5 key points for September 10: SpaceX's Spacecraft Launch, Tropical Storm Francine's Progress, Wildfires' Updates, Developments in Gaza, Princess Kate's Engagements
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1. SpaceX launch
SpaceX's latest mission — a daring and risky journey into Earth's Van Allen radiation belts by a four-person civilian crew aiming to conduct the first commercial spacewalk — has taken off. The mission, named Project Dawn, lifted off at 5:23 a.m. ET. The launch came after several weather delays in late August and earlier this morning. The launch process was further complicated by the need for calm waters and winds for the crew's return. Timing is crucial: The Project Dawn mission will only have enough life support for five or six days in space as conducting a spacewalk will drain oxygen supplies.
2. Tropical Storm Francine
Tropical Storm Francine is approaching hurricane status as it advances toward the Gulf Coast, where some Louisiana communities have begun to evacuate and close their floodgates in anticipation of the storm's likely landfall there on Wednesday. Francine could become a hurricane today and strengthen into a Category 2 storm by landfall. A hurricane of that size is capable of causing significant damage to homes and widespread power outages, prompting Louisiana's governor to issue a statewide emergency declaration ahead of its arrival. Flooding, powerful winds, and potentially life-threatening storm surge could hit parts of the upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines as Francine passes through.
3. Wildfires
Over 60 active large wildfires have consumed over 2 million acres across the western United States, officials say, resulting in emergency declarations across the region and forcing thousands to evacuate. Those who do not have to evacuate are dealing with power outages, closed schools, and canceled plans due to fires and excessive heat. Blazes in California, Idaho, and Nevada have proven particularly concerning as flames and record heat have led to evacuations and the destruction of several homes and businesses.
4. Gaza
At least 40 people have been killed in an overnight Israeli airstrike on a humanitarian zone created to house displaced people in southern Gaza, according to local rescue officials, in what Israel described as an operation targeting Hamas fighters in the area. More than 60 people were also wounded in the strike, according to the Gaza Civil Defense, as rescuers worked to recover victims buried under sand and debris. The strike hit Al-Mawasi, a coastal region in Khan Younis where tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge, many living in tents in an area with limited infrastructure and little access to shelter or humanitarian aid.
5. Princess Kate
Catherine, Princess of Wales, states she has completed her chemotherapy and is “doing what I can to stay cancer-free,” as she plans to gradually return to public life in the coming months. Catherine, who revealed in March she had been diagnosed with cancer, said in a highly personal video released Monday that she is entering a “new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.” The princess, known as Kate, has made just two public appearances since her diagnosis, which came after she underwent major abdominal surgery shortly after Christmas.
HAPPENING LATER
6 things to watch for when Kamala Harris debates Donald TrumpFormer President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will face off tonight in Philadelphia in their first presidential debate as new polls show the race for the White House remains tight with no clear leader.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
The ‘game-changing’ influence of dropped CheetosThere’s a reason park rangers don’t allow visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to bring in snacks or drinks, other than plain water. A tourist who broke that rule and dropped a bag of Cheetos in the New Mexico park caused a dangerous threat to the cave’s fragile microbial ecosystem. Here’s why.
More tourists behaving badlyHawaii’s most controversial nature spot has once again become a center of concern, with 14 people recently arrested for gaining illegal access to the Haiku Stairs on the island of Oahu. The area leading to the 4,000 metal steps is clearly marked as off-limits, not just because of the dangers to visitors but also to protect natural resources. “Someone is going to get hurt or killed,” one conservation official said.
The hidden danger of energy drinksMany people may think of energy drinks as sports drinks or consider them appropriate for hydration, including for children. Others may believe they are natural energy boosters rather than caffeine-infused beverages. Before you grab your next energy drink, you might want to read this.
Bidder gambles on purported Rembrandt masterpieceThe painting was discovered in the attic by an auctioneer during a routine house call to a private estate in Maine. The artwork, a 17th-century painting of a young woman wearing a cap and ruffled collar, was listed as a Rembrandt copy worth as little as $10,000. But several auction bidders appeared to believe it may be a genuine masterpiece.
‘Beetlejuice’ actors missing from sequelDirector Tim Burton’s new film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” brings back several characters from the original 1988 film, including Michael Keaton as the titular character. Now, Burton explains why Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin were not in the sequel.
IN MEMORY
Famed actor James Earl Jones, known for his iconic roles as Darth Vader in "Star Wars" and Mufasa in "The Lion King," passed away on Monday, as reported by his agent. He was 93 years old. Jones had an illustrious career that spanned over six decades, taking him from a humble theater in Michigan to the pinnacle of Hollywood, where he appeared in numerous films and television series.
TODAY'S FIGURE
$800 million is the whopping Mega Millions jackpot up for grabs tonight. While there's still time to purchase tickets, it's premature to start envisioning your lavish lifestyle. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, as per lottery officials, so remember, there's still a chance.
TODAY'S WORDS
“If I wasn’t Tyreek Hill, the worst-case scenario would’ve been a different article.”
Tyreek Hill, wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, spoke about being stopped and detained last Sunday while driving to Hard Rock Stadium for the team's opening game of the season. Footage from Miami-Dade police bodycams depicted officers pulling Hill from his car and forcing him to the ground multiple times after stopping him for a traffic violation.
TODAY'S WEATHER
Check out your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY ...
“That was the governor?” A spectator at a New Hampshire lobster roll eating competition stepped in to save competitor Christian Moreno when he began choking. After performing the Heimlich maneuver on him, Moreno continued his competition. He later discovered that his mysterious savior was none other than Gov. Chris Sununu. Watch the video here.
- After learning about the SpaceX launch and Project Dawn, we can discuss how important it is for the crew to return safely, ensuring that us as a global community continue to benefit from space exploration.
- In light of the approaching Tropical Storm Francine and its potential impact on the Gulf Coast, it's crucial for us to prepare accordingly and heed the warnings issued by authorities to stay safe.
