Iran missile attacks, Australian wildfires, Puerto Rico earthquakes: 5 things to know Thursday

USA TODAY

House will vote to limit Trump's war power amid concerns on Iran strategy

The House will vote Thursday on a measure that would limit President Donald Trump's ability to wage war with Iran. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump's action last week — authorizing a drone strike that killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani — was "provocative and disproportionate" and done without consulting Congress. But even if the measure passes the House, which is controlled by Democrats, it will face hurdles in the GOP-controlled Senate. And Trump can veto the measure, as he did last year when Congress tried to end the American military role in Yemen.

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Trump takes re-election message to Ohio

The commander in chief will hold his first rally of 2020 Thursday in Ohio, an important swing state that supported him in 2016. The "Keep America Great" rally will be held in the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. Trump easily won Ohio by 8 percentage points over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, although he lost in Toledo. Trump's visit comes amid increased tension between the U.S. and Iran. On Wednesday, Trump threatened Iran with additional sanctions following Iran's rocket attack on airbases in Iraq housing U.S. troops.

Puerto Rico earthquake: Many still left without power

Government inspectors on Thursday are expected to visit one of the hardest-hit towns affected by the string of earthquakes in Puerto Rico, according to the New York Times. The worst quake — a magnitude 6.4 that struck early Tuesday — killed at least one person, injured at least nine and caused the power outage that has left about half a million people in the U.S. territory without electricity. The powerful quake was the strongest the island has seen in more than a century and comes as many areas are still recovering from the devastation of the deadly Hurricane Maria in 2017, which killed thousands. Punta Ventana, a coastal rock formation that had formed a sort of rounded window, and other popular landmarks were damaged by the quakes, officials said.

Will Harry and Meghan's royal bombshell upstage Duchess Kate's birthday?

While Duchess Kate celebrates her 38th birthday on Thursday, royal fans are eagerly waiting to learn more about Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's stunning decision to step down from their senior royal roles. The couple, who also confirmed that they intend to split their time between North America and the United Kingdom, also said they're working on becoming "financially independent." After their announcement came a palace statement, suggesting that some in the royal family were not amused. "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through," the statement said.

Australian wildfires: Residents urged to flee as hot, windy conditions escalate

The unprecedented wildfires in Australia, which have killed at least 25 people and destroyed 2,000 homes, are expected to escalate Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Residents in the path of infernos razing southeastern Australia were urged to evacuate as hot and windy conditions are forecast in the region. Experts say climate change has increased bushfire risk in Australia by lengthening the fire season, decreasing precipitation and increasing temperature. The U.S. State Department upped its travel warning level for Australia on Wednesday and recommended that tourists consider postponing their trips.

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iran missile attacks, Australian wildfires, Puerto Rico: 5 things to know Thursday