First Up

Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Here's what we're following today.

Before it exited the U.S. Tropical Depression Ida killed scores more people in the Northeast, overpowered subways, roads and basements with flooding, and spawned tornadoes. New York City, Philadelphia and areas in southern New Jersey were pummeled. The New York City police department says a two-year-old child is among the dead.

Scenes of the flooded New York subways shocked us all. Photos and videos showed water gushing over the sides of cars and passengers wading through high water. As shocking as it is, climate experts say this will become more common globally. This summer, several people were killed in China when flash flooding trapped people underground in subway cars.

A British man pleaded guilty in federal court to playing a leadership role in ISIS plans to capture, torture and kill American hostages. Alexanda Kotey is one of four ISIS members dubbed “the Beatles” for their British accents. Another one of the men faces trial next January. Kotey will face a life term without parole, but after 15 years he could be transferred to the U.K. to face charges there.

Newsletter continues after sponsor message

The Picture Show

Gene J. Puskar/AP

The remnants of Hurricane Ida left more people dead as it plowed into the Northeast. Tornadoes and flooding wreaked horrific damage. From the Gulf Coast to New England, here’s a look at Ida’s ruinous path.

Today’s Listenss

Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The National Rifle Association has canceled its annual meeting for the second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event would have been a celebration of the organization's 150th anniversary, and the cancellation could be the latest setback for an organization that has seen a series of financial and legal problems due to allegations of misconduct. Read the story or listen to it.

An investigation by the Center for Public Integrity has revealed the postal service has been cheated employees out of pay for years. Hundreds of managers nationwide were caught changing mail carrier time cards to show them working fewer hours. Listen to the story about why this issue is so rampant.

Many journalists working for U.S. funded media and their family members were left behind in the Afghanistan evacuation efforts. They're now stuck with very few options and fear for their safety. Listen to the story on the ongoing efforts to get them out of the country.

Before You Go

Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters

Paralympic sprinter Keula Nidreia Pereira Semedo may not be leaving Tokyo with a medal, but she' did gain a fiancé. Semedo finished her race and moments later, got a surprise proposal of marriage from her sighted running partner.
Mamma Mia! After nearly 40 years, ABBA, the iconic Swedish pop group, is back with a new album and a virtual tour. The band's "hologram concert" will have digital likenesses and a live band at a specialty built arena in London.
Ever wonder why the ice cream machines at McDonalds are always out of order? So are the feds. The FTC is reportedly looking for more information on the machines are always on the fritz.