Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend
Marco gains hurricane status, Gulf Coast braces for double hit as Laura looms
Tropical Storm Marco grew to hurricane strength Sunday, one of two powerful storms marching toward the Gulf Coast and threatening a historic double slam of landfalls. It is expected to make landfall in Louisiana late Monday or early Tuesday. Tropical Storm Laura is expected to reach hurricane status before it roars into the state on Wednesday. Residents should be ready to shelter in place for at least 72 hours, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said, warning that it may not be possible to deploy rescue helicopters and high-water vehicles after Marco's storm surge if Laura comes in right behind. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared a state of emergency.
Keep track of the latest information on tropical storms and hurricanes with USA TODAY's Hurricane Tracker.
Shift in weather could ignite new wildfires; Californians on edge
Two fires in California ballooned into the state's second and third largest blazes over the weekend as residents brace for another troubling shift in weather. Unpredictable winds, sizzling temperatures and potential lighting strikes could ignite new wildfires across the already ravaged state. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday announced that the White House had granted the state's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration – despite President Donald Trump publicly chiding California over the wildfires last week. About 14,000 firefighters are manning the lines, according to Cal Fire. In all, the fires have burned about 1,000 homes, forced tens of thousands to flee and left five people dead.
House passes $25 billion bill for USPS, Trump tweets in opposition
The Democratic-led House returned from recess Saturday to pass legislation allotting $25 billion in funding to the U.S. Postal Service and to prevent any further changes at the agency. However, the bill faces an uncertain future with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying Tuesday that he was doubtful a bill only addressing USPS could pass the Senate. Trump has defended his administration's management of the agency and has said he opposes additional funding for the Postal Service. In a Saturday tweet, he called the controversy a "hoax" and told Republican lawmakers to vote against it.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy acknowledges mail delays, defends changes at USPS in Friday hearing.
Real quick
"He has no principles. None": Maryanne Trump Barry tears into her brother in secretly taped audio.
More than 176,000 in US have died of COVID-19. 57% of Republicans polled say that is "acceptable."
Dueling demonstrations by right-wing and left-wing protesters turned violent in downtown Portland Saturday.
NFL to investigate rash of positive COVID-19 test results all linked to New Jersey lab as training camps push toward the season opener.
Analysis: Three things Trump and the GOP need to do at their convention.
"He had a big heart": Family mourns Trayford Pellerin after fatal Louisiana police shooting.
Thirteen people died in a stampede at a disco in Peru after a police raid to enforce the country’s COVID-19 lockdown.
Returning from overseas or out of state? CDC drops 14-day quarantine recommendation
Travelers returning from a trip outside the country or their state no longer face recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return. The CDC website now says arriving travelers should stay six feet from other people, wear masks and wash hands frequently — the same recommendations for people who have not traveled. The website says travelers should follow restrictions set by state, local and territorial governments, which may require arrivals "to stay home for up to 14 days."
Remembering Kobe Bryant on his 42nd birthday
Sunday would've marked the 42nd birthday of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who, along with eight others, including his daughter Gianna, died in a January helicopter crash in California. Vanessa Bryant paid tribute to her late husband with an emotional tribute on Instagram: "I love you and miss you more than I can ever explain. I wish you and Gigi were here to celebrate YOU!" The Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant's team of two decades, plan to honor him in Monday's playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers by wearing special "Black Mamba" uniforms. Monday's date, 8/24, represents the two numbers Bryant donned throughout his illustrious career.
August 24 is now known as Kobe Bryant Day in Orange County, California.
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This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Marco, Tropical Storm Laura, California wildfires, USPS: The weekend's biggest news
