KTBB News, Weather, Talk – Page 5 – KTBB News, Weather, Talk

Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding along the Gulf Coast

MIAMI (AP) – Tropical Storm Bertha strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday but was expected to weaken as it chugs closer to the U.S., potentially bringing coastal flooding and heavy rain from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana.

Those areas along the northern Gulf Coast were under a tropical storm warning through Wednesday and could see heavy rain and flooding into Thursday morning, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Tuesday. New Orleans was under a tropical storm watch.

The storm was about 70 miles (115 kilometers) south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, and 145 miles (235 kilometers) southeast of Mobile, Alabama, and moving north-northwest at 3 mph (6 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph), the hurricane center said Tuesday.

The wind speed increased by 20 mph (32 kph) since Bertha formed Monday night. A tropical storm warning, meaning the conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours, was in effect from the Florida and Alabama border to the Terrebonne-Lafourche Parish Line in Louisiana.
Authorities open sites to distribute sandbags

Authorities in Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida opened sites to provide sandbags to residents while red flag warnings were posted along some beaches advising swimmers about the dangers of rip tides.

The storm was expected to diminish as it moves along the coast, said Jamie Rhome of the hurricane center. It’s possible that the worst of the storm will stay offshore, he said Tuesday.

Bertha was expected to weaken further as it pushes into Texas, forecasters said.

Forecasts called for as much as 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain from western Florida to the southern Louisiana coastline, with higher amounts in some scattered areas.

That could cause flash flooding in some urban areas.

Authorities also advised that areas in Louisiana from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama-Mississippi state line could see storm surges of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters). Parts of Florida and Alabama could see smaller surges.
Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season

Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Tropical Storm Arthur last month brought heavy rainfall to the southeastern U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects this year to see a below-average Atlantic hurricane season although that doesn’t eliminate the chances of a catastrophic storm.

Bertha could dump heavy rain on coastal areas of Mississippi that are still recovering from flooding brought by Arthur that destroyed and damaged homes in June.

“Because of that, people are definitely paying attention, or at least you would hope so,” said Jeff Clark, a spokesperson for Mississippi’s Harrison County, where six sites were open for sandbag distribution.

So far, there hasn’t been a need to open any shelters or order evacuations, Clark said on Tuesday.
Hurricane Fausto churns in the Pacific

In the eastern Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Fausto churned far from Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and posed no threat to land, the hurricane center said.

Fausto gained hurricane status Monday night. It was about 735 miles (1,185 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, had top sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and was moving northwest at 12 mph (19 kph).

The storm was expected to strengthen Tuesday and Wednesday. No coastal watches or warnings were in effect, though ocean swells generated by the storm could cause life-threatening surf and rip tide conditions on the Baja California coast, the center said.

Diocese names Vicar General

TYLER – Bishop Gregory Kelly named longtime priest Rev. Hank Lanik as the new vicar general for the Diocese of Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Lanik has been a priest for the Diocese of Tyler since he was ordained in May 2011 after attending St. Mary’s Seminary and the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Since joining the Diocese of Tyler, Lanik has served in several pastoral and leadership roles in East Texas, most recently as rector at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and formerly as pastor of St. Patrick’s and St. Andrew’s in Lufkin.

“I am grateful for Father Lanik’s generous priestly service and his willingness to assume this important responsibility,” Kelly said. “I know that you join me in offering him your support and prayers as he begins this ministry. Together, may we faithfully love and serve the People of God entrusted to our care.”

Lanik will be taking over as vicar general for Bishop John Gomez, who was recently named the bishop of the Diocese of Laredo.

Derek Hough opens up on new season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Derek Hough joined 'Good Morning America' to talk 'Dancing with the Stars,' a new tour and more on July 21, 2026, in New York City. (ABC News)

Six-time Mirrorball champion and current Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough joined Good Morning America on Tuesday to give a sneak peek of the show's upcoming season, including his thoughts on the new celebrity dancers.

The four celebrity dancers who have already been announced for season 35 include Ciara Miller of Summer House fame, Maura Higgins of Love Island fame, Savannah Bananas baseball player Jackson Olsen, and comedian and talk show personality Guillermo from Jimmy Kimmel Live!

"It's going to be a good," Hough said. "Actually, I know some people that are waiting in the wings to be announced, and it's even going to get better and better and better. It's gonna be a fantastic season."

Hough also weighed in on the difference between his judging style on DWTS versus Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, where aspiring professional dancers compete for a pro spot on DWTS.

"It's different," Hough said. "With a celebrity, you're just trying to encourage them. They're out there trying something new."

Of the dancers on The Next Pro, he added, "These are, you know, dancers that are essentially professional. And they're the ones leading the way. So, you know, you got to be kind of tough on them."

Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, are currently on tour and have brought along their 7-month-old baby, Everley.

"It's the best thing," Hough said of touring with his newborn.

Hough also announced his next tour, Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays, which will kick off Nov. 4 and continue through Dec. 30, spanning both coasts.

"It's a great show. It's festive. We have snow falling down, dancers," he said.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Four arrested for DWI

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department arrested four persons for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) over the weekend, serving as a reminder that impaired driving continues to pose a serious threat to everyone on our roadways.

Charged for Driving While Intoxicated from Friday through Sunday were: Kenyatta Domino, 38, of Carthage; Madison LaDuke, 25, of Marshall; Christopher Harris, 56, of Marshall and Garrett Smith, 20, of Longview, DWI.

Every impaired driver represents a preventable danger to families, passengers, and other motorists. Alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the United States, despite decades of public education and enforcement efforts. Continue reading Four arrested for DWI

David Rancken’s App of the Day 07/21/26 – AnyRemote!

David Rancken’s App of the Day will pair up nicely with your TV or computer. Go get it now. It’s called AnyRemote. You can find AnyRemote in the Apple Store and Google Play below.

Woman attacked by brown bear while hiking Alaskan trail

Alaskan authorizes said a brown bear attacked a hiker on July 18, 2026, in Bear Valley, Alaska. (Anchorage Police)

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) -- A woman is recovering after she was attacked by a brown bear while hiking through an Alaskan trail over the weekend, Alaskan authorities said.

The unidentified victim was hiking on a trail above Bear Valley, a neighborhood in south Anchorage, with another person and three dogs Saturday around 5:30 p.m. when the bear came out of the trees and encountered the pair and their dogs, the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game said.

"High winds and inclement weather conditions at the time of the encounter may have increased the chance that the bear was surprised by the hikers and their dogs, even if they were making noise," the agency said in a statement.

The bear ran off, and first responders found the woman with non-life-threatening injuries, the Anchorage Police Department said. She was carried out of the trail and transported to a local hospital, according to the police.

Police used a drone to track the bear and ensure it was not coming back as they got the hikers and dogs to safety.

Saturday's attack took place more than a week after another woman was attacked by a bear on the front porch of her Alaskan home just as she was leaving with her dogs.

The unidentified woman took out a shotgun to try to scare away the adult bear and its two cubs from her dog but was attacked and hospitalized on July 9, according to the authorities.

The bears ran away after being scared off by another person.

4th person dies from Legionnaires’ disease in New York City: Health officials

Illustration of Legionella pneumophila bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires' disease. ( ROGER HARRIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images)

(NEW YORK) -- A fourth person has died in New York City amid an ongoing cluster of Legionnaires' disease on the Upper East Side, according to health officials.

At least 76 cases have been identified and seven people remain hospitalized, the New York City Health Department announced.

Since the cluster began, 53 people have been discharged from the hospital, according to the department.

Health officials advised that anyone who has spent time in the affected ZIP codes 10028, 10075, 10128, including Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, should seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms. Legionnaires’ disease symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure, according to the health department.

The department previously said it believes the source of the Legionella bacteria has likely been eliminated and that it will continue inspecting every cooling tower that tested positive for the bacteria.

Health officials added there is not an issue with any building's plumbing system and that residents in the affected ZIP codes can continue to drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook and use an air conditioner at home.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria in small droplets of water mixed in the air or contaminated water accidentally going into the lungs.

The bacteria are found naturally in freshwater, but amounts generally don't lead to disease. The bacteria typically grow best in warm water and in warm to hot temperatures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The disease does not generally spread from person to person, but infections can occur if the bacteria get into a building's water supply, including in shower heads, sink faucets, hot water tanks, heaters, cooling towers and other plumbing systems.

Legionnaires' disease has increased in prevalence over the last decade, reaching a peak of 2.71 cases per 100,000 in 2018, the CDC said. Cases dropped during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and then rebounded in 2021.

Although most people recover from Legionnaires' disease with antibiotics, certain patients -- including those who are immunocompromised or who suffer from chronic lung diseases -- can develop complications that can be fatal.

ABC News' Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report.

Northeast braces for flash flooding threat

Storm clouds pass through midtown Manhattan in New York City, July 18, 2026. (Gary Hershorn/ABC News)

(NEW YORK) -- The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are bracing for a new round of severe storms and possible flash flooding on Tuesday after getting hammered by heavy rain on Saturday.

The greatest threat -- a level 3 out of 5 risk -- will span from northeastern Kentucky to New Jersey, including Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Numerous severe thunderstorms with potentially destructive winds and tornadoes are possible in this region.

Rounds of heavy rain and strong storms will move across the Ohio Valley through lunchtime and into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic through the afternoon and evening.

Areas along the Interstate 95 corridor may possibly get two rounds of storms -- one midday, followed by a bigger round between about 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Flash flooding will be a concern for a large swath of the I-95 corridor, from D.C. to Philadelphia to New York City.

Flood watches have been issued from Delaware to southern New York, where rainfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour, potentially triggering flash flooding, especially in urban areas. Philadelphia and New York City are expected to be included.

More than 1,000 flights have been canceled Tuesday ahead of the storms, with airports in New York City and Baltimore, Maryland, seeing the biggest impacts.

Tuesday's anticipated flooding comes just days after New York City was inundated with pounding rain that flooded streets on Saturday.

ABC News' Melissa Griffin contributed to this report.

D4vd murder case: Dayslong preliminary hearing set to begin in Los Angeles

The booking photo for the singer D4vd -- whose real name is David Burke -- is shown during a press briefing in Los Angeles on April 20, 2026. (LAPD)

(LOS ANGELES) -- A highly anticipated dayslong preliminary hearing in the murder case against the singer D4vd is set to get underway in Los Angeles on Tuesday, with evidence and testimony to be presented in court for the first time.

D4vd -- whose legal name is David Burke -- was arrested and charged in April with the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez following a monthslong investigation. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that include first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

The preliminary hearing is expected to last three to seven days, with prosecutors seeking to establish probable cause to move forward with a trial.

Prosecutors allege that D4vd and Rivas Hernandez began a sexual relationship in 2023, when he was 18 and she was 13, and that she was threatening to expose their illegal relationship and ruin his career if he would not be exclusive to her.

Just as tickets for his world tour were set to go on sale, it is alleged that the "Romantic Homicide" singer ordered an Uber that brought Rivas Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, prosecutors said in a nine-page brief filed days after D4vd's arrest. That was the last time she was seen alive, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors allege that D4vd stabbed the teen multiple times, watching her bleed out, and then undertook a series of events to dismember her body, including ordering two chainsaws on Amazon.

"In order to distance himself from the victim, he amputated her left ring and pinky fingers because her ring finger contained a tattoo of his name," prosecutors wrote in their brief, noting that her fingers have not been found.

Her badly decomposed remains were found in two body bags in the front trunk of D4vd's Tesla four months later, in September 2025, according to prosecutors.

The brief was filed to "assist the court in understanding the scope and relevance of evidence the prosecution intends to present at the preliminary hearing," prosecutors wrote.

During his arraignment in April, D4vd's attorney, Blair Berk, asked for a preliminary hearing as soon as possible, saying she believes the evidence will show that he did not murder Rivas Hernandez and that they would "like to be able to have the evidence come into the light of day at the earliest opportunity."

D4vd has been held on no bail since his arrest.

His attorneys said they plan to "vigorously defend David's innocence."

"The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," his attorneys -- Berk, as well as Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter -- said in a statement following his arrest.

An attorney for Rivas Hernandez's family said in April that the family has decided not to make any future statements "in light of the gruesome details emerging almost daily."

"There are no words to express the indescribable pain the family is experiencing right now," the attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, said in a statement. "They still have bills to pay and jobs they go to every day. All they want is time to grieve and heal."

Smithsonian official set to testify before Congress amid sharp White House criticism of museum

The Smithsonian American History Museum on July 07, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

(WASHINGTON) -- The director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History (MNAH) is scheduled to testify before two congressional House committees this week amid sharp criticism from the White House over the contents of the Washington, D.C. museum.

Anthea Hartig is set to face grilling by lawmakers on Tuesday morning in a House Subcommittee on Delivering Government Efficiency hearing titled "Rewriting American History: Examining the Smithsonian's Efforts to Reshape the Past," according to a committee press release.

She is also expected to testify in a related hearing on Wednesday before the Committee on House Administration, a committee spokesperson confirmed to ABC News. ABC News has reached out to the Smithsonian for confirmation.

Hartig was named in a scathing White House Domestic Policy Council report released on July 4, accusing the MNAH and its leadership of engaging in "extreme political activism" and presenting "a radical view of American history."

Asked about the report, a spokesperson for the Smithsonian told ABC News on July 5 that the institution remains committed to impartial learning.

"For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so," the spokesperson said.

Hartig's testimony this week would mark the first time that a top leader at the Smithsonian gets grilled publicly by Congress after President Donald Trump targeted the institution in his March 27, 2025 executive order, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History."

The executive order directed Vice President J.D. Vance, in consultation with the president's advisers on domestic policy, "to remove improper ideology" from Smithsonian institutions, arguing that materials that cast America in a "negative light" have no place in federal cultural institutions.

The White House last year launched an investigation into the Smithsonian, which oversees 21 museums, galleries and the national zoo, and released the July 4 report targeting the American history museum as part of this probe.

The report accuses the museum of "anti-White activism," "illegal alien activism," and "transgender activism." It also includes many photos of materials the White House has identified as problematic.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, who has not addressed the report publicly, disputed its findings in an internal letter to staff that was obtained by ABC News.

Bunch wrote that Smithsonian leadership is "carefully" reviewing the report's findings, but said that the report's assessment is "not a fair characterization.

"While there will always be room for improvement, this report is not a fair characterization of the work and totality of the National Museum of American History," Bunch said in the letter. "At the Smithsonian, our work is driven by scholarship, accuracy, and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America's story."

"As public servants and the keepers of this institution, we are charged with helping a nation find understanding, hope, and clarity and as part of that duty, we are dedicated to excellence, reflection, and growth," Bunch added.

The report was published by the White House Domestic Policy Council. Vince Haley, the group's director, said in a statement to ABC News that "No American wants the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to be a system of ideological activism."

"Unfortunately, the report demonstrates that is exactly what the Smithsonian's flagship museum has become," he said. "It is our hope and expectation that the Smithsonian will eventually rise once again to that noble obligation -- to tell America's story for our children, the world, and future generations of Americans," he added.

ABC News' Mariam Khan contributed to this report.

Tropical Storm Bertha in the Gulf of Mexico is moving toward the Florida Panhandle and Alabama

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Tropical Storm Bertha strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico and was moving slowly toward the Florida Panhandle and Alabama, causing a tropical storm warning and storm surge watches, forecasters said.

The storm was about 110 miles south of Panama City, Florida, and 170 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama, and moving northwest at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Tuesday morning.

The wind speed increased by 10 mph since Bertha formed Monday night. A tropical storm warning, meaning the conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours, was in effect early Tuesday from the Florida and Alabama border to the Jefferson and Plaquemines parish line in Louisiana.

A storm surge watch, indicating rising, possible life-threatening water moving inland from the coast within 48 hours, was issued from the Alabama and Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River, the hurricane center reported.

Bertha is expected to stay near or along the Gulf Coast

Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season after Tropical Storm Arthur brought heavy rainfall to the southeastern U.S. in June.

The storm was expected to stay near or along the northern Gulf Coast this week, dropping heavy rain on coastal areas of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana while pushing west toward Texas.

Potentially life-threatening storm surges of up to 4 feet are possible in portions of Louisiana, Alabama and Florida, the hurricane center said, warning Bertha could spin off an isolated tornado or two over the Florida Big Bend region.

Areas of flash flooding also will be possible through Friday along the coast from western Florida to middle Texas, forecasters said, adding that rainfall could total 3 to 5 inches along the Louisiana coastline, with higher amounts in some scattered areas.

Red flags on the beach at Orange Beach, Alabama, cautioned swimmers about high surf and currents. In Escambia County, Florida, emergency officials offered sand for people living in flood-prone areas to use for sandbags.

Hurricane Fausto churns in the Pacific

In the eastern Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Fausto churned far from Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and posed no threat to land, the hurricane center said.

Fausto gained hurricane status Monday night. It was about 740 miles southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, had top sustained winds of 80 mph and was moving northwest at 12 mph.

In brief: ‘Masters of the Universe’ gets streaming date and more

Lewis Pullman is teaming up with Julia Garner. The actor is set to make his return to television by starring opposite Garner in the upcoming thriller-drama series Guilty Creatures for Apple TV. Craig Gillespie is directing the series from showrunner Stuart Zicherman. The series was adapted for the small screen by Sarah DeLappe. It's based on Mikita Brottman‘s true-crime book Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida, and follows a romance and act of murder between two young, adulterous, God-fearing lovers ...

Masters of the Universe has set its streaming debut. The Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel film will be available to stream on Prime Video starting on Wednesday. Travis Knight directed the movie that stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam. The film also features Camila Mendes, Jared Leto and Idris Elba ...

We now know who will star alongside Dwayne Johnson in Lizard Music. Deadline reports that fourth grade newcomer Theo Clark Leber has landed the starring role in director Benny Safdie's upcoming film adaptation of the 1976 novel by Daniel Pinkwater. The film will be made for Amazon MGM Studios. This live-action/CGI hybrid movie will mark 10-year-old Leber's feature debut. It follows a boy (Leber) who stumbles across a late night broadcast of lizards playing music. This transports him through a hidden door into a new world where he meets The Chicken Man (Johnson). The duo set off on an adventure that becomes a voyage through invisible worlds ...

Kit Connor, Joe Locke share favorite ‘full-circle moments’ from ‘Heartstopper Forever’

Kit Connor as Nick Nelson and Joe Locke as Charlie Spring in 'Heartstopper Forever.' (Samuel Dore/Netflix)

Heartstopper Forever bid farewell to Nick, Charlie and friends, but not before revisiting memories of seasons past.

The film is peppered with nostalgic references and callbacks to iconic scenes from the teen romance series — from Nick and Charlie’s (Kit Connor and Joe Locke) first kiss to their first date on the beach.

“When we shot at Herne Bay on the beach [in Kent, England], it was four years to the day that we had had our final day on season 1 at the beach,” Connor tells ABC Audio. “So it was a strange coincidence that we were shooting at the same beach four years apart, but it was really a beautiful day and quite a full-circle moment.”

Aside from Nick and Charlie, some of the other characters get their full-circle moments, as well. Locke, who served as a producer on the film along with Connor, says he suggested the “really lovely moment” between Charlie and art teacher Mr. Ajayi (Fisayo Akinade) in the film.

There’s also a moment between Nick and Tao (Will Gao) — a culmination of poignant scenes between the two unlikely friends that’s been building since season 1. Connor says they only had 40 to 45 minutes to shoot it and they tapped into their real emotions as close friends off-screen. “That final scene is quite meta in a way, because it was sort of me and Will talking about saying goodbye to this experience,” he says.

When it comes to parting gifts from set, Connor and Locke say they’ve both taken some items over the years, including clothes, a Truham tie and a rugby ball. Connor laments not taking anything more sentimental, before quickly changing his mind.

“We didn't need to,” he says. “We've taken each other.”

Heartstopper Forever is out now Netflix, with the behind-the-scenes special Heartstopper: Ending on a Hi out July 24.

Tropical Storm Bertha drifts toward land as Hurricane Fausto forms in the eastern Pacific

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Tropical Storm Bertha formed Monday evening in the Gulf of Mexico south of the Florida Panhandle as it drifts erratically toward populated coastal areas bearing a threat of heavy rain, storm surge and damaging wind gusts, forecasters say.

Meanwhile, in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Fausto formed far from Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and posed no threat to land Monday night.

The center of Bertha was located about 140 miles (225 km) south of Panama City, Florida, in the northern Gulf. Maximum sustained winds were around 40 mph (65 kph) and some additional strengthening is expected as the storm approaches land, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

The slow-moving storm drifted for hours on Monday, but is expected to stay near or along the northern Gulf Coast early this week, unleashing heavy rain on coastal areas of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana as it pushes west toward Texas.

Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Tropical Storm Arthur last month brought heavy rainfall to the southeastern United States.

The storm was nearly stationary by Monday night, but it was expected to make a west-northwestward or westward turn toward the coast over the next few days, according to the hurricane center.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for a wide area from the Alabama-Florida border westward to southeastern Louisiana at the Jefferson and Plaquemines parish line. A storm surge watch also has been posted from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama-Florida border on the Gulf Coast.

Potentially life-threatening storm surges of up to four feet (1.2 meters) could occur in portions of the Louisiana, Alabama and Florida, the hurricane center said, warning Bertha could spin off an isolated tornado or two over the Florida Big Bend region in the week.

Areas of flash flooding will also be possible through Friday along the coast from western Florida to middle Texas, forecasters said. They added that rainfall could total 3 to 5 inches (7 to 12 centimeters) along the Louisiana coastline with higher amounts in some scattered areas.

Red flags were flying on the beach at Orange Beach, Alabama, cautioning swimmers about high surf and currents. In Escambia County, Florida, emergency officials offered sand for people living in flood-prone areas to use for sandbags.

Fausto gained hurricane status Monday night and was about 745 miles (1,200 km) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, forecasters said.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Fausto had top sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and was moving to the west-northwest at 9 mph 15 (kph).

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect though ocean swells generated by the storm could pummel the Baja California coast and cause life-threatening surf and rip tide conditions, the center said.

Trio accused of robbing delivery driver

LONGVIEW (KLTV) – A Longview man was arrested Sunday after he and two others robbed a delivery driver at gunpoint of his pizzas, according to an affidavit from the Longview Police Department. The affidavit said a Longview police officer responded to an apartment complex in the 100 block of East Hawkins Parkway after a delivery driver called to report he had been robbed at gunpoint of pizza.

According to the affidavit, the delivery driver said he was delivering three medium pizzas, one side item, and six ranch dressings for a total of $82.15. The driver said when he arrived to deliver the pizzas, three suspects walked up to him and said, “I think you should give that to us.”

The affidavit said two of the suspects stood to the side of the driver while one man, identified as Kashys Herrin, 18, of Longview, approached him from the front and pulled out a handgun.

According to the affidavit, the driver said, “he wasn’t going to die over pizza,” and handed them over. The driver said the three suspects walked away as he returned to his car.

The affidavit said the officer found three suspects matching the descriptions given by the driver and detained them. Two of the suspects were juveniles. Continue reading Trio accused of robbing delivery driver

New compensation package, raises

TYLER – The TISD school board voted Monday to approve a new compensation package for the 2026-2027 school year covering teachers, staff, police officers, coaches, and support employees. Teachers will earn between $50,500 and $75,000 based on years of experience. A beginning non-certified teacher will earn $50,500. A teacher with 31 or more years of experience will earn $75,000. Teachers will also receive a $500 retention stipend paid in August 2026. Eligibility for the stipend is contingent upon returning to work for the 2027 spring semester.

Bilingual and special education teachers will each receive an additional $4,000 stipend on top of their base pay.
District police compensation

District police officers are compensated on a three-level hourly scale based on years of service. Level 1 officers with zero to two years of experience earn $27.18 per hour. Level 2 officers with three to seven years earn $29.27 per hour. Level 3 officers with eight or more years earn $31.36 per hour. Lead, tactical, and other officers earn $33.45 per hour.

Officers also receive monthly certification pay — $75 for intermediate, $150 for advanced, and $225 for master certification — as well as annual stipends ranging from $1,000 for officers with zero to five years of service up to $5,000 for those with 20 or more years. Continue reading New compensation package, raises

New district leadership appointments

TYLER – The Tyler ISD has announced several district leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year. The appointments reflect the district’s continued commitment to developing leaders from within while attracting experienced educators and professionals who will help advance student success across the district, according to a news release.

“We’re excited about these new leadership assignments for the 2026-2027 school year,” said Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford. “Whether through our strong leadership succession strategy or by attracting proven, high-quality educators to our hometown school system, Tyler ISD continues to bring outstanding leaders of integrity and excellence who are committed to serving our students, families, teachers, and staff.” Continue reading New district leadership appointments

A former sheriff has died

RUSK COUNTY – Residents are mourning the recent death of former Rusk County Sheriff Danny Pirtle, who died last week.

The Kilgore Police Department said former Pirtle, who died at 80 on Friday, spent most of his life protecting East Texas residents. Before becoming the sheriff of Rusk County, Pirtle served as a supervisor in criminal investigations for the police department.

“We lost a great man on Friday night. Sheriff Pirtle has gone on to be with our Lord,” the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said. “He was a devoted husband, father and sheriff of our county. Keep his family in your prayers.”

According to his obituary, Pirtle’s funeral has been scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Henderson. A private family burial will be held at Laneville Cemetery at a later date.

Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, says she will run for full Senate term

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone participates in a a ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol, July 14, 2026, in Washington. (Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

(WASHINGTON) -- Sen. Darline Graham, the sister of the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, confirmed in an interview with Fox News that aired Monday she will run for the seat for a full term, in addition to serving out the rest of Lindsey Graham's unfinished one.

"I've been praying a lot, talking to my family. But with the love of my family, with the support of his staff -- I know I'm a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey. He cared about the people of this state. I've worked for almost 30 years for the people of this state," she said in the interview.

"I feel like I can do it," she continued. "I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be difficult? Yes, absolutely."

Asked by Fox News anchor Sean Hannity if she's inclined to get into the race or if she's made a final decision, Darline Graham said, "I've made a decision."

"You're in?" Hannity asked, to which she responded, "I'm in."

Darline Graham was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to finish the final few months of her brother's current term, which expires in January. She was sworn in last week at the Capitol.

The late Sen. Lindsey Graham's spot on the November general election ballot for a full six-year term is being filled by a special Republican primary election set for August 11. Filing for candidates for the primary opens on Tuesday and closes on July 28.

Republican Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry of South Carolina have already launched campaigns, as has businessman Mark Lynch, who ran against Lindsey Graham in the state's regular June primary.

But on Friday, President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham, encouraging her to run for the seat and writing, "There would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey."

Darline Graham served as a commissioner on the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and has worked in other state roles, including in roles where she worked with individuals with disabilities.

Darline Graham has spoken about how her brother took care of her after both of their parents passed away when they were young.

Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on July 11 at the age of 71. Memorial services for the longtime Republican lawmaker will take place in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina next week.

Federal health officials have investigated 5 different clusters of cyclosporiasis cases, FDA says

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. (CDC)

(WASHINGTON) -- Federal health officials have been investigating five different clusters of cyclosporiasis cases since the start of parasite season in May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said during a press conference on Monday.

Three of those clusters are considered over, acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said. Meanwhile, the largest cluster, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states, has seen cases as recently as last week.

The majority of cases have been reported in Michigan, where there are now 6,148 cases, according to an update Monday morning from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This is an increase of more than 1,000 cases since Friday.

"I want to stress that our investigation continues, including into other potential sources and commodities for other clusters of illnesses," Diamantas said during Monday's press conference.

So far, the CDC has confirmed 1,644 infections linked to the outbreak in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, and has advised the public not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in those five states.

The agency said the true number of cases in the outbreak is "likely much higher than the number reported" because many people recover from the illness without medical care and are not tested for the Cyclospora parasite.

Diamantas also addressed a false positive test result over the weekend from a sample of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.

Last week, Taylor Farms de Mexico issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, with the recall affecting 27 states. The recalled products were distributed from June 29 through July 16 and have a best-by dates up to Aug. 3.

Taco Bell said Friday that it is no longer using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at any of its restaurants.

Over the weekend, the FDA said a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, which was not part of the recall, tested positive.

However, the agency later clarified that during a re-review of the sample results, it determined the result was a false positive. Taylor Farms issued a statement on Sunday, saying "we were informed that FDA made a mistake."

"To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for Cyclospora," Taylor Farms wrote in its statement Sunday.

"Based on initial information provided by health officials, in an abundance of caution, we completed a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Recalled product was limited to iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico," the Taylor Farms statement continued. "All other Taylor Farms products, including all Taylor Farms brand products available for purchase, are not involved in the recall."

Diamantas said Monday that the false positive did not change the FDA's findings that linked cases to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms.

"I also want to be clear that our weakened communications around a false positive test result do not change the basis for FDA's ongoing outbreak investigation or the epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms,” Diamantas said.

The FDA similarly shared a post on X Monday afternoon, saying that the epidemiological data supporting the Taylor Farms lettuce recall was "overwhelming."

"FDA's traceback investigation and outbreak data continue to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico," the FDA's post read, in part. "FDA will continue to work with federal and state partners to investigate this multistate outbreak and ensure products implicated in this outbreak have been removed from the market."

The CDC said it's also investigating other cyclosporiasis outbreaks and illnesses unrelated to the larger outbreak. At least 29 other states have confirmed domestically acquired cases since May 1, the CDC reports.

Additionally, 440 cases in 35 states have been confirmed among people who ate or drank food or water that made them sick while traveling outside the U.S. in the days before they came ill, according to the CDC.

Democratic senators want answers about Hegseth’s military testosterone plan

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, walk the final mile of the 12-mile ruck march during E3B on Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Sept. 21, 2024. (U.S. Army)

(WASHINGTON) -- Senate Democrats are pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for answers about his directive requiring the military to measure troops' testosterone levels, seeking details on how the policy will be carried out amid concerns over how it will apply to women and whether it could inadvertently encourage service members to self-medicate with potentially dangerous supplements.

In a letter to Hegseth, Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Gary Peters of Michigan, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Ruben Gallego of Arizona said the Pentagon has provided little explanation for the new requirement, raising questions about its scientific basis, cost and potential consequences.

"The Department has provided no evidence that this sweeping new policy will improve force readiness or health, nor has it explained the scientific basis, costs, or risks associated with implementing it across the force," the senators wrote.

Last week, Hegseth directed the military to begin screening testosterone levels for all service members, including women, age 30 and older as part of their annual physical health assessments, expanding routine exams that have traditionally focused on baseline health measures such as vision, hearing and other standard medical screenings. Troops under 30 may opt into testing voluntarily, and any recommendation for testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, would also be voluntary for all ages.

The policy has yet to be formally implemented, thus the specifics have not yet been figured out and it remains unclear when service members will begin undergoing testosterone screenings as part of their annual health assessments, though Hegseth directed a plan be ironed out by Aug. 15.

The cost is also unknown and the Defense Department could require additional medical personnel to be hired for the screenings at routine annual exams.

The move comes as a broader focus on fitness has been core to Hegseth's tenure -- an unusual move for a role traditionally focused on large operations and the macro workings for the Pentagon -- which includes regular videos from the Pentagon of Hegseth working out with troops.

Hegseth has directed the services to adjust their fitness tests and reassess body-fat standards, including new measurement methods introduced earlier this month. The Army has also begun integrating gender-neutral fitness requirements for soldiers serving in ground combat roles.

Among the unresolved questions are whether service members could face administrative consequences if their testosterone levels fall below a threshold the Pentagon has yet to define and how the policy will apply to women.

"Coupled with the Department's recent repeated efforts to redefine military culture around an exaggerated conception of masculinity, this initiative risks undermining years of work to ensure that women service members are evaluated and valued based solely on their ability to perform the mission," the senators wrote.

Some welcomed the expanded access to testosterone screening and treatment, arguing that obtaining testosterone replacement therapy through Tricare, the military's health insurance program, can be cumbersome. But others warned the policy could create unintended incentives for troops to use unregulated supplements or anabolic steroids to avoid being flagged for potential health issues, while raising concerns about embarrassment for those found to have low testosterone.

"I think this is a great idea on paper, but we need to be careful about how it's implemented," said one official who works in fitness coaching and spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Low testosterone has long been a concern in some parts of the military, particularly within the special operations community, where prolonged stress, intense physical demands and inadequate caloric intake are believed to contribute to lower hormone levels, though there's little detailed research on the subject.

At the same time, testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, has surged in popularity across podcasts, social media and the broader wellness industry, where it is often promoted as a way to boost energy, muscle mass and overall vitality. Medical experts caution, however, that clinically low testosterone is relatively uncommon.

Testosterone deficiency affects roughly 2% of men, according to the American Urological Association, and physicians have warned that the growing popularity of TRT has created the misleading impression that the condition is far more widespread than medical evidence suggests.

Moreover, factors such as insufficient sleep and poor nutrition can contribute to lower testosterone levels, studies show, two issues the military has long struggled to address.

Nutrition, in particular, has been a persistent challenge across the services, with troops often reporting inconsistent access to high-quality, protein-rich meals. Military dining facilities have faced criticism for menus heavy on fried foods and carbohydrates, sugar, limited portions and operating hours that do not always align with the schedules of service members working long or irregular shifts.

"It's a readiness, retention, recruiting and long-term health issue," Rob Evans, an Army veteran whose app Hots & Cots collects reviews from service members on housing and food on military bases, told ABC News about issues with nutrition on military facilities.

‘Anti-government extremist’ sets off incendiary device outside federal building in New York: FBI

A man with a history of anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity pours a flammable liquid onto the sidewalk as he sets off an "incendiary device" outside a federal building in Manhattan on July 20, 2026, authorities said. (Obtained by ABC News)

(NEW YORK) -- A man described as an "anti-government extremist" set off an "incendiary device" to set a fire outside a Manhattan federal building that houses an immigration court, the FBI said, leaving three with minor injuries.

Andrew Arrabaca, 43, allegedly poured gasoline onto the ground outside 26 Federal Plaza and ignited it with a lighter and a large firework in a canister on Monday morning, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said.

He also allegedly "pulled out an airsoft rifle and fired five to seven pellets" in the direction of 26 Federal Plaza, Barnacle said.

Arrabaca "is an anti-American, anti-government extremist," Barnacle said.

After Arrabaca's arrest "he did say he was targeting the building and he was OK if he hurt or killed people going in and out of the building, whether they were federal employees or civilians," Barnacle said.

Two government employees and one civilian suffered minor injuries, Barnacle said, noting that the civilian victim was an immigrant there for an immigration hearing.

Arrabaca -- described by the Department of Homeland Security as an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement "rioter" -- was apprehended by officers, Barnacle said.

Arrabaca is a former soldier who served from 2001 to 2005 and worked as a mechanic on Patriot missile systems, Barnacle said, with police noting he wore a military-style helmet. He's been taken into custody and has been interviewed, Barnacle said.

Arrabaca "came armed with bad intentions," Barnacle said.

"He had two axes, a hammer, a machete and three knives," as well as several incendiary devices, Barnacle said.

Barnacle said "26 Federal Plaza has long been a target of extremists," and he said "Arrabaca was looking to injure people and harm people."

Barnacle said Arrabaca had a cart with him with "anti-ICE literature," he said when Arrabaca was being arrested, he "yelled derogatory terms toward ICE."

On the suspect's cart was a sign reading "ICE Off Our Streets," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

Charges are yet to be filed, Tisch said, noting that the incident took place on federal property.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called it"deeply disturbing."

"I'm relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody," he wrote on social media. "... Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city -- and hold accountable any who threaten that."

State grant to help support healthcare workforce careers at Panola College

CARTHAGE — Panola College was recently awarded a $196,000 state grant to support the development of an innovative pathway for students entering the healthcare industry.

According to Panola College, the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education Pathways Design and Planning Grant helps public colleges create and expand workforce education programs in high-demand careers.

For Panola College, the money will be used to design a flexible pathway for healthcare students to pursue a career in phlebotomy, as a CNA, EKG technician or patient care technician.

“This grant reflects Panola College’s commitment to providing innovative educational opportunities that respond directly to the needs of our students, employers, and communities,” Vice President of Instruction at Panola College Natalie Oswalt said. “By creating seamless pathways from workforce training to college credentials, we are opening more doors for students while helping address critical healthcare workforce shortages across East Texas.”

The grant allows the college to develop a plan and roadmap to implement program expansions and support the growth of the healthcare industry in the area, the college added.

Wall Street drifts as AI stocks hold steadier after last week’s losses

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street drifted to a quiet finish Monday after stocks of chipmakers and other winners of the artificial-intelligence boom trimmed some of their recent losses.

The S&P 500 dipped 0.2%, coming off its first losing week in the last three and just its third since the end of March. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 307 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite was basically flat after slipping by less than 0.1%.

Nvidia added 0.2% and held firmer following its drop on Friday, when it was the heaviest weight on the S&P 500. Sandisk climbed 2.7% after tumbling 29% last week.

Advanced Micro Devices rose 1.6% after announcing an expanded partnership where Microsoft will use its products for AI, including its new Helios product starting in the second half of the year.

AI stocks rebound, but not enough to boost the markets.

Such stocks have been under pressure for weeks on worries that their prices shot too high in the euphoria around AI. On one hand, companies are making billions of dollars in revenue as customers pour money into AI chips and data centers. But all that spending may fizzle out if AI doesn’t produce as much profit and productivity as promised.

Wall Street may get some hints on that soon as some of the biggest spenders on AI report their latest quarterly results. On Wednesday, Alphabet will tell investors how much it made during the spring and give updates on its AI efforts.

All kinds of companies are under pressure to report strong growth in profit for the spring. They will need to in order to justify the big moves their stock prices have made. Indexes are near their records, even with the recent shakiness for AI stocks.

AMC Entertainment jumped 26.8% after the movie-theater operator reported stronger revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also said some of its theaters in Los Angeles and other cities ran “The Odyssey” for more than 85 straight hours from Thursday through Sunday to meet demand.

Domino’s Pizza climbed 2.1% after delivering stronger revenue for the spring than expected. CEO Russell Weiner said the company saw growth in orders for both its carryout and delivery businesses, even with the broad industry continuing “to face pressure on consumer demand.”

Another restaurant chain, Jersey Mike’s, is beginning its roadshow to raise interest in its stock, which it’s planning to sell on the New York Stock Exchange for between $21 and $25 per share in an initial public offering.

It and other businesses are facing pressure in selling to U.S. households feeling crunched by still-high inflation, thanks in large part to high gasoline prices. The average cost for a gallon of gasoline in the United States has gotten back above $4 because of higher crude oil prices.

After dropping below $72 early this month, roughly back to where it was before the war with Iran began, the price for a barrel of Brent crude has been jumping recently as fighting continues in the Middle East.

On Monday, the price swung between roughly $86 and $91 before settling at $89.22, up 1.3%.

The war with Iran is keeping oil tankers from using the Strait of Hormuz to deliver crude from the Persian Gulf to customers, which pushes up oil’s price. S&P Global counted only 127 vessels crossing the strait during the week through Sunday, down nearly 50% from the week before.

Worries about expensive oil and high inflation have sent Treasury yields higher in the bond market, which threaten to slow the economy and undercut prices for stocks and other investments.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.59% from 4.55% late Friday and from just 3.97% before the war with Iran. Higher yields have already sent the average 30-year mortgage rate to its highest level in nearly a year.

The higher yields weighed on the broad U.S. stock market, and the majority of stocks fell on Wall Street.

A 3.8% drop for Warner Bros. Discovery also helped erase a gain for the S&P 500 early in the day. A federal judge ordered it and Paramount to halt their $81 billion merger for at least two weeks, allowing states that are challenging the deal more time to see their case through in court.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 14.41 points to 7,443.28. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 307.16 to 51,839.26, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 12.17 to 25,508.07.

In stock markets abroad, indexes ended mixed in Europe.

The moves were sharper in Asia, where South Korea’s Kospi fell 4.5%. It’s been at the center of the huge swings for AI stocks because it’s dominated by two tech companies, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

Stocks were stronger in China, where indexes rose 2.4% in Hong Kong and 0.9% in Shanghai.

Six arrested at alleged drug house

PALESTINE – The search of a Palestine residence has uncovered the sale of illegal drugs, seizures of methamphetamine and the arrest of six people on Sunday.

According to our new partner KETK, the Palestine Police Department officers served a search warrant on a residence at North Jackson Street on Sunday as part of a narcotics investigation in the area.

Officers found approximately 18 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, small bags and money. The following six individuals were at the residence and were arrested and charged:
Lori Hill, 58: Manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, 4 grams to 200 grams Continue reading Six arrested at alleged drug house

‘Afterlife with Archie’ series from ‘Riverdale’ creator headed to Disney+

An image representing 'Afterlife with Archie.' (Disney+)

The epic highs and lows of high school football aren't the only triumphs and defeats Archie Andrews will face.

Afterlife with Archie, the bestselling comic book written by Riverdale and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, has been greenlit for a TV series adaptation at Disney+. It's set to arrive on the streamer just in time for Halloween 2027.

Afterlife with Archie follows the classic Archie Comics characters in the all-American town of Riverdale as it's turned into a zombie-overrun apocalypse. In this version of Riverdale, "the only thing scarier than the undead is trying to survive your teenage years," according to an official description. "When a supernatural spell from a certain teen witch backfires, unleashing an army of the possessed dead upon Riverdale, Archie and his friends must fight to stay alive, testing the friendships, romances, and loyalties that have always held them together."

This new series will hail from Warner Bros. Television. Aguirre-Sacasa executive produces alongside Jimmy Gibbons. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Leigh London Redman also executive produce while Jon Goldwater executive produces for Archie Comics Studios.

“This was the comic book that started it all. Before there was a Riverdale, before there was a Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, there was Afterlife with Archie, which I collaborated on with the best horror artist in the business, Francesco Francavilla,” Aguirre-Sacasa said. “Getting to turn Afterlife into a TV series for the amazing team at Disney+ with our incredible partners at Berlanti Productions, WB and, of course, Jon (Goldwater) and his Archie family is truly a full-circle moment — and the ultimate dream project for me. Time to say a prayer for Archie, Betty, Veronica and the whole gang, ‘cause THE ZOMBIES ARE COMING!!!!”

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Senators demand ICE answers and body cameras after 2 fatal shootings in Maine and Houston

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dozens of Democratic U.S. senators and the Independent senator from Maine pushed for more details Monday from Immigration and Customs Enforcement about the agency’s vetting practices for new agents and how officers conduct vehicle pursuits, even as they demanded that body cameras be swiftly rolled out to all officers.

The demands came in a letter spearheaded by Maine’s Independent Sen. Angus King, signed by 38 Democratic senators and sent to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE. The demands follow two deadly shootings in which ICE officers shot and killed immigrants in Houston and Maine.

The Associated Press reported last week that the ICE officer in Maine who opened fire and killed a man from Colombia had a history of violent behavior toward family members that was detailed in family court records.

His first ex-wife, Ashley Brouillette, told AP he was physically violent with her, including once throwing boiling water at her while she was holding their child.

His second ex-wife, Lucinda Brouillette, sent a statement over the weekend alleging “a persistent pattern of abuse, intimidation, manipulation, fear, and control.”

“Throughout our marriage and in the years that followed, I have feared for a long time that his anger, aggression, and escalating behavior would eventually result in severe, life threatening violence, and I often believed I would be the one on the receiving end of it,” she wrote.

Hundreds of pages of family court documents describe their turbulent marriage, and the years after. Lucinda Brouillette told the court he had stalked and harassed her and physically and verbally abused his daughter, according to multiple requests for temporary protection orders. Brouillette tackled his teenage daughter and smashed spaghetti in her hair, and during another outburst, he dragged his daughter around the house as she cried, she said.

“Dave needs counseling or something for his PTSD & depression,” she wrote in an application for a temporary protective order on behalf of his teenage daughter which a judge granted in 2021.

In court filings, David Brouillette said that his second ex-wife had slandered him.

Multiple family members told the AP the government should have never given him a gun, badge and the authority to patrol city streets as the Trump administration ramps up its mass deportation agenda.

The senators’ letter on Monday listed new measures to increase accountability at the agency, including transparency about whether ICE considers records from family court of domestic violence or abuse when vetting new recruits.

“We remain supportive of removing dangerous convicted criminals from our communities, but this goal can and must be achieved without endangering these very communities in the process. By no stretch could either of the victims in Texas and Maine be characterized as ‘the worst of the worst,’ making these tragic deaths even more egregious,” the senators wrote. “The American people deserve clarity and accountability.”

They said ICE should immediately start wearing uniforms or vests that clearly identify them as “ICE” instead of the more generic “POLICE” or “POLICE ICE.” Civil rights groups and advocates have often criticized ICE for not wearing uniforms or clear identification on their ballistics vests identifying them as deportation officers.

Senators also demanded to know what changes were being made to how officers conduct traffic stops and vehicle pursuits.

The shootings in Maine and Houston both involved ICE officers shooting at people who were in vehicles at the time. In the wake of the Maine shooting, Homeland Security temporarily stopped officers from conducting vehicle stops except in specific situations. But just a day later, after fierce criticism from some MAGA supporters, President Donald Trump said on social media that traffic stops should continue.

Homeland Security said last week that it was adding new training in crowd-control measures, high-risk vehicle stops, live-fire exercises and medical training, in response to what they called coordinated attacks against their officers and ICE facilities.

Troy Jackson emerges as potential frontrunner to replace Graham Platner in Maine’s Senate race

Troy Jackson, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks during a demonstration outside of a federal immigration office after a man was fatally shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, on July 14, 2026 in Scarborough, Maine. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images)

(WASHINGTON) -- Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson appears all but certain to replace Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee for Senate in the party's bid to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins this November.

Jackson's campaign said Monday that "it is turning its full focus toward defeating Senator Susan Collins," citing a "decisive advantage" during recent county-level caucuses.

Jackson, who comes from a logging family not far from the Quebec border, is a familiar face to Maine voters due to his history of activism and his lengthy background as a state lawmaker in Augusta.

His campaign's statement also came after an eventful Sunday for Maine politics as four other Democrats dropped out of the running: Dan Kleban, Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah and Jordan Wood.

"We are suspending our campaign tonight. This is the conclusion of the caucuses and letting this process play out," Wood, the former chief of staff to Katie Porter when she served as a congresswoman representing California, said in a selfie-style video posted to social media on Sunday evening.

"I'm so proud to endorse my friend Troy Jackson. I didn't know Troy until over a year ago when I decided to run for office for the first time, but he has become a friend, someone I trust, someone that I know represents and will serve all people in Maine," Wood added.

Shah and Kleban, like Wood, also endorsed Jackson. Bellows did not mention Jackson when suspending her Senate campaign.

Maine Democrats held county-level nomination meetings over the weekend in order to select delegates ahead of their party's Senate nominating convention set for this coming Saturday, July 25.

While the Maine Democratic Party's website lists that eight candidates remain in the race to replace Platner, including former primary candidate David Costello and activist Ashley Webb, delegates who expressed support for Jackson received overwhelming support at the nomination meetings and the candidates who withdrew Sunday were previously viewed as Jackson's main rivals.

Jackson's campaign said that 481 of 500 county delegates support his candidacy. A total of 601 delegates will participate in the July 25 convention, with the additional 101 delegates being members of the Maine Democratic State Committee.

Just over six weeks ago, Jackson stood in front of a crowd in a Bar Harbor theater to ask Mainers to support his own bid for governor (a race he lost) and to vote for Platner in the Democratic Senate primary.

But after Platner was accused earlier this month of sexual assault by a former girlfriend, an allegation he's denied, Jackson joined calls for him to exit the race. Platner formally withdrew his candidacy on July 10.

Now, in nearly a week, Maine voters should know for certain whether Jackson will officially be the Democrats' pick to try to flip the high-profile Senate seat.

New Air Force One jet to be ‘maxed out,’ Trump says, after security concerns raised

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after landing in Air Force One on July 19, 2026 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

(WASHINGTON) -- The new Air Force One will be "maxed out" with security features, undergoing an upgrade that's expected to put the Qatari-gifted jet out of commission for about a month, President Donald Trump said on Sunday.

"Well, it has, it has a lot, and you know it has a lot of capability, but as I understand it, in about a month or so, they’re going to send it to have it be maxed out," the president said of the newly retrofitted jet. "So they’re going to be sending it, and they’ll have it be maxed out."

The jet had faced security concerns in the weeks since its first operational flight on July 1, when Trump flew on it to North Dakota. The plane, a Boeing 747-8 that was gifted from Qatar, later carried Trump to the NATO summit in Turkey this month.

As Trump prepared to depart the summit, the Secret Service urged the president to take the older Air Force One jet as a precaution, due in part for the differences in security capabilities, ABC News learned at the time.

The New York Times reported that the new jet did not have the same anti-missile capabilities as the previous model. Trump's comment on Sunday followed a reporter's question about those claims, which ABC News has not independently confirmed.

"Mr. President, this plane does not have antimissile defense systems on it," the reporter asked. "Why are you flying on it?"

Trump in response said the plane would be "maxed out," a process that he expected would "take about a month." The president did not detail exactly when the upgrades were expected to begin.

The Qatari royal family's donation of the luxury jet valued at approximately $400 million, an unprecedented foreign gift, raised questions from some lawmakers and ethics experts. Ahead of his first flight, Trump gave credit to the Qatari government.

"Frankly, we couldn't build a plane like this because we wouldn't be willing to spend the kind of money necessary," he said on July 1. "They spent top dollar."

"I said to Boeing, 'What's the best one?' They said this is the best plane ever built, and you're going to have the privilege of flying it, and I have a privilege also of flying it," Trump said that day.

The U.S. Air Force said it had been modifying the jet Texas since September to meet the security, communications and other needs to transport the president.

The Air Force last year originally estimated it would cost less than $400 million to retrofit the gift, though it's unclear how much exactly has been spent so far. Many of the details of the retrofitting on the new plane are considered classified.

The gifted plane is expected to be used as the new Air Force One until shortly before Trump leaves office, at which time ownership of the plane will be transferred to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, sources familiar with the proposed arrangement have told ABC News.

ABC News' Emily Chang, Sarah Kolinovsky and Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report.

US soldiers killed by Iran were from Texas and Hawaii, military says

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan by Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks were identified on Monday, the first troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the war.

The Defense Department said in a statement that 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, were killed in Jordan. They were deployed to support a U.S. mission against the Islamic State group, the statement said.

The U.S. military says 17 service members have been killed in the war with Iran.

The deaths reflect the complicated reality that American soldiers don’t need to be on the ground in Iran for there to be lethal risks in a conflict that involves drones, missiles and airplanes. American forces are arrayed across the Middle East, making other nations targets of Iran and its allies as the fighting has escalated after a breakdown in peace talks.

President Donald Trump has said the war is necessary to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump, a Republican, now faces political pressure to bring the war to a close and avoid the kind of prolonged Middle East conflict he had campaigned against.
Drones and missiles are claiming lives on both sides

An American service member was also killed in northern Iraq on Saturday during a “controlled detonation” of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone, U.S. Central Command said Sunday. A second service member was wounded and was receiving medical treatment for a minor injury.

The military said it was withholding additional information until 24 hours after families had been notified.

Iranian authorities said U.S. strikes in just the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500 others, including eight killed in a strike on a bridge Friday.

Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. Workers on ships, as well as foreign workers and others in Gulf nations, Israel and Lebanon have also died in the conflict.
The first US military fatalities came soon after the war started

Shortly after the U.S. and Israel began the war on Feb. 28, an Iranian drone strike at a civilian port in Kuwait killed six American soldiers. The soldiers were part of a supply and logistics unit based in Iowa who were working at a shipping container-style building that had no defenses.

A seventh soldier died more than a week after being wounded during a March 1 attack by Iran on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Later in March, six service members were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft supporting U.S. military operations against Iran crashed in Iraq. The aircraft was in “friendly” airspace when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft took place, according to U.S. Central Command.

On Monday, the U.S. military said a Navy pilot died in a helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea. The Navy initially described the July 1 crash as an emergency landing and said there was “no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action.” The remaining three sailors aboard the helicopter were rescued.