Helene: More than 3.2 million customers in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia were without power this morning as a result of Hurricane Helene, which moved inland as a strong Category 4 storm and now has diminished to tropical storm status. Effects of the storm, which is 450 miles across, spread far inland. Storm watches and warnings are in effect for a dozen states. Â
Submarine: A spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry said this morning he knew nothing about reports that a Chinese nuclear submarine sank while it was under construction. The report of the sinking came from a U.S. Defense Department source who said satellite images showed that the nuclear sub went under while next to a pier in the shipyard where it was being finished. It’s believed the sinking took place several months ago. Â
Lebanon: During an interview with CNN, Lebanon’s health minister said that he believes there is now a full-fledged war underway between Israel and Lebanon. Dr. Firass Abiad said, “This is war, there is no doubt about it.” He pointed to Israeli attacks that have destroyed residential buildings, caused civilian deaths, hit hospitals and damaged other civilian facilities. He expressed concern that what has happened in Gaza will be repeated in Lebanon.
Vance: The Washington Post reports that messages sent by Republican Vice Presidential Candidate J. D. Vance on Twitter before the 2020 Presidential Election reveal that Vance believed Donald Trump would lose to Joe Biden. The Post reported that in the messages, Vance said that Donald Trump thoroughly failed to deliver and called his China policy disjointed. Vance also was reported to have said he was offered an administration job by Trump but turned it down.
Eric Adams: New York City Mayor Eric Adams surrendered to federal authorities in Manhattan this morning before his arraignment on bribery, corruption and campaign finance charges. He is charged with five counts of accepting gifts and bribes and taking illegal campaign contributions. It is alleged some of the money came from Turkey and that Adams provided favors for Turkey when it was trying to get city approval to open its new consulate in New York.
Maggie Smith: Actress Maggie Smith, who won two Academy Awards and four Emmys among other honors, has died in a London hospital at age 89. She was honored by Queen Elizabeth by being named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Smith’s Oscars were for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and “California Suite.” She received three Golden Globe Awards as well as a Tony Award.
