After devastating Florida, Hurricane Ian is headed for Carolinas, Georgia
A grim picture of Hurricane Ian’s horrific wreckage emerged Thursday, as millions of people in Florida faced destroyed homes, completely flooded streets and power outages.
The storm’s power turned out to be worse than many had predicted.
Unfortunately, families who did not evacuate have been left stranded as rising water tore through their homes.
So far, hundreds have been rescued from floodwaters, and emergency crews are still struggling to reach some of the most devastated areas.
According to the National Hurricane Center, a storm surge of 12-18 feet hit as destructive waves struck the coast.
Officials say the hurricane knocked out power to more than 2.6 million customers, mainly in southwest and central Florida.
Meanwhile, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) says that the next 72 hours will certainly be the most critical when it comes to rescue missions.
President Biden said there were ‘early reports of what may be substantial loss of life’ saying, that the numbers are still unclear but there are early reports of fatalities.
The President added, “water rescue is critical—Coast Guard deployed 16 rescue helicopter, six fixed wing aircraft and 18-rescue boats and crews. That’s just one element of the many federal search and rescue teams that were pre-staged in Florida.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis detailed the state’s “monumental effort” to help aid recovery and eventually rebuild.
“Those were really difficult images to see but we’re committed to restoring the infrastructure as needed. That is not going to be an overnight task. That is going to require a lot of love and care—it’s going to require a lot of resources, but we’re going to do it because we understand how important it is.”
Veronica Dudo is the U.S. Correspondent for Ticker News covering America’s biggest headlines. As an Emmy® Award nominated global journalist, Veronica has traveled across the country and around the world reporting on historical events that connect all citizens. Lauded as an award-winning international journalist, Veronica has executed stellar news coverage for NBC News, CBS News, The Hill, ME-TV Network and AOL. Her stories have highlighted a plethora of topics ranging from breaking news and politics to economic affairs across the USA, European Union, and Asia; cultural affairs; globalization; governance; education; and sustainability.
YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, is set to embark on a groundbreaking venture with Amazon MGM Studios, unveiling plans for a new reality competition show titled “Beast Games.”
This collaboration marks a significant stride in bridging the realms of online entertainment and traditional television.
“Beast Games,” touted as “the biggest reality competition series ever,” is slated to host a staggering 1,000 contestants vying for a remarkable $5 million cash prize.
Donaldson, acclaimed as the most-followed individual creator on YouTube with over 389 million subscribers across his channels, is renowned for his extravagant productions that rival professional television standards. From elaborate sets to jaw-dropping cash prizes, his content has captivated audiences worldwide.
In a recent interview on “The Colin and Samir Show” podcast, Donaldson disclosed that the budget for his YouTube videos can soar up to $5 million each, emphasizing that the forthcoming show will surpass even these extravagant expenses.
Industry analysts estimate the collaboration between Donaldson and Amazon to be valued at approximately $100 million, underlining the magnitude of this groundbreaking partnership.
Cash splash
“It’s like our normal videos, but just 20 times better,” Donaldson remarked during the podcast interview.
“Money’s not a constraint on the show. And so I can also just do anything, which is like a lot more freeing than you would think and so mind-blowing.”
The move to collaborate with a streaming service like Amazon Prime Video allows Donaldson to circumvent the constraints imposed by algorithms prevalent on platforms like YouTube.
While acknowledging the vast reach of Amazon Prime Video, which boasts 80 million active households in the U.S.,
Donaldson remains confident in the immense potential of “Beast Games” to captivate audiences worldwide.
“Beast Games” epitomizes a broader trend in which creators are diversifying their content beyond social media platforms to explore new revenue streams.
Earlier this year, the YouTube group “Sidemen” debuted a documentary on Netflix, while the D’Amelio family aired the third season of their reality show on Hulu, exemplifying the expanding influence of digital creators in the realm of traditional media.
In a huge shift for the iconic James Bond franchise, reports indicate that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been formally extended an offer to step into the coveted role, succeeding Daniel Craig.
The revelation, as per The Sun, comes amid much anticipation surrounding the future of the long-standing spy thriller series.
Eon Productions, the entity behind the Bond films, appears poised to commence production this year, with Taylor-Johnson seemingly primed to don the mantle of 007.
Sources close to the production suggest that the formal offer has been made, awaiting Taylor-Johnson’s response.
“Should he wish to accept it, Bond is Aaron’s job,” an insider remarked.
The last James Bond actor, Daniel Craig.
“The formal offer is on the table, and they are waiting to hear back. As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days, and they can start preparing for the big announcement.”
This development follows a period of speculation regarding who would inherit the role, with Taylor-Johnson emerging as a contender alongside other notable actors such as Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, and James Norton.
In response to inquiries about his potential involvement, Taylor-Johnson expressed gratitude, stating, “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.”
Best Supporting Actor
The actor’s journey to the cusp of the Bond franchise has been marked by a diverse array of roles, including notable performances in films like “Nocturnal Animals,” for which he received a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
Insiders cite this as evidence of Taylor-Johnson’s suitability for the role, asserting that his talent and range make him an ideal successor to Craig’s portrayal.
Daniel Craig, who portrayed Bond across five films, bid farewell to the character following the release of 2021’s “No Time To Die,” a film that concluded with a dramatic finale, leaving the fate of 007 ambiguous.
With Aaron Taylor-Johnson potentially stepping into the iconic role, fans await eagerly for further developments as the next chapter of the Bond saga begins to take shape.
One of the standout moments from the recently concluded SXSW in Austin, Texas, was the crowd’s reaction during the film premiere of “The Fall Guy,” featuring Ryan Gosling.
Attendees voiced their displeasure with an AI video sizzle reel, which failed to resonate with the everyday consumer, resulting in boos from the audience.
The incident underscores the growing importance of understanding and catering to the human experience in technology and entertainment.