1 Zeta Stomps Ashore As A Cat 2 Storm
After dodging the bullet five times this hurricane season, New Orleans has taken a direct hit from Zeta as the storm came ashore as a Cat 2 storm. Not surprisingly, Zeta has not only left more than a million people without power, but at least two deaths so far. Officials confirm that one person was killed in New Orleans, electrocuted by downed power lines. A second storm-related death was confirmed in Biloxi, Mississippi. Of course, the full extent of the damage won't be known until the sun comes up. If there’s good news, it’s that Zeta has now been downgraded to a tropical storm. If there’s “don’t get too excited news,” it’s that the storm is still packing maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour as it moves northeast before ultimately moving out to sea.
2 "Anonymous" Writer Revealed: It's Former DHS Official Miles Taylor
It was back in 2018, that someone billing themselves as ‘Anonymous’ wrote a scathing Op-Ed in the “New York Times” about the Trump White House. He later wrote a book. After many guesses, we now know who it is: Miles Taylor. Who’s that? A former Trump administration appointee, who served in the United States Department of Homeland Security from 2017 to 2019, including as Chief of Staff to former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Acting Secretary Chad Wolf. Thing is, considering who he suggested he was, a lot of people are still saying “who?” Based on what he said he knew, ‘Anonymous’ was expected to be much higher in the food chain. In the end, Taylor outed himself in an online post. “Much has been made of the fact that these writings were published anonymously,” he offers. “The decision wasn’t easy, I wrestled with it, and I understand why some people consider it questionable to levy such serious charges against a sitting President under the cover of anonymity. But my reasoning was straightforward, and I stand by it.”
3 France, Germany Going On COVID Lockdown
As concerns rise, two of Europe's biggest countries are partially shutting down. Both France and Germany announced lockdown measures because of a rapid spread of coronavirus cases. Bars, restaurants and nonessential services will be closed and restrictions are expected for at least a month. Schools and many businesses will be allowed to keep the lights on, though. France will begin the restrictions tomorrow, while Germany's start Monday. For their part, the World Health Organization says national coronavirus lockdowns are avoidable. Still, they say due to rising COVID-19 cases, the WHO said the European Union borders also might need to be shut down. Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said its up to the government and citizens to do their part. Recently, the W-H-O said that lockdowns are not sustainable.