The Nebraska-based nonprofit organization told The Guardian on Tuesday, Dec. 31, that it is the largest project the group has taken on.
New year, new trees
Arbor Day Foundation officials said they will replant various species of native trees with the help of 25,000 volunteers over four years. Trees will be planted in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The nonprofit organization revealed it will start with community giveaways and evolve those efforts into replanting trees at the beginning of 2025.
Officials with the project said a major area of early attention would be schools, low-income neighborhoods and community spaces.
The Arbor Day Foundation noted trees are vital to communities.
Helping communities rebuild
Project managers said the replanted trees will reduce stormwater runoff, provide shade in hot summer months and reduce electric bills by providing a much-needed cooling effect on homes.
The group will replant fruit trees in “food deserts,” areas where residents have limited access to fresh fruit or produce.
“In seeing the devastation of Helene and Milton, we felt a strong pull to make a bold commitment to recovery, and we weren’t alone,” the statement said.
The Arbor Day Foundation noted it “received an outpouring of calls and emails from people eager to help.”
Hurricane season comes to an end after record-breaking year
For many families in 2024, the holidays will look different due to a devastating hurricane season. From homes being destroyed to lives lost, this season left a trail of destruction stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the East Coast.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ends Saturday, Nov. 30, has been one of the busiest on record. Meteorologists said 11 hurricanes formed, compared to the typical seven.
One of the earliest and most destructive storms was Hurricane Beryl, which made history as the first Category 4 hurricane to form in June. The storm first slammed into islands in the Caribbean and later became the earliest-ever Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic on July 1. A week later, Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane.
In September, Hurricane Helene became the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, claiming more than 200 lives. Helene caused nearly $49 billion in damage across several states, including North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
Homes were destroyed, drinking water systems were knocked offline, farms were wiped out and large areas of forest were decimated. In rural areas of the Carolinas, where flooding is rare, communities were under several feet of water. The effects of the storm were felt as far north as the Great Lakes, where heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding.
As the season continued into October, Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified, reaching wind speeds of 180 miles per hour. Milton became one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico, second only to Hurricane Rita in 2005. The storm came on the heels of Helene, compounding the already severe damage in some regions of Florida.
Even as the season neared its end, another storm formed. Hurricane Rafael, which nearly became the strongest November hurricane on record in the Gulf, reached winds of up to 120 miles per hour as it hovered over Cuba.
With each storm’s passing, recovery efforts followed. But with back-to-back hurricanes like Helene and Milton, disaster relief efforts were stretched thin. FEMA’s disaster relief fund is now down to less than $5 billion, according to agency testimony during the week of Nov. 18. The Biden administration requested nearly $100 billion in disaster aid from Congress, with $40 billion of that earmarked for replenishing FEMA’s disaster relief fund.
While there is relief with the official end of the hurricane season, The Weather Channel cautioned that just because the season is over doesn’t mean no more storms can form. While over 97% of Atlantic storm activity typically occurs between June and September, outlier storms can still wreak havoc.
Trump calls RFK Jr. a ‘great mind’ after health secretary nomination
President-elect Trump has named RFK Jr. as his Health and Human Services Secretary. And fight fans are ready for a streaming spectacle: former champ Mike Tyson will return to the ring to take on social media star Jake Paul. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.
Trump calls RFK Jr. a ‘great mind’ after health secretary nomination
“[Kennedy is] another one, who’s a great guy and great mind and so popular, and I think he’s right, he wants to make people healthy,” Trump said. “It’s driven him pretty wild over the last number of years, and the Democrats didn’t treat him well. He was doing fantastically well.”
“Today I nominated him for, I guess if you like health and you like people that live a long time, it’s the most important position RFK Jr.,” Trump said.
Kennedy responded to the nomination earlier in the day, posting on X in part, “We have a generational opportunity to bring together the greatest minds in science, medicine, industry, and government to put an end to the chronic disease epidemic.”
The 70-year-old Kennedy is a former Democrat, who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race. He would oversee a group of health agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.
Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson (R) called Kennedy “a brilliant, courageous truth-teller whose unwavering commitment to transparency will make America a healthier nation.”
Meanwhile, critics of Kennedy pointed to his previous comments questioning vaccinations. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden (D) said in a statement, “Mr. Kennedy’s outlandish views on basic scientific facts are disturbing and should worry all parents who expect schools and other public spaces to be safe for their children.”
Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey (D) just posted three words: “Dangerous. Unqualified. Unserious.”
Kennedy is also the founder of the Children’s Health Defense, which is described by media outlets as the leading anti-vaccine group in the nation.
When pressed on the subject of vaccinations by both NBC News and NPR in interviews earlier this month, Kennedy said if put into this type of role he is “not going to take away anybody’s vaccinations.”
President-elect Trump adds more names to his cabinet
Also on Thursday, Trump nominated Doug Collins as Veterans Affairs secretary. The former Republican congressman from Georgia and Iraq war veteran was a supporter of Trump during his first impeachment trial in 2019.
Trump also named three of his lawyers to positions in the Justice Department.
Finally, John Sauer, who won the presidential immunity case at the U.S. Supreme Court, is Trump’s pick for solicitor general.
House Ethics Committee cancels meeting on Matt Gaetz investigation
The Republican-led House Ethics Committee canceled its meeting over the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, according to multiple outlets citing sources. Gaetz resigned from Congress earlier this week after President-elect Trump announced he’s nominating Gaetz for attorney general.
The meeting, which was scheduled for Friday morning, Nov. 15, before Gaetz resigned, was supposed to focus on the investigation into multiple allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts, and obstruction.
Tropical Storm Sara brings dangerous torrential rain to Honduras
Tropical Storm Sara made landfall late Thursday in northern Honduras, bringing torrential rain as it skirts the country’s coast. Authorities there have warned of the potential for dangerous flash flooding and landslides, with the country’s president saying it could “become a catastrophic event.”
Honduran officials have issued the highest-level warning along the country’s northern coast and activated the national police and military for rescue and relief efforts. Sara is expected to move inland, making landfall over Belize on Sunday, Nov. 17, before dissipating over the Yucatán Peninsula, according to the National Hurricane Center.
This marks the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.
Annual UFO report finds 21 cases that can’t be explained
Pentagon officials maintain they’ve found no evidence of alien activity, but the government’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) said it takes every report seriously and investigates each one.
If none of this UAP stuff exists, if it’s all false, why at every turn are people trying to stop transparency? You can’t talk about fight club if there’s no fight club. pic.twitter.com/otPGNbwu71
Of the new reports the AARO has received, nearly 50 have already been closed as everyday items, such as balloons, birds or drones. The government agency expects to resolve another 243 cases by identifying them as one of those objects.
More than 400 of the new reports were put into an active archive because there was not enough data or evidence to keep investigating.
Tyson vs. Paul in Netflix’s first live streaming boxing event
The two faced off during a final weigh-in on Thursday, with Tyson slapping Paul. The eight-round match at AT&T Stadium in Texas was postponed from July after Tyson suffered an inflamed ulcer weeks before the bout.
Reports indicate both competitors are expected to have a big payday. Tyson, who has a record of 50-6, will reportedly make $20 million and the 27-year-old Paul, who has a record of 10-1, will make $40 million.
Paul’s startup, Most Valuable Promotions, teamed up with Netflix to bring the fight together.
Netflix currently has more than 282 million paid subscribers worldwide and Paul predicts at least 25 million of them will tune in. If that comes to pass, it’ll make this the most watched boxing match of all time.
Category 3 Hurricane Rafael threatens Cuba, the Gulf in rare November storm
Hurricane Rafael has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm, with landfall expected in Cuba on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The storm, with winds of 115 miles per hour, is already causing concern across the island.
Authorities have evacuated 70,000 people, and the military has been mobilized to respond to the threat.
Rafael is the fifth major hurricane of the Atlantic season, and its rare November timing has drawn attention.
Rafael is the fifth storm this season to strengthen into at least a Category 3, following Beryl, Helene, Kirk and Milton. Cuban authorities are warning of life-threatening storm surges, hurricane-force winds, and flash flooding as the storm approaches.
At least 15 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
The death toll from Hurricane Milton rises as millions are left without power in the storm’s aftermath. And one person is killed and 12 others rescued after a disaster during a tour of a Colorado mine. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
At least 8 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
At least 15 people are dead (that number has risen since Unbiased Updates was recorded Friday morning, Oct. 11), and 2.6 million homes and businesses remain without power as Florida begins to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Milton roared across the state. It was the second devastating storm to batter the Sunshine State in less than two weeks.
Now a post-tropical cyclone, Milton is expected to continue to weaken over the next few days.
While Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast near Sarasota, most of the deaths reported have been in the eastern part of the state, where dozens of tornadoes have been reported. While the storm did not prove to be the worst-case scenario, rescuers have been very busy pulling and dragging hundreds of people from flooded areas to safety.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have both said in this case, warnings came early and often, spurring tens of thousands of people to evacuate and saving countless lives.
Still, the cleanup and recovery processes are expected to take weeks, if not months — especially in the areas that were also hit by Hurricane Helene just 13 days before Milton barreled in.
1 dead, 12 rescued after elevator malfunction at Colorado gold mine
In Colorado, 12 people are now safe after getting trapped at the bottom of a gold mine for six hours Thursday, Oct. 10. One person died after the elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Mine, a popular tourist attraction, experienced a mechanical problem 500 feet below the earth’s surface.
The 12 adults had access to water and were able to communicate with authorities via radio while trapped. As that group was stuck, rescuers were able to get to 11 other people who were riding the elevator and get them to safety.
The local sheriff said it is not yet known what caused the malfunction. An investigation is underway.
The incident happened during the final week of Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine‘s tourist season before it shuts down for the winter.
Chemical leak at Houston oil refinery kills 2, injures dozens more
Two people are dead and 35 more are injured after a chemical leak involving hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic gas, at an oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas — near Houston. Officials said a group was working on a flange Thursday when some kind of accident happened, and gas started leaking.
Emergency officials urged residents in the area to shelter in place after the incident, but this morning, that’s since been lifted after air monitoring showed no signs hazardous chemicals had gotten into the air.
Trump talks economic plan in Detroit; Obama rallies for Harris in PA
With just 25 days until Americans head to the polls, voters in two battleground states heard from two former presidents on Thursday. Republican nominee former President Donald Trump spoke to supporters in Detroit, Michigan while former President Barack Obama – stumped for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While delivering his economic address to the Detroit Economic Club, Trump spoke about his goal to revive the auto industry and bring a “rebirth” to Detroit. He then turned to international companies and his plan for them to open facilities in America.
“So, here is the deal that I will be offering to the world to companies outside of our world — big companies, powerful companies that have become powerful because we were stupid, we were stupid, we allowed them to come and raid and rape our country,” Trump said. “That’s what they did. ‘Oh, he used the word rape.’ That’s right, I used the word. They raped our country. The United States will give you the lowest taxes, the lowest energy cost, we have more liquid gold under our feet than any other country in the world and it’s the best…But only if you make your products here in America. In other words, you get all of these assets, but you have to make your product here in America and you have to hire American workers.”
“Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” Obama said. “That’s who Kamala is.”
He added, “I’m sorry gentlemen; I’ve noticed this especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior of bullying and of putting people down is a sign of strength. I am here to tell you, that is not what real strength is. Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient. Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons and that is what I want to see in a president for the United States of America.”
Hezbollah official escapes during deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Lebanese authorities say Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Beirut killed 22 people and injured 117 others. Sources told Reuters a senior Hezbollah official, targeted by Israeli forces during the Thursday night strikes, was able to survive.
Israel has not commented on the attack.
The United Nations said its personnel is facing increasing danger in Lebanon as two U.N. peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower at its main headquarters in the southern portion of the country. Israel issued a statement on that incident, saying its military operated “next to” the U.N.’s base and had instructed U.N. officials to remain in protected spaces before its troops opened fire.
Hezbollah operates from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near @UNIFIL_ posts.
The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.
IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base.…
The peacekeepers were said to be in good condition after being treated for their injuries.
Sports leagues come together to combat hate in America
In a sign of true sportsmanship, eight American sports leagues have come together to back a new campaign targeting hate in the U.S. It is an idea from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his foundation to combat antisemitism.
The initiative brought together the heads of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHK, NASCAR and others to come up with plans to curb hate of any kind in the country. The sports leaders are spending $50 million to get the word out.
The campaign, titled “Timeout Against Hate,” launched during Thursday night football on Oct. 10, with a commercial featuring legendary figures and current-day athletes from all sports speaking out against hate.
Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida and is expected to arrive as soon as late Wednesday night. And details on the Afghan national now in federal custody for planning a massive attack for Election Day and how authorities caught him. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024.
Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton, which has re-strengthened to a Category 5 storm, continues its trek toward Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene battered parts of the state. It’s expected to make landfall late Wednesday night, Oct. 9, or early Thursday morning, Oct. 10.
Storm surge warnings are in effect for almost all of Florida’s west coast with the dangerous eyewall expected to come ashore somewhere near Tampa. As of early Wednesday morning, the storm was moving at 12 miles an hour with winds of up to 160 miles an hour.
Milton is expected to weaken before making landfall, but also double in size — meaning it will impact a bigger area while making its way from coast to coast in the Sunshine State.
Evacuation orders are already in effect for the areas expected to get the worst of it. Meanwhile, across the state those who aren’t evacuating are hunkering down, preparing to deal with impacts of the storm, including widespread power outages and drinking water shortages.
In Manatee County, a police chief told anybody who stays, “There will be no fire, there will be no EMA, there will be no police,” to rescue people.
Tropical storm force winds are expected to be felt across the entire state. The storm is predicted to potentially be one of the most destructive on record, unleashing record life-threatening storm surge as well, possibly 10-15 feet in Tampa, according to forecasters.
Heavy rain will also add to flooding concerns, with more than 15 inches forecast in parts of the state.
Disney World joins other theme parks closing ahead of Milton
Orlando is one of the areas expected to be inundated with the most rain by Hurricane Milton, prompting a rare move by Disney World. Disney is closing its parks and hotels early Wednesday afternoon and says they will likely stay closed through Thursday.
This will mark the 12th time in Disney World’s 53-year history the park will see a closure. Goldman Sachs estimates Disney will miss out on $150 million due to the closures.
Legoland and SeaWorld are both closed Wednesday and Thursday, as well. Busch Gardens in Tampa has also joined the list of closures.
DOJ: Election Day terrorist plot foiled, Afghan national arrested
The Justice Department has announced the arrest of an Afghan national accused of conspiring to conduct a terrorist attack on Election Day in the United States on behalf of the Islamic state.
According to the criminal complaint, Nasir Tawhedi, 27, was living in Oklahoma while trying to obtain semiautomatic weapons and ammunition to carry out a violent attack in the. Authorities say Tawhedi entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in 2021.
The FBI uncovered the alleged plot, which saw Tawhedi taking steps to liquidate his family’s assets and resettle some of his family members back in Afghanistan. The DOJ also mentioned a co-conspirator in the plot, who is an Afghanistan citizen with legal permanent resident status — but also a juvenile.
During a post-arrest interview, the Justice Department says Tawhedi confirmed the planned attack would target large gatherings of people on Election Day.
He faces a slew of charges and decades behind prison if convicted.
Israel: 2 of Hezbollah leaders’ successors killed in strikes
Hezbollah militants targeted Israeli troops near the Lebanese border early Wednesday. The Iran-backed terror group said it has pushed the troops back as Israel’s ground incursion into Lebanon escalates.
Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said airstrikes in Lebanon had killed two successors to Hezbollah’s slain leader. The announcement came as Israeli forces expanded their ground incursion into southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s top official said the group supports efforts aimed at achieving a cease-fire in Lebanon, marking the first time Hezbollah has publicly endorsed a truce.
This comes as the Israeli defense minister canceled a trip to Washington, D.C. set for Wednesday. He was slated to meet with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon.
Talks break down between Boeing, union as strike nears 1 month
It appears the Boeing factory worker strike will go on for the foreseeable future. Talks broke down Tuesday between Boeing and the union that represents the 33,000 striking workers.
No new talks have been scheduled, after two days of federally mediated negotiations turned up no resolutions.
In a statement the IAM said Boeing has not yet made an acceptable offer. Meanwhile, Boeing said the union is making demands far in excess of what can be accepted for the company to remain competitive, adding “further negotiations do not make sense at this point.”
Credit analysts estimate the strike is costing Boeing $1 billion a month. The aircraft maker has been dealing with a slew of bad publicity from 737 Max crashes to mechanical failures on passenger planes.
Alaska’s Fat Bear Week crowns its 2024 winner
The presidential election may still be weeks away, but we have the results of another heated race Straight Arrow News has been keeping a close eye on. Alaska has found its fattest bear.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Fat Bear Week contest there, and with voting ended Tuesday night. The large adult female bear known as 128 Grazer became the first bear to win the online tournament while caring for a cub.
The victory was personal for Grazer, who once again defeated her male rival, 32 Chunk, in the finals. Earlier this year, Chunk attacked one of Grazer’s cubs, killing it.
In the end, Grazer received about 40,000 more votes than Chunk to win.
Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s already hard-hit west coast
Hurricane Milton, which strengthened to a Category 5 storm, spins closer to southwest Florida. And it’ll cost you a little more for a chance at the big Mega Millions jackpot. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.
Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s already hard-hit west coast
Still reeling from Hurricane Helene, Florida’s west coast is hunkering down once again as Hurricane Milton barrels that way. As of early Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, it was a Category 4 storm.
The storm intensified to a major Category 5 hurricane Monday before being downgraded. Still, it threatens to bring torrential rain to already-soaked and flooded parts of the Sunshine State.
The National Hurricane Center said people on Florida’s west coast should expect “devastating hurricane force winds” and life-threatening storm surges. Some predictions call for 15 feet of storm surge.
Evacuations have already been ordered in some parts of the state, including the Tampa Bay area. Residents in some areas have been told first responders are not expected to risk their lives to try to save those who do evacuate in time.
Less than 24 hours after the world marked one year of war in the Middle East, Israel exchanged deadly strikes with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah has been striking Israel since its war with Hamas began as a show of solidarity for the other Iran-backed militant group, but the deadly violence has escalated significantly in recent weeks, with the killings of top Hezbollah leaders.
Trump, Harris commemorate anniversary of Oct. 7 terror attacks
As the 2024 presidential campaign heads into the final four weeks, both candidates marked the anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel.
On Monday morning, Republican nominee former President Donald Trump visited the New York gravesite of a renowned rabbi in the Orthodox Judaism community, leaving a stone atop the headstone, a traditional Jewish custom.
Trump later held a remembrance ceremony at his golf club in Miami, which included Jewish community leaders, Holocaust survivors and Republican lawmakers.
“October 7 was not just the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, it was not just the worst terror attack since 9/11, it was an attack on humanity itself,” Trump said. “It was a hideous, incredible cruelty. It was chilling savagery. It was a demonic delight and the destruction of innocent life. On October 7, it seemed as if the gates of hell had sprung open and unleashed their horrors onto the world. And that’s exactly what happened.”
Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff helped plant a pomegranate tree outside the VP’s residence in Washington, D.C., dedicating it to the 1,200 people killed a year ago in Israel — including 46 Americans.
https://twitter.com/VP/status/1843457053966193110
“So, in this moment, on the one-year commemoration of October 7, what is asked of us?” Harris said. “What is asked of us? First and foremost, I believe that we must never forget. I will never forget October 7 and the world must never forget. What is asked of us? We must work to ensure nothing like the horrors of October 7 can never happen again. And on this solemn day, I will restate my pledge to always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself, and that I will always work to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people here and around the world.”
Later Tuesday, Vice President Harris will continue her media blitz with stops at “The View,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Howard Stern Show.” On Wednesday, former President Trump is scheduled to hold two rallies in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Mexican mayor killed less than a week after taking office
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is expected to present her strategy to confront the country’s security problems Tuesday. The country’s first woman president — inaugurated less than a week ago — is reportedly going to present a plan that will highlight law and order amid the growing violence linked to drug cartels and organized crime.
Arcos is the latest politician to be murdered in the country, with 37 candidates assassinated leading up to Mexico’s most recent elections this past June.
Google ordered to open app store after anti-trust ruling
The ruling comes in the wake of a jury verdict last year in favor of Fortnite game maker Epic Games, which found Google was illegally blocking competition.
Mega Millions raising ticket prices, improving odds to win
If you play the lottery, get ready to shell out more money for a chance at that mega jackpot. Mega Millions announced some big changes to its lottery game — including an increase in ticket prices.
Starting in April, tickets will cost $5 per play, more than double the current price of $2. It’ll be the game’s second price increase since 2002.
Mega Millions said this is all part of its “mega” overhaul, which will see improved odds of winning the jackpot and bigger jackpots more often.
Since launching more than 20 years ago, Mega Millions — which is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands — has seen six $1 billion winners.
The strike is over for now, as thousands of dockworkers return to their jobs after a tentative agreement to raise their pay. And why after more than three decades in prison , the Menendez brothers — infamous for killing their parents — might have their case reviewed and the factor it all hinges on. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
Tens of thousands of U.S. dockworkers are getting back on the job after two days of a strike that clogged dozens of East and Gulf coast ports. The historic labor action, which threatened to drive inflation back up, is now on hold until at least January 15.
Thursday night, Oct. 3, members of the International Longshoremen’s Association struck a tentative deal with the U.S. Maritime Alliance over pay. The agreement will increase workers’ wages by 62% over the span of six years.
The agreement is an increase over the Maritime Alliance’s offer of 50% earlier this week, but a compromise for the ILA, which has called for a 77% increase in wages over the same time period.
The new deal would bring hourly pay for top dockworkers to $63 per hour by the end of the deal, compared to $39 an hour under the most recently expired contract.
Dockworkers had also been calling for a total ban on automation, but no deal was reached on that. Sources close to the matter have said that will be the main topic of negotiations between now and Jan. 15.
I applaud the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance for coming together to reopen the East Coast and Gulf ports and ensure the availability of critical supplies for Hurricane Helene recovery and rebuilding.
More Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut
Powerful blasts rocked Beirut Thursday night into Friday morning, Oct. 4, as Israel unleashed some of its heaviest strikes on the Lebanese capital city yet. This comes as Iran’s foreign minister is in Beirut meeting with Lebanese officials over the expanding conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Thursday, Israel ordered more evacuations for villages in southern Lebanon, potentially signaling plans to broaden the ground invasion there. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state-run news agency said an Israeli strike took out the main highway between Lebanon and Syria, which tens of thousands of people have used over the past two weeks to flee the escalating fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
🔴Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Communications Unit, during a precise, intelligence-based strike in Beirut yesterday.
Sakafi was a senior Hezbollah terrorist, who was responsible for the communications unit since 2000. Sakafi invested significant efforts… pic.twitter.com/PH65nh5FLI
The Israeli military also said it killed another top Hezbollah militant, Mohammed Anisi, in a recent strike on Beirut. Hezbollah has not yet confirmed that claim.
Three ex-officers found guilty in Tyre Nichols beating death
A federal jury convicted three former Memphis police officers in the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols Thursday, but they were acquitted of the most serious charges. The jury found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith guilty of witness tampering for covering up the attack. Haley was also convicted of violating Nichols’ civil rights.
Nichols died three days after the officers brutally beat him following a traffic stop. The officers now face up to 20 years in prison for the witness tampering convictions while Haley’s civil rights violation conviction carries up to 10 years. Sentencing is pending with a hearing scheduled to determine whether they will remain in custody.
The case has triggered federal investigations into Memphis police practices, and Nichols’ family has filed a $550 million lawsuit against the city and its police department.
In a statement, the assistant U.S. attorney who oversees the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “Tyre Nichols should be alive today.”
35 years later, Menendez brothers’ case under review following claims of parental abuse
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced his office will review the convictions of Erik and Lyle Menendez, nearly 35 years after they were imprisoned for killing their parents in 1989. New evidence, including a letter from Erik Menendez alleging sexual abuse by their father, prompted the reexamination.
Gascón stressed that while the brothers’ guilt is not being contested, the new evidence and changing views on sexual abuse require a review. The attorney for the Menendez brothers argues they’ve been rehabilitated and is seeking a re-sentencing.
A hearing on Nov. 29 will determine the next steps, which could include a new trial or an adjusted sentence.
Country star Garth Brooks accused of rape
A former employee has come forward accusing country music superstar Garth Brooks of sexual assault and battery. In a the lawsuit, the woman said she worked as his hair and makeup artist.
The lawsuit alleges in 2019, Brooks raped the woman during a work trip in Los Angeles.
Before this lawsuit was made public, CNN reported an anonymous celebrity plaintiff — now identified as Brooks — had tried to block the woman from suing and denied the claims.
In a statement released to the media, Brooks said, “For the last two months, I have been hassled to no end with threats, lies, and tragic tales of what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars.”
If there was ever a night that I really needed this, TONIGHT was that night! Thank you for my life!!!!! love, g pic.twitter.com/q6FFLrJO0a
He went on to say, “Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of—ugly acts no human should ever do to another. We filed suit against this person nearly a month ago to speak out against extortion and defamation of character. We filed it anonymously for the sake of families on both sides.”
Category 4 Hurricane Kirk strengthens, expected to stay offshore
Hurricane Kirk, a powerful Category 4 storm, is churning in the Atlantic, with forecasters warning of dangerous swells that could impact the U.S. east coast, Bermuda, the Greater Antilles, and the Bahamas by this weekend. Though the hurricane is expected to remain far from land, its waves might cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.
NEW: #Kirk is now a major #hurricane with 125mph sustained winds and will strengthen to *near Category 5 strength* over the next couple of days. Certainly thankful it will remain out to sea and no threat to land! #HurricaneKirk#weatherpic.twitter.com/frSGbEgtFe
As Kirk strengthens, Tropical Storm Leslie has also formed in the Atlantic but poses no immediate threat to land.
Meanwhile, the southeast is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which left more than 200 people dead and caused catastrophic damage. Rescue efforts continue as many residents remain without water, power and communication services.
President Joe Biden has visited the region to survey the devastation, pledging federal aid for debris removal and recovery efforts in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Helene may cause thousands of deaths over the decades: Study
As the death toll from Hurricane Helene continues to climb, a new study adds an unsettling perspective about the impacts of the storm, which are likely to last well beyond what some may think. The study, published Wednesday, Oct. 2, said hurricanes and tropical storms are much deadlier than their associated death tolls suggest.
That’s because of the indirect causes these storms can set into motion that aren’t realized until years after the event. Researchers with the University of California Berkeley found an average tropical cyclone in the U.S. indirectly causes up to 11,000 more deaths than reported in the storm’s final toll.
They said since 1930, tropical storms have contributed to as many as 5.2 million deaths in the U.S. Researchers also estimate 1 in 4 infant deaths are somehow related to tropical cyclones, as are 15% of deaths among people aged 1 to 44 years old.
They say tropical cyclones create a broader health issue than previously thought because they often stir up other threats to certain populations – like babies and the immunocompromised.
The study found these excess deaths were mostly due to causes like diabetes, suicide, sudden infant death syndrome or another cause that was not recorded. However, they found cardiovascular disease was the next most common cause linked to the lasting impacts of storms, followed by cancer.
This is the first time researchers have looked at storm-related deaths over such a long period of time. Their study accounted for 501 events from 1930 to 2015. Researchers say over that 85-year span, tropical storms killed more people than car crashes and infectious diseases.
The study’s authors say the numbers were so staggering, they spent years making sure their findings were correct.
The study also found Black people were three times more likely to die after a hurricane than white people. Researchers said their findings validate concerns many Black Americans have been voicing for decades about unequal treatment they face and the circumstances they experience after natural disasters.
At least 3 dead as Helene barrels through southeastern US
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida overnight as a major Category 4 storm, leaving at least 3 people dead and leading to massive power outages. And the Oakland A’s have played their final home game after 57 years. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
At least 3 dead as Helene barrels through southeastern U.S.
The storm brought the anticipated life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rains. Meteorologists say just because the storm has weakened significantly, does not make it less dangerous.
Authorities in Pasco County, Florida rescued people trapped by heavy flooding. One person was killed on Interstate 4 near Tampa when a sign fell on their car, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Authorities in Wheeler County, Georgia said two people were killed when an apparent tornado overturned a mobile home. Two others died in Laurens County, according to emergency officials.
As of early Friday morning, more than one million people in Florida were without power, as were hundreds of thousands more in Georgia. Power outages linked to Helene have also been reported in South Carolina and North Carolina.
The National Hurricane Center said tropical storm conditions will be felt throughout the southeast throughout Friday, with strong, damaging winds likely to “penetrate as far inland as the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians.”
Trump says he will meet with Zelenskyy to hear ‘victory plan’
The decision comes after there was some doubt whether the meeting between the two would occur — after both Trump and Zelenskyy have been critical of each other.
On Thursday, the Ukrainian president met with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris separately to discuss his plan to defeat Russia. Biden pledged to send billions of dollars more in missiles, drones, weapons, and supplies.
Meanwhile, Harris told Zelenskyy recent calls for Ukraine to give over some of its land to Russia are “dangerous and unacceptable,” referring to recent suggestions by Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Both have suggested Ukraine should cut a deal quickly to end the war that’s been going on for almost three years now.
Trump has stated that if he wins the November election, he will end the Russia-Ukraine war even before he takes office.
Zelenskyy also met with members of Congress Thursday in an effort to shore up American support for the ongoing war.
DOJ expected to announce charges in alleged Iranian hack of Trump campaign
Investigators said Iran gained access to Trump campaign emails and sent files to various media outlets and the Biden-Harris campaign this summer, before President Biden dropped out of the race and Vice President Harris took over as the Democratic nominee.
Reports said multiple Iranian hackers will be charged. Sources told ABC News the Trump campaign has been informed of the charges.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams to appear in federal court
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to make an appearance in federal court Friday. He will be arraigned on charges including bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national.
It marked the second time this year the state has employed this controversial method.
Miller was sentenced to death in 2000 for a 1999 shooting that killed three men he had worked with, after he accused them of spreading rumors about him.
The Alabama Department of Corrections said the procedure involved Miller being fitted with a mask and nitrogen gas flowing into his system for about 15 minutes.
According to the Associated Press, Miller’s final words were, “I didn’t do anything to be here.”
The game had plenty of emotion as well as some interruptions. Somebody threw a smoke bomb onto the field at one point, and a fan ran onto the field and made a dash for it, as well.
In the end, A’s fans soaked up all the memories, staying well past the final out.
The team will now relocate to Sacramento for the next three seasons before moving to their new permanent home in Las Vegas in 2028.
