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Contents: Typhoon Koinu Lashes China, Takes Aim At Vietnam, Laos Death Toll Rises Once Again in Catastrophic Sikkim Flooding Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Typhoon Koinu has moved on from Taiwan and is now lashing southeast China, packing severe winds of 115 mph and heavy rain. It made landfall on Thursday on the southeastern coast of Taiwan with winds of 125 mph and large storm surge as well, but thankfully, all of Taiwan's large cities are on its west coast. The large port city of Kaohsiung was affected, but not as severely as the small towns along the coast. Koinu has now moved on towards the southeast coast of China near the Fujian and Guangdong provinces, and it is currently mainly affecting the Hong Kong-Macau area. However, it is not over land, and is expected to weaken before making landfall on the Chinese island of Hainan and moving on towards Vietnam and Laos. On another note, the death toll from the deadly Sikkim flooding has increased once again, and it has now risen to 42. Over 150 people remain missing as officials continue to discover more about the catastrophe and uncover bodies and survivors. At first, the report was that a severe cloudburst caused the Teesta River and Lhonak Lake to burst their banks, flooding multiple cities. Now, they have discovered that a dam collapse was also involved, and an avalanche caused by the rains may have also caused damage. Due to bad weather, rescue efforts have been hampered- helicopters cannot come to aid stranded tourists and other air support cannot deliver supplies to residents of the area. The main highway has been damaged and collapsed bridges have cut off Sikkim from the rest of the country, so the only form of rescue is from the air. Numerous pieces of military equipment also washed into the river, where it poses a threat to the surrounding community and wildlife. A mortar round was discovered in a West Bengal river downstream from the Sikkim disaster, where it later exploded and killed one person while injuring six others. Fact of the Day: Bottled water has an expiration date. However, it is not for the water, but the bottle itself. The plastic eventually starts leaking into the water, which is when you need to throw it away. Also, make sure not to drink bottled water that has been sitting in the sun for a while- the heat speeds up the process and the plastic dissolves into the water faster. Quote of the Day: Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. (Jalaluddin Rumi) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Demarcate (verb)- To demarcate something is to fix or define its limits or edges. In a Sentence: Treaty negotiations are underway, and both parties have agreed to accept whatever boundaries are demarcated in that document.

Contents: 14 Dead, 100 Missing After Catastrophic Sikkim Flooding Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Today, our only news is an update on the Sikkim flooding- officials have realized that the impact was much worse than previously expected. A massive cloudburst struck Sikkim, India, on Wednesday, causing the Lhonak Lake and a nearby river to burst their banks and flood multiple towns. The severe flash flooding has killed 18 people and at least 100 others are missing, and the damages are also quite bad. Fourteen bridges have been destroyed, thousands of buildings have been inundated, and numerous vehicles have been swept away. The floods were also made worse by a nearby dam, where four of its gates that had not been opened in time had been washed away, allowing the water to rush into the town. Bad weather is still plaguing the region, so air support cannot arrive and communication services are limited- which is drastically affecting search and rescue. The main highway between Sikkim and its only neighboring state, West Bengal, has also collapsed, stopping ground support from other states. Fact of the Day: Pineapples are named after pinecones. When Captain John Smith arrived in the Americas and saw a pineapple for the first time in 1624, he described it as a large pinecone due to its spiky exterior, and the name for the fruit soon became "pineapple." Quote of the Day: Work so hard that one day your signature will be called an autograph. (Tim Notke) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Aficionado (noun)- Aficionado is a synonym of devotee and refers to someone who both likes and knows a lot about a given interest or subject. In a Sentence: Mickey’s brother, an aficionado of jazz, was a regular at the downtown clubs and often bought new records on the day they were released.

We have a ton of weather-related news today, so let's dive in. Contents: Tropical Storm Philippe Turns North, Takes Aim At Northeastern US, Southeastern Canada Typhoon Koinu Slams Taiwan, Charges Forward Towards China Massive Cloudburst Causes Severe Flash Flooding in Sikkim, India Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Tropical Storm Philippe has taken a sharp turn north after brushing Puerto Rico, and it is now taking aim at its next targets: Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. It is currently carrying winds of about 40 mph, but it could be packing 60 mph and a boatload of rain upon arrival. Tropical weather statements have already been issued along the Nova Scotia coast as Philippe rapidly approaches- it is expected to make landfall on Saturday and fizzle out in Quebec by Sunday or Monday. Thankfully, it shouldn't bee too much of a problem, as it is only a tropical storm. On another weather-related note, Typhoon Koinu is currently pummeling southern Taiwan with winds of over 140 mph and heavy rain, and it is causing some big disruptions across the island country. Hundreds of flights have been canceled and schools/work places have been suspended as well. Flooding is a huge issue with this storm along with the winds, quickly inundating parking decks and offices, and the huge waves have washed away entire docks. After passing Taiwan, it will go on to hit the Guangdong and Fujian provinces of southeastern China before approaching the Hong Kong-Macau area as a tropical storm. Lastly, we have some more news about weather, and this time it is in India. Five people are dead after severe flash floods in the mountains of the northeastern state of Sikkim because extreme rain caused chaos. A cloudburst, which is a sudden downpour, instantly started dumping rain over the Lachen Valley, causing the nearby Teesta River to burst its banks and bring water levels to 15-20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) above regular levels, flooding almost every building in the town and submerging over 40 army vehicles. The flooding caused the collapse of three bridges and multiple buildings were washed away, and 23 Indian Army personnel are still missing after the incident. Fact of the Day: In 2016, the IKEA catalog was the most widely printed book in the world - surpassing the Christian Bible and Islamic Quran - with 200 million copies circulated worldwide. Quote of the Day: Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything. (Imam Ali) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Splenetic (adj)- Splenetic is a formal word that typically describes expressions of sharp annoyance and anger. In a Sentence: The newspaper publisher's splenetic editorials often struck fear into local politicians.

Contents: Annular Solar Eclipse Coming Up In Americas 3 Dead, 5 Injured After Bangkok Mall Shooting Reminder: FEMA Alert Coming Today In US At 2:20 PM EDT Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day An annular solar eclipse is coming soon, and it will be an amazing sight to see! The annular eclipse will take place in North, Central, and South America on Saturday, October 14 and is nicknamed the "ring of fire" eclipse due to the halo of the sun that peeks out from around the moon when it covers the sun. There are three types of solar eclipses: partial, annular, and total. A partial solar eclipse is where the moon partially blocks the sun, while a total eclipse is where the moon aligns perfectly with the sun and earth, blocking its light completely. On the other hand, an annular eclipse is when the moon aligns perfectly with the sun, but it is too far away. The moon has an elliptical orbit, so it is farther away from Earth at some times and closer at other times. When it is too far from the Earth and it lines up with the sun, the moon is not close enough to cover the entire sun, leaving a so-called "ring of fire" on the edge. Make sure not to miss this annular eclipse, because the next one will be in 2046! However, a total solar eclipse will take place across North America on April 8, 2024, which will also be a spectacular sight. On another note, three people are dead and at least five others have been injured after a shooting at the luxury Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, Thailand. The 14-year-old shooter had a mental health condition and was being treated for it, but reports show that he had recently stopped taking his medication. Police arrived on the scene just minutes after the shooting, but multiple people had already been shot. The shooting took place at rush hour, but the teen thankfully had a classic gun instead of a gun commonly used in mass shootings like an AR-15. The injured have been hospitalized, but none are in critical condition, and the shooter has been taken to a local jail. Lastly, we have another reminder that if you live in the United States, watch out for a test of the national emergency alert system tomorrow at 2:20 pm EDT. Read more here. Fact of the Day: The number of people killed each year by vending machines is 4 times as many are killed by sharks. Quote of the Day: Nothing will work unless you do. (Maya Angelou) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Faze (verb)- To faze someone is to disturb their composure. Faze is a synonym of disconcert and daunt. In a Sentence: My grandfather was a stolid individual who was not easily fazed by life's troubles.

Contents: 13 Dead, Multiple Others Hospitalized After Deadly Nightclub Shooting In Spain FEMA Alert Scheduled For Wednesday At 2:20 PM EDT, No Reason To Be Alarmed Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day At least 13 people are dead after a disastrous nightclub fire in Spain, and multiple others have been hospitalized. The fire took place at the Teatre nightclub in the city of Murcia, but the cause of the fire is not yet known. However, officials did find out that the nightclub lacked proper licensing and was ordered to be shut down in 2022, but the police did not enforce it and the managers got by without one. Due to this, the nightclub didn't have a capacity limit, and it may not even have had an emergency exit. Rescue crews are now rushing into action to save any survivors, and officials are working hard to discover the cause. Still, this is still the worst nightclub fire since 1990, when 43 people were killed in a fire in the northeastern city of Zaragoza. On another note, if you live in the United States, watch out for a test of the national emergency alert system tomorrow at 2:20 pm EDT. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expected that a test will take place tomorrow where all phones that are switched on and within reach of a cell tower will receive a screeching alarm and a message that says “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Meanwhile, radios and TVs will broadcast a different message that says “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.” The messages on phones, radios, and televisions will run for 30 minutes, but you will be able to switch off the alarm after you receive the message. Fact of the Day: In one lifetime, the average human makes enough saliva to fill 50 bathtubs! Quote of the Day: Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. (Martin Luther King Jr.) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Confection (noun)- Confection usually refers to a sweet prepared food item made to be eaten as a treat, but it can also refer to the act or process of confecting something—in other words, preparing or assembling it. In addition, confection can refer to a medical preparation usually made with sugar, syrup, or honey; a work of fine or elaborate craftmanship; or a light but entertaining theatrical, cinematic, or literary work. In a Sentence: Their mouths watered at the sight of the delicious cakes and other confections.

Contents: Indians Given One More Week to Return and Exchange All 2,000 Rupee Notes Upcoming Events Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Everyone living in India has been given a week longer to come and return the no-longer-in-use 2,000 rupee note, which was taken out of action by the Reserve Bank of India in May. The note was introduced in 2016 as a part of the government's effort to demonetize the economy and curb black money and corruption, but the RBI stopped printing notes in 2019. Notes are now being returned and exchanged because the central bank is trying to stop the circulation of high-value notes, and it is working. 96% of all 2,000 rupee notes have been returned and exchanged, as there were 3.56 trillion rupees in the form of 2,000 rupee notes around India in May, and that number had been curbed to 140 billion rupees by September 29. Now, in a last chance effort to make the percentage of notes returned to 100%, the government is extending the deadline to return the notes by a week, making the new date October 7. If you still have some, you can return them at any of the RBI's 19 issue offices around India, otherwise they will no longer be considered legal tender after the deadline. Upcoming Events: Nobel Prize Week Kicks Off (Monday, October 2) World Habitat Day (Monday, October 2) International Day of Non-Violence (Monday, October 2) Major League Baseball Postseason Begins (Tuesday, October 3) World Space Week Kicks Off (Wednesday, October 4) World Teachers' Day (Thursday, October 5) Cricket ODI World Cup Begins (Thursday, October 5) Season 2 of Marvel Studios' Loki Comes Out (Thursday, October 5) World Cotton Day (Saturday, October 7) Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix (Sunday, October 8) Fact of the Day: The word "strengths" is the longest word in the English language that only contains one vowel. Quote of the Day: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. (Milton Berle) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Echt (adj)- Echt is an adjective used mostly in formal or literary speech and writing as a synonym of authentic, genuine, and true. In a Sentence: An echt New Englander wouldn’t dream of putting tomatoes in their clam chowder.

Today is the first day of October! Woohoo! Contents: US Government Passes Stopgap Bill, Barely Avoiding Shutdown Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Today's only big news is that the US government has passed a bill that avoids the once-looming threat of a government shutdown, which would have been terrible for the country's economy. To read about all of the potential threats of a government shutdown, click here. The House and Senate passed a stopgap bill just hours before the required deadline that will extend government funding until November 17 to give them more time to pass the required 12 bills that would give the government funds to run itself. The deadline is October 1, because that is the beginning of the new fiscal year. Thankfully, the bill has been passed, and the shutdown is not looming in the near future anymore. Fact of the Day: German chocolate cake was invented in Texas- it is named after its inventor, Sam German. Quote of the Day: If you can't change your fate, change your attitude. (Amy Tan) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Palmy (adj)- Palmy describes something that is flourishing or marked by prosperity, or something that is abounding in or bearing palms. In a Sentence: They moved to a palmy suburb with lots of new homes and parks.

Contents: State of Emergency Declared As Heavy Rain Strikes NYC Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Today's only big news is that a state of emergency was declared in New York City as heavy rain caused life-threatening flooding that quickly inundated the city yesterday. Over 2.5 inches of rain were reported in one hour in some parts of the city, which caused a big problem for roadways- the city's drainage system is only built to handle 1.75 inches per hour. Subway systems rapidly filled with water as the rain seeped underground, and streets and roads were closed due to the floods. At least one terminal at the LaGuardia airport (LGA) was closed temporarily, but has since reopened. The Hudson River also burst its banks, covering all roads around Manhattan with water- it's good that everyone lives in high-rises! However, parking decks were also inundated during the storms, and numerous cars were washed away. Thankfully, no injuries or deaths have been reported. Fact of the Day: You get goosebumps when you're scared to make yourself look bigger. Our ancestors needed to look big and scary when attacked, so the body developed goosebumps for this purpose- it happens to other animals too! Just try scaring a cat or dog, and you'll see that their fur fluffs out, which is actually tiny goosebumps on their skin making the hair follicles stand up. Quote of the Day: The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up. (Paul Valery) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Coax (verb)- To coax a person or animal is to influence or persuade them to do something by talking in a gentle and friendly way. Coax can also be used when someone is working to bring about something desired with great perseverance and usually with considerable effort. In a Sentence: It took almost an hour to coax the cat down from the tree.

Contents: Famous Tree in Sycamore Gap Cut Down By Vandal Tropical Storm Rina Forms, Chance of Merge With Philippe Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Sadly, the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland National Park, United Kingdom, has been cut down, and a teenager has been arrested in connection to it. Officials called it a "deliberate act of vandalism," and the entire community is deeply shocked and saddened by the incident. The Sycamore Gap is a famous landmark located along the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hadrian's Wall in the northern UK, where a lone sycamore tree stands in between two large hills. The area was famous for its picturesque views of the sunset and night sky, and the tree was the main character in its natural beauty. However, a 16-year-old boy cut the tree down on Wednesday night, which has forever destroyed the landmark that was once an icon of the northern United Kingdom. On another note, Tropical Storm Rina has just formed not far from Tropical Storm Philippe in the eastern Atlantic, and some forecasts say they could even merge into one storm. Philippe formed as a tropical depression on September 23 and is now taking a slow turn south to brush by the Lesser Antilles before it comes back up, but it is only carrying winds of 45 mph and some light rain. However, Rina has about the same strength but is moving much faster, which increases the chances of the Fujiwhara Effect taking place. The Fujiwhara Effect is a term coined for when two tropical systems merge, and it is very rare. The two systems spin around each other until the weaker one crashes into the other, creating one stronger storm. However, even if the storms merge, it is unlikely that it will make landfall anywhere- they will probably just fizzle out in the Atlantic. Fact of the Day: Scotland's national animal is the unicorn. In Celtic mythology, it represents chivalry, dominance, innocence, and purity. Quote of the Day: One day or day one. You decide. (Paulo Coelho) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Fervid (adj)- Fervid is a somewhat formal word describing people or things that express, or are expressive of, strong feelings. In a Sentence: Many of the movie franchise’s most fervid fans camped outside of theaters for days leading up to the new installment’s opening night.

Contents: Looming Government Shutdown Threatens US Travelers, Poses Big Problem For Economy Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day The US government is in trouble, and it could be a big problem for any American planning to travel. Each year, the government has to pass a certain 12 bills to keep its spending going before October 1, the beginning of a new fiscal year. If they do not pass the bills before October 1, funding will stop and all unnecessary government functions will come to a halt- this is called a shutdown. For example, national parks could close as soon as Sunday, which could disrupt thousands of travel plans all across the country. Because of this, the US travel industry could lose up to $140 million a day! However, Medicaid, Medicare, veterans' benefits, and Social Security checks would continue, as they are considered mandatory spending, and active-duty military personnel would still report to their posts. On the other hand, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers would continue to work, but they wouldn't be paid- a shutdown means that the government can't pay its employees. This would ensure that airports stay open, but more flight delays and screening time increases are expected. The only people who would still receive their pay are the president and members of Congress, which are required to be paid by law. Unfortunately, Congress is nowhere near passing the 12 bills before the new fiscal year begins. The House has only passed 1 bill, and the Senate hasn't passed any of them- meaning that a shutdown is definitely looming in the near future. Fact of the Day: The brain is actually the fattest part of the human body- 60% of your brain is fat! Quote of the Day: Life is like a grindstone. Whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you're made of. (Jacob M. Braude) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Nepotism (adj)- Nepotism refers to favoritism based on kinship, and especially to the unfair practice of giving jobs and other favors to relatives. In a Sentence: It was strongly believed that nepotism played a role in helping Jessica get the sales manager position at her cousin's store.