NEWS OF THE DAY
1 Lava threat: Lava from one of the world’s most active volcanoes soon could reach three vacant lots in a rural subdivision on Hawaii’s Big Island, but officials are hopeful homes will be spared. Based on the lava’s movement of about 200 to 300 yards a day, the flow from Kilauea volcano is expected to reach the lots in Kaohe Homesteads in the coming days, Hawaii County spokesman Kevin Dayton said. The flow has wound more than 10 miles through thick forest since it first was observed emerging from a vent in June. Rain in the area has prevented fires from spreading from the lava, officials said. 2 Jets crash: Rescuers called off their search Saturday in the Pacific Ocean for a Navy fighter pilot whose jet was one of two that collided the day before near Wake Island. One pilot safely ejected, was rescued and was treated aboard the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson. The Navy said it presumes the second pilot is dead after failing to find him during a 36-hour search. His name was not released. The mid-air collision of two F/A-18C Hornets is under investigation. The pilots and their squadron are from Carrier Air Wing 17 based at Naval Air Station Lemoore (Kings County). 3 Missing _ boy: A hearing is scheduled to start Monday on whether a confession in a notorious New York City missing boy case can be used in the suspect’s murder trial. A lawyer for Pedro Hernandez argues the confession was wrongly obtained and that his client lacked the mental ability to understand his rights. Prosecutors argue the confession was legally obtained. Etan Patz disappeared on May 25, 1979, while walking to school. His body has never been found. Hernandez was charged with the crime two years ago after he confessed, but then pleaded not guilty. The hearing will determine whether the confession is admissible. 4 Long _ fall: Rescue workers in Portland, Ore., said a girl in her early teens sustained life-threatening injuries when she fell more than 40 feet from a cliff at a popular hiking and climbing spot. Firefighters searching Friday evening with powerful lights from the cliffs at Rocky Butte spotted her moving down below and set up a highangle rope rescue system. Authorities do not know what caused the fall. The girl was not identified. 5 Homecoming princess: A transgender girl has been crowned homecoming princess at Sand Creek High School in Colorado Springs. Scarlett Lenh, who was born Andy Lenh, received the majority of the votes from her junior class for the title. The 16-year-old was bestowed the honor during Friday night’s football game. 6 Drone competition: A new type of aircraft is competing for the first time at the National Championship Air Races in Reno — drones. The three-day drone competition ends Sunday. It features an obstacle course, a time trial and a dead lift, and tests speed and agility. Last year, Nevada was selected by federal officials as one of six states to serve as a national testing site for drone technology. Nevada officials hope the fledgling industry can be a boon to the economy.