Thursday morning news: December 15, 2022

For WORLD Radio, I'm Kent Covington. 

Ukraine » Russia launched another air attack on Kyiv on Wednesday, but this time, the threat was neutralized.

ZELENSKYY: [Ukrainian]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv’s air defense system destroyed 13 explosive-laden drones.

ZELENSKYY: [Ukrainian]

Zelenskyy told his troops, “Well done,” adding… “I am proud.

The wreckage did damage five buildings, but no one was seriously hurt.

In Washington, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters…

KIRBY: We have been prioritizing air defense capabilities of late because that is the urgent need of the Ukrainians as even today, Kyiv came under attack from Russia.

The unsuccessful attacks Wednesday highlighted the strides Ukraine has made in putting those air defenses to efficient use.

The United States is reportedly set to send Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, which would further bolster its defense.

Rate hikes » Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced another interest rate hike on Wednesday. He said inflation appears to be slowing down, but…

POWELL: We need to be honest with ourselves that 12-month core inflation is 6%. That’s three times our 2% target. Now, it’s good to see progress, but let’s just understand, we have a long way to go.

Continuing its fight against inflation, the Fed is raising its benchmark interest rate a half-point to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%. That is a smaller rate increase than at the Fed’s last four meetings.

But Powell believes more rate hikes are still needed to get prices under control.

Biden Africa » President Biden welcomed dozens of African leaders in Washington on Wednesday, telling them that the United States is “all in on Africa’s future.”

BIDEN: We’ve known for a long time that Africa’s success and prosperity is essential to assuring a better future for all of us, not just for Africa.

Speaking at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, Biden said the United States is investing $55 billion in Africa over the next three years and that’s “just the beginning.”

Biden pledged help in modernizing technology across the continent, providing clean energy, bringing clean drinking water, and better funding healthcare.

The aid could serve to counter China’s growing influence in African nations.

Congress funding » Meantime, on Capitol Hill, lawmakers announced that they’ve struck a deal that should avert a government shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer:

SCHUMER: This is welcome and important news. Congress now has a roadmap for funding the government before the conclusion of the 117th Congress.

Leaders from both parties say they’ve agreed to a “framework" on a new funding bill.

But Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says the job isn’t finished.

MCCONNELL: It will take seriousness and good faith on both sides to produce actual legislation that follows the framework.

Funding will expire tomorrow, but lawmakers are expected to buy more time by passing another temporary spending bill.

Peru's new government declares police state amid protests » In Peru, the new government has declared a police state in response to violent protests, following the ouster of President Pedro Castillo. WORLD’s Anna Johansen Brown reports.

ANNA JOHANSEN BROWN, REPORTER: The government announced a 30-day national emergency on Wednesday.

The declaration suspends the rights of Peruvians to assembly and freedom of movement. It also empowers the police to search people’s homes without permission or judicial order.

The Defense Ministry said protesters who are caught committing acts of vandalism or violence—or blocking highways—will be met with a forceful response.

The council of ministers signed off on the declaration but didn’t mention Peru’s new president, Dina Boluarte, who was sworn in by Congress hours after lawmakers ousted Castillo.

For WORLD, I’m Anna Johansen Brown.

Weather » Meantime, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency Wednesday for a very different reason.

A violent storm ripping across the country spawned tornadoes that killed a young boy and his mother in Louisiana.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator:

PRATOR: The few houses that are in there - totally destroyed. Gone. Just have to look for bits and pieces out in the woods of even the houses.

The storm also smashed mobile homes and damaged buildings in multiple southern states.

To the north, the same massive weather system blasted the Great Plains with blizzard-like conditions, dumping more than 2 feet of snow in parts of South Dakota.

I'm Kent Covington. For news, features, and analysis, visit us at wng.org. 

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