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Articles by Emily A. Hooker
HURRICANE ERIN EXPECTED TO CAUSE DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS ALONG EAST COAST
Fluctuations in strength are expected during the next couple of days. However, Erin is likely to remain a dangerous major hurricane through the middle of this week. The National Hurricane Center warned in an advisory on Monday. The “unusually large” storm is projected by meteorologists to bring life threatening surf and rip currents across the East Coast.
Explosion at Pennsylvania Steel Plant Kills 2 & Injures 10
Injured employees have now been transported to local hospitals to receive care, and search-and-rescue efforts remain active at the plant. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in a social media post following an explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant on Monday that killed two people and injured 10.
Data Shows Lowest Level of Working Moms in More Than Three Years
It’s become harder for women, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, to thrive in this job market. Professor at the University of Kansas and former principal economist at the Census Bureau, Misty Heggeness, commenting on U.S. data indicating that working moms with young children have left the workforce in large numbers since January.
Coast Guard Report on 2023 Titan Submersible Explosion: "Loss of Five Lives Was Preventable"
A false sense of safety and security was created by Mr. Rush through his misrepresentation of the TITAN’s safety, achieved by falsely claiming substantial safety margins, misleading mission specialists regarding testing procedures, and exaggerating the number of hull test dives for the final TITAN hull. The U.S. Coast Guard in its report on Tuesday analyzing the 2023 OceanGate Titan submersible explosion.
New Study: The Body Accelerates Aging from Ages 45 to 55
Starting at 45 to 50, you could gain as much as 10 years of healthy life and this study just shows the truth of that at a cellular level. Associate dean and professor of medicine at the University of Texas, Dr. Thomas Blackwell, commenting on a new study suggesting that aging begins to accelerate from ages 45 to 55, with different organs aging at different rates.
At Least 21 People Sickened from Raw Milk in Florida
Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases. The Florida Department of Health in a news release on Monday, offering an update on an E. coli and campylobacter bacteria outbreak from raw milk that has affected 21 people, hospitalizing seven. The farm connected to the outbreak sells its product in Northeast and Central Florida.
New Study: Walking Faster Helps Decrease Risk of Frailty in Older Adults - SmartHER News
Every step you take is going to be better for your health. [But], if you really want to maximize the treatment effects, go for intensity. Senior author of a new study, Margaret Danilovich, finds that picking up the pace of walking can lead to greater improvements in physical wellbeing. Why It Matters: Researchers published their data analysis earlier this month, focusing on participants from retirement communities who were asked to walk faster than their usual pace.
News To Know: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Our city of Kerrville and Kerr County leadership are committed to a transparent and full review of processes and protocols. This special session is going to be a starting point for that work, but our entire focus since day one has been on rescue and reunification. Kerrville Police spokesperson Sgt. Jonathan Lamb, regarding a special legislative session taking place later this month to address the Texas emergency alert system. During the latest press briefing, Sgt.
News To Know: Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Islamic Republic was victorious and, in retaliation, delivered a hand slap to America’s face. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Thursday in his first public comments since Israel and Iran agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The 10-minute speech warned against future U.S. and Israel attacks, calling the success of the past attacks exaggerated.
Experts Discover Long-Lost Mural on Sunken WWII Aircraft Carrier
It was absolutely a miraculous discovery. Marine archaeologist at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Phil Hartmeyer, referring to new footage of a sunken World War II aircraft carrier located three miles below the water’s surface. ** SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKEND DIGEST ** Why It Matters: The USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier, sunk in the Pacific Ocean in the 1942 Battle of Midway after helping support U.S. forces turn the tide of the war against the Japanese.
Sen. Cory Booker Delivers Longest-Ever Speech on Senate Floor
Let’s be bold in America, not to degrade Americans, not to divide us against each other, let’s be bolder in America with a vision that inspires, with hope that starts with the people of the United States of America. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivering the final thoughts of what has become the longest-ever speech delivered on the Senate floor. Sen. Booker spoke for 25 hours and 5 minutes.
London's Heathrow Airport Halts All Operations Due To Power Outage
We expect significant disruption over the coming days and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens. London’s Heathrow Airport in a statement to the media. A “significant power outage” caused by a nearby fire has halted all operations at one of the world’s busiest airports. Why It Matters: A fire erupted at an electrical substation, prompting a major power outage and total shutdown of Heathrow Airport.
JFK Files Released: A Roundup of Analysis
We have a tremendous amount of paper. You’ve got a lot of reading. President Donald Trump, referring to the release of JFK files while visiting the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. On Tuesday, the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration posted more than 63,000 pages of records pertaining to Pres. Kennedy’s assassination.
Texas Measles Outbreak: CDC Expects the Disease to "Expand Rapidly"
It is worrisome. Lubbock is the largest medical center, shopping center, etcetera between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Lubbock family medicine specialist Dr Ron Cook, who serves as the county’s health authority, speaking on concerns of the measles outbreak spreading to other areas. West Texas continues to face a rapidly growing measles outbreak. Why It Matters: The measles outbreak continues to increase in cases, with at least 256 reported illnesses in West Texas and New Mexico.
Coffee Prices Hit Record High, Signaling a More Expensive Daily Cup of Joe
The high price is like the flashlight in the dark. ‘Look, folks, we have an issue.’ How do we use this to make sure farmers have stable and sustainable production? Chief Executive of World Coffee Research, Vern Long, referring to the increased price in coffee. In January, the retail price of ground coffee hit a record high of $7 per pound. A multitude of reasons fuels the surge in prices.
Southwest Airlines Announces First Major Layoffs in Company History
This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history, and change requires that we make difficult decisions. Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan, announcing the company’s plan to eliminate 15% of its corporate workforce. Southwest ranks as the fourth largest airline in the nation. Why It Matters: Southwest plans to eliminate 1,750 jobs by the end of June, marking the company’s first major layoffs since being founded more than 50 years ago.
Pennsylvania Egg Heist Amid Sky-High Egg Prices
In my career, I’ve never heard of a hundred thousand eggs being stolen. This is definitely unique. Spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police, Trooper First Class Megan Frazer, referring to 100,000 eggs being stolen from the back of a trailer in Pennsylvania on Wednesday. The eggs are worth around $40,000, making the crime a felony. Why It Matters The investigation of the egg theft remains ongoing without any leads disclosed to the public.
New Wildfire North of L.A.; 50,000+ Told to Evacuate
The first responders are doing great work to contain this fire. Certainly, we are not out of the woods yet. Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler, referring to the fast-moving wildfire that caught ablaze on Wednesday in northwest Los Angeles County. Why It Matters: The Hughes Fire, burning near Castaic Lake, comes as firefighters continue to battle other L.A.-area blazes. The wildfire has moved into Ventura County as well, causing more than 50,00 people to receive evacuation orders since Wednesday morning.
FDA Approves Nasal Spray to Treat Severe Depression
Now that it is also available as a monotherapy, healthcare providers have the freedom to further personalize treatment plans based on individual needs. Founding partner of St. Charles Psychiatric Associates, Dr. Gregory Mattingly, in a statement announcing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s expanded approval for Johnson & Johnson’s nasal spray, Spravato. The nasal spray can now be used as a standalone treatment for those with major depressive disorder.
Historic Winter Storm Breaks Snow Records Across Southeast
We have not had this amount of snow for decades. Chief executive in Harris County, TX, Judge Lina Hidalgo, regarding the winter storm blanketing Houston. The Southeast experiences a historic winter storm this week, bringing snow and cold temperatures to a region largely unaccustomed to the conditions. Why It Matters: Snow hit the U.S. Gulf Coast on Tuesday amid a major winter storm.
USDA Order: Raw Milk Will Be Tested for Bird Flu
Among many outcomes, this will give farmers and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Friday in a press release announcing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to test the nation’s raw milk supply for bird flu.
Bible Sales Increase 22% Over the Past Year
It’s related to artificial intelligence, election cycles…and all of that feeds a desire for assurance that we’re going to be OK. President of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, , commenting on the 22% jump in Bible sales this year, with many people buying a Bible for the first time. Why It Matters: According to book tracker Circana BookScan, total U.S. print book sales have increased less than 1% through the end of October.
First Lady Jill Biden Welcomes White House Christmas Tree
In just a few days, volunteers from all over the country will pour in to transform this tree and the entire White House. And out of the whirlwind of glitter and garlands will come the warmth and comfort of the season. First Lady Jill Biden receiving the 2024 White House Christmas tree, a Fraser fir. This year’s tree came from North Carolina where Hurricane Helene caused devastation in the area, though this tree remained strong throughout the storm.
Pres. Biden Pardons Turkeys at White House
Today, Peach and Blossom will join the free birds of the United States of America. President Joe Biden pardoning two turkeys on Monday at the annual White House turkey pardoning tradition. The event on the South Lawn kicked off the official start of the White House holiday season. What To Know: President Biden pardoned Peach and Blossom, weighing 40 and 41 pounds each. They are from Minnesota, where John Zimmerman, chairman of the National Turkey Federation, raised them with his nine-year-old son.
Russia Launches New Type of Missile Against Ukraine
Modern air defense systems that exist in the world and anti-missile defenses created by the Americans in Europe can’t intercept such missiles. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in a surprise televised speech. His speech came hours after Russia deployed a new intermediate-range ballistic missile targeting Ukraine. The use of the missile marks an escalation in the war.
Oldest Person in North America: 114-Year-Old Naomi Whitehead
She’s a Godly woman. She is truly blessed. Dan Whitehead, grandson of Pennsylvania resident 114-year-old Naomi Whitehead — believed to be the oldest person currently living in North America. What To Know: Naomi Whitehead lives in a senior care community and is now believed to be the oldest person in North America after the death of Elizabeth Francis, a 114-year-old woman from Texas, who passed away on October 22.
Fed Reserve Report: Slower Consumer Spending Leading Up To Election
Some firms believed that activity was being constrained by a hesitancy to make any new investments or business decisions until the uncertainty around the election and international conflicts is resolved. Federal Reserve officials in Richmond, VA, discussing the impact the upcoming election is potentially having on consumer spending.
Major Meat Recall Expands
This release is being reissued as an expansion of the October 9, 2024 recall to include additional products and production dates … This recall release has also been updated to reflect that previously recalled products were distributed to schools. An update to an announcement shared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), on an expanded recall of nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items.
Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall
Everything that you would want if you’re looking for a storm to go absolutely berserk is what Milton had. Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach commenting on Hurricane Milton. Why It Matters: Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday night near Sarasota, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph. Milton has since weakened to a Category 1 storm as it moves through Florida. More than 3 million homes and businesses are without power as of Thursday morning.
More Than A Dozen States Sue TikTok For Addictive Design Impacting Kids
They’ve chosen profit over the health and safety, well-being and future of our children. And that is not something we can accept. So we’ve sued. California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a news conference in San Francisco. California and 12 other states, joined by the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against TikTok, saying the social media app harms kids’ mental health and is designed to be addictive. Why It Matters: About ages 13 to 17 use TikTok, according to 2023 data.
Republican Liz Cheney Joins VP Harris on the Campaign Trail
We may disagree on some things, but we are bound together by the other thing that matters to us as Americans more than any other, and that is our duty to our Constitution and our belief in the miracle and the blessing of this great nation. Former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney in a speech supporting Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign event on Thursday evening. Why It Matters: Cheney, a former WY congresswoman who led the Jan.
United Nations Fires Additional Staff for Potential Involvement in Oct. 7 Terrorist Attack
The agency’s priority is to continue lifesaving and critical services for Palestine refugees in Gaza and across the region, especially in the face of the ongoing war, the instability and risk of regional escalation. Commissioner-General of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini. The United Nations announced the firing of additional staff members after an internal investigation found potential involvement in the Oct.
CDC Survey Finds Sadness Among Teen Girls Might Be Improving
For young people, there is still a crisis in mental health. But we’re also seeing some really important glimmers of hope. Head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s adolescent and school health program, Kathleen Ethier, commenting on recent data suggesting sadness among teen girls has improved since the pandemic. Why It Matters: Since 1991, the CDC has conducted the Youth Risk Behavior Survey every two years.
U.S. Swimmer Katie Ledecky Becomes Most Decorated American Woman
I try not to think about history very much. U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky on Wednesday prior to earning her 13th medal, which has since made her the most decorated American woman in Olympic history as well as the most accomplished female swimmer of any nationality. Why It Matters: On Thursday, Ledecky, 27, won a silver medal in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, breaking a tie held with three other female Olympic swimmers for the most medals.
Alleged Mastermind of 9/11 Terrorist Attack Agrees To Plea Deal
In exchange for the removal of the death penalty as a possible punishment, these three Accused have agreed to plead guilty to all of the charged offenses, including the murder of the 2,976 people listed in the charge sheet. A letter from the Department of Defense, signed by prosecutors responsible for filing charges against the accused mastermind of September 11, 2001, and his two of his alleged accomplices.
Sting Operation at Comic-Con Targets Human Trafficking
This would be the last place I expected to see this kind of stuff, but I am glad the perpetrators have been caught. Los Angeles immigration lawyer and frequent Comic-Con attendee, Nikhil Shah, after federal and local investigators worked together to rescue 10 people and arrest 14 others as part of an undercover human-trafficking sting at San Diego’s Comic-Con International event over the weekend.
USDOT Launches Investigation into Delta Air Lines Cancellations
@USDOT has opened an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is following the law and taking care of its passengers during continued widespread disruptions. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg via X on Tuesday morning as Delta continues to cancel a large portion of their flights in wake of the global IT outage that occurred on Friday.
On This Day 120 Years Ago: The First Ice Cream Cone
It is from the time of the Fair that the edible ‘cornucopia,’ a cone made from a rolled waffle, vaulted into popularity in the United States. The Library of Congress describing the 1904 St. Louis World Fair in which food inventors reportedly first served what we now know as the ice cream cone. What To Know: While no one knows with 100% certainty who invented the ice cream cone, on this day 120 years ago, an original foodie, Charles E. Menches, reportedly thought of the idea at the St. Louis Fair.
Israel & Houthis Continue Firing at One Another
All of this won’t stop the Yemeni people or the Yemeni leadership, military and missile forces in targeting the Israeli entities. Yemen resident Moatasem Abdel Salah, regarding the recent escalation between the Israeli military and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Why It Matters: The Houthis, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group by the U.S. that has been waging a civil war in Yemen since 2014, launched a deadly missile attack on Tel Aviv on Friday.
Fmr. Pres. Trump's Running Mate Is Sen. JD Vance
After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio. Former President Donald Trump on the Truth Social network announcing Senator JD Vance (R-OH) as his running mate.
The Princess of Wales Returns to Wimbledon
Great to be back at @Wimbledon! The Prince and Princess of Wales on Instagram posting photos of Princess Catherine at the Wimbledon men’s final on Sunday. Why It Matters: Princess Catherine attended Wimbledon on Sunday, where she presented Carlos Alcaraz with the winning trophy. The royal appearance marked her second public outing since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March.
Fitness Guru Richard Simmons Passes Away at 76
Tell the ones that you love that you love them. Hug those people and children who you really care for. A big hug really goes a long way. Fitness guru Richard Simmons, who died Saturday at age 76. Why It Matters: Fitness guru Richard Simmons, 76, passed away on Saturday. Simmons built a multimedia fitness empire – including selling 20 million home exercise videos, according to his website. He spent the last years of his life living away from the public eye.
Hot Dog Eating Champion Barred from Competition
I was very disappointed to learn from the media today that after nearly 20 years I am banned from the Nathan’s 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, a legendary hot dog eating champion, after being banned from the top hot dog eating contest due to him signing a contract with plant-based company Impossible Foods. Why It Matters: The annual July Fourth Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition has had one dominant winner the past two decades – Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champ.
North Korea Sends Balloons Carrying Trash Into South Korea
All responsibility arising from the North Korean balloons lies entirely with North Korea, and we sternly warn North Korea to immediately stop its inhumane and low-level actions. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) referring to North Korea sending floating bags of “filth and garbage“ across the border and into South Korea using balloons.
Pandas Coming Back to Smithsonian National Zoo
We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter of our breeding and conservation partnership begins by welcoming two new bears, including a descendent of our beloved panda family, to Washington, D.C. John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Brandie Smith, announcing on Wednesday that the National Zoo and the Chinese government reached an agreement for a pair of adult pandas to arrive in the U.S. capitol by the end of 2024.
Aid Deliveries Halted at U.S.-Built Pier Off Gaza Coast Due to Weather Damage
From when it was operational, it was working, and we just had sort of an unfortunate confluence of weather storms that made it inoperable for a bit. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh referring to the U.S.-built temporary pier off the coast of Gaza that will be removed and undergoing repairsfor “at least over a week” before it can be re-anchored into the Gaza beach.
New Study: Archeologists Discover "Anomaly" Near Great Pyramids
In the initial survey by GPR and ERT we found an anomaly in the north of the survey site. A new study by Japanese and Egyptian researchers identifying a mysterious “L-shaped anomaly” located next to the Great Pyramids of Giza. Marking a unique discovery regarding ancient Egyptian civilization, archaeologists believe it could be a passage to a deeper structure detected near the pyramids.
Gaza Health Ministry: Dozens Killed Following Israeli Airstrike in Rafah, Gaza
Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mishap. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Sunday, leading to a fire that killed at least 45 people and wounded many others at a camp that housed displaced individuals, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
NOAA Predicts Especially Active Hurricane Season
This season is looking to be an extraordinary one in a number of ways. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administrator Rick Spinrad. The federal agency released its May outlook report on Thursday, reflecting unprecedented expectations for the 2024 hurricane season (“which spans from June 1 to November 30“).
DOJ Sues Live Nation-Ticketmaster, Alleging A Monopoly
It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster. United States Attorney General Merrick Garland announcing a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department and 30 state and district attorneys general in which they seek to break up Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, accusing the ticketing entity of operating as a monopoly and illegally suppressing competition.
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