Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Friday, October 9, 2020:
HURRICANE DELTA
Hurricane Delta has strengthened to a Cat 3 and is expected to make landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast later today. Forecasters expect the system to weaken a bit before it hits, but are warning that the storm surge, winds and rain will still be destructive. The area most at risk, including Lake Charles, La., is still recovering from Hurricane Laura’s landfall six weeks ago. Many homes in southwest Louisiana are still covered with blue tarps, and residents are being asked to secure as much of the remaining debris as possible. TRACK
TRUMP SPIKES DEBATE
The second presidential debate is up in the air. Immediately after the debate commission announced the Oct. 15 event would be virtual, given that President Trump is potentially still contagious with COVID-19, the president said he wouldn’t be participating. That led the Biden campaign to say it would do a town hall with ABC News that night instead. But after the White House physician said the president is cleared to resume “public engagements” as of tomorrow, the Trump campaign is now asking for the debate to go back on, in person. CNN
KIDNAPPING PLOT
The FBI says it has thwarted an attempt to abduct Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that would have been an effort to set off a violent far-right overthrow of the government. Federal agents charged six Michigan men with plotting to kidnap Whitmer, including going so far as to surveil her summer home. The men allegedly discussed detailed plans of the plot unknowingly with an FBI informant. Whitmer thanked the authorities for foiling the attempt and placed the blame on President Trump for providing the “rallying cry” for the group of men, who met at a rally at the height of the anti-lockdown protests. DETROIT NEWS
PEACE PRIZE
The World Food Program has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work combating global hunger. The Nobel committee is recognizing the UN agency for its efforts in a year when the pandemic has led to a surge in the number of people going hungry around the world. The choice is somewhat of a surprise; the WHO, Greta Thunberg and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had been among the favorites to win. BBC
MOVE TO NYC
Anyone looking to sign or renew a lease in Manhattan, take note: there are deals to be had. Inventory is at its highest level ever and rents are lower than they’ve been in seven years across the island. Listings have tripled over the last year, and that means virtually everything is up for negotiation as landlords are just trying to keep units occupied. The median Manhattan rent has fallen to $3,036 with concessions taken into account. Incentives are being offered everywhere, from free months to free CitiBike memberships. BLOOMBERG
APPLE STREAMING
Have you purchased a new Apple device in the last year? You may not know it, but you’ve had a free trial for Apple’s TV+ streaming service this whole time. Those trials were set to start expiring this month, but Apple is extending them for everyone through February. If you’re looking for something to watch this weekend, Apple’s sports comedy Ted Lasso is getting rave reviews. 9TO5MAC
WEEKEND SPORTS
It’s another stuffed weekend of pro sports. The Lakers look to close out the bubble season tonight against the Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The MLB Division Series games continue today and tomorrow. NFL Week 5 is packed and in potential disarray, with several match-ups at risk of postponement or being moved because of either the coronavirus or Hurricane Delta. And there’s a NASCAR Cup Series race in Charlotte on Sunday. SCHEDULE, TV LISTING
SPOTTED...
...Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas out on a stroll in L.A. with two-month-old daughter Willa: SEE PICS
PARTY LIKE IT'S 1978
Take a look at the iTunes Top 100 and ask yourself what year it is. Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams topped out as the #1 song in the country, and a third of the chart is taken up by Van Halen. Dreams has been climbing the charts ever since that TikTok video went viral, while fans are rocking out to old Van Halen hits like Jump after the death of founding member Eddie Van Halen.SHOWBIZ411
LEFTOVERS: HALLOWEEN INSPO
Google has released its annual list of trending Halloween costumes if you need a little inspiration for socially-distanced trick-or-treating. Sort by what’s popular locally or nationally. Check out the Google Freightgeist Index: HERE
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