Friday, October 4, 2024
It is Friday, October 4, 2024. Here are today’s top stories.
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Storm shows need for emergency plans inland
The New York Times ran an article explaining that for people who die during hurricanes and tropical storms in the U.S., more than half of the deaths were caused by inland flooding, away from the coast. Helene is a clear example — the storm has killed over 200 people and most of the deaths were in inland areas due to high winds and flash flooding. A former FEMA administrator said when it comes to hurricanes, there’s too much focus on the coast and the landfall and that people have to understand that these storms are still deadly when they become a tropical depression and move inland. This former FEMA administrator said there needs to be more discussion about the use of mandatory evacuation orders in inland areas. A mayor in western North Carolina said the region is now in “Hurricane Alley.” So, during future hurricanes or tropical storms, everyone who lives in the path of a storm should consider whether they are in an area that is at risk of flooding and possibly evacuating.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/03/us/hurricane-helene-warnings-alerts.html
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Tina Peters sentenced 9 years for voting data scheme
Tina Peters, the former Mesa County, Colorado clerk who believed that the 2020 election was rigged and broke laws by giving others access to voting data, was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Peters allowed confidential voting data to be accessed by outsiders and given to conspiracy theorists like MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
A news report from CPR.org said Peters and her supporters have never shown that the voting machines were involved in any sort of election manipulation. There were multiple recounts that showed the vote totals were accurate.
The judge who sentenced Peters said she is no hero and is someone who abused her position.
https://www.cpr.org/2024/10/03/tina-peters-former-mesa-county-clerk-prison/
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Lebanon PM says 1.2 million people displaced
The prime minister of Lebanon, Nab Mikati, said about 1.2 million people in the country have been forced to leave their homes due to Israel’s air and ground attacks as they fight Hezbollah. This number accounts for almost 1/4 of Lebanon’s total population. The hardest-hit areas in Lebanon are in the southern parts. The Israeli military issued evacuation notices for about 90 villages there and warned people against traveling into these areas. ABC News said Israeli airstrikes are still hitting Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, and Hezbollah fighters are still firing rockets into Israel. The U.S. government said about 350 American citizens, green card holders and family members have left Lebanon this week.
https://apnews.com/live/israel-lebanon-ground-operation-updates
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Garth Brooks accused of sexual assault
Musician Garth Brooks was sued by an anonymous woman who said he sexually assaulted and battered her. The woman said she worked for Brooks as a hair and makeup artist. The lawsuit detailed various unwanted sexual advances and assaults that allegedly happened at Garth’s home and other places where he performed.
Brooks responded in a statement that this accuser has previously demanded a check for millions of dollars in a hush money payment. Brooks said he refused to pay the money because it would mean that he’s admitting to something that he didn’t do and that he sued this person a month ago.
The woman’s lawsuit said they are seeking damages and a jury trial.
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Port workers to end strike
The port workers’ strike will end today when about 50,000 members of a union representing port workers from Maine to Texas reached a tentative agreement with shipping companies. The deal will see the workers get a 10% raise this year and continue to get raises over the next six years. The deal is not yet final as the workers have to approve it by Jan. 15, but things seem positive. President Biden said he congratulates the dockworkers because they deserve a strong contract after sacrificing so much to keep our ports open during the pandemic.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/03/business/port-strike-union-deal/index.html
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That is all the top stories for this week. Have a nice weekend and stay with the light.