6 former Mississippi law officers sentenced in state court

BRANDON, Miss. (AP) — Already sentenced to many years in federal prison, six white former Mississippi law enforcement officers have been sentenced in state court for their roles in torturing two Black men. The state sentences handed down Wednesday didn’t add time to the federal prison terms the defendants had already received. But the victims’ supporters hailed the yearslong sentences, saying they took on unique importance in Mississippi, where local residents saw echoes of the state’s history of racist atrocities by people in authority.

Storms bring floods and damaging winds to states across the South

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — People in New Orleans and its suburbs were sloshing through flooded streets as rain and high winds from a storm system ripped through the South, killing one in Mississippi and damaging buildings. In Slidell, northeast of New Orleans, police shared video of what they believe was a tornado that hit Wednesday morning. In a Texas town, emergency workers rescued people from flooded homes and cars. Residents in Mississippi were warned to flee over fears a levee would fail. A meteorologist with the NWS Weather Prediction Center said heavy rain, tornadoes, hail and damaging wind gusts were all possible across the Gulf Coast and the Deep South.

Ford recalls nearly 43,000 SUVs due to gas leaks that can cause fires

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 43,000 small SUVs because gasoline can leak from the fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, increasing the risk of fires. But the recall does not fix the fuel leaks. It covers certain Bronco Sport SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years, as well as Escape SUVs from 2022, all with 1.5-liter engines. Ford says fuel injectors can crack, and gasoline or vapor can accumulate near ignition sources. Dealers will install a tube to let gas flow away from hot surfaces to the ground. They’ll also update software to detect a fuel pressure drop.

Investigators focus on electrical system of ship in Baltimore bridge collapse

BALTIMORE (AP) — Federal safety investigators are focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship that veered off course and crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge last month. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said her agency is gathering data with assistance from Hyundai, the manufacturer of equipment in the ship’s engine room. She said investigators have also requested assistance to examine its circuit breakers. Homendy testified Wednesday morning during a Senate committee hearing on her nomination to continue serving as board chair for a second term.

Japan is giving Washington 250 new cherry trees to replace those to be lost

WASHINGTON (AP) — Japan is giving the U.S. 250 new cherry trees to help replace the hundreds that will be ripped out this summer as construction crews work to repair the crumbling seawall around the capital Tidal Basin. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the announcement during an official visit to Washington where he will be honored with a state dinner at the White House. President Joe Biden says the gift is meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026. He says the trees are “timeless, inspiring and thriving.”