Thousands Remain Without Power in Indiana After Deadly Storms
More than 65,000 power outages remained across Indiana as of Thursday, more than a week after deadly storms battered the state with destructive winds, tornadoes and flooding. Northwest Indiana has faced some of the most significant disruptions, with about 75,000 Northern Indiana Public Service Co. customers without power Wednesday. More than 20,000 outages were reported in Gary, where NIPSCO does not expect full restoration until Aug. 25. The outages have forced residents and businesses to rely on generators, discard spoiled food and contend with prolonged disruptions to daily operations. NIPSCO said crews have restored hundreds of thousands of outages, but extensive damage requires the replacement of hundreds of utility poles and transmission structures.
The Impact: The outages have forced residents and businesses to rely on generators, discard spoiled food and contend with prolonged disruptions to daily operations. NIPSCO said crews have restored hundreds of thousands of outages, but extensive damage requires the replacement of hundreds of utility poles and transmission structures. Indiana officials are coordinating damage assessments and recovery efforts, while federal emergency assistance is available for affected communities. The state also directs people to donate to disaster-relief organizations, including the American Red Cross, or volunteer with recovery efforts.
Missouri Judge Upholds GOP-Backed Congressional Map Ahead of Midterms
A Missouri judge ruled Wednesday that the state’s newly redrawn congressional map can remain in place for the November midterm elections, rejecting an effort to put the Republican-backed districts before voters in a statewide referendum. Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ruled that Missouri’s Constitution does not clearly authorize a referendum on congressional redistricting. Opponents said they will appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.
Why It Matters: The map, pushed by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe and supported by President Donald Trump, reshapes Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-based 5th Congressional District by moving portions of the city into neighboring Republican-held districts. About 59% of voters in the new 5th District are new to the district, according to an Associated Press analysis. The map was already used in Missouri’s August primaries and could help Republicans seek an additional House seat in November. For Black voters in Kansas City, the changes could affect their ability to influence congressional elections by dividing portions of the city among multiple districts. Voting-rights advocates argue the map particularly harms Black residents by splitting Kansas City communities, while state officials maintain the map complies with Missouri’s Constitution.
Byron Donalds Wins Florida GOP Gubernatorial Primary
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds won Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday, setting up a November matchup with Democrat David Jolly and giving him a chance to become the state’s first Black governor. Donalds defeated Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and several other Republicans in the primary.
Background: Donalds grew up in Brooklyn and later moved to Florida, where he earned a degree in finance and marketing from Florida State University. Before entering politics, he worked in banking, finance and insurance before winning a seat in the Florida House in 2016. He entered Congress in 2021, representing Florida’s 19th Congressional District, and became a prominent ally of President Donald Trump. He launched his gubernatorial campaign in 2025 with Trump’s endorsement and has campaigned on issues including property taxes, insurance costs and reducing government spending.
NAACP Office of General Counsel Joins Nolan Wells’ Family Legal Team
The NAACP’s Office of General Counsel has joined the legal team representing Nolan Wells’ family as questions remain about the 18-year-old’s death on Mississippi’s Horn Island. The organization announced Aug. 17 that it will work alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump to seek additional investigative resources, comprehensive fact-finding and greater transparency from authorities.
Wells’ body was found July 6, two days after he went missing during a Fourth of July boating trip with friends. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, while District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said she will present a thorough investigation to a grand jury. The family and its attorneys have also called for a federal review, while the NAACP said it will pursue every available avenue for answers and accountability.
Atlanta Loses Bid for 2028 DNC as Mayor Andre Dickens Criticizes Party’s Decision
Atlanta will not host the 2028 Democratic National Convention after the Democratic National Committee narrowed its list of potential host cities to Boston, Denver and Philadelphia on Thursday. Atlanta and Chicago, which hosted the 2024 convention, were eliminated following site visits earlier this year. The DNC plans to select a host city later this year for the Aug. 7-10, 2028, convention.
Background: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sharply criticized the decision, accusing Democratic leaders of abandoning the South and Black voters. In a letter to DNC Chairman Ken Martin, Dickens said the party was “running scared” and argued Atlanta represented an opportunity to invest in a politically important region. Atlanta last hosted the Democratic convention in 1988. City leaders promoted the city’s growing role in Georgia politics, its convention infrastructure and its upcoming major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.