Yesterday, the Category 4 storm touched down along the southwestern coast of Florida — just shy of Category 5 — around 3 pm ET. It was one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the US. The storm brought 150 mph winds and a storm surge of up to 18 feet in some parts. Roofs have reportedly been torn off, cars are floating along the streets, and at least one person has died. That's in addition to the two people killed in Cuba when the storm passed by there on Tuesday. And after at least 20 people in a migrant boat went missing amid the storm. Now, more than 2 million Floridians are without power — with more expected to lose power in the coming days. As of this morning, the storm downgraded to a tropical storm with about 65 mph winds. It's expected to hit Georgia tomorrow.
How are people reacting?
Some 2.5 million people in Florida were under evacuation orders. The Red Cross says more than 13,000 fled to shelters. But it's unknown how many decided to ride out the storm. Now, emergency responders are overwhelmed by calls. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) warns electricity issues and other dangerous conditions will outlast the storm itself. The Biden administration has offered the "full force of the federal government" — and has approved the governor's emergency declaration.
theSkimm
Florida is being pummeled by a historic storm. Stay updated and stay safe.
Iran. Yesterday, Iran attacked Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq, killing at least nine people and injuring 32 others. The attack — which came after days of bombardments — comes as Tehran accuses the groups of supporting Iranian protesters. In the nearly two weeks since the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, thousands of Iranians have turned out to protest the state's rules on the hijab and the country's morality police. In response, police have cracked down using tear gas, water cannons, and batons. So far, at least 41 people have reportedly been killed in the demonstrations. Yesterday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke on TV saying the gov would not tolerate "chaos and riots."
What the White House is focused on...
Hunger and health. Yesterday, President Biden convened the first conference on the topic in 50 years. And laid out his plan to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030. On the to-do list: improve food access and affordability by expanding food stamps and school meals; increase healthy eating choices by including nutrition labels on the front of food packages; and enhance food security research by funding philanthropy efforts and startups. The admin says it has more than $8 billion in private- and public-sector commitments to meet those goals. Companies like Google, Tyson Foods, DoorDash, and Walgreens have all chipped in. But some of the goals — like expanding food stamps — require congressional approval in a divided Congress.
Redefining "healthy": Yesterday, the FDA announced a proposed rule that would match up the definition of 'healthy' with "current nutrition science." The agency says it'll help consumers more easily navigate nutrition labels and make better choices at the grocery store.
...Oh and in one uncomfortable moment during the conference, Biden asked "where's Jackie," referring to the late Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN). Walorski had helped cosponsor a bill to fund the conference but died in a car accident last month.
Who people are remembering…
Coolio. Yesterday, the West Coast rapper died at a friend's house. He was 59 years old. His career took off with "Fantastic Voyage" and flew to the top of the charts with his 1995 hit "Gangsta's Paradise." The song — which earned him a Grammy — reached a milestone, with one billion views on YouTube this past July. Coolio's other hits include "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)," "C U When U Get There," and the theme song for "Kenan & Kel." Ice Cube paid tribute to Coolio's "grind to the top of the industry." And actress Michelle Pfeiffer remembered him as a "gifted artist."
One classic sneaker. 15+ styles to choose from. Countless reasons to be obsessed. This fall, we can't stop talking about Cariuma's celeb-, surfer-, aaaaand skater-loved OCA Lows. Because they're sustainably made, feel broken-in on arrival, and have over 20K five-star reviews. The only hard part? Picking your fave fabric and color, print, or pattern. May we suggest…
Heard about sustainable investing but still got some Qs? No worries. At its core, sustainable investing is about choosing which companies and industries to invest in based on environmental, social, and governance factors. And that last one could include how diverse a company's board is.
According to the 2021 US Spencer Stuart Board Index, 30% of all S&P 500 directors are women. And 21% are from historically underrepresented ethnic and racial groups. Wanna invest in companies that get it right? The pros at Fidelity can help. They have LOTS of experience in the sustainable investing world. And that could be good news for the planet and your portfolio. Learn more.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. The luminizing serum for that viral glass-skin look. You know the one. This lightweight illuminator pairs well with foundation, tinted SPF, or nothing at all. And it's finally back in stock after selling out…again. Plus Skimm'rs get an exclusive 20% off.*
2. The products you need to make your home smarter. We're talking fridges, thermostats, vacuums, and toothbrushes. Seriously. And that's just the beginning. Check 'em alllll out.*
3.A better way to show your car some love. In our latest video with State Farm®, we tried some wacky stuff. Because in this economy, we'd do just about anything to keep old reliable happy. Check it out.*
5. A fall wardrobe refresh that's easier on the planet. And your wallet. thredUP's The Edit takes the digging out of shopping secondhand preppy looks. Think: an expertly curated collection of pleated skirts, blazers, and plenty of plaid for up to 90% off. Reduce, reuse, restyle.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Dream chaser…Claudia S (DC). She's graduating early with her bachelor's degree in finance and is on the fast track to getting her master's. All in a day's work.
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Save Your Seat: Book'd with Kelly Ripa
Design: theSkimm
Whether it's her experiences as a talk show host for over 20 years, her meet cute with now husband Mark Consuelos or any moments in between, Kelly Ripa knows how to tell a story. Join us for Skimm Reads: Book'd with Kelly Ripa on Thursday, October 6 at 7:30pm ET. We'll talk with the media star about her new book of essays, "Live Wire," key takeaways from the collection, and more. Plus, when you register, you'll get a copy of the book. Save your seat.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
