Tsunami Hits U.S. West Coast, Federal Economy Steady Amid Rising Heat and Legal Battles

Tsunami Waves Reach U.S. Mainland

Early this morning, the first tsunami waves reached Northern California just after 1 a.m., following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Crescent City and Humboldt Bay saw up to 3.6-foot surges; parts of San Francisco Bay experienced minor wave activity. No injuries or property damage have been reported so far. Evacuation orders extended from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border and were later downgraded. This rare event underscores growing concerns about U.S. Pacific coast disaster readiness .

Stronger-Than-Expected Economic Growth, Fed Poised

Second-quarter U.S. GDP growth was revised up to 2.9–3.0%, beating forecasts—thanks largely to a narrowing trade deficit and slowing imports. Yet, inflation remains elevated: core PCE rose to 2.5%, higher than expected. Private payrolls rose by 104,000 jobs in July (ADP), exceeding expectations, but broader indicators hint at softening labor dynamics. The S&P 500 inched higher, while yields on the 10-year Treasury ticked up to about 4.37%. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates at 4.25–4.50% following its July meeting, with dissent from some Trump-appointed members who favor cuts amid economic uncertainty .

Senate Democrats Demand Release of Epstein Grand Jury Files

Senate Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Gary Peters called a press briefing today urging the release of unredacted grand jury transcripts related to the Epstein–Maxwell case. They cited the limited law enforcement testimony presented—only two witnesses—arguing for transparency, especially after Ghislaine Maxwell’s recent offer of conditional testimony. The Justice Department has sought to unseal these records to address mounting public scrutiny, including from former President Trump’s base .

Camp Lejeune Survivors Seek Justice Through Bipartisan Legislation

Many veterans and families affected by toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune continue to press for federal remedies. Personal testimonies, such as that of Jeanie Mason—whose husband died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma—underscore the urgency. The proposed Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act aims to expand jury access, correct procedural shortcomings in the 2022 PACT Act, and expedite compensation. With more than 400,000 claims filed and only a fraction reviewed, lawmakers across party lines emphasize accountability for long-suffering military families .

Extreme Heat and Air Quality Threaten Millions

An intense heatwave is baking more than 185 million Americans across the Midwest, South, and East Coast. Cities such as Memphis, Savannah, and Tampa have seen heat indices climb to a dangerous 110–115°F. Tampa recently recorded 100°F—the first such high temperature in over 130 years. Compounding the danger is haze from Canadian wildfires impacting air quality in the Northeast. Public health officials warn the worst is expected through Wednesday before cooler Canadian air brings relief later this week .

Looking Ahead

Watch for next steps as Senate Democrats pursue full release of Epstein grand jury records and Maxwell weighs testimony terms. The Federal Reserve will issue its official policy statement and host Chair Powell’s press conference later today, offering fresh signals on future inflation and potential rate cuts. Heat advisories peak through midweek, and relief for heatwave-stricken areas may arrive with cooler air across the Great Lakes and Northeast. Meanwhile, the Camp Lejeune victims’ legislation is expected to advance through committee and into the public debate.