Mediators hold new Gaza cease-fire talks; average mortgage rate ticks up

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 16 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — International mediators have held a new round of talks aimed at halting the Israel-Hamas war and securing the release of scores of hostages. A potential deal is seen as the best hope of heading off an even larger regional conflict. The U.S., Qatar and Egypt met on Thursday with an Israeli delegation in Qatar. During talks, Gaza health authorities announced the Palestinian death toll from more than 10 months of war has surpassed 40,000. Hamas didn't participate directly and accuses Israel of adding new demands to a previous proposal that had international support and to which Hamas had agreed in principle. Talks were expected to run into Friday.

NEW YORK (AP) — A reputed Peruvian gang leader suspected in nearly two dozen killings in his home country has been arrested in New York by U.S. immigration authorities. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Gianfranco Torres-Navarro was arrested in Endicott, New York. 

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina officials say a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder who escaped from a transport van this week has been captured at a hotel. The corrections department says 30-year-old Ramone Alston escaped from the van on Tuesday as it arrived at the UNC Gastroenterology hospital in Hillsborough, North Carolina, where he was being taken for a medical appointment.

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of the divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s new prime minister. Paetongtarn becomes Thailand’s third leader from the Shinawatra family, after her father, who was ousted by coup before returning from exile last year, and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, who lives in exile. 

In other news:

• What to know about Tim Walz's 1995 drunken driving arrest and how he responded.
• Donald Trump asks judge to delay sentencing in hush money case until after November election.
• Lawmakers ask Pentagon leaders to commit to keeping the military out of politics and the election.
• White House says prescription drug deals will produce billions in savings for taxpayers, seniors.
• US shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices.
• Newly identified remains of missing World War II soldier from Oregon set to return home.
• Matthew Perry's assistant among 5 people, including 2 doctors, charged in 'Friends' star's death.
• ‘Hollywood Squares’ host and Broadway star Peter Marshall dies at 98.
• Police arrest 4 suspects in killing of former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor.
• Starbucks is giving its new CEO a huge pay package and not making him move to Seattle.
• Average rate on a 30-year mortgage ticks up to 6.49%, near its lowest level in more than a year.
• Two NL division leaders wrap up a four-game series with a split, the Phillies ride a cycle to extend their NL East lead, the WNBA returns to action with gold medal-like performances from several gold medalists, and the US men's soccer team names the coach who will lead it into the 2026 World Cup on American soil. 
• Notre Dame suspends men's swim team for one year after review finds NCAA gambling violations.
• A trainee doctor is raped and killed in India, sparking protests and an attack at a medical college.

—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.