Idalia is set to make landfall within hours.

Idalia

The Story

Idalia is set to make landfall within hours.

What do I need to know?

The Category 4 hurricane is predicted to hit Florida's Big Bend region between 6 and 9 am ET. Parts of the Gulf Coast are bracing for a potential storm surge of up to 15 feet and up to 8 inches of rain. Storm winds are already up to 130 mph as of this morning. Around 1.6 million people were ordered to evacuate. Those not told to evacuate are advised to stay indoors, cover windows and doors, make emergency supply kits, and be ready to leave. Parts of Georgia and South Carolina are also under warning for severe flooding.

Is it that bad?

We’ll see. But weather experts are calling the storm “unprecedented” for the region. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) warned residents to “remain vigilant.” The news comes amid other unprecedented weather this summer: In Greece, wildfires raging for over 10 days are now the largest in the history of the EU, covering an area the size of New York City. More than 21 people have died in the flames, 18 of them migrants.

theSkimm

Last month was the planet's hottest on record. Now, as we head into the fall, hurricane season is only halfway through and scientists are warning more could come.

What’s got top business leaders’ attention…

Asylum seekers in New York City. This week, execs from JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, Macy’s, and more than 100 other companies called on President Biden and Congress to send federal aid over the migrant crisis. Since 2022, more than 100,000 migrants have arrived in NYC from the southern border, leading to migrants sleeping on the streets of Midtown Manhattan. Now, execs with offices based in NY say they want to speed up the process of asylum and to help allow them to apply for jobs. The Department of Homeland Security said it recognized "structural" and "operational issues" in the city's handling of the crisis.

Where an altercation broke out…

Tennessee. Yesterday, the state’s House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) and Rep. Justin Pearson (D) appeared to get physical with each other moments after the Republican-led House adjourned. Both accused each other of shoving after lawmakers didn't make significant changes on gun control. Republicans focused on mental health and juvenile crime but Democrats say that after March's elementary school shooting, new gun laws are needed. Now, the state House adjourned. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R) expects more work to be done in January.

Where a prosecution is making its way…

UNC-Chapel Hill. Yesterday, authorities charged a grad student with first-degree murder over this week’s shooting. The shooting put more than 30,000 students in lockdown for hours on the second week of classes. The student, who hasn’t yet entered a plea, is being held without bond.

Who could be getting a discount…

Medicare recipients. Yesterday, the Biden admin announced the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare price negotiations. The new drugs target diabetes, blood clots, and arthritis. See the list here. If the companies and Biden admin reach an agreement, expect lower prices in 2026.

Who’s Jimmy-ing into your earbuds…

Late-night hosts.

What’s coming at the end of Virgo season…

Doja Cat’s “Scarlet.”