USA TODAY is reporting that a nor'easter is moving up the East Coast and is expected to hit New England over the weekend with heavy rain and potential hurricane-force wind gusts. It said the storm crawled up the coast Thursday into the mid-Atlantic region Friday. The combination of strong onshore winds, high surf and high tides will result in moderate to major coastal flooding, along with rip currents, beach erosion and property damage, NOAA said. USA TODAY also reported that in the Pacific, Nolo could bring catastrophic rainfall to Hawaii over the weekend.
USA TODAY is reporting that COVID-19 cases are increasing just as Americans deal with the end of the "summer surge." It said several states in the South and West have reported high or very high COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater, while activity is also rising in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. It said most strains carry many symptoms that overlap with other seasonal illnesses like the flu.
USA TODAY is reporting that counties, cities and two states have declared Friday Dolly Parton Day, a nod to the country legend's hit "9 to 5." It said communities across the country are celebrating the singer. USA TODAY also noted that in Tennessee, two fans helped rename Nashville's airport after Parton, that she considered Ohio her "second state," and that a Michigan corn maze became a memorial to her.
USA TODAY is reporting that the Senate narrowly avoided a largely symbolic resolution to rebuke the Iran war before the midterms, despite Republican angst. It said the vote underscored how central backlash to the war has become in the midterms. USA TODAY also reported that President Donald Trump hosted a China state dinner with Xi Jinping, where Elon Musk, a bald eagle and Trump going "off script" were among the notable moments. It said the two leaders toasted each other after a day of mutual admiration as tech titans mingled with Trump's cabinet.
USA TODAY is reporting that retirees are taking Social Security early, even as retirement experts say 70 is the best age to claim benefits. It said few Americans plan to wait that long. USA TODAY also reported that the Falcons beat the Packers on Thursday Night Football, putting Green Bay in a precarious position early in the season, and that the WNBA playoff matchups are set.