Good morning, and happy Wednesday. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Old guard Republicans win in key primary battles
After the Tea Party made a breakthrough in the last mid-term elections, it appears Republican voters are going with the establishment. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell won easily in Kentucky against his Tea Party challenger in the primary. It signals a significant shift in thinking among GOP voters that winning in November matters more than ideological purity. Read more in POLITICS.
2. Twin blasts in Nigeria bear hallmarks of Boko Haram
Two car bombs detonated at a busy bus terminal and market killed at least 118 people on Tuesday — and the U.S. believes Islamic militants Boko Haram are likely behind the violence. The group has been named a major terrorist threat in Africa by several leaders, including Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who said over the weekend that the group is essentially an arm of al Qaeda. Nearly 300 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram remain missing. Read more in NEWS.
3. Thai military mediates political rivals during martial law
The rival groups met today without a resolution to the political crisis that led the military to declare martial law Monday. That means the army still holds power over arrests, and can ban protests and control the media. Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the political groups would meet again Thursday, and insisted that martial law was aimed at restoring order and forcing all sides into talks to find a solution. Read more in NEWS.
The military control in Thailand has sprouted a popular street activity in Bangkok: selfies with soldiers.
4. Feds remind pot growers not to use government water
After Colorado — and soon Washington state — made recreational marijuana use legal, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has put out an advisory telling pot farmers that they can’t use federal irrigation waters to grow their plants. “As a federal agency, Reclamation is obligated to adhere to federal law in the conduct of its responsibilities to the American people,” Dan DuBray, chief of public affairs, said in a statement to NBC News. Read more in NEWS.
5. ‘Shield’ actor charged with wife’s murder
Michael Jace, 51, reportedly told authorities, “I shot my wife,” after calling 911 on Monday night. April Jace was found shot multiple times in the couple’s Los Angeles home, police said. Prior to his arrest, Jace was known for playing police officers, and also had parts in “Forrest Gump,” “Southland” and “Burn Notice.” Read more in POP CULTURE.
6. Recall of E. coli-tainted meat spurs unanswered questions
Nearly 2 million pounds of ground beef possibly tainted with E. coli bacteria was voluntarily recalled Monday, highlighting the little information the federal government has to provide to consumers. That means it’s still unclear which restaurants might have served the meat, and if those restaurants were sit-down establishments or fast-food joints. Meanwhile, the recall of Detroit’s Wolverine Packing Co. beef has grown from four states to at least 12. Read more in HEALTH.
… What’s trending today?
Tara the hero cat is great at saving kids, but she’s probably not making the minor leagues anytime soon.
The Bakersfield, Calif., feline was invited to “throw” the ceremonial first pitch at Tuesday night’s minor league Bakersfield Blaze game.
Despite some help from fishing line tied to the baseball, Tara just couldn’t paw the ball to home plate.
No matter, she’s still an Internet sensation.