Morning news brief
Florida braces for Idalia, which is set to become a hurricane. Schools and hospitals recommend masking over rising COVID cases. And Uganda makes charges in its first "aggravated homosexuality" case.
Weather
Forecasters keep a close eye on Idalia. It is expected to hit Florida's Gulf Coast
Idalia is now a Category 1 hurricane, and is expected to strengthen as it moves toward the Gulf Coast of Florida. It comes nearly a year after Hurricane Ian devastated the coast near Fort Myers.
Texas heat forces ranchers to sell herds, farmers' crops are threatened
Ranchers and farmers have faced unrelenting high temperatures and extreme drought this summer. Some are being forced to sell off their herds, while others are having trouble growing anything at all.
Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to become a major hurricane before it hits Florida
Forecasters warn of the possibility of dangerous storm surges caused by Idalia and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has suggested that some residents in coastal areas may have to evacuate.
Idalia is a hurricane ahead of hitting Florida's Gulf Coast
The tropical system is expected to strengthen into a "major" category 3 hurricane before coming ashore on Florida's Gulf Coast. Residents in some areas are being told to evacuate.
Tropical Storm Idalia: Cars may stop working mid-evacuation due to fuel contamination
Florida officials reported "potentially widespread" diesel contamination in gasoline in the Tampa area Saturday, raising alarm that car engines and power generators could break as the storm nears.
Tropical Storm Idalia could reach hurricane strength before hitting Florida this week
Forecasters say the storm is expected to intensify as it moves north over the Gulf of Mexico, but it's still unclear how strong it will be and what path it will take.
Lahaina was expensive before the fire. Some worry rebuilding will price them out
Since the fire residents have gotten multiple calls from realtors offering to buy their land. Activists want a role in planning, to keep developers from pushing out those who call Lahaina home.
Ancient cave art along China's silk road is damaged in harsh rains
Flash floods and years of unusual rainfall — likely linked to climate change — are degrading ancient cave art along China's historic silk road at a rapid pace.
'Miracle house' owner hopes it will serve as a base for rebuilding Lahaina
"There was a neighbor who sent a note to us and said, 'Oh, you won the lottery,'" Trip Millikin, whose house survived, told NPR. "And I almost wanted to throw up when I got that."