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Tropical Storm Helene threat prompts Florida school closures

Tropical Storm Helene is prompting widespread school closures across Florida as districts prepare for the impending bad weather. With the storm expected to impact the area, 48 school districts, along with several colleges and universities, have canceled classes to allow families to prepare and set up evacuation shelters.

Tampa General builds ‘AquaFence’ as area hospitals brace for Helene

Tampa General Hospital has installed an 'AquaFence' to protect against potential flooding as Hurricane Helene approaches. This barrier, designed to be between 5 and 10 feet high, aims to safeguard the region's only Level 1 trauma center from storm surges. Area hospitals are preparing for the hurricane while continuing to provide essential services.

CrowdStrike executive apologizes to Congress for July global tech outage

CrowdStrike's executive Adam Meyers publicly apologized to Congress during a hearing, acknowledging that the company "let our customers down" following a significant global tech outage in July. The incident raised concerns about cybersecurity and service reliability, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers.

On 'The View,' Biden says wider war in the Middle East is 'possible,' but a settlement is still in play

President Joe Biden indicated that an "all-out war" in the Middle East is a possibility amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, while expressing hope for a settlement that could transform the region. He emphasized the Arab world's desire for peace and the necessity of a two-state solution during an interview on "The View."

Wednesday updates: Hurricane Helene forms as more evacuation orders issued

Hurricane Helene has formed, prompting evacuation orders in several Florida counties, including Pinellas and Hillsborough. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to prepare for severe weather as the storm approaches.

NFL partners with FEMA to turn stadiums into shelters during emergencies

The NFL has partnered with FEMA to transform stadiums, such as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, into emergency shelters during crises. This initiative aims to leverage the accessibility of these venues to assist communities in responding to extreme weather events.

Emergency Call Center Now Open

In response to the impending Hurricane Helene, the City of Tampa is partially activating its Emergency Operations Center this evening, with a full activation scheduled for 7:00 A.M. on September 26, 2024. Residents can utilize the storm-related emergency hotline at 1-833-TPA-INFO for inquiries and concerns regarding the storm.

Pinellas County issues evacuation orders ahead of Helene

Pinellas County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zone A as Tropical Storm Helene approaches, expecting tropical storm-force winds within a day. Residents are urged to prepare their homes and evacuate to ensure safety ahead of the storm's arrival.

ConRAC concept at Orlando International Airport could move rental cars to free up terminal parking

Orlando International Airport is considering a consolidated rental car facility (ConRAC) to alleviate parking issues by moving rental cars off-site. This plan could potentially free up 4,500 parking spaces in the airport's existing garages, addressing the growing demand from nearly 58 million annual passengers.

Ukraine's Zelenskyy urges world leaders not to seek 'an out' from Russia's war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the U.N. General Assembly, calling on world leaders to support Ukraine and reject any attempts to negotiate a cease-fire with Russia. He emphasized the need for a "real, just peace" and reiterated his peace formula, which demands the withdrawal of Russian forces and accountability for war crimes. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about achieving peace while urging unity among nations.

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