Storm Watch

Helene's destructive path. September 27, 2024 We’ll begin with the latest on the damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Then, we’re breaking down NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ charges and [his response to the indictment](. Later on, we’ll share: - [Hoda Kotb’s emotional announcement]( - [Good news about the benefits of exercise]( - [The best home deals to shop ahead of Way Day]( ... And a whole lot more. Let’s get started.   In the News [Waves crash off St. Pete Beach, Florida]( Waves crash off of St. Pete Beach, Florida as Hurricane Helene barrels closer. (Getty Images) Helene slammed into Florida's Big Bend overnight as a Category 4 hurricane packing 140 mph sustained winds. It was the strongest hurricane ever to hit the region and one of the largest seen in the Gulf of Mexico for 100 years. As of 5 am ET, Helene has weakened to a tropical storm, but it's still capable of catastrophic damage. The National Weather Service has warned against an “unsurvivable” storm surge in Apalachee Bay, with water rising up to 20 feet along the Big Bend. At least three people have been killed already, and storm-related power outages could last weeks. Helene's moving inland over central Georgia with 70 mph winds and torrential rain. The Biden administration has approved “pre-landfall emergency declarations” for states in Helene’s path. Helene-related warnings are in place for 60 million people in 12 states — residents of Lowndes County in southern Georgia were told to shelter in place early this morning.   More Stories [Close up of Eric Adams' face outside]( Getty Images New York City Mayor Eric Adams insists he won't step down after being [charged on five counts, including bribery, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.]( Prosecutors say he accepted free plane tickets and luxury accommodation. Defiant, Adams told the press: “My day-to-day will not change.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to speak at the UN General Assembly today. His office says it "shares the aims" of a proposed 21-day ceasefire on the border with Lebanon — though Israel and Hezbollah are still trading strikes. Donald Trump is selling a new line of very expensive watches, with one series priced at $100,000. The branded "Trump Watches" aren't designed, manufactured, or distributed by Trump or his business, but are licensed out by a different company. Alabama has executed a death row inmate using nitrogen gas, marking the second time the method has been used in U.S. history. It was the state's second effort to put Alan Eugene Miller, 59, to death — an attempted lethal injection failed in 2022. The FDA has approved the first new medication to treat schizophrenia in decades. Like previous drugs, Cobenfy treats psychosis, but it also hopes to address other persistent elements of the illness, like lack of motivation and difficulty feeling pleasure.   Must-Reads [Hoda Kotb poses with a hand on her hip, wearing a high-neck black dress with a keyhole cutout.]( End of an Era Hota Kotb announced she's leaving the TODAY show after 17 years. We've got the scoop on her departure and what she'll do next. [Read More »]( [A woman running in a hot pink shirt, pink lipstick, her curly hair flowing behind her]( Get Moving A new study has good news for people who squeeze all their workouts into the weekend, as opposed to spacing them out. [Read More »]( [Books placed in a rectangle space in a cinderblock wall]( Behind Bars Book bans don't just happen in school libraries. As Banned Books Week comes to a close, we're taking a look at censorship in prisons. [Read More »](   Helping Hands [Katie Couric, John Molner, KCM employees, and Bowery Mission volunteers posing at Bowery Mission]( The Bowery Mission This week, the KCM staff and I had the pleasure of stopping by [The Bowery Mission](, an iconic NYC refuge that offers hot food, a warm bed, and genuine conversation to neighbors in need. That includes 320,000 meals, 66,000 nights of shelter, 32,000 articles of clothing, and 45,000 emergency showers in the last year alone. The amazing team there is prepping for its 145th annual Thanksgiving celebration, which will provide turkey dinners, hot coffee, homemade pies, and winter care kits to more than 2,000 New Yorkers without housing. I've seen firsthand how much this help means to the folks who receive it, and if you'd like to pitch in,[you can donate right here](. I hope you'll join me in doing some good this year!   Skincare Superhero [MERIT Great Skin Moisturizer]( MERIT Our partners at MERIT have done it again: Their brand-new [Great Skin Moisturizer]( packs a serious punch into a deceptively lightweight cream. This fantastic formula preps your face for makeup, soothes the skin barrier, and provides time-release hydration that'll have you looking (and feeling) your best all day. Our accounts VP Laura Buczik says it's the perfect final layer in her skincare routine (before SPF!) — it doesn't interfere with the serums she's already used, and it creates a smooth base for the cosmetics she puts on next. Ready to try it? With your first purchase exclusively on [meritbeauty.com](, you'll also get a FREE Signature Makeup Bag that's reusable, washable, and built to last. [SHOP HERE](   Tune In Even if it's been years since you were in high school, you definitely remember how tough those teen years can often be. That's why we're so thrilled to check out [Empire Waist](, a body-positive dramedy about learning to love yourself as you are (and feeling fabulous while doing it). It's in theaters today, and it's perfect for movie night with the kids or grandkids — or just yourself and the teenager still hiding inside you!   Extra Credit [An orchestra playing below a photo from WWII projected onto a large screen.]( Winslow Townson On the big screen: Lee, a biopic of WWII photographer Lee Miller that stars Kate Winslet, is in theaters today — and it's [one of our most anticipated films of the fall](. If you're as riveted by this story as we are, you'll also love [these insights into Miller's historical impact]( from our friend John Monsky. Tiny cuts: There's lots of debate over what the buzzy term "microcheating" actually means and whether it really counts as infidelity, so [we're breaking it all down](. Yes, way: Wayfair's massive sale starts Oct. 6 — but if you just can't wait, you're in luck. We uncovered [the best deals you can shop now](.   Star-Powered [Augustinus Bader concealer pens on a purple backgroun]( Augustinus Bader/KCM Augustinus Bader is one of those rare beauty brands that's A-list-approved and accessible to the masses. Their products are backed by the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham, not to mention, they're a Wake-Up Caller favorite. In fact, Posh Spice herself just collaborated on a handy concealer pen — [here's why we love it](. [LEARN MORE](   Thanks for reading! Want to stay connected? Subscribe right here: 💪 Wake up well: [Body and Soul]( 🍴 See what's cooking: [Good Taste]( 🌎 Explore the planet: [Ripple Effect]( 🛒 Bargain-hunt: [The Shop Edit]( 👔 Clock in: [Wake-Up Call at Work](   Have questions or comments? Drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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