August 15, 2024

Hurricane Ernesto slams Puerto Rico; inflation falls to 3-year low

20 minutes

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 15 at 8 a.m. CT:

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto is barreling toward Bermuda after leaving hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico without power or water as sweltering heat envelop the U.S. territory, raising concerns about people’s health. A hurricane warning is in effect for Bermuda on Thursday, with Ernesto expected to pass near or over the island on Saturday. Ernesto is forecast to become a major Category 3 hurricane on Friday and drop between four to eight inches of rain in Bermuda with up to 12 inches in isolated areas.

YEKATERINBURG, Russia (AP) — A U.S.-Russian dual national has been convicted of treason in a Russian court and sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges stemming from a $51 donation to a charity aiding Ukraine. News reports say Ksenia Khavana, whom Russian authorities identify by her maiden name of Ksenia Karelina, was arrested in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg in February and pleaded guilty in a closed trial last week.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian air bases has damaged at least two hangars. Images analyzed on Thursday showed that two hangars at an air base in Borisoglebsk had been struck, with a field of debris seen around both.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Since the Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7, the Israel-Hamas war has become one of the most destructive wars in recent memory. As it stretches into its 11th month, over 40,000 people have died in Gaza and the small territory has been decimated by the Israeli offensive.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Year-over-year inflation reached its lowest level in more than three years in July, the latest sign that the worst price spike in four decades is fading and setting up the Federal Reserve for an interest rate cut in September. Measured from a year earlier, prices rose 2.9%, down from 3% in June. It was the mildest year-over-year inflation figure since March 2021.

In other news:

Democrats trust Harris slightly more than Biden on climate change, AP-NORC poll finds.

The president of Columbia University has resigned, effective immediately.

WHO declares mpox outbreaks in Africa a global health emergency as a new form of the virus spreads.

Judge tells Google to brace for shakeup of Android app store as punishment for running a monopoly.

Sweet and salty deal worth $30 billion would put M&M's and Snickers alongside Cheez-It and Pringles.

Ruling Fetus can be referred to as 'unborn human being' in Arizona abortion measure voter pamphlet.

Montana Gov. Gianforte continues to rake in outside income as he seeks a second term.

The State Fair of Texas is banning firearms, drawing threats of legal action from Republican AG.

Texas woman recovering after dramatic rescue from submerged vehicle.

One of Major League Baseball's most prolific sluggers makes history, MLB division races are heating up with every team in action, the Vikings learn their first round draft selection will miss the upcoming season, the Falcons acquire a four time All Pro from the Patriots, and a Browns linebacker cashes in on an All-Pro season.

NASCAR revokes Dillon's playoff eligibility; driver keeps controversial Richmond win.

New Zealand food bank distributes candy made from a potentially lethal amount of methamphetamine.

Kishida vows to push rules-based order as Japan's defense chief visits Yasukuni 79 years after WWII.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

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