Hurricane Milton's outer bands have arrived in Florida, leaving little time for residents to evacuate.

 This morning, Milton is a formidable Category 4 hurricane, moving steadily towards Florida.

In the satellite loop below, you can see Milton's outer rainbands, marked by puffy clouds, advancing onto the Florida coast and over western Cuba.

Milton's path continues to change, and the final adjustments will decide where the worst impact of the storm will be felt.

Yesterday, Milton continued to surprise forecasters by moving significantly farther south than anticipated and not beginning its northeast shift. Each hour that Milton stayed on its current path pushed its predicted trajectory further south along Florida's west-central Gulf Coast.

On Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. ET, the forecast indicated that Milton would make landfall in the southern part of the Tampa Bay area by late Wednesday. However, the latest predictions now place the hurricane's landfall 20 to 25 miles further south, near the Sarasota area.

This shift could significantly alter the impact for the Tampa Bay region, distinguishing between a catastrophic worst-case scenario and a chance to mitigate disaster. As a result of the updated track, the storm surge forecast for Tampa Bay has been adjusted slightly downwards from a potential 15 feet to up to 12 feet.

Overnight, Milton began to turn northeast, but minor track variations remain possible up to landfall, and they could have serious implications. Factors such as interaction with land and atmospheric conditions can cause a hurricane to unpredictably wobble or change direction. Thus, all areas within the cone need to prepare for the possibility of landfall.

The National Hurricane Center emphasized on Wednesday morning the importance of not solely concentrating on the precise landfall point, noting that the average error at a 24-hour mark is approximately 40 miles.

Residents opting to remain in Milton's danger zone are getting ready to ride out the storm.

Destroyed buildings are seen after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction in Sanibel Island, Florida, on October 1, 2022. 

Marco Bello/Reuters

Officials are cautioning that time is running short for evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton's arrival in Florida, yet some residents have chosen to remain. Bridgit Stone-Budd, a Sanibel Island resident, experienced the devastation of Hurricane Ian firsthand.

“I think the most crucial aspect is knowing that we won’t be able to return,” Stone-Budd told CNN’s John Berman on Wednesday, explaining her choice to stay. “That’s the primary reason.”

The city of Sanibel has issued an evacuation order, and those who opt to remain are now under a 24-hour curfew. Stone-Budd lives in a stilted home that has withstood flooding in past hurricanes, but she recognizes that this does not guarantee safety.

“I feel secure in our elevated home, but the thought of losing a pylon and the house becoming unstable is what frightens me the most,” she said.

Hurricane Milton: Evacuation orders increase as the storm escalates to Category 5.

 Milton rapidly intensifies to a Category 5 storm, prompting the expansion of Hurricane Watches in Florida to encompass Orlando.

Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, and Florida is preparing for potentially life-threatening impacts. As the massive storm moves across the warm Gulf of Mexico waters, it poses risks of dangerous storm surge, devastating winds, and heavy rainfall.

The National Hurricane Center reports that Milton is "explosively intensifying" and is advising residents to heed the instructions of local officials, particularly if evacuation orders are issued.

With winds reaching 175 mph, Milton is the strongest Atlantic hurricane in five years, following Hurricane Dorian in 2019. It is also tied for the fourth strongest storm on record. The record for the strongest Atlantic hurricane is held by Hurricane Allen, which had winds of 190 mph.

On October 6, 2024, local residents in Kissimmee, Florida, began filling sandbags as rain began to fall. Florida's governor declared a state of emergency on Saturday, with forecasters warning that Hurricane Milton could strengthen into a major hurricane and is on a direct path toward the state. (Photo by Gregg Newton / AFP) (Photo by GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images) 

                                                                                                             (Getty Images)

The situation in Florida is increasingly urgent, with state and local officials warning residents that time is running out to prepare for the life-threatening storm. They emphasize that individuals living near the coast or in low-lying areas must evacuate before the storm arrives, as it could bring a dangerous storm surge of up to 12 feet in certain locations, including Tampa Bay.

WEST-CENTRAL FLORIDA FACES THE MOST SIGNIFICANT HURRICANE THREAT IN OVER A CENTURY.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has placed 51 of the state's 67 counties under a State of Emergency. On Monday, President Joe Biden approved the state's request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration, enabling the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide necessary assistance for emergency measures.

This graphic displays the current Watches and Warnings in effect across Florida as a result of Hurricane Milton.

The first alerts were issued early Monday morning along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and these have now been extended to include additional areas in Central Florida, such as the Orlando region. 

As Hurricane Milton draws nearer, it is anticipated that the alerts will expand further to encompass more regions closer to the east coast of the state. 

**KNOW YOUR ZONE:** FLORIDA EVACUATION MAP SHOWS WHO MUST EVACUATE PRIOR TO A HURRICANE.

Hurricane Watches are currently in effect along the Gulf Coast from Chokoloskee to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay. 

In addition, Tropical Storm Watches are active for the Florida Keys and from Flamingo to south of Chokoloskee, as well as from north of the mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass. 

**AS HURRICANE MILTON APPROACHES, FLORIDA BRACES FOR ITS LARGEST EVACUATION SINCE 2017'S HURRICANE IRMA.**

This graphic displays the Storm Surge Alerts currently in effect in Florida due to Hurricane Milton.

Storm Surge Watches have been issued for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. 

The current forecast for storm surge in Tampa Bay ranges from 8 to 12 feet if the peak surge coincides with high tide. This is significantly higher than the 7-8 feet of storm surge recorded during Hurricane Helene. 

**IS MILTON'S STORM SURGE FORECAST FOR TAMPA BAY MORE SEVERE THAN HELENE'S?**

What is the forecast for Hurricane Milton?

The National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Milton is currently moving east-southeast, and this general direction is anticipated to persist through Monday night. Following this, the NHC expects Hurricane Milton to turn east and then northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

According to this forecast, Hurricane Milton is projected to travel near or just north of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Monday and Tuesday, before crossing the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approaching the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday.

"Alavés 0-3 Barcelona: summary, goals, and result."

 

"Barcelona played at Mendizorroza in the match corresponding to matchday 9 of LaLiga, aiming to secure three points that would allow them to pull away from Real Madrid and solidify their lead at the top of the table. The Catalan team sought to get back on the path to victory in the regular national tournament after the heavy defeat suffered against Osasuna. They achieved all their objectives thanks to an excellent first half with a hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski, a great assisting performance from Raphinha, and a genius named Pedri. Lamine Yamal, which is rare, was not the protagonist.

Hansi Flick did not revolutionize the starting eleven, as he did in Pamplona with tragic consequences, but he did make a significant change: he rested Jules Koundé, who had played every game until this point. Young Héctor Fort moved to the right side. Ferran Torres remained in the team but was substituted in the fifth minute due to an injury."

  

Live: Alavés - Barcelona live  

Barcelona played at Mendizorroza in the match corresponding to matchday 9 of LaLiga, aiming to secure three points that would allow them to pull away from Real Madrid and solidify their lead at the top of the table. The Catalan team sought to get back on the path to victory in the regular national tournament after the heavy defeat suffered against Osasuna. They achieved all their objectives thanks to an excellent first half with a hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski, a great assisting performance from Raphinha, and a genius named Pedri. Lamine Yamal, which is rare, was not the protagonist.

Hansi Flick did not revolutionize the starting eleven, as he did in Pamplona with tragic consequences, but he did make a significant change: he rested Jules Koundé, who had played every game up to that point. Young Héctor Fort moved to the right side. Ferran Torres remained in the team but was substituted in the fifth minute due to an injury.

First half: The Alicante goalkeeper knows that his performance is scrutinized even more with the arrival of Szczesny, who strengthens the goal after Ter Stegen's injury. The academy player has serious competition, and he knows it. He hardly had to intervene. VAR spared him a good scare.

Half-time rating: 6.

Second half: More tense due to Alavés' increased presence in their area. Kike García, Conechny, Carlos Vicente... are persistently hovering around him. Great save against Kike García in the last quarter of an hour of the match.

Final rating: 7."

"First half: The 18-year-old full-back is playing his first match as a starter this season. He is the big novelty in the lineup, taking the position of Jules Koundé, who had played every minute so far. Very vigilant with Abde. Calm.

Half-time rating: 7.

Second half: He doesn’t complicate his actions. No major troubles. No stress. He is substituted in the 67th minute.

Final rating: 7."

"First half: Impeccable. He doesn’t give an inch to Toni Martínez, who is being suffocated by him. The pressure the player from Girona is applying is remarkable. And his passes between the lines are pure gold.

Half-time rating: 7.

Second half: More challenged, as Alavés moves up the field and adds offensive potential, becoming more incisive, but he doesn’t seem to be struggling. Pure ice.

Final rating: 7."

"First half: Reliable. Connected. Tends to the left due to Balde’s advances. Combines well with Pedri.

Half-time rating: 7.

Second half: Continues to maintain order at the back. Establishes his authority. Receives a yellow card for a scuffle with Mouriño during a corner.

Final rating: 7."

"First half: Without neglecting his defensive duties, he appears daring in attack during the first minutes, coming in from the inside. He engages in a nice duel with Tenaglia.

Half-time rating: 7.

Second half: Solid. More cautious and conservative than in the first half. Consistent.

Final rating: 6."

"First half: The Barça youth player has earned his starting position quietly, thanks to his game vision, direction in transitions, and support to the defense. After Lewandowski's first goal, he moved up a few meters. Distributor. Tactical. Intelligent.

Half-time rating: 8.

Second half: He maintains his level of passing precision and his excellent reading of the game. He looks like a veteran. Outstanding player.

Final rating: 8."

"First half: The Canary Islander player is showcasing his versatility: playing and demonstrating his clarity and judgment with the ball in various midfield positions. He starts in a double pivot and, after Ferran's injury and Éric García's introduction, moves to the attacking midfield role. He offers lessons on how to create space. One of his ball recoveries leads to the sequence of Barcelona's second goal.

Half-time rating: 8.

Second half: Backheel passes that can be watched over and over again. Creative. Skillful. Tireless.

Final rating: 8."

"First half: His flank is not very prominent, but his cuts and dominance in one-on-one situations are always a luxury.

Half-time rating: 7.

Second half: More active and vertical, but without reward. Flick substitutes him in the 67th minute, and this time he doesn’t show, at least, his displeasure.

Final rating: 7."

"First half: The Brazilian international maintains his characteristic impulsive and anarchic style of play, but he is experiencing the best moment of his career. At Mendizorroza, he starts as an attacking midfielder and leaves the left wing to Ferran Torres, but after the Valencian's injury, he reverts to his position on the wing. He provides both assists for Robert Lewandowski's goals. He is brimming with confidence.

Half-time rating: 9.

Second half: The captain lowers his intensity a bit, but he always adds depth and ambition.

Final rating: 8."

"First half: The international player links his third match as a starter. He starts on the left wing. He is substituted in the 5th minute due to an injury to the back of his right leg.

Half-time rating: -."

"First half: Another untouchable for Flick that is not open to discussion. Hat-trick at Mendizorroza: in the 7th minute, he beats Sivera with a great header from a well-placed lateral free kick taken by Raphinha; in the 22nd, he takes advantage of a brilliant counter-attack with another final pass from the Brazilian; and in the 32nd, he sends a soft, crossed ball that is precise to the post, which the goalkeeper cannot stop. He now has a total of ten goals in LaLiga. The Alavés defense is unable to stop him.

Half-time rating: 9.

Second half: More controlled and closed down by the Vitoria defense. But he doesn’t give up. Throwing in the towel is not his style. Sivera deflects a powerful shot from him.

Final rating: 8."

"First half: He comes on in the 5th minute for the injured Ferran Torres. He occupies the midfield. He provides the assist for Lewandowski's third goal. Excellent in ball control.

Half-time rating: 7.

Second half: Secure in transitions and reliable in control and defensive support. With Flick's substitutions in the final minutes, he drops back to play as a center-back. He performs well in any position.

Final rating: 7."

"Second half: He comes on in the 67th minute for Lamine Yamal. He plays on the left wing. He sends a ball to the post in the 76th minute after deflecting off Sivera. Engaged. Motivated.

Final rating: 7."

"Second half: Flick brings him on in the 67th minute. He occupies 'his' right-back position. Solid.

Final rating: 6."

"Second half: Flick gives him the last ten minutes of the match. He hasn't played in LaLiga since April due to an ankle injury.

Final rating: -."

Second half: He steps onto the field in the 81st minute. Determined. Earns a yellow card for a tackle on Conechny.

Final rating: -.

First half: The Barça coach already hinted that he wouldn't experiment with his lineup, unlike he did in Pamplona due to the Champions League match against Young Boys just a few days later, because he wants to head into the break feeling secure and solid in the top spot. The only surprise in the starting lineup is Koundé on the bench and Héctor Fort at right back.

Half-time rating: 8.

Second half: His team lowers their level in the second half, but still remains ambitious.

Final rating: 8.

         García Plaza: "We need to do some self-reflection and try to improve."

Jets vs. Vikings: Today's Channel, Start Time, TV Info, Live Stream, and Schedule for NFL Week 5

 

In Week 5 of the NFL season, the undefeated Minnesota Vikings will take on the New York Jets in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Sunday.

The Vikings continued their winning streak with a 31-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 20 of 28 passes for 275 yards and threw three touchdowns, though he also recorded one interception and lost a fumble. Running back Aaron Jones had a strong performance in his return to Green Bay, rushing 22 times for 93 yards and adding four receptions for 46 yards to contribute to the victory.

Conversely, the Jets faced a tough 10-9 loss against the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a challenging outing in the rainy conditions at MetLife Stadium, completing 57% of his passes for 225 yards while being sacked five times. He left the field limping in the fourth quarter, appearing to injure his left knee. After receiving treatment, Rodgers has been designated as questionable and has had limited participation in practice. However, head coach Robert Saleh has stated that he expects Rodgers to be ready to play against Minnesota.

When is the kickoff time for the New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings?  

The Week 5 matchup between the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings is set to kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET (6:30 a.m. PT).

What channel is airing the New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings?  

The Week 5 matchup between the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings will be broadcast on the NFL Network at 9:30 a.m. ET.

How to stream Jets vs. Vikings for free  

If you're looking to stream the game without a cable subscription, you can watch the New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings on Fubo, which is currently offering a free trial for new subscribers.

**New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings: TV, Time, and Streaming Information**  

The Week 5 matchup between the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings will be broadcast on the NFL Network.

- **Date:** Sunday, Oct. 6  

- **Time:** 9:30 a.m. ET  

- **Streaming:** NFL Network, NFL+, Fubo (free trial)  

- **Location:** Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)

Garth Brooks faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in a filed lawsuit.

 

Country music star Garth Brooks is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault following a lawsuit filed on Thursday.

An unnamed woman claims that while serving as Brooks' makeup artist, she was subjected to repeated harassment and was raped in 2019. She also alleged that Brooks attempted to portray himself as a victim after filing his own lawsuit against her last month.

In a statement released late Thursday, Brooks vehemently denied the accusations, stating, "I have been relentlessly harassed with threats, fabrications, and dire predictions about my future if I didn't pay out many millions of dollars. It has felt like having a loaded gun pointed at me."

In a lawsuit filed by her attorneys in California Superior Court, the woman, referred to as Jane Roe, states that she has been contracted to do makeup for Garth Brooks’ wife, Trisha Yearwood, since 1999. She began facing financial difficulties in 2019, during which Brooks allegedly offered her additional work.

Roe claims that Brooks exploited her precarious situation. She alleges that later in 2019, he exposed his genitals to her. Additionally, she claims that Brooks raped her in a hotel suite in Los Angeles while he was preparing for a Grammy tribute.

The complaint states, “With cold disregard for Ms. Roe, once Brooks was finished, it was business as usual.” It notes that Ms. Roe quickly styled his hair and applied his makeup for the event to ensure he was on time.

The woman claims that after the alleged rape, Brooks mentioned receiving a cryptic text message stating that he had “ruined his life.” At that time, she had not worked for Brooks in several months, which led him to suspect that her husband might have sent the message, according to the complaint.

Brooks allegedly told her, “That’s what I thought. Oh crap! I was trying to seek you out to come talk … or whatever I needed to do, but just, uh, I don’t want to hurt anybody.

"Better Man" Trailer: In the Robbie Williams biopic directed by the helmsman of "The Greatest Showman," a singing monkey takes center stage as the main character in this new musical film.

 From the director of "The Greatest Showman," "Better Man" will be available in select theaters on December 25, followed by a nationwide release on January 17.

Robbie Williams' upcoming biopic features a unique twist.

In the first trailer for "Better Man," the 50-year-old pop star lends his voice to the character while being visually represented as a monkey in director Michael Gracey's (known for "The Greatest Showman") interpretation of Williams' life story.

The film is described as "based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time." 

Additionally, the synopsis notes that the movie "is uniquely told from Williams' perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit."

"The film chronicles Robbie's journey from childhood to becoming the youngest member of the chart-topping boyband Take That, and explores his extraordinary accomplishments as a record-breaking solo artist—while also addressing the challenges that come with immense fame and success," the synopsis states.

"Seeing himself as a performing monkey wasn't limited to his fame; it was a part of his entire life," director Gracey explained to Vanity Fair about the choice to depict Williams as a monkey during an August interview, shortly after the film's premiere at the Telluride Film Festival.

"He was always performing in Stoke for the other kids and entertaining his parents at home. This concept struck me powerfully because I realized that audiences would fall in love with this character, this little monkey. You will emotionally invest in this character. As long as you establish that connection at the beginning of the film, you're on board, and you'll follow that monkey through the whole journey."

This new film marks director Gracey's first project since the 2021 Pink documentary "P!nk: All I Know So Far." Along with that documentary and 2017's "The Greatest Showman," he is recognized for directing music videos for artists such as Pink, Natasha Bedingfield, and Alesha Dixon.

"Better Man" also features a cast that includes Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, and Anthony Hayes.

"Better Man" will be available in select theaters on December 25 and will have a nationwide release on January 17.

Kris Kristofferson, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor, has passed away at the age of 88.

 

Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar known for his captivating writing style and rugged charisma, has passed away. He died peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, according to family spokesperson Ebie McFarland. Kristofferson was 88 years old, and no cause of death has been provided.

A native of Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson emerged as a prolific songwriter in the late 1960s, penning timeless classics such as “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Help Me Make it Through the Night,” “For the Good Times,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” While he also performed his own songs, many became widely recognized through interpretations by other artists, including Ray Price’s rendition of “For the Good Times” and Janis Joplin's powerful version of “Me and Bobby McGee.”

In addition to his musical achievements, Kristofferson had a successful acting career. He starred alongside Ellen Burstyn in Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” appeared with Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of “A Star Is Born,” and acted alongside Wesley Snipes in Marvel’s “Blade” in 1998.

Known for his ability to recite William Blake from memory, Kristofferson infused his folk-inspired lyrics with themes of loneliness and romance, helping to redefine country music. With his long hair, bell-bottoms, and counterculture influences reminiscent of Bob Dylan, he was part of a new wave of country songwriters alongside peers like Willie Nelson, John Prine, and Tom T. Hall.

“There’s no better songwriter alive than Kris Kristofferson,” Nelson remarked during a November 2009 award ceremony for Kristofferson hosted by BMI. “Everything he writes is a standard, and we’re all just going to have to live with that.”

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Kristofferson was a Golden Gloves boxer and a college football player. He earned a master’s degree in English from Merton College at the University of Oxford and declined an appointment to teach at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, choosing instead to pursue a career in songwriting in Nashville. In 1966, he worked as a part-time janitor at Columbia Records’ Music Row studio, where he was present during Bob Dylan’s recording of the landmark album “Blonde on Blonde.”

At times, the legend of Kris Kristofferson seemed larger than life. Johnny Cash often recounted an embellished tale of how Kristofferson, a former U.S. Army pilot, landed a helicopter on Cash’s lawn to deliver a tape of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” beer in hand. Over the years, Kristofferson clarified, with all due respect to Cash, that while he did land a helicopter at Cash’s house, the Man in Black wasn’t home at the time. The demo tape was for a song that was never recorded, and he certainly couldn’t fly a helicopter while holding a beer.

In a 2006 interview with The Associated Press, Kristofferson reflected on the profound impact Cash had on his career. 

“Shaking his hand when I was still in the Army backstage at the Grand Ole Opry was the moment I decided to come back,” Kristofferson recalled. “It was electric. He kind of took me under his wing before he recorded any of my songs. He cut my first record, which won record of the year, and he put me on stage for the first time.”

One of Kristofferson’s most recorded songs, “Me and Bobby McGee,” was inspired by a suggestion from Monument Records founder Fred Foster. Foster had envisioned a song title called “Me and Bobby McKee,” named after a secretary in his office. Kristofferson later revealed in an interview with *Performing Songwriter* magazine that the lyrics about a man and woman traveling together were influenced by his viewing of Federico Fellini’s film *La Strada*.

Janis Joplin, who shared a close bond with Kris Kristofferson, altered the lyrics of "Me and Bobby McGee" to make Bobby McGee a man. She recorded her version just days before her tragic death from a drug overdose in 1970, and it became a posthumous No. 1 hit.

Kristofferson’s own impressive catalog includes hits like “Why Me,” “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do),” “Watch Closely Now,” “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” “A Song I’d Like to Sing,” and “Jesus Was a Capricorn.”

In 1973, he married fellow songwriter Rita Coolidge, and together they enjoyed a successful duo career, earning two Grammy Awards. The couple divorced in 1980.

Kristofferson officially retired from performing and recording in 2021, although he occasionally made guest appearances on stage.

Drake Hogestyn, star of Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 70, just one day before of his birthday.

 

Actor Drake Hogestyn, beloved for his portrayal of John Black on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has passed away at the age of 70 after bravely battling cancer, his family announced on Saturday. 

In a heartfelt statement shared on the Days of Our Lives Instagram account, the Hogestyn family expressed their sorrow: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was faced with an immense challenge when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he confronted it with remarkable strength and determination. After an incredible fight, he left us peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.”

The news of his passing has also been reported by Variety and the Hollywood Reporter.

The family characterized Hogestyn as an “amazing husband, father, papa, and actor,” emphasizing his passion for performing for the “Days of Our Lives” audience and his appreciation for the show's cast, crew, and production team. “We love him, and we will miss him all the Days of Our Lives,” they added.

Hogestyn made his debut on “Days of Our Lives” in 1986 and featured in over 4,200 episodes, according to IMDb. His remarkable work on the show earned him several accolades, including Soap Opera Digest Awards for Hottest Male Star in 1994 and 1995, as well as a win in 2005 for Favorite Couple.

Maggie Smith, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actress known for her work on stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 89.

 

Actress Dame Maggie Smith, renowned for her roles in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has passed away at the age of 89, her family has announced.

A titan of British theatre and film, she received two Academy Awards during her illustrious career: one for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and another for California Suite in 1979. In addition to these victories, she had four other Oscar nominations and was honored with eight BAFTA awards.

In a statement released by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, they expressed their sorrow: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. A fiercely private individual, she was surrounded by friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five beloved grandchildren, who are heartbroken by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother."

The family also extended their gratitude to the staff of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness during her final days, and they requested privacy during this difficult time.

Dame Maggie’s career began in theater, and she earned her first BAFTA nomination for the 1958 melodrama Nowhere to Go. By 1963, she was cast as Desdemona in Laurence Olivier’s production of Othello at the National Theatre, a role that would be adapted into a film two years later, leading to her Oscar nomination.

Hurricane Helene: Catastrophic Storm Approaches Florida, Residents Urged to Prepare

Emergency officials warn of severe winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding as communities brace for impact.

Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida late Thursday and subsequently impact Upstate South Carolina. The storm poses significant risks, including additional damage, power outages, and flooding, particularly in areas already saturated from previous severe thunderstorms. 

Key details include:

- **Current Conditions**: Greenville experienced severe thunderstorms overnight on September 24, which resulted in downed trees and power lines, leaving over 8,000 Duke Energy customers without power. Crews are actively working to clear debris and prepare for Helene's arrival.

 

 

- **Forecast**: Helene is projected to bring wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 70 mph. Local forecasters warn of flash flooding, landslides in mountainous areas, and numerous downed trees due to the saturated ground conditions.

- **Preparations**: Local authorities have mobilized resources, including firefighters and public works employees, to manage the aftermath of the previous storm and prepare for Helene. Emergency shelters have been opened to accommodate those displaced by the storm.

- **Community Response**: The city of Greenville has canceled scheduled activities and is focused on ensuring public safety and effective emergency response. Crews are clearing drainage ditches and removing hazardous trees in anticipation of flooding.

As the situation develops, updates will continue to be provided as Helene approaches.