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NPR News: 10-09-2024 4PM EDT

NPR News: 10-09-2024 4PM EDT

Update: 2024-10-09
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Hurricane Milton, a powerful storm with sustained winds of 130 mph, is approaching Florida, threatening a region still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Millions are in the storm's path, with warnings of a deadly storm surge. Multiple tornadoes have already touched down in Florida as the hurricane approaches, and the storm is expected to make landfall between Tampa Bay and Fort Myers. First responders are working to save lives ahead of the storm, including rescuing a dog tied to a fence pole on Interstate 75 in Tampa. President Biden has briefed on the hurricane, urging residents to follow local officials' guidance and criticizing former President Trump's misleading claims about recent storms, saying it undermines rescue efforts. Former President Trump, in turn, accused Vice President Harris of bungling the federal response to Hurricane Helene's impact in the Southeast. In other news, a new survey finds that only 18% of large employers cover GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy for weight loss. Many employers require patients to see a dietician or participate in a weight loss program before or alongside medication. The Tropicana casino in Las Vegas was imploded this morning, marking the end of an era for the hotel that opened in 1957. The implosion was accompanied by drones, fireworks, and Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon."

Outlines

00:00:00
Hurricane Milton and its Impact on Florida

Hurricane Milton, with sustained winds of 130 mph, is approaching Florida, threatening a region still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Millions are in the storm's path, with warnings of a deadly storm surge. Multiple tornadoes have already touched down in Florida as the hurricane approaches, and the storm is expected to make landfall between Tampa Bay and Fort Myers. First responders are working to save lives ahead of the storm, including rescuing a dog tied to a fence pole on Interstate 75 in Tampa. President Biden has briefed on the hurricane, urging residents to follow local officials' guidance and criticizing former President Trump's misleading claims about recent storms, saying it undermines rescue efforts. Former President Trump, in turn, accused Vice President Harris of bungling the federal response to Hurricane Helene's impact in the Southeast.

00:03:02
Weight Loss Medications and Insurance Coverage

A new survey finds that only 18% of large employers cover GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy for weight loss. Many employers require patients to see a dietician or participate in a weight loss program before or alongside medication.

00:04:03
Tropicana Casino Implosion in Las Vegas

The Tropicana casino in Las Vegas was imploded this morning, marking the end of an era for the hotel that opened in 1957. The implosion was accompanied by drones, fireworks, and Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon."

Keywords

Hurricane Milton


A powerful hurricane currently approaching Florida, expected to make landfall between Tampa Bay and Fort Myers. It is predicted to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a potentially deadly storm surge.

GLP-1 Drugs


A class of medications, such as Wegovy, that are used to treat type 2 diabetes and can also lead to weight loss. These drugs are often not covered by insurance for weight loss purposes.

Storm Surge


A rise in sea level caused by a hurricane or other storm, which can cause significant flooding and damage. Hurricane Milton is predicted to bring a potentially deadly storm surge to parts of Florida.

Implosion


The controlled collapse of a structure, often used to demolish buildings. The Tropicana casino in Las Vegas was recently imploded, marking the end of an era for the iconic hotel.

Disinformation


False or misleading information that is spread deliberately, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate. President Biden criticized the spread of disinformation about recent storms, saying it undermines rescue efforts.

Q&A

  • What is the current status of Hurricane Milton and what are the potential dangers?

    Hurricane Milton is approaching Florida with sustained winds of 130 mph. It is expected to make landfall between Tampa Bay and Fort Myers, bringing with it a potential 15-foot storm surge, which could cause significant flooding and damage.

  • Why are GLP-1 drugs often not covered by insurance for weight loss?

    Many insurance companies only cover GLP-1 drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Additionally, some employers require patients to participate in a weight loss program before or alongside medication.

  • What was the significance of the Tropicana casino implosion in Las Vegas?

    The implosion marked the end of an era for the Tropicana, which opened in 1957 and became known as the \"Tiffany of the Strip\" for its opulence. The event was a spectacle, with drones, fireworks, and Sinatra's \"Fly Me to the Moon\" playing in the background.

  • What did President Biden say about the spread of disinformation regarding recent storms?

    President Biden criticized the spread of disinformation about recent storms, saying it undermines rescue efforts and is harmful to individuals who need support the most. He called it \"reckless, irresponsible, and relentless.\"

Show Notes

NPR News: 10-09-2024 4PM EDT

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NPR News: 10-09-2024 4PM EDT

NPR News: 10-09-2024 4PM EDT