Published:Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:33 AM PDT
Serving the South Coast of Oregon

Gustav weakens, drenches Haiti
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:33 AM PDT

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Tropical Storm Gustav stalled in the Caribbean early today a day after hitting Haiti as a hurricane.

But the National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm could regain hurricane strength later in the day or on Thursday once it moves away from Haiti.

As of 2 a.m. today, Gustav’s maximum sustained winds were near 60 mph (95 kph) with higher gusts. The storm was centered about 80 miles (125 kilometers) west of Port-au-Prince. The storm had not moved much during the last few hours, the hurricane center said. But it was expected to continue moving toward the west-northwest.

Jamaica issued a tropical storm warning today and also remained under a hurricane watch along with the Cayman Islands. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.

Indicted Alaskan senator wins primary

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Republicans gave U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, currently facing a federal indictment, a primary victory on Tuesday.

It sets up a November election race with possibly the toughest opponent Stevens has ever faced in his 40 years in public office, squaring off against popular Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

Stevens won his primary with 63 percent of the vote. Begich easily won his Democratic primary over two minor challengers with 91 percent of the vote.

A loud crowd of supporters gathered at Stevens’ headquarters, and set off a loud cheer when the first results were announced. When they were posted, Stevens walked closer to the big-screen television, adjusted his glasses and said, “Looks good to me,” before flashing a huge grin.

Begich, for his part, and a throng of his sign-carrying supporters walked to the city’s convention center. “It’s clear to me people want new ideas,” Begich said.


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