'Burned down to ashes'
Wildfires in Maui have killed at least 36 people. Inflation picked up a little last month. And two more men turned themselves in after the Montgomery Riverfront brawl.
👋 Hey! Laura Davis here. It’s time for Thursday’s news!
But first: A tiny whale! 🐳 Scientists have discovered a 41-million-year-old fossil that may be the smallest whale species ever to swim the Earth's oceans. And they named it King Tut!
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Massive devastation in Maui from wildfires
Rescue crews searched for survivors Thursday amid the devastation left behind in Maui, Hawaii, by the deadliest U.S. wildfire in five years. The fast-moving inferno has killed 36 people, injured dozens and rendered much of a historic town to ashes. Even as evacuations and assessments were being carried out, officials said more than 270 structures were damaged or destroyed, including entire blocks of homes, businesses and a 200-year-old church in Lahaina Town. And the danger has not passed. Firefighters were still battling the stubborn blazes Thursday when reduced wind speeds aided their efforts. 👉 Follow our live coverage.
Aerial photos show damage in Lahaina, Banyan Court after deadly wildfires.
Why devastated Lahaina Town is such a cherished place in Maui.
'Strength lies in our people': Minister vows to rebuild historic Waiola Church after fires.
Inflation edged up higher in July
Inflation picked up in July, breaking a 12-month streak of slowing consumer price increases and underscoring that the rest of the battle to tame a historic spike in consumer costs could be more challenging. Last month, another decline in used car prices costs offset a further surge in rent. The small uptick still marks a significant pullback from June 2022, when annual inflation peaked at a 40-year high of 9.1%. On a monthly basis, prices rose a modest 0.2% following a similar increase in June. Still, the report points to a more gradual descent in inflation in the months ahead. 👉 The big picture for the rest of the year.
Will it be a recession or a soft landing? What to pay attention to.
What everyone's talking about
The internet is furious at Ariana Grande. What that says about us.
Taylor Swift's pop smash '1989' is the next 'Taylor's Version' release.
Why are parents clashing with schools over 'Pride Puppy' and other LGBTQ+ books?
Johnny Hardwick, the voice of Dale Gribble on 'King of the Hill,' has died.
Are some candidates too old to be running for president? A look at age and the next election.
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2 more arrests made after Alabama riverfront brawl
After a brawl that broke out on a dock in Alabama, two men charged with third-degree assault turned themselves in, police said Thursday. A third man facing the same charges had previously turned himself in on Tuesday, the Montgomery Police Department said. Police are still seeking a man seen hitting people with a folding chair during the fracas, which happened in Montgomery's Riverfront Park on Saturday. The fight, which was caught on video and went viral on social media, began when a co-captain of an Alabama River cruise ship, the Harriott II, tried to dock at its designated spot but was blocked by a private boat. 👉 The latest details.
Montgomery Riverfront brawl was an evil scene. Not long ago, they would've gotten away with it. | Opinion
Supreme Court blocks Purdue Pharma's $6 billion opioid settlement
The Supreme Court on Thursday temporarily blocked a nationwide settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that would shield members of the Sackler family who own the company from civil lawsuits over the toll of opioids. The justices agreed to a request from the Biden administration to put the brakes on an agreement reached last year with state and local governments. The high court will hear arguments before the end of the year over whether the settlement can proceed. The deal would allow the company to emerge from bankruptcy as a different entity, with its profits used to fight the opioid epidemic. 👉 Here's a closer look.
A break from the news
🥤 Why people believe ginger ale is good for you. (And why it's actually not.)
🐶 What’s the best dog or puppy food? What to feed your lucky pup.
📺 Score 51% off Amazon streaming devices, smart TVs and more.
Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. She loves new Twitter pals and emails from readers: laura@usatoday.com. This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maui wildfires, Montgomery Riverfront brawl, Purdue Pharma: Thursday’s news
