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1 Biden Addresses Federal Funding For Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Fiona
President Biden is announcing federal funding to help Puerto Rico recover from catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Fiona. On the island to talk about recovery – not just from Fiona, but also from Hurricane Maria back in 2017. During a press event, Biden recognized those lost, as well as roads and bridges washed away, crops decimated, and communities destroyed while many lived without power for days. Addressing Trump-era failures, he said the territory hasn't "gotten the help in a timely way" in the past. “You deserve every bit of help your country can give you,” he offered. “That’s what I’m determined to do and that’s what I promise you. After Maria, Congress approved billions of dollars to Puerto Rico, much of it not having gotten here initially. We’re going to make sure you get every single dollar promised.”
2 Trump Sues CNN For Defamation, Other Nets May Be Next
Former President Trump is suing CNN for defamation and is seeking $475-million in damages. The lawsuit filed in a federal court in Florida claims CNN used its “massive influence” to defame Trump for the purpose of defeating him politically. Team Trump alleges that the cable news network attempted to smear the former president with "a series of ever-more scandalous, false, and defamatory labels," such as racist, Russian lackey and insurrectionist. But that’s not all. In the documents, Trump’s lawyer also point the network's use of the term "Big Lie" to refer to Trump's repeated false statements about the 2020 election.
3 DeSantis Updates Hurricane Ian Clean-Up
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says there have been over 19-hundred hurricane rescues in his state so far – and that at least 95-percent of Floridians now have power. DeSantis credited first responders and thanked non-profits for stepping up and helping the people of Florida. At last check, least 100 people are dead as a result of Hurricane Ian. But while DesSantis and other officials are focused on recovery from a macro level – people on the ground are helping each other. That includes generators and donated food, and it’s coming as Jewish communities along the Gulf Coast are preparing to observe Yom Kippur at sundown tonight. Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. They’re not only coming together for each other – but the community at large. Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz of Chabad Southwest Florida in Fort Myers says they have become an emergency hub for those who have lost their homes, are flooded out or are still without power and other resources. He says they don't even know the extent of damage yet because so many roads are impassable by downed trees.