Morning Headlines - Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022 | Recent News

U.S. and World Headlines

FBI Thunderbolt Scrambles Political Predictions On Trump

The FBI’s search of former President Trump’s estate in Florida is a political thunderbolt that on Tuesday had a number of Republicans thinking it could boost his standing in a future presidential race.

Trump seized on the raid to rally his supporters, while Republicans across the political spectrum offered support for the former president — including potential rivals for the 2024 nomination.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called it an “escalation in the weaponization of federal agencies,” while former Vice President Mike Pence said it “undermines public confidence in our justice system.” He demanded “a full accounting” of the matter.

July Inflation Data To Show Latest On Sky-High Prices

Inflation data set for release Wednesday will show whether sky-high price increases accelerated or waned in July.

The new data arrives as costs strain household budgets, and the Federal Reserve tries to dial back inflation with a series of interest rate hikes that in theory should slow down the economy, slash demand and cut prices.

Economists expect the report to show the consumer price index rose 8.7% year-over-year in July. While still high, that figure would comprise a slowdown from the 9.1% rate in June, which marked the fastest pace of inflation since 1981.

If You Want An Electric Car, Buy One This Week

If you're thinking of buying an electric car any time soon, you'd better place your order before President Biden signs the Democrats' big climate, tax and health care package into law — which could happen as soon as this weekend.

Democrats initially hoped to dramatically increase EV adoption via the bill, called the Inflation Reduction Act, by expanding the existing consumer tax credits for battery-powered vehicles.

As Partisan Hostility Grows, Signs Of Frustration With The Two-Party System

Partisan polarization has long been a fact of political life in the United States. But increasingly, Republicans and Democrats view not just the opposing party but also the people in that party in a negative light. Growing shares in each party now describe those in the other party as more closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent than other Americans.

Perhaps the most striking change is the extent to which partisans view those in the opposing party as immoral.

'It's Time for Apple to Fix Texting' Says New Android Website Pushing RCS Messaging Technology

Google's Android team today launched a new "Get the Message" website that again calls on Apple to adopt Rich Communication Services or RCS for the Messages app. Google has been pushing Apple to adopt RCS for months now, with no response from Apple.

RCS is designed to replace the current SMS messaging standard. It offers support for higher resolution photos and videos, audio messages, bigger file sizes, improved encryption, emoji reactions, more reliable group chats, and more.

Michels Wins Wisconsin's 2022 Republican Primary For Governor, Will Face Evers

Tim Michels, a wealthy businessman endorsed by former President Donald Trump, won the Republican primary for Wisconsin governor on Tuesday and will face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in a contest that could reshape elections in the marquee battleground.

Michels defeated former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, who was endorsed by former Vice President Mike Pence and had backing from establishment Republicans, including ex-Gov. Scott Walker.

In his victory speech, Michels promised to focus on jobs and the economy and said he would stand up for people who "have been left behind by the Democratic Party that just wants to focus on the social issues.”

Mandela Barnes Wins Democratic Primary For Wisconsin's U.S. Senate

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes has won the Democratic primary election for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat and will now face off against incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson in the general election in November.

Barnes faced off against fellow Democratic challenger Wisconsin State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski. Barnes received 81 percent of the vote, compared to Godlewski's 7 percent.

Report: Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Defeats Trump-Backed Challenger

Wisconsin’s longest-tenured speaker has defeated a challenger backed by former President Donald Trump in Wisconsin's 63rd Assembly District primary race.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) went head-to-head Tuesday with former President Donald Trump backed Adam Steen in the primary election for the state’s 63rd Assembly District. Vos came out on top with 52% of votes with 88% precincts reporting, while Steen took 48% of votes of 88% with precincts reporting, according to the Associated Press.

State Sen. Brad Pfaff Wins Democratic Primary In Competitive 3rd Congressional District

State Sen. Brad Pfaff took the Democratic primary for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District around 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Pfaff had 39 percent of the vote with nearly all votes counted. He now moves on to the race to replace his supporter and former boss, Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Kind.

Evers Administration Picks Site For New Youth Prison

Officials in Gov. Tony Evers’ administration have moved a step closer toward replacing the state’s troubled youth prison, announcing Tuesday that they’ve picked a site in Milwaukee for a new facility.

The existing youth prison, a combination facility for boys and girls known as Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls, is located outside Irma in northern Wisconsin. The prison has been plagued by allegations of guard-on-prisoner abuse for years. The American Civil Liberties Union in 2017 filed a federal lawsuit, which resulted in a judge ordering an independent monitor to provide regular reports on prison conditions.