U.S. and World News for August 15

China holds new military exercises: China today announced a new round of military exercises around Taiwan as a U.S. congressional delegation visits Taiwan. China claims U.S. officials are challenging China over Taiwan independence in the island nation. China’s position is that Taiwan is part of mainland China.

China cuts rates: China slashed two key interest rates today in a bid to boost the economy. China’s move stands in stark contrast to the US, UK and other countries raising interest rates to fight inflation. The People’s Bank of China cut one of the rates by a tenth of a point to 2% and the second to 2.75% from 2.85%.

Rushdie continued to recover after the attack: Author Salman Rushdie was reportedly attacked during an appearance at the Chautauqua Institute in upstate New York, but remains hospitalized with his injuries. Hadi Mattar, 24, of Fairview, N.J., pleaded not guilty to assaulting Rushdie. Mattar is an Iranian sympathizer. Rushdie’s book, The Satanic Verses, is considered blasphemous by some Muslims.

Polls show fewer worries about climate change: A poll by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 35 percent of U.S. adults are now very or very concerned about climate change, down from 44 percent in August 2019. Only about half of respondents said their actions affect the climate, down from two-thirds who said in August 2019 that what they do affects the climate.

Herce died of injuries: Actress Anne Heche has died in a car accident in Los Angeles at the age of 53. The car she was driving hit a house and caught fire. Heche has been hospitalized on life support.

Nexstar acquires CW Network: Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 75% ownership interest in The CW Network, which is now jointly owned by Warner Bros. and Paramount. Warner and Paramount will each retain 12.5 percent of the network. Nexstar is the largest television station owner in the United States, owning or partnering with 200 stations.