Ernesto: Hurricane Ernesto, which knocked out power to half of Puerto Rico, is strengthening as it moves toward Bermuda. The hurricane is expected to reach Category 3 status. A high-pressure system over the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. is expected to keep the hurricane over the Atlantic and well away from the U.S. mainland.
Menendez: CNN reports that New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy intends to replace U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez with George Helmy, Murphy’s former chief of staff, when Menendez leaves the Senate on Aug. 20. The Democrats have nominated New Jersey Congressman Andy Kim to run for a full-term to succeed Menendez.
Hamas-Israel: A new round of cease-fire talks in the Israel-Hamas war has opened in Qatar. Being discussed is a six-week cease-fire coupled with a release of hostages that Hamas took in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The Hamas-controlled Palestinian Health Ministry says that the civilian death toll in the war has now passed 40,000. The Health Ministry says that the death toll includes 5,956 women and 10,627 children.
Attacks in Russia: Ukraine launched drone attacks on four military airfields inside Russia, designed to hurt Russia’s ability to launch air strikes against Ukraine. Ukrainian troops inside of Russia have captured about 100 Russian soldiers. They hope to exchange them for Ukrainians being held prisoner by the Russians. It’s reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin may issue orders to draft up to 300,000 more young Russian men to fight in Ukraine.
Gena Rowlands: Actress Gena Rowlands has died at age 94. She received an honorary Oscar in 2015 for her lifetime achievements. Rowlands was nominated for acting Oscars two times. She appeared in a number of independent films directed by her husband at the time, John Cassavetes. A report said she died at her home in Indian Wells, California.
Famous Amos: Wally Amos, who founded Famous Amos cookies, has died at his home in Honolulu at age 88. The cause of death was complications from dementia. Amos also founded Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company, which was based in Sayville, New York. After having built the cookie company from a single store that he had opened in Los Angeles in 1975, he lost the Famous Amos business.
