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Today, Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that made landfall yesterday. Fortunately, the capital city, Kingston, which is the most populous region of the country, managed to avoid the worst of the storm. The Jamaican government has announced plans to reopen the international airport for relief flights as early as tomorrow, providing a glimmer of hope for recovery efforts.
As Hurricane Melissa continues to impact the west coast of Cuba, over half a million people in Jamaica are currently without power. Reports from the government indicate that every region is facing blocked roads and downed power lines. NPR's Eyder Peralta highlights that the primary concern is in Western Jamaica, where the storm made landfall with winds reaching up to 185 miles per hour and generated a dangerous storm surge of up to 13 feet.
Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica's Minister of Local Government, revealed that St. Elizabeth Parish is currently underwater, trapping numerous families in their homes. Rescue teams are mobilized and hopeful to reach those in need today, ensuring that people are still alive and awaiting assistance. For a closer look at the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, check out our gallery of photos documenting the storm's impact in the Caribbean.
In international news, the Israeli military has resumed strikes in the Gaza Strip, just weeks after a ceasefire had been established between Israel and Hamas. The military operation commenced when militants opened fire, resulting in the death of an Israeli soldier, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order immediate retaliatory strikes.
The Gaza Civil Defense reported that these strikes led to the deaths of approximately 100 Palestinians, including around 35 children. In contrast, Israel claims to have killed around 30 militants during the strikes. NPR correspondent Daniel Estrin notes that this surge in violence marks one of the deadliest 24-hour periods in Gaza, surpassing even some of the most intense days of the previous conflict.
The ceasefire resumed at 10 a.m. local time today in Israel, but the ongoing dispute over the search for Israeli hostages remains a significant concern, threatening the fragile peace. Israel is currently considering limiting aid to Gaza as a strategy to expedite the return of hostages.
Back in the U.S., air traffic controllers are facing increased difficulties as they work without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Maximilian Crawford, an air traffic controller at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, expressed concerns about many controllers living paycheck to paycheck and now seeking financial help from loans or family members.
The shutdown has disrupted flights nationwide, with no end in sight. The controllers' union reports that some workers have turned to gig jobs, such as driving for Uber or DoorDash, to supplement their income. While isolated delays have been noted at various U.S. airports due to staffing shortages, NPR's Joel Rose indicates that these delays remain in line with typical patterns outside of the shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that while many air traffic controllers might withstand a single missed paycheck, nearly all cannot afford to miss two. The existing shortage of air traffic controllers means that even a slight increase in sick calls can severely impact the already fragile system.
In health news, the obesity rate among U.S. adults has declined to 37% this year, down from a peak of 39.9% three years ago, according to a recent survey by the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index. This encouraging trend is attributed to the rising use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, which have doubled in usage over the past year and a half.
Since their introduction in 2021, GLP-1 agonists have shown significant promise in combating obesity, particularly among individuals aged 40 to 64. However, access to these medications remains limited, as many private insurers plan to halt coverage next year, potentially making them less accessible for ongoing weight management.
Pharmaceutical companies are working on developing more affordable pill options, but these may not provide the necessary solution to ensure widespread accessibility. For further insights into the survey findings, click here to read more.
When supporting someone you know who has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be challenging to determine the best way to help. One effective approach is to identify your strengths and how they can meet the needs of your loved one during this difficult time. Life Kit has compiled a valuable list of roles that friends and family can take on to provide essential support.
If you excel in organization and detail, consider becoming a doctor's appointment buddy. This role is particularly beneficial for those with medical backgrounds, as you can prepare questions and lead during appointments. Alternatively, if you are comfortable with physical touch and enjoy providing emotional support, consider being a procedure pal, accompanying your loved one to scans, surgeries, and treatments.
For those who are adept at planning, taking on the role of a household helper or meal planner can be incredibly beneficial. Instead of merely offering assistance, try to identify specific tasks—like coordinating meals or managing laundry—that you can take off their plate. For more tips on supporting a loved one through cancer treatment, listen to this episode of NPR's Life Kit and subscribe to the newsletter for additional insights on love, money, relationships, and more.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
