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5 Crucial Points to Understand on Sept. 26: Hurricane Helene's Impact, Middle Eastern Updates, Federal Government Standstill, NYC Mayor's Situation, Zelensky's Visit
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1. Hurricane Helene
A colossal storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico is predicted to make landfall in Florida today as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm surge – the height that the water surges above typical levels – might reach up to 20 feet around Florida's Big Bend. The National Weather Service has warned that Hurricane Helene could bring "unsurvivable" conditions to Apalachee Bay. Wind speeds in the storm are anticipated to hit at least 130 miles per hour, although further intensification is possible. Thousands of Florida residents have already been evacuated and virtually the entire state is under alerts. Widespread power outages are also likely across the Southeast. Follow live updates here.
2. Middle East
Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent a conflict from erupting in the Middle East, with the US and its allies advocating for a 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border. The UN chief has called on all parties to "step back from the brink." The calls for calm come after Israel's military announced it was preparing for a possible ground incursion into Lebanon. It also stated it was mobilizing two reserve brigades for missions in the north. As the conflict intensifies, Israel and Hezbollah are exchanging waves of strikes, causing tens of thousands of Lebanese to flee their homes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to respond to the ceasefire proposal, his office said in a statement today, adding that reports suggesting there could be a pause were "inaccurate."
3. Government shutdown
Congress on Wednesday approved a spending plan to stave off a government shutdown. The agreement will fund the government until December 20 under a narrow continuing resolution sponsored by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. The measure faced opposition from some members of his own party in the Republican-controlled body, forcing Johnson to seek significant Democratic support. It will next be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Biden praised Congress for "avoiding a costly government shutdown," saying in a statement that it gives lawmakers "more time to pass full-year funding bills by the end of this year."
4. NYC mayor
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on several federal criminal charges, multiple sources confirm to CNN. The indictment follows a multi-month federal investigation by the US attorney’s office in Manhattan, which was reportedly looking into Adams' ties to Turkish officials and businessmen, as well as campaign donations he received. The specific charges Adams is facing remain unknown at this time. Adams has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly said that he advised members of his campaign and administration to comply with the law. In a defiant video message sent out Wednesday, Adams insisted he was not only innocent but that he was not going to resign.
5. Zelensky visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the White House today to make an urgent plea for the Biden administration to continue providing aid to his war-torn country. The exact details of the "victory plan" Zelensky will present in separate meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris remain unknown. But according to sources briefed on the matter, the plan reflects the Ukrainian leader’s appeals for more immediate aid to counter Russia’s invasion. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened the West on Wednesday that Russia could use nuclear weapons if Ukraine fires conventional Western missiles into his country.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
The 20 greatest American food dishesFrom clam chowder to hamburgers, here are CNN Travel’s top 20 American dishes. (Please don’t get irritated if you disagree ... it’s just food for thought.) 😉)
Meta is upgrading its AI chatbotFacebook and Instagram users will now be able to chat with voices that sound like celebrities such as Judi Dench, John Cena and Keegan-Michael Key.
Dubai’s millionaires are fueling a private jet boomIn the United Arab Emirates, the millionaire’s club is growing faster than anywhere else in the world, and with it the demand for corporate and luxury private aviation.
Video shows coyote grabbing rockstar Tommy Lee’s dogA security camera captured a coyote snatching Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee’s dog. Luckily, his wife, Brittany Lee, was able to rescue their pet. Watch the video here.
Bankruptcy judge approves Infowars auctionAlex Jones’ conspiracy theory empire Infowars will be dismantled and sold to help pay the nearly $1.5 billion he owes to Sandy Hook families.
TODAY’S NUMBER
10That’s how many people in the US have died from listeria infections linked to recalled Boar’s Head deli meat. Dozens of others have been hospitalized with the outbreak strain of bacteria in 19 states. The CDC continues to advise consumers to check their kitchens for the recalled products with sell-by dates that extend into October 2024.
Actress Meryl Streep raised an issue at the UN General Assembly this week, highlighting that under Taliban rules in Afghanistan, animals have more freedoms than women and girls. According to the Taliban's specific interpretation of Islam, a woman's voice is considered intimate and should not be heard in public, whether through singing, reciting, or reading out loud. Furthermore, women and girls in the country are forbidden from working or pursuing education beyond the 6th grade, and they must maintain full body coverage.
LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST
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AND TO CONCLUDE...
THE RISE OF NO-ALCOHOL DRINKS
As more Americans strive to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption altogether, non-alcoholic drinks are increasingly popular on restaurant menus across the USA. Dive into this video to explore the growing trend of mocktails and the concept of "intermittent sobriety".
- Thousands of Florida residents, understanding the gravity of the situation, have already chosen to be evacuated due to the approaching Category 4 hurricane, Hurricane Helene.
- The ceasefire proposal across the Israel-Lebanon border, aimed at preventing further escalation, is yet to receive a response from US President Benjamin Netanyahu and his team.
