ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Aug. 14, 2024

Summary

Hurricane Ernesto hits Puerto Rico causing over 700,000 power outages and is expected to intensify to a Category 3 hurricane. Inflation in the U.S. slows to under 3% for the first time since President Biden's presidency, with prices from groceries to cars affected. Former President Trump and Vice President Harris are in a tight race for the White House, with personal attacks on Harris escalating. The war in Ukraine sees Ukrainian forces attacking Russian airfields, capturing dozens of troops, while the conflict in Gaza results in a devastating attack ahead of ceasefire talks. Additionally, an escaped killer in the U.S. and the arrest of an American in Russia highlight ongoing international tensions.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ Hurricane Ernesto has officially formed and is intensifying, with over 700,000 customers in Puerto Rico left without power after its impact.
• 📉 The U.S. inflation rate has dropped below 3% for the first time since early in President Biden's presidency, with consumer prices rising 2.9% in July compared to the previous year.
• 🏛️ The Ukrainian military has attacked multiple airfields inside Russia, capturing dozens of Russian troops, and causing 200,000 Russians to evacuate.
• 🔍 An escaped killer, Ramone Alston, who broke free from guards in a hospital parking lot in North Carolina, is now the subject of an urgent manhunt.
• 🕊️ Famous Amos Cookies founder, Wallace Amos Jr., has passed away peacefully after battling dementia; he was 88 years old.
• 🏙️ The war in Ukraine continues with the Ukrainian military pressing its offensive on Russian soil, seizing hundreds of square miles and capturing Russian soldiers.
• 🗳️ The race for the White House is tight, with polls showing Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump by one point, and another showing Trump leading Harris by one point.
• 🚔 A touching tribute to a fallen deputy, Gonzalo Galvez, took place as his fellow deputies showed up for his daughter's first day of second grade.
• 🚨 Another American, Joseph Tater, has been arrested in Moscow for allegedly attacking a police officer, facing a potential five-year prison sentence if convicted.
• 🛑 A search is underway for a missing mother in Virginia, with her husband reportedly waiting five days before notifying the police of her disappearance.
• 💡 The script also highlights the community support and solidarity shown by law enforcement in honoring a fallen comrade and supporting his family.

Q & A

What is the current status of Hurricane Ernesto?

Hurricane Ernesto has officially formed and is growing stronger, potentially becoming a Category 3 hurricane, after hitting Puerto Rico and other islands with powerful winds and flooding rains.

How many customers in Puerto Rico are without power due to Hurricane Ernesto?

More than 700,000 customers in Puerto Rico are without power as a result of Hurricane Ernesto.

What is the current state of the U.S. economy in terms of inflation?

Inflation has slowed to less than 3% for the first time since early in President Biden's presidency, with consumer prices rising 2.9% in July compared to a year ago.

What is the current situation in the race for the White House?

The race is very tight, with Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump by one point according to a new Pew poll, while a Fox News poll shows Donald Trump leading Kamala Harris by one point.

What is the latest development in the war in Ukraine?

The Ukrainian military has attacked multiple airfields inside Russia, taking dozens of Russian troops prisoner, and there are now over 200,000 Russians forced to evacuate.

What was the impact of Hurricane Ernesto on Puerto Rico's power grid?

Hurricane Ernesto knocked out power to more than 700,000 homes and businesses in Puerto Rico, exacerbating the island's already fragile power grid which has not fully recovered from Hurricane Maria in 2017.

What is the current weather forecast for the East Coast in relation to Hurricane Ernesto?

Hurricane Ernesto is expected to bring high surf and rip currents to the East Coast, from Florida to Maine.

What has President Biden said about the recent positive economic news?

President Biden has claimed that the slowing inflation rates are proof that his policies are working and that the U.S. is on a path to a soft landing.

What is the current situation regarding the escaped killer in North Carolina?

An escaped convicted murderer, Ramone Alston, is being sought after breaking free from armed guards in a hospital parking lot in North Carolina. Authorities have suspended ground search efforts and are now asking for the public's help with a $35,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

What is the latest on the missing mother in Virginia?

Authorities are searching for Mamta Kafle Bhatta, who vanished from her home two weeks ago in Manassas Park, Virginia. Her husband reported her missing five days after she was last seen.

Who is Wally Amos and what is the news about him?

Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos cookies, has passed away peacefully after battling dementia. He was known for using his aunt's recipe to create the popular cookies and was also a former Hollywood talent agent.