Tropical Storm Ernesto pummels Caribbean; meth found hidden in celery at Georgia farmers market

Hot Off The Wire

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 14 at 8:15 a.m. CT:

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Ernesto is dropping torrential rain on Puerto Rico and has left hundreds of thousands of people without power in the U.S. territory as it threatens to strengthen into a major hurricane en route to Bermuda. Ernesto is expected to become a hurricane later Wednesday as it moves away from land.

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. Wednesday’s report from the Labor Department showed that consumer prices rose just 0.2% from June to July after dropping slightly the previous month for the first time in four years.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A poll finds Vice President Kamala Harris is going into the last stretch of the presidential campaign as the candidate more likely to be perceived as honest, committed to democracy and disciplined. Meanwhile, similar shares of Americans say Harris and former President Donald Trump have the right vision for the country, are strong leaders, can win the 2024 election and are capable of handling a crisis.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces are pushing on with their major cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region for a second week. On Wednesday, they claimed to have taken more ground, captured more Russian prisoners and destroyed a jet bomber.

FOREST PARK, Ga. (AP) — Drug agents say that celery was used to conceal more than 2,300 pounds of methamphetamines at a farmers market south of Atlanta. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says it's one of the largest seizures of its kind. WAGA-TV reports that authorities said Monday the drugs were found inside a semitrailer.

In other news:

• Why Trump's and Harris' proposals to end federal taxes on tips would be difficult to enact.
• Tim Walz responds to criticism from JD Vance regarding military record.
• Auto workers union seeks NLRB investigation of Trump and Musk comments about firing striking workers.
• A look at Tuesday's primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
• Initiative to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri constitution qualifies for November ballot.
• US approves $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel amid threat of wider Middle East war.
• US Army soldier pleads guilty to selling sensitive military information.
• Marine who died trying to save crew in fiery Osprey crash to receive service's top noncombat medal.
• Security has been increased for Taylor Swift's concerts in London.
• Lawyer for suspect in alleged plot against Taylor Swift concerts says allegations are exaggerated.
• An ex-Kansas police chief who led a raid on a newspaper is charged with obstruction of justice.
• Starbucks CEO is replaced by Brian Niccol, who stepped in at Chipotle when the chain was in distress.
• US wholesale inflation cooled in July in sign that price pressures are continuing to ease.
• Vikings quarterback McCarthy needs knee surgery, Browns rookie Hall arrested, Soto goes deep 3 times in Yankees win, and the Phillies struggles continue,correspondent Chuck Freimund reports.
• The violence in Bangladesh after Hasina's ouster stirs fear within the country's Hindu minority.

—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.