eNewspaper | Crosswords | Horoscopes

The Short List

Wed Jul 30 2025

Rebecca Morin | Newsletter Writer

@RebeccaMorin_

A powerful earthquake in Russia triggered a tsunami. A key Democratic leader (sort of) hinted at her next political plans. And hundreds of Black Sabbath fans lined the streets in England to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.

👋 It's Wednesday! Rebecca Morin here. Let's get going to today's news!

But first: Raise your glass! 🍺 USA TODAY found the 29 best bars across the United States. Did you favorite make the list?

First an earthquake, then a tsunami

Tsunami waves up to 13 feet tall hit far eastern Russia, partially flooding the town of Severo-Kurilsk and damaging a kindergarten building. No serious injuries were reported, Russia's Ministry for Emergency Services said. The tsunami followed a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, one of the strongest in recorded history, that struck off the country's Kamchatka Peninsula. See drone footage of the flooded town.

U.S. evacuation orders lifted: Tsunami waves reached Hawaii and parts of California, Washington state and Alaska after the quake. Evacuation orders in Hawaii were lifted, and beaches in Los Angeles County were reopened. Water levels were still surging in Hawaii, and parts of Alaska were expected to feel the impact of tsunami waves for days. How the tsunami threat has eased across the West Coast.

•	Tsunami warnings caused panic. How close to disaster did we come?
•	8.8 earthquake, tsunami danger: Scenes of Russia, Alaska, Hawaii, West Coast on high alert
•	'Ring of fire': Hawaii has a long history with tsunamis
•	Fear, then fizzle: Modest tsunami a 'great relief'
•	See the moment doctors secure a patient during a surgery during the Russian earthquake

Tsunami waves flood an area after a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, in Severo-Kurilsk, Sakhalin Region, Russia on July 30.

Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences, via REUTERS

Fed rate stays the same (again)

The Federal Reserve isn't bowing to pressure. The Fed on Wednesday kept its key interest rate unchanged again and gave no signal it plans to lower rates in September. President Donald Trump has relentlessly tried to bully Fed Chair Jerome Powell into cutting rates dramatically and immediately– calling him "a numbskull," "a moron," and "too late," among other epithets. Wednesday's decision leaves the Fed's benchmark short-term rate at a range of 4.25% to 4.5% for a fifth straight meeting. Why the Fed hasn't cut rates.

•	Economy posts sturdy growth in second quarter, but tariffs again skew the numbers

Real quick

•	The Backstreet Boys have taken over Las Vegas' Sphere. Now, they spill their residency secrets.
•	Travel to Italy … with these new doughnut flavors from Krispy Kreme!
•	As NFL preseason nears, who are the Eagles' main threats?
•	Could an interstellar comet be alien technology? A controversial Harvard astrophysicist says yes.
•	After a near-death accident, Jeremy Renner is getting his body ready for a Marvel return.

2028 election watch?

Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor – but she didn't rule out another presidential bid. Harris, in a statement released Wednesday, said she had put "serious thought" into seeking the top job in the state, where she once served as attorney general. But she said she has decided not to run for governor in the upcoming election next year. Harris said that "for now" her leadership and public service will not be in elected office, but she noted she would share her political plans in the coming months. Read Harris' statement.

•	'Complicit': Cory Booker yells at fellow Democrats on Senate floor
•	Trump hits Brazil with whopping 50% tariffs
•	Epstein, Maxwell grand jury transcripts include only two witnesses

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a gala in San Francisco, California, U.S., April 30, 2025. REUTERS/Jungho Kim

Jungho Kim, REUTERS

The Prince of Darkness laid to rest

Hundreds filled the streets of Birmingham, England, to bid farewell to Ozzy Osbourne during a procession in his hometown before a private family funeral. Osbourne's body traveled in a hearse accompanied by a brass band to Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, where thousands of fans have paid their respects with flowers and tributes since his death was announced last week. Sharon Osbourne, his wife of more than 40 years, broke down during the procession while surrounded by the couple's three children together, Kelly, Aimee and Jack. See the fans and family's reaction to the funeral procession.

•	Watch thousands of fans say goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne
•	Photos: The emotional moments as Sharon Osbourne cries at Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession

Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne arrive to view tributes to the late Ozzy Osbourne from fans as his funeral cortege travels through his home city of Birmingham on July 30, 2025, in Birmingham, England.

Leon Neal, Getty Images