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Hurricane Milton Death Toll Rises to At Least 16 in Florida

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Hurricane Milton Death Toll Rises to At Least 16 in Florida

At least 16 people have died in Florida as a result of Hurricane Milton’s devastating impact, according to officials who spoke to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner. The powerful storm, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday evening, has left a trail of destruction across the state, with millions without power and extensive flooding in its wake.

St. Lucie County on Florida’s east coast bore the brunt of the initial impact, with at least five fatalities reported. Local authorities confirmed that a dozen tornadoes touched down in the area before Milton’s arrival, contributing to the loss of life. The Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, a senior mobile home community near Fort Pierce, was among the hardest-hit areas, with at least one death reported there.

Further fatalities were confirmed in other parts of the state. St. Petersburg in central Florida reported two deaths, while Volusia County, approximately 50 miles from Orlando, saw at least two people killed when trees fell on their homes. One of the victims in Volusia County was identified as a 79-year-old woman. In Citrus County, officials reported one death resulting from a vehicle crash into a fallen tree.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in a Thursday morning briefing, warned that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the storm’s impact becomes clear. “We don’t have confirmed reports of other fatalities throughout the rest of the state, but we may as the day goes on,” DeSantis stated, adding that state forces had been involved in “definitely dozens of rescues” since the storm hit.

The hurricane brought torrential rains, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches (45 cm) of precipitation. Storm surges, while not reaching the feared 10-15 foot levels in Tampa Bay, still caused significant coastal flooding. In the Siesta Key area, where Milton made landfall, storm surges of 5-10 feet (1.5-3m) were reported.

The storm’s impact extends beyond the immediate loss of life. Approximately 3 million homes and businesses across Florida are without power, with additional outages reported in Georgia and North Carolina. In St. Petersburg, officials were forced to shut down the water supply system due to hurricane damage, leaving residents without water until repairs can be safely conducted.

As Milton moves eastward towards the Atlantic, north of the Bahamas, Florida begins the arduous task of recovery. Governor DeSantis warned that flooding remains a significant concern in the coming days, particularly as high tides could exacerbate river flooding across Hillsborough County and beyond.

The devastation wrought by Hurricane Milton compounds the challenges faced by the southeastern United States, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s impact just two weeks prior.

Israeli Strikes on Central Beirut Kill 22, Injure 117, Lebanon Reports

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Israeli Strikes on Central Beirut Kill 22, Injure 117, Lebanon Reports

Israeli air strikes on central Beirut have resulted in 22 deaths and 117 injuries, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported on Thursday. The attacks, which targeted the Bachoura district, a predominantly Shia area of the Lebanese capital, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

BBC reporters on the ground heard loud explosions echoing from the strike site in Bachoura. Rescue workers were observed digging through rubble, while numerous ambulances rushed the injured to the American University hospital.

Unconfirmed media reports suggest that the apparent target of the strikes was Wafiq Safa, brother-in-law of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and a high-ranking security official within the organization. Hezbollah’s media office has not yet commented on these reports.

The attacks on Beirut come after two days of relative calm in the capital, which had experienced intensive strikes in recent weeks. This marks the third time Israel has conducted air strikes on Beirut outside of the Dahieh suburb, an area repeatedly targeted for its association with Hezbollah commanders and munitions caches.

One eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters that the building hit was entirely residential, standing four or five stories tall. The woman, who was in an adjacent building at the time of the blast, reported that one of her relatives was being treated for head injuries.

These strikes coincide with an incident in southern Lebanon where two Indonesian UN peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) reported that an observation tower at their base in Naqoura was directly hit, causing the peacekeepers to fall.

The UN has accused Israeli forces of “repeatedly hitting” UN positions in the last 24 hours, including deliberately targeting cameras and lights at two other Unifil bases. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their troops fired from the area around the base after ordering base members to remain in “protected places.”

Unifil, established in 1978 to monitor hostilities and ensure humanitarian access in southern Lebanon, currently has around 10,000 military peacekeepers from 50 countries, with Indonesia contributing the largest contingent of over 1,200 troops.

The situation remains tense, with Hezbollah claiming to have fired rockets at Israeli soldiers on the ground and using guided missiles to destroy a tank near Naqoura. Israel reportedly has four divisions of soldiers fighting inside Lebanon as part of its ground operations against Hezbollah, which began on September 30.

These events unfold against the backdrop of ongoing regional hostilities that have escalated since Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel on October 8, 2023, following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel. The conflict has led to widespread displacement, with Lebanon’s government reporting that up to 1.2 million people have fled their homes over the past year.

One Dead, 12 Trapped in Colorado Gold Mine Elevator Accident

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One Dead, 12 Trapped in Colorado Gold Mine Elevator Accident

A tragic incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine near Cripple Creek, Colorado, has left one person dead and 12 others trapped approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters) underground following an elevator malfunction, authorities reported on Thursday.

Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell stated in a press conference that the elevator experienced mechanical problems around 500 feet (152 meters) below the surface, creating a “severe danger for the participants.” The identity of the deceased and the cause of death have not been disclosed.

The 12 individuals still trapped at the bottom of the mine are reported to be in safe conditions and in communication with authorities. Sheriff Mikesell confirmed that two children were involved in the incident, though it’s unclear if they are among those still trapped.

Eleven people who were riding the elevator at the time of the malfunction were successfully rescued, with four sustaining minor injuries. The nature of these injuries and the specific mechanical issues with the elevator were not elaborated upon.

Rescue efforts are currently focused on safely reactivating the elevator system. “We want to inspect it, make sure it’s safe before bringing them back up with it,” Mikesell explained. He also noted that alternative rescue plans using ropes are in place if necessary.

The state of Colorado is sending an elevator expert to assist with the situation. Among those trapped is a member of the family mining operation with mine rescue experience, potentially aiding in maintaining calm and safety underground.

Communication with the trapped group is being maintained via radio, though they have not been fully informed about the extent of the elevator problem to prevent panic. The elevator typically takes about two minutes to descend, traveling at approximately 500 feet per minute.

Governor Jared Polis announced that the state is providing resources, including a specialized mine rescue team, stating, “We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation.”

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which opened in the 1800s and closed in the 1960s, now operates as a tourist attraction. It offers one-hour tours that descend 1,000 feet into the earth, allowing visitors to see gold veins and ride an underground tram.

Witnesses Report Building Full of People Collapse in Beirut Strike, Casualties Feared-CNN

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Witnesses Report Building Full of People Collapse in Beirut Strike, Casualties Feared-CNN

Two witnesses have reported to CNN that an entire building collapsed in central Beirut following one of tonight’s strikes, stating that the structure was occupied by both long-term residents and people recently displaced by conflict.

Hassan, a witness interviewed outside a hospital near Beirut’s Upper Basta neighborhood, described the incident to CNN: “The bomb hit. And the entire building fell down. There were so many people in the building. Not just the residents but also people who were displaced from other parts of the country.”

A Lebanese security source had previously informed CNN that an Israeli strike had caused the collapse of a four-story building in Upper Basta. The incident has raised immediate concerns about potential civilian casualties and the targeting of residential areas in the ongoing conflict.

Outside the hospital, people gathered anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Partim, a migrant worker from Bangladesh, told CNN, “I’m waiting for my brother and sister. They were the concierges of the building. I’m sure they’re ok.”

The scene outside the hospital was one of tension and worry, with friends comforting each other as they waited for information. “Don’t worry,” one man was overheard telling his friend. “I’m sure we’ll hear from her very soon.”

In Beirut’s Al Nuwairi neighborhood, the site of another strike, reports indicate that a building’s third floor was hit. Eyewitnesses described seeing firetrucks and ambulances near the affected building, while women carrying bags were observed fleeing the area.

These incidents mark a significant escalation in the conflict, with strikes now directly impacting densely populated urban areas in Beirut. The reported targeting of buildings housing civilians, including displaced persons, raises serious humanitarian concerns and questions about the conduct of military operations in residential zones.

Futuristic 33,000-Seat Stadium to Replace Las Vegas’s Tropicana Resort

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Futuristic 33,000-Seat Stadium to Replace Las Vegas’s Tropicana Resort

The Oakland Athletics have revealed stunning new renderings for a futuristic 33,000-seat stadium set to replace the iconic Tropicana resort in Las Vegas. The $1.5 billion project, slated for completion in 2028, showcases an innovative design reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House.

The proposed ballpark features a distinctive domed roof with five overlapping layers, creating a striking silhouette on the Las Vegas skyline. Inside, plans include an 18,000-square-foot video board and a glass window beyond the outfield, offering spectators views of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Designed by architectural firms Bjarke Ingels Group and HNTB, the stadium will occupy nine acres of the 35-acre site owned by Bally’s at the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. The project’s budget includes $380 million in taxpayer funding approved by the Nevada Legislature.

A’s owner John Fisher praised the collaboration between the architectural teams, stating, “The collaboration between BIG’s creativity and HNTB’s technical expertise allows for a truly innovative and bold design while ensuring an unmatched fan experience.”

The stadium complex will extend beyond the enclosed dome, featuring a massive patio area where fans can view the action from outside. This design element aims to integrate the ballpark with the vibrant atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip.

George Papanier, president of Tropicana owner Bally’s Corp., described the project as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” emphasizing its potential to become a new landmark that pays homage to Las Vegas’s iconic history and global appeal.

The unveiling of these plans follows the recent demolition of the Tropicana resort, which was imploded in a spectacular display of fireworks and drones. The implosion marked the end of the resort’s 67-year history, clearing the way for the new stadium and accompanying hotel development.

With the Athletics’ lease at their current home, the Oakland Coliseum, expiring after the 2024 season, the team will need a temporary venue for the 2025-2027 seasons before moving into their new Las Vegas home.

This ambitious project represents a significant shift for the Athletics franchise and promises to add a cutting-edge sports facility to Las Vegas’s already impressive array of attractions. As construction begins, the development is set to transform the corner of the Strip where the Tropicana once stood, ushering in a new era for both the team and the city.

Two UN Peacekeepers Injured by Alleged Israeli Tank Fire in Southern Lebanon

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Two UN Peacekeepers Injured by Alleged Israeli Tank Fire in Southern Lebanon

Two Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) have been injured after an Israeli tank reportedly fired at a UN watchtower in southern Lebanon, according to a statement from the UN on Thursday.

The incident occurred at a Unifil base in Naqoura, where an observation tower was directly hit, causing the peacekeepers to fall. While the injuries are not reported to be serious, both peacekeepers have been hospitalized.

Unifil spokesperson Andrea Tenenti expressed alarm over the situation, stating that Israeli forces had “repeatedly hit” UN positions in the last 24 hours. This includes accusations of Israeli soldiers deliberately targeting cameras and lights at two other Unifil bases.

“We are deeply concerned by the Israeli army’s activity in the area where our peacekeeping troops are based,” Tenenti told the BBC. He emphasized that the positions hit are well-known UN sites and called for discussions with Israeli authorities to “understand what happened.”

In a separate but related incident, Israeli forces allegedly fired at another Unifil base in Naqoura, damaging the entrance to a bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, as well as vehicles and communication systems. An Israeli drone was also spotted flying above the bunker entrance.

The UN has strongly condemned these actions, describing deliberate attacks on its peacekeepers as “a grave violation of international law.”

This escalation comes as Israel continues its ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which began on September 30. Currently, four divisions of Israeli soldiers are reportedly engaged in combat inside Lebanese territory.

Unifil, established in 1978, operates along the Blue Line — the unofficial boundary separating Lebanon from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The force comprises around 10,000 military peacekeepers from 50 countries, with Indonesia contributing the largest contingent of over 1,200 troops.

The incident has drawn international criticism, with Italy’s defense minister calling it “intolerable” and Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris emphasizing that “the Blue Helmet worn by UN peacekeepers must be sacrosanct.”

As tensions continue to rise in the region, with ongoing exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, the safety of UN peacekeepers and their ability to carry out their mandate remain under significant threat.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet commented on the incident.

Ray McCauley, Influential South African Pastor and Rhema Bible Church Founder, Dies at 75

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Ray McCauley, Influential South African Pastor and Rhema Bible Church Founder, Dies at 75

Ray McCauley, the influential founder of Rhema Bible Church South Africa and a prominent figure in the country’s religious and political landscape, has died at the age of 75. McCauley’s son announced that the pastor passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and loved ones.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences, describing McCauley’s death as leaving “our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader.” Ramaphosa highlighted the Rhema Bible Church’s role as one of the largest multiracial congregations during apartheid, underscoring McCauley’s significant impact on South African society.

The Rhema Bible Church, boasting over 45,000 members, stands as one of South Africa’s most influential religious institutions. The South African National Christian Forum (SANCF) praised McCauley as “an outstanding ecumenical leader” who will be remembered as one of the country’s great Christian leaders.

McCauley played a crucial role during the late years of apartheid, speaking out against the racist regime. During the Truth and Reconciliation talks, he acknowledged the shortcomings of white South Africans who “hid behind their so-called spirituality while closing their eyes to the dark events of the apartheid years.”

His influence extended beyond religious circles into the political realm. McCauley allowed then-unelected President Jacob Zuma to address his congregation in 2009, sparking accusations of political bias. As a member of the National Interfaith Leaders Council (NILC), he often defended African National Congress (ANC) members on controversial issues.

At the height of his influence, McCauley was dubbed the “high priest of South Africa” by some media outlets. However, his ministry was not without controversy. Critics pointed to his lavish lifestyle and promotion of the prosperity gospel. In 2008, reports indicated he earned about 68 million rand ($3.8 million), primarily from tithes and offerings.

McCauley’s personal life also drew scrutiny, particularly his 2000 divorce from his first wife Lyndie, which lacked biblical grounds and led to a division within his congregation. He remarried in 2001 to Zelda Ireland.

Before his religious career, McCauley was a bodybuilder who competed in the 1974 Mr. Universe competition, placing in the top three. Despite stepping back from active church duties in 2022, he delivered a sermon at Rhema just weeks before his passing.

McCauley is survived by his widow Zelda, son Joshua from his first marriage, and three grandchildren. His death marks the end of an era for South African Christianity and leaves a complex legacy that intertwines religious leadership with political influence and social change.

Elon Musk Set to Unveil Tesla’s ‘Cybercab’ Robotaxi at Highly Anticipated Event

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Elon Musk Set to Unveil Tesla’s ‘Cybercab’ Robotaxi at Highly Anticipated Event

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is poised to unveil the company’s much-anticipated robotaxi, dubbed the ‘Cybercab’, at the Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, California on Thursday. The event, titled “We, Robot,” marks a crucial moment for Tesla as it seeks to solidify its position in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle market.

The Cybercab project, which has faced delays from its original August release date, has been a subject of intense speculation in the tech and automotive industries. Musk has long touted the potential of self-driving cars, promising they will revolutionize transportation by enhancing safety and offering new revenue streams for owners through ride-sharing and rental opportunities.

However, as Musk takes the stage, he faces pressure to address skepticism about Tesla’s ability to deliver on these ambitious goals. Analysts, including Jessica Caldwell of edmunds.com, emphasize the need for Tesla to present a developed concept and operational details. “The expectation is that this event should clear the air on the concept,” Caldwell stated, adding that failure to reveal substantial progress would be a “letdown.”

While specific details about the Cybercab remain limited, reports suggest it will feature a two-seat design with butterfly doors. Unlike some competitors who rely on laser-based Lidar sensors, Tesla’s approach is expected to utilize a combination of cameras and advanced computing power for navigation.

The unveiling comes as Tesla faces competition from established players in the autonomous vehicle space. Waymo, owned by Alphabet, already operates robotaxis on some U.S. roads, and other companies like Cruise and Baidu are expanding their presence in the market.

Industry analysts will be closely watching for information on the Cybercab’s scaling plans, cost per mile projections, and details about a potential Tesla ride-share app. Wedbush analysts noted, “With very few industry events as widely anticipated as this, we believe Musk will address the near-term pain points.”

The event, scheduled for 7:00 PM Pacific Time on Thursday (3:00 AM Friday in the UK), will be livestreamed on X (formerly Twitter). Despite the high-profile nature of the unveiling, Tesla has been selective with media invitations, leading to some controversy in tech and automotive journalism circles.

As the autonomous vehicle sector continues to evolve, with recent setbacks like the suspension of Cruise’s operations in San Francisco, Tesla’s Cybercab reveal could play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the industry and Tesla’s position within it.

BBC Investigation Reveals 65 More Women Allege Sexual Abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed

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BBC Investigation Reveals 65 More Women Allege Sexual Abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed

A BBC investigation has revealed that 65 more women have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against the late billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed, extending the timeline of alleged offenses back to 1977 and expanding the scope beyond his Harrods empire.

The new accounts, which surfaced following the broadcast of the documentary “Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods” and an accompanying podcast, include allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and rape. These reports suggest that Al Fayed, who died in 2023, employed a wider range of abusive tactics and targeted women both within and outside his business operations.

Several women interviewed by the BBC claim they were recruited under false pretenses for positions on Al Fayed’s domestic staff, only to be sexually exploited at his Oxted mansion. One woman, identified as Margot (name changed), described being hired as a nanny in 1985 but instead found herself trapped and repeatedly assaulted at Barrow Green Court.

“The job just didn’t exist. He didn’t need a nanny. He didn’t want a nanny,” Margot told the BBC, detailing how she was sexually assaulted in various locations on the estate before being raped in her room.

One of the 65 women, Sheenagh, waived her anonymity to recount Mohamed Al Fayed’s abuse

The earliest allegation dates back to 1977 in Dubai, where a woman claims Al Fayed personally stalked and threatened her. This predates his purchase of Harrods in 1985, which brought him to prominence in the UK.

Of the 65 new allegations, 37 come from former Harrods employees. In response, Harrods stated, “Since the airing of the documentary, so far there are 200+ individuals who are now in the Harrods process to settle claims directly with the business.”

The investigation also uncovered allegations from women not employed by Al Fayed, including a London flower shop worker who says she was flown to Paris under the guise of a job interview and assaulted at the Ritz. A former BBC makeup artist reported being sexually assaulted while working on a 1989 episode of the Clothes Show featuring Al Fayed.

Sheenagh, pictured in 1975 before she moved to Dubai, worked in a bank where Al Fayed was a customer

These new revelations paint a picture of a predatory pattern spanning decades and crossing international borders. The accounts describe a man who used his wealth and power to manipulate situations, create false job opportunities, and intimidate victims into silence.

As more women come forward, the full extent of Al Fayed’s alleged abuses continues to unfold, raising questions about accountability and the systems that may have enabled such behavior to persist unchecked for so long.

bbc.com

Tornadoes in Florida Kill Four as Hurricane Milton Threatens More Flooding

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Tornadoes in Florida Kill Four as Hurricane Milton Threatens More Flooding

Four people have been killed by tornadoes that struck Florida’s east coast ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall, officials in St. Lucie County confirmed on Thursday. The deaths occurred as the powerful storm system approached the state, bringing with it a series of dangerous weather events.

St. Lucie County authorities reported that two confirmed tornadoes touched down in the area before Hurricane Milton’s arrival. “First responders and public works/utility crews are conducting response and recovery efforts caused by two confirmed tornadoes that touched down prior to the arrival of Hurricane Milton,” a county statement read.

The St. Lucie Medical Examiner officially confirmed the four fatalities resulting from these tornadoes, marking the first reported deaths associated with the current storm system in Florida.

Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued warnings about the potential for continued flooding across the state as Hurricane Milton progresses. The governor emphasized the ongoing danger, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders where issued.

Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm, has already caused extensive damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The combination of storm surge, heavy rainfall, and now confirmed tornado activity has created a multi-faceted threat to communities across the state.

Emergency management officials are coordinating response efforts, with search and rescue operations underway in the most severely affected areas. As the storm continues to move across Florida, authorities are bracing for the possibility of additional casualties and widespread property damage.

Residents are advised to stay informed about local weather conditions and follow all instructions from emergency management officials as the situation continues to evolve.

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