US House ethics panel recommends censuring North Carolina’s Chuck Edwards

Republican congressman was investigated for untoward and inappropriate advances toward two female staffers

The US House of Representatives ethics committee on Monday recommended that Chuck Edwards, a Republican congressman, face censure after determining he “fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment” by giving gifts and lavishing attention on two young female staffers.

The bipartisan panel began investigating the second-term North Carolina congressman earlier this year, after receiving complaints about his conduct. In their report, they determined Edwards broke House rules by singling out the two unidentified aides for special treatment that made them uncomfortable and harmed relations with other employees.

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source https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/03/house-ethics-panel-north-carolina-chuck-edwards-censure

Eastern Washington fires destroy 600 structures and force 60,000 to evacuate

Wildfires in and around Spokane have stretched ability of federal and local agencies to fight blazes

Wildfires in eastern Washington state forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area while destroying at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures, authorities said on Sunday.

The fires in and around Spokane, the state’s second largest city, burned about 8.2 sq miles (about 21 sq km), but they were among dozens across the western US that stretched the ability of federal, state and local agencies to fight them. A total of about 390 sq miles have burned across the state, and some of the fires, including those in the Spokane area, have not been contained.

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source https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/02/eastern-washington-wildfires

Suspect in Idaho restaurant shooting died of self-inflicted gunshot wound, police say

Twin Falls police chief believes Chad Williams, 24, was alone in Saturday attack that killed three people

Authorities say the man accused of opening fire at a fast-food restaurant in Idaho is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as investigators say quick action by an off-duty law enforcement officer and an armed bystander helped prevent even more bloodshed.

Speaking on Sunday, Matthew Hicks, the Twin Falls police chief, said investigators are confident 24-year-old Chad Williams carried out Saturday’s attack alone.

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source https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/02/idaho-shooting-suspect-gunshot-wound-death

Rupert Lowe urges Nigel Farage to work with Restore Britain

Lowe says the two should put ‘personalities and our past disagreements aside for good of the country’

The leader of Restore Britain, Rupert Lowe, has extended an olive branch to Nigel Farage, saying the two should put “personalities and our past disagreements aside for the good of the country”.

Lowe told the Reform UK leader that if he was “prepared to work together around serious policies, serious reform and serious government, then so are we”.

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source https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/02/rupert-lowe-urges-nigel-farage-to-work-with-restore-britain

Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore, known for playing mobsters and tough guys, dies aged 80

Veteran actor best-known for playing Salvatore ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero, friend of Tony Soprano who becomes FBI informant

Vincent Pastore, a veteran actor who played mobsters and tough guys, and was best-known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, has died. He was 80.

Bob McGowan, who had managed Pastore since his run on The Sopranos, told the Associated Press that he learned of his death Saturday from another client and actor on the show, Vincent Curatola.

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source https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/01/sopranos-actor-vincent-pastore-dead-80

How Australia combines modern tech and Indigenous knowledge to fight fire

As Europe faces its worst wildfires in decades, Australia offers lessons in disaster preparedness.

Spain Installs Floating Barrier in Ceuta #wanitaxigo