Harvey intensifies to hurricane, likely a major Texas storm

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Tropical Storm Harvey intensified Thursday into a hurricane that forecasters said would be the first major hurricane to hit Texas in nine years.Sustained winds reached 80 mph (129 kph) more than a day before landfall was expected late Friday between Port O'Connor and Matagorda Bay, a 30-mile (48-kilometer) stretch of coastline about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northeast of Corpus Christi.Forecasters said a "life-threatening" storm surge along with rains and wind were likely as Harvey was intensifying faster than previously forecast.

1 to 4 major Atlantic hurricanes possible this year, NOAA says

This year's Atlantic hurricane season could generate more activity than in recent years and possibly bring one to four major hurricanes, the federal government said.The season, which begins Wednesday and ends November 30, "will most likely be near-normal," but this year's predictions have higher levels of uncertainty than usual.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center issued a report on the upcoming hurricane season on Friday.

Without inmates from Milwaukee County, youth prison under federal investigation could close

MADISON — Milwaukee County's plan to pull its inmates from Wisconsin's only secure youth prison is putting the future of the Lincoln Hills School in limbo.The county's move to bring its 134 young inmates closer to home comes amid a federal investigation into allegations of abuse at the school.It could mean Lincoln Hills losing more than half its population and half its operating budget, which comes largely from county dollars.

Hurricane Sandra rapidly losing strength in the Pacific

MIAMI — Hurricane Sandra is rapidly losing strength as it approaches Mexico's Pacific coast.The hurricane's maximum sustained winds decreased early Friday to near 100 mph (160 kph), making it a Category 2 storm.

Hurricane Humberto ruins shot at a 2013 record

(CNN) -- Missed it by that much!In a year that forecasters said there would be a few more hurricanes than normal, Humberto on Wednesday fell just a few hours short of setting a record for the latest first hurricane to form in the Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricane Barbara hits western coast of southern Mexico

(CNN) -- Hurricane Barbara made landfall Wednesday along Mexico's southern Pacific coast.It crashed ashore early afternoon in the state of Chiapas, about 20 miles west of Tonala, the U.S.-based National Hurricane Center said.Barbara had sustained winds of 75 mph, and was moving north-northeast at 9 mph.A hurricane warning was in effect between Puerto Angel, in the state of Oaxaca, and Tonala.Barbara is expected to dump between 4-8 inches of rain over eastern Oaxaca and western Chiapas, with up to a foot possible in southeastern Oaxaca.

House passes $50 billion-plus Sandy aid package

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Lawmakers in the House of Representatives approved measures Tuesday to send more than $50 billion in aid to the Northeastern states ravaged by Superstorm Sandy last fall, though some conservatives in the House were pushing for spending cuts that would offset the cost of the recovery package.

House approves $9.7B Superstorm Sandy aid package

(CNN) -- Congress neared final approval of a $9.7 billion Superstorm Sandy aid package following delays over fiscal cliff bickering, warnings of dwindling federal funds and swirling controversy over millions of dollars for unrelated projects.

Senate passes Superstorm Sandy aid bill

(CNN) -- A bill providing billions of dollars of aid to victims of Superstorm Sandy passed the Senate late Friday, and senators from New York called on the House to take it up promptly.

Long Islanders get usual power bills despite Sandy blackout

NEW YORK (CNN) -- The Long Island Power Authority is assuring outraged customers that their latest electric bills with normal monthly charges are no mistake, despite some being in the dark for days or weeks after Superstorm Sandy.