Also, heavy rains flood the streets of New York City. Here’s the latest at the end of Friday.
Dianne Feinstein, who rose to become the grande dame of California Democrats over four decades in politics, first as the mayor of San Francisco and most recently as the longest-serving woman in U.S. Senate history, died last night at her home in Washington. She was 90.
U.S. flags were lowered to half-staff, and Feinstein was hailed by her colleagues as a pioneer. “She was a historic figure, a trailblazer for women and a great friend,” President Biden said. “The country is going to miss her dearly.”
Feinstein was San Francisco’s first female mayor; the first woman from California to be elected to the Senate; the first woman to be considered as a presidential running mate; and the first woman to preside over a president’s inaugural ceremonies.
She had planned to retire at the end of her term in 2025 and rejected calls to step down before then, even as her frail health and memory issues made it difficult for her to function on her own.
Several prominent Democrats are eyeing her seat. But the pressure for now is on Gov. Gavin Newsom of California to name a temporary replacement quickly, especially given the narrow advantage that Democrats have in the Senate. Newsom has pledged to appoint a Black woman, but he has not spoken today about his plans. Here are the possible candidates to fill Feinstein’s seat.
For more, these photos captured key moments of Feinstein’s career.Heavy rains bring flash floods to New York City
Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York declared a state of emergency today as heavy rainfall pounded New York City and the surrounding region, causing flash floods. Entire subway lines were shut down, major roadways turned into lakes and children were moved to the upper floors of flooded schools.
Hochul described the storm as a “life-threatening rainfall event,” urging New Yorkers to stay home and warning those who live in basements to brace for the worst. “Plan your escape route,” she said. “Don’t wait until water is over your knees before you leave. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”
The rain is expected to continue through the night, and a flood warning was in effect until tomorrow. Follow our updates.
For more: Here’s how to stay safe during flash floods.The government is heading for a shutdown
A group of 21 Republicans today tanked Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s bid to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown, making it all but certain that Congress would miss a midnight deadline on Saturday to keep federal funding flowing.
The defeat was a stinging blow to McCarthy, who insisted that he would continue working to fund the government.
