An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: A looming hurricane; Harris’s and Trump’s paths to victory; the future of dementia care; and more

2024/09/24

The 7: A looming hurricane; Harris’s and Trump’s paths to victory; the future of dementia care; and more

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By Jamie Ross and Hannah Jewell

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Good morning. It's Tuesday, Sept. 24, and if you're looking for a cheap holiday flight, ask airfare expert Scott Keyes for advice here. Now let's get to the news.

More than 500 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon.

The latest: Israel pummeled Lebanon yesterday and today, injuring at least 1,835 people and killing 50 children, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Follow live updates here.
Why now? Israel is turning its attention from Gaza to the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. It wants to return evacuated Israelis to border communities.

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The Post identified eight paths to victory for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Where things stand: It's equally likely that Harris or Trump wins the presidency, polling shows. There are five likely scenarios — we mapped them here.
Other election news: A Republican plan to change how Nebraska awards electoral votes hit a roadblock. And, at a rally last night, Trump vowed to be a "protector" of women.
Around the nation: Officials are trying to fight election skepticism with radical new procedures and laws.

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Satellite footage suggests a recent Russian missile test was a disaster.

The apparent launch failure of the Sarmat missile raises questions about Russia's military capabilities. (Maxar Technologies/Reuters)

What you're looking at: A crater roughly 200 feet wide at a launch silo in northern Russia. It was probably caused by Russia's newest long-range nuclear missile.
In related news: Russia is using AI tools as it looks to sway Americans ahead of the U.S. election. Moscow's efforts are aimed mostly at undermining Harris.

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Missouri plans to execute a man today despite questions about his trial.

Who? Marcellus Williams, 55. He has spent more than two decades on death row for a murder he says he didn't commit. The victim's family opposes his execution.
In South Carolina: Freddie Owens, 46, was executed for a 1997 murder last week — days after a key prosecution witness admitted to lying on the stand.

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A major hurricane could strike Florida this week.

What to know: The storm will be named Helene. It's set to form and rapidly intensify in the Gulf of Mexico before hitting Florida on Thursday or early Friday.
More extreme weather: Hurricane John struck Mexico's southern Pacific coast with strong winds and heavy rainfall last night. We're tracking its path here.

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California accused ExxonMobil of lying about plastics being recyclable.

What to know: The state sued the oil giant yesterday, accusing it of misleading the public for decades. ExxonMobil is a major producer of materials to make plastics.
Why it matters: California alleges this contributed to the flood of plastics polluting waterways in the state and worldwide. Only a fraction of plastic is actually recycled.

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Artificial intelligence could someday help spot dementia sooner.

How? By monitoring brain waves for signs of cognitive problems before symptoms occur, using a device worn like a cap at home. Early detection can help treatment.
When will it be possible? It may be a decade or longer, scientists say. But the AI-powered technology is "moving quickly" and raising hopeful possibilities.

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Before you go … grocery chains are bigger than ever: Search here to see who runs the stores near you. Plus: How to shop for one without wasting food and money.

One more good read: Moms nationwide are leaving gift cards in diaper boxes. Here's why.

And finally … test your news knowledge with The Post's daily quiz, On the Record. Click here to play. Or try our word game, Keyword.

You're all caught up. See you tomorrow.