NEW YORK
TV host McLaughlin dies
John McLaughlin, the conservative political commentator and host of the namesake long-running television show that pioneered hollering-heads discussions of Washington politics, has died. He was 89. McLaughlin died Tuesday morning, according to an announcement on the Facebook page of The McLaughlin Group series. No cause of death was mentioned, but an ailing McLaughlin had missed the taping for this past weekend’s show — his first absence in the series’ 34 years. “John McLaughlin was a TV institution for generations of Americans,” tweeted House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. “We will miss his contagious spirit & tireless dedication.”
HARRISBURG, Pa.
Attorney general to resign
Pennsylvania’s first elected female attorney general announced her resignation Tuesday, a day after being convicted of abusing the powers of the state’s top law enforcement office to smear a rival and lying under oath to cover it up. Democrat Kathleen Kane faces prison time and can’t practice private law after the suspension of her law license. Her office said she would resign at the end of the workday Wednesday.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.
Student held in fatal attacks
A 19-year-old Florida State University student with no criminal record fatally stabbed a couple at random outside their house, wounded their neighbor and was biting the dead man’s face when deputies finally subdued him, authorities said Tuesday. Austin Harrouff, a former high school football defensive lineman and wrestler, may have been on hallucinogenic drugs when he attacked Michelle Mishcon, 53, and John Stevens, 59, outside their home in Tequesta on Monday, Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said. Snyder said Harrouff suffered bruises, dog bites and cuts and had been jolted with a stun gun during his altercation with deputies. He was being held under guard at a hospital and was in worsening condition, Snyder said.
SILVER SPRING, Md.
Seventh body found at site
Police say a seventh body has been found in the debris of an explosion and fire in an apartment complex. Montgomery County Police said in a news release that the body was found Tuesday. The explosion on Aug. 10 in Silver Spring sent debris hundreds of feet, and people more than a mile away reported the blast was strong enough to shake their homes. More than 30 people were injured, including three firefighters. Local authorities and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire.
Compiled from wire reports.