling with revelations about lawmakers’ improper behavior toward female staffers. Edwards is a North Carolina Republican. He apologized to the former aides and his family but he also said he did not believe he committed sexual harassment. Rep. Michael Guest, chairman of the House Ethics Committee, says that while Edwards denied his conduct was intended to be sexual or romantic, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable person to interpret it as such.
Tropical depression unleashes heavy rain in parts of Texas, knocking out power to thousands
PORT ARTHUR, Texas (AP) — The former Tropical Storm Edouard weakened into a depression while unleashing heavy rains and strong winds on parts of Texas. It knocked out power to thousands on Tuesday and also toppled trees and flooded roads. The National Hurricane Center says the storm had made landfall in the small coastal community of Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, arriving with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. It weakened as it moved inland and traveled over southeastern Texas. In the meantime, several storms were brewing in the Pacific Ocean, including Lowell, which reached hurricane strength earlier in the day.
Postal Service work to comply with Trump's executive order is rushed, sloppy, whistleblower contends
A whistleblower for the U.S. Postal Service is warning that a new mail ballot system being hastily built to comply with President Donald Trump's executive order restricting that method of voting could lead to the rejection of huge numbers of mail ballots. The whistleblower made the allegation anonymously in documents submitted by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal to the Postal Service. Blumenthal says the disclosure shows Trump is trying to sabotage mail voting. A federal judge has barred the Postal Service from making the changes for the midterms, but that case is being appealed, possibly to the Supreme Court.
Bessent says 19 finance ministers agreed 'cheap exports' are unsustainable, but China dissented
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says 19 of the members of the G20 agreed to address streams of “cheap exports” that cause global economic imbalances, but China dissented. Bessent says getting even 19 countries to agree to take on the problem is “incredible” and shows “the sheer the enormity of the problem.” Bessent spoke after a two-day meeting of the 20 countries in Asheville, North Carolina. Speaking earlier, Bessent highlighted China's record-high trade surplus and excessive regulation as barriers to global growth. Despite concerns about U.S. debt reaching $40 trillion, he downplayed fears about bond markets. During discussions, he noted areas of agreement with China, particularly on issues like Iran.
Grand Canyon flooding harms an economy that's still recovering from a fire
Tourists are scrambling to find lodging elsewhere after deadly flash flooding in the Grand Canyon. A damaged water line shut down all lodging at the canyon’s South Rim. As of Tuesday it's unclear when lodging might reopen. The park remains open to daytime visitors but the natural disaster threatens the area’s economy. South Rim restaurants are open, but experts warn that lost room bookings could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in local revenue. The Grand Canyon drew almost $1 billion a year in spending by nearly 5 million tourists in 2024. Last summer, a wildfire destroyed a lodge and eliminated lodging options at the canyon’s North Rim.
Oil giant Chevron is expected to announce it will expand operations in Venezuela, US official says
WASHINGTON (AP) — Oil giant Chevron is expected to soon announce it will expand operations in Venezuela, a U.S. official said. The official, who briefed reporters Tuesday on the expected announcement, said that the company’s officials and Energy Secretary Chris Wright are expected to visit Venezuela on Wednesday where the new investment will be formally unveiled. The official spoke under condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House for the call. Chevron is the second-largest U.S. oil company and the only one with a major presence in Venezuela. The official also defended the administration's partnership with North American Blue Energy Partners in an agreement to tap Venezuela's reserves, saying the company was vetted.
Tiger Woods plans to change not guilty plea in DUI case in Florida, court documents show
STUART, Fla. (AP) — Court documents show that Tiger Woods plans to change his not guilty plea in a DUI case stemming from a rollover crash in Florida. A court hearing was set for Wednesday morning. In March, Woods' Land Rover clipped a truck, rolled onto its side and the golfer was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, officials said. A sheriff’s office report said deputies found two pain pills in his pocket and that he showed signs of impairment. The crash was his fourth since 2009. Woods took a leave from professional golf after the 2009 accident and again after the latest crash. He has yet to return to tournament play.
