Tampa International Airport has announced that it will be shutting down on Tuesday ahead of the approaching Tropical Storm Idalia. The storm is forecasted to become a major hurricane before hitting Florida's Gulf Coast. The airport will stop all commercial flights after midnight and will be closed to visitors. The closure is necessary to secure jet bridges, equipment, and aircraft before the storm makes landfall on Wednesday.

One of the biggest concerns for the airport is the potential storm surge, which is expected to be between four to seven feet. The airport's operations director emphasized the importance of suspending operations in order to prevent further damage and ensure a swift recovery. Some private and cargo flights will continue early Tuesday morning, but all air traffic will stop by 7 a.m.

Travelers are advised to check with their airlines regarding flight delays and cancellations. Tampa International Airport expects to reopen on Thursday morning, but this is subject to change depending on the assessment of storm damages and potential road closures. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is also monitoring the storm but has not announced any closures at this time.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

An active, armed person on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) campus has led to disruptions at local schools, as authorities remain on the hunt for the suspect. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools were placed in "secure mode," with all buildings locked and no one allowed to enter or exit until an "all-clear" is given. UNC cancelled all classes and events for the remainder of the day, and students were advised to stay in place.

The situation began around 1 p.m. when UNC issued an alert about the armed assailant. At 3:45 p.m., Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools received the all-clear to begin dismissals, although some delays were expected due to traffic and buses needing to complete their routes in a specific order. High school students will be dismissed at their normal time of 4 p.m.

Authorities have not confirmed any arrests at this time, and the suspect remains at large. A "person of interest" was shown in a photo released by UNC Police, urging the public to keep their distance and call 911 if they see the suspect. UNC Hospitals have not received any patients related to the situation.

As the campus remains on lockdown, local law enforcement continues their search for the armed suspect.

A young mother and her 2-year-old daughter were caught in the chaos of a racially-motivated shooting at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida. The shooter, identified as 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter, killed three people before engaging in a standoff with police. The mother, Mercedez Jones, described the terrifying experience of being trapped in the store with Palmeter, who was wearing military clothes and had a large gun strapped to his shoulders. Jones recounted how she tried to protect her daughter and eventually managed to escape to a nearby property. Palmeter's motives for the attack are believed to be racially motivated, and his parents reportedly found "several manifestos" on his personal computer explaining his actions. The incident has sparked discussions about hate, gun laws, and the need to confront division and hatred in America.

Former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows testified in federal court seeking immunity from the criminal charges filed against him in Georgia. Meadows argued that his actions fell within the scope of his federal duties as chief of staff and should be protected from state law charges. If the judge agrees, the case may be moved to federal court and Meadows could be immune from prosecution. However, Meadows' appearance on the witness stand also exposed him to cross examination by the prosecution and locked him into a specific description of events. The charges against Meadows include racketeering and soliciting Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office. Prosecutors claim that Meadows participated in meetings and communications aimed at advancing an illegal scheme to overturn the election. The outcome of Meadows' bid for immunity will have significant implications for the larger case against Trump and other defendants. A decision on whether the charges will be dismissed or moved to federal court is expected in the near future.

Ukrainian troops have successfully breached the first line of Russia's defenses in the southern front line, reclaiming the town of Robotyne. This marks a major victory for Ukraine as they continue their counteroffensive against Russian forces. The Ukrainian military, supported by special forces, fought a brutal battle to liberate the town, with video footage showing close calls and direct hits. The retaking of Robotyne is being seen as evidence of Ukraine's ability to pierce Russia's defensive lines.

The liberated town is located in the Zaporizhzhia region, one of the four regions that Russia unilaterally declared dominion over last year. Ukrainian forces are now advancing southeast of Robotyne and pushing towards the Sea of Azov. Their ultimate goal is to split Russian forces and regain control of the region. However, they have encountered challenges such as vast minefields and trenches set up by Russian troops.

The success in retaking Robotyne follows reports of a meeting between senior NATO military chiefs and Ukraine's top general on resetting Ukraine's military strategy. The situation in eastern Ukraine remains volatile, with Russian forces regrouping and deploying their best troops. Ukrainian forces continue to push south of Bakhmut, and the battlefield situation is described as "very hot."

AAA Alabama says it's unlikely that Tropical Storm Idalia will cause significant fluctuations in gas prices in Alabama. While gas infrastructure along the Gulf Coast could be affected, it is closer to Mississippi and Texas. AAA Alabama spokesperson Clay Ingram states that if the storm follows its projected path, it is less likely to have an impact on gas prices outside of Florida. Florida evacuations may slightly drive up demand in Alabama, but AAA remains hopeful that gas prices will not rise too much, especially during the upcoming Labor Day holiday. However, AAA advises those planning a trip to Florida to stay informed and reconsider their plans, as areas impacted by the storm are already experiencing significant problems. Alabama families planning to visit Disney World or Universal Studios for Labor Day should find alternate routes to avoid affected areas. Overall, AAA Alabama does not anticipate Tropical Storm Idalia to have a significant impact on gas prices in the state.

SKIP STORY

Steve Jones, a US District Court Judge, is overseeing the pivotal decision regarding whether to move the cases of Fulton County defendants to the federal court system. During a hearing on Monday, Judge Jones did not immediately rule on the motion made by Mark Meadows, a defendant in the case. The decision will determine whether Meadows' state criminal charges will be transferred to federal court.

Both the judge and prosecutors are closely monitoring statements made by former President Trump and his team outside of court. While there is no restriction on Trump's ability to make comments, prosecutors have made it clear that such public statements will be taken into consideration during arguments to the judge. During the hearing, prosecutor Molly Gaston confronted Trump's attorney, John Lauro, with his own public statements about the indictment.

Judge Jones runs a tight ship and is focused on ensuring a fair trial. He stated that he would rule as quickly as possible so that arraignments scheduled for September 6 can proceed smoothly. Chutkan, another judge involved in the case, emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair jury pool. Meadows' legal battle to move his case to federal court is being closely watched, as it could potentially have implications for Trump's case as well.

A helicopter belonging to the Broward County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) crashed a few blocks from a school in Pompano Beach, Florida, according to reports. The crash occurred around 9 a.m., and three people were on board at the time of the incident. The BCSO has confirmed that all three individuals sustained injuries, with two of them being transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Fortunately, no school buildings were hit by the helicopter. The crash has led to the closure of Dixie Highway between Northeast 5th Street and Northeast 10th Street.

Initially, there were reports that the helicopter crashed into a school, but further updates clarified that it actually crashed into a small apartment building near the intersection of Atlantic and Dixie Highway. Additionally, new information suggests that at least two people have tragically lost their lives in the incident, with several others injured. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.

As this is a developing story, more updates are expected to emerge. Local authorities are working to secure the crash site and provide assistance to those affected.

Aug. 28, 2023, 2:33 p.m. ET

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, known as "Joe the Plumber," passed away at the age of 49 on Sunday at his home in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Wurzelbacher gained national attention during the 2008 presidential campaign when he confronted then-candidate Barack Obama about his tax policies, leading to a discussion on the role of small businesses in the economy. His exchange with Obama catapulted him into the political spotlight, earning him the nickname "Joe the Plumber."

Wurzelbacher's encounter with Obama resonated with many Americans who saw him as a symbol of the struggles faced by the middle class. He became a sought-after voice for conservatives and made appearances at tea party rallies and conservative events. Wurzelbacher also campaigned with Republican nominee John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin.

In 2012, Wurzelbacher ran for a U.S. House seat in Ohio but was unsuccessful. Despite his loss, he continued to advocate for conservative causes and worked with a veterans organization that provided outdoor programs for wounded soldiers.

Wurzelbacher's son, Joey Wurzelbacher, described his father as a true patriot and emphasized his message of faith and coming to God. As news of Wurzelbacher's passing spread, tributes poured in from those who respected his passion and dedication to his beliefs.

Clarence B. Jones, the man who helped Martin Luther King Jr. draft his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, recently spoke about the experience in an interview with All Things Considered. Jones, who was King's personal attorney, adviser, and speechwriter, revealed that the process leading up to the iconic speech was not as commonly portrayed. Contrary to popular belief, Jones did not work with King on the speech at the Willard Hotel; instead, he had prepared a text as a reference for King to consider before the speech.

In the interview, Jones recalled that King had always found it challenging to start a speech and often struggled with how to begin. Jones had written out a text on yellow sheets of paper the night before the speech, providing King with a potential opening for his address. However, when Jones listened to King's speech, he was surprised to hear that King had used the exact text he had given him.

The interview with Clarence B. Jones offers a fresh perspective on the historic "I Have a Dream" speech and sheds light on the collaborative effort behind it. Despite the misconceptions surrounding the speech's creation, Jones's account highlights the significance of his contribution and the impact of King's powerful words.

House Republicans are considering launching an impeachment inquiry into President Biden when Congress reconvenes next month. Some lawmakers argue that they already have enough evidence to impeach the president, while others believe that there needs to be a direct link to the president in the evidence. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has indicated that the House could start an official inquiry this fall. However, there is still division among House Republicans, and it is uncertain whether they have the votes to launch the inquiry. McCarthy and top Republicans are strategizing on how to move forward with the impeachment inquiry, but they are also aware that the entire House Republican conference is not yet on board with this politically risky move. One of the questions being discussed is whether a formal floor vote is necessary to authorize the inquiry, as Republicans do not currently have the 218 votes needed for such a vote. The outcome of the impeachment inquiry may also be affected by the expiration of government funding at the end of September.

Three US Marines who tragically died in an Osprey aircraft crash during a military exercise in Australia have been identified. Corporal Spencer R. Collart, Captain Eleanor V. LeBeau, and Major Tobin J. Lewis were among the 23 Marines on board the MV-22B Osprey when it crashed on Melville Island. Collart served as the Osprey crew chief, LeBeau was a pilot, and Lewis was the executive officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363). The Marines expressed their grief and extended their thoughts and prayers to the families of these respected and beloved members.

The incident occurred on Sunday around 9:30 a.m. local time. Of the 23 Marines, three are still receiving treatment in a hospital, with one in critical condition and the others in stable condition. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin offered his condolences to the families of those killed and injured and acknowledged their courage and service to the country. The Australian Defence Force, Northern Territory Police, Northern Territory Government, and other organizations have played a crucial role in supporting the Marines during this difficult time.

As Hurricane Idalia strengthens into a Category 3 storm and threatens to make landfall in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis faces the challenge of balancing his duties as governor with his presidential campaign aspirations. The storm is forecasted to bring a life-threatening storm surge and devastating winds, prompting DeSantis to cancel campaign fundraisers and political events and focus on emergency preparations.

DeSantis, who is the first Florida governor to seek the presidency while still in office, is likely to face heightened scrutiny as voters evaluate his leadership skills in the face of a major natural disaster. Hurricanes have historically provided governors with a platform to showcase their leadership to a national audience, and DeSantis experienced this last year during Hurricane Ian.

Idalia is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane in the Big Bend area, an area that has not seen a storm of this magnitude since the 1800s. The region is already under mandatory evacuation orders, and counties are urged to file requests for aid and resources as soon as possible. Orlando International Airport remains open and operational, but residents of Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties are being advised to obtain early refills of their prescriptions in case of pharmacy disruptions.

As Governor DeSantis navigates the challenges posed by Hurricane Idalia, the nation watches to see how he handles the storm and whether it will impact his presidential campaign aspirations.

The shooting at a Jacksonville Dollar General store over the weekend that left three Black people dead has sparked a debate about the city's racist past and the current struggles to move past it. While some view the incident as an anomaly, others believe it is a reflection of a culture that allows racism and violence to persist. The Jacksonville Urban League issued a statement connecting the tragedy to a political environment that fosters prejudice and hatred. The group called on local and state leaders to reevaluate their policies and actively work towards equality and respect for all citizens. The shooting suspect, Ryan Palmeter, was reported to have worn a Rhodesian army patch on his vest, which is associated with white supremacy. This symbol has been used in previous white supremacist attacks, including the 2015 Charleston church shooting. The incident has also raised questions about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was booed and heckled at a prayer vigil for the victims. Some blame DeSantis for loosening gun laws and curbing efforts to teach Black history in public schools. In response, DeSantis has committed state funds to increase security at a nearby historically Black university. The shooting has reignited calls to address and combat racism in Jacksonville and throughout Florida.

What's next for America?

Former President Donald J. Trump's federal trial for charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election has been scheduled for early March 2024 by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. The trial date is close to the government's initial request of January and rejects Trump's proposal to delay the proceedings until after the 2024 election. This decision potentially conflicts with two other trials Trump is facing that month - one in Fulton County, Georgia, for tampering with the election, and another in Manhattan for hush-money payments to a porn actress.

The fact that three out of four criminal cases against Trump could go before separate juries in separate cities within weeks of one another highlights the extraordinary legal situation the former president finds himself in. Trump has been indicted in Washington, New York, Atlanta, and Fort Pierce, Florida. Prosecutors from these different jurisdictions are trying to find time for their trials amidst Trump's crowded calendar as a leading candidate for the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nomination.

If either of his federal trials is delayed until after the race and Trump prevails, he could potentially seek self-pardon or have the matters dismissed by his attorney general. However, Judge Chutkan dismissed arguments made by Trump's lawyers that more time was needed to prepare for trial due to the volume of discovery, downplaying their concerns. Trump's legal troubles are now inching closer to colliding with the Republican nomination calendar, adding an extra layer of complexity to the 2024 presidential race.

The state of California has filed a lawsuit against the Chino Valley Unified School District, alleging that its policy of notifying parents if their children change their gender identity is discriminatory and violates civil rights and privacy laws. The controversial "parental notification" policy, which has been proposed by conservative-leaning districts in California, could potentially put transgender and gender nonconforming students at risk of emotional, physical, and psychological harm by outing them to their parents before they're ready, according to the lawsuit.

Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, stated that the policy discriminates against students based on gender and violates equal rights and the right to privacy guaranteed by the California Constitution. The lawsuit asks the San Bernardino County Superior Court to immediately ban the practice in Chino Valley Unified and warns other districts, such as Murrieta Valley Unified and Orange Unified, that have proposed similar policies.

The lawsuit comes amid heated debates over culture war issues, including critical race theory and LGBTQ+ inclusive education, at school board meetings across California. Last week, more than 100 demonstrators opposed to LGBTQ+ education marched in Los Angeles. California's lawsuit against Chino Valley Unified is a clear indication that the state will continue to fight for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ students.

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, also known as "Joe the Plumber," has died at the age of 49 after battling pancreatic cancer, according to members of his family. Wurzelbacher gained national attention in 2008 when he confronted then-presidential candidate Barack Obama on the campaign trail, questioning his economic policies. Wurzelbacher's wife, Katie Wurzelbacher, described him as an average, honorable man who loved his country deeply. His oldest son, Joey Wurzelbacher, remembered his father as a man of faith who wanted a united America. Despite losing his bid for Ohio's 9th District in Congress in 2012, Wurzelbacher left a lasting impact on American politics. He became a symbol of the struggling middle class and was referenced numerous times during the October 15, 2008 presidential debate between Obama and Republican nominee John McCain. Wurzelbacher's family thanked everyone for their support and stated that his battle with cancer was now over. A fundraiser on the crowdfunding site GiveSendGo raised over $139,000 for his family during his illness.

The United States and China have agreed to establish new channels of communication for economic and commercial issues, according to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. This includes the creation of a new bilateral forum to discuss export control measures and reduce misunderstandings of national security policies. The announcement comes amidst growing tensions between the two countries over advanced technology, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Micron Technologies, a US memory chip maker, has also appointed Li Xinming as its head of China government affairs, signaling an effort to mend ties with Beijing. Li, who has over 30 years of experience in both government and enterprise sectors, will play a crucial role in rebuilding relationships after Micron's products were barred from certain sales in China. The move comes as Secretary Raimondo visits China, with hopes that her visit will lead to an easing of tensions over technology and trade between the two countries. The establishment of the new channels of communication and partnership with Micron Technologies are positive steps towards alleviating trade tensions between the US and China.

A secretive company known as Flannery Associates LLC has recently come under scrutiny as it has been buying up large amounts of land around Travis Air Force Base in California. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is currently investigating the company to ensure that there are no national security concerns. Flannery Associates LLC is the brainchild of Jan Sramek, a former Goldman Sachs trader, and is backed by some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley, including Reid Hoffman, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Marc Andreessen. With $800 million in funding, Sramek plans to convert the farmland into a new "mega-city" featuring sustainable energy, affordable housing, and good-paying jobs. However, the project has faced legal challenges and is being met with suspicion from neighbors in and around Fairfield, California. It remains to be seen if Sramek and his team can appease the local opponents and move forward with their ambitious plans.

The Kremlin has stated that the decision on the funerals of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, Dmitry Utkin, and other members of the Wagner group rests with their families. Prigozhin, also known as Putin's chef, was killed in a private jet crash last week. The crash was caused by an onboard explosion, according to Western intelligence agencies. However, Kremlin propagandists have been promoting alternative theories to downplay suspicions of targeted assassination. Some blame Ukraine and Western intelligence agencies, while others suggest that Wagner's careless handling of ammunition could be the cause. Prigozhin was a key figure in Wagner's assault on the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut and led a short-lived rebellion against Russia's military leadership. His death is seen by many in Russia's elite as a signal of President Putin reasserting control. The Kremlin is grappling with the decision of whether to give Prigozhin and Wagner full military honors, amidst the ongoing divisions within Russia over the war in Ukraine. The funeral arrangements and President Putin's attendance have yet to be decided.

Four people, including two toddlers, were found dead in an Upper West Side apartment in New York City. Multiple knives were recovered at the scene, but it is still unclear whether it was a murder-suicide. The victims were a 41-year-old man, a 40-year-old woman, a 1-year-old boy, and a 3-year-old girl. The FDNY discovered the grisly scene after receiving a call for a wellness check. The man and woman had neck injuries, the girl had torso injuries, and the boy had body injuries. All four were declared dead at the scene.

Source:

- NBC New York

- Eyewitness News

- CBS News New York

- ABC-7

- PEOPLE

A Broward Sheriff's Office Air Rescue helicopter crashed into an apartment building in North Broward County, Florida. The crash occurred near the intersection of Atlantic and Dixie Highway. Initial reports indicated that the helicopter crashed into a school, but it was later confirmed to be an apartment building. The crash occurred around 9 a.m. on August 28, 2023.

According to emergency communications, at least two people were killed in the crash and there are potentially six injured. Some of the injured and one of the deceased victims were on the ground at the time of the crash.

The Broward Sheriff's Office issued a statement advising motorists to avoid the area and announced that Dixie Highway is shutdown between Northeast Fifth Street and Northeast 10th Street. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue transported two people to an area hospital.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and authorities are still conducting an investigation. The helicopter was part of the Broward Sheriff's Office aviation unit fleet.

This is a developing story, and more updates will be provided as they become available.

Donald Trump's legal battles are inching closer to colliding with the Republican nomination calendar, as the first day of jury selection in the Washington DC election interference and civil rights case has been set for March 4, 2024 - just one day after Super Tuesday. With key primary contests in California, Texas, and other jurisdictions taking place immediately after, Trump's legal woes will likely dominate the headlines during the crucial nomination period. Potential Republican candidates like Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Nikki Haley will be forced to confront questions about Trump's legal troubles as they try to convey their own closing messages.

In court, Trump's lawyers brought their client's grievances to the forefront, with Trump himself branding the prosecutors as "fascist thugs." However, the judge reminded the legal team to "take the temperature down." The judge's decision to set an early trial date in March indicates that Trump's efforts to delay the proceedings were unsuccessful. The judge also rejected the argument that the case presented novel difficulties, asking why it was considered complex aside from its historic aspect.

Prosecutors highlighted Trump's daily social media posts as potentially influencing the jury pool. The judge emphasized the importance of avoiding anything that could poison the jury pool. This scrutiny of Trump's public statements indicates that his words may have consequences during the trial.

Overall, Trump's legal troubles are likely to cast a shadow over the Republican nomination process, forcing candidates to navigate through the fallout and address questions about the former president's potential conviction.

Eminem has reportedly asked Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his songs during campaign events. The request comes after Ramaswamy performed Eminem's hit song "Lose Yourself" at the Iowa State Fair earlier this month. Music licenser BMI sent a letter to Ramaswamy's campaign, stating that any further use of Eminem's compositions would be considered a breach of the agreement. This is not the first time Eminem has objected to a Republican politician using his music. In 2016, he released a song warning against then-candidate Donald Trump, and in 2004, he released a political protest song criticizing President George W. Bush. In contrast, Eminem allowed Joe Biden's campaign to use "Lose Yourself" in an advertisement during the 2020 election. The rapper has been vocal about his political views and has used his music to express his opinions on various political issues. Ramaswamy's campaign has not yet commented on Eminem's request.

Iga Swiatek, the reigning US Open champion, is set to begin her title defense in New York as the final Grand Slam tournament of the year gets underway. Swiatek, who became the youngest women's singles champion at Roland Garros since Monica Seles in 1992, has had a remarkable rise in the tennis world. In just three years, she has won four Grand Slam titles and became the number one-ranked female tennis player in the world.

Swiatek will open the tournament on the main show court, Arthur Ashe Stadium, against Sweden's Rebecca Peterson. The match will be followed by home favorite Francis Tiafoe's campaign against fellow American Learner Tien. In the night session, Coco Gauff, who recently beat Swiatek to win the Cincinnati title, will face Germany's Laura Siegemund. The closing match on Ashe will see the return of three-time men's champion Novak Djokovic, who missed last year's tournament due to national COVID vaccination policies.

The US Open is expected to showcase electrifying tennis action as top players battle it out for the prestigious title. Swiatek's performance will be closely watched as she aims to retain her crown and cement her status in women's tennis. Will she continue her remarkable streak and successfully defend her US Open title? Only time will tell.

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