1. At least 216 people were killed when a 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked central Mexico on Tuesday, the anniversary of a 1985 quake that killed thousands. Rescue workers have been rushed to the site of damaged or collapsed buildings, where people are believed to be trapped. About two million people in the capital are currently without electricity and phone lines were down. And officials have warned residents not to smoke on the streets as gas mains could have been ruptured. (CNN)
2. In his first-ever speech before the United Nations General Assembly yesterday morning, President Donald Trump threatened to obliterate North Korea if the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, continues to pursue nuclear weapons. Referring to Kim by the nickname “Rocket Man,” Trump remarked that Kim was “on a suicide mission,” adding, “If it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.” Addressing broader themes, Trump reiterated, “I will always put American first,” adding, “The United States will forever be a great friend to the world and especially to its allies. But we can no longer be taken advantage of or enter into a one-sided deal in which the United States gets nothing in return.” (AP)
3. Maine State Police closed a busy section of Interstate 295 between Portland and Falmouth on Tuesday night after a fatal crash. Authorities said the collision, which killed a young man, occurred in foggy conditions after a crash involving a truck had caused traffic to slow down near Exit 10 in Falmouth. (PH)
4. Thousands of Puerto Ricans heeded the calls of government officials and have taken refuge in shelters as the Caribbean island braces for Hurricane Maria’s direct hit early this morning. This could potentially be the strongest hurricane to ever reach the shores of Puerto Rico. The record-breaking Category 4 hurricane — with sustained winds of 155 mph (250 kph) –is the first storm of its strength to hit the US territory in nearly 80 years. (CNN)
5. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins this evening and ends Friday evening. It is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days. Depending on which Jewish tradition is being followed, much time is spent at a synagogue. Rosh Hashanah meals usually include apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year. Other foods with a symbolic meaning may be served, depending on local custom, such as the head of a fish, to symbolize the “head” of the year and reflect the prayer “let us be the head and not the tail.” Pomegranates are used in many traditions, to symbolize being fruitful like the pomegranate with its many seeds. (USA)
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