President Trump announced that the U.S. will “immediately” begin testing its nuclear weapons. He wrote on Truth Social, saying, “The United States has more nuclear weapons than any other country.” Trump said the arsenal was updated during his first term and claimed he “had no choice” because of its destructive power. He added that China could match the U.S. nuclear stockpile within five years. (Story URL)
At least 28 people have died after Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, with Haiti reporting most of the fatalities. The storm, once a Category 5 with 185 mph winds, moved away from the Bahamas on Thursday and turned toward Bermuda, where conditions were expected to worsen. Haiti reported 23 deaths and 13 missing, while Cuba evacuated more than 735,000 people. (Story URL)
A new poll shows rising public concern over the federal government shutdown, now in its 30th day. Three-quarters of Americans say they are worried, up from two-thirds at the start. Forty-three percent describe themselves as “very” concerned. Nearly half of respondents, 45%, blame President Trump and congressional Republicans for the shutdown. 33% fault congressional Democrats. (Story URL)
A new AP-NORC poll shows only 12% of adults support the current system of changing clocks twice a year. Forty-seven percent oppose it, while 40% are neutral. If Americans had to choose one system, 56% would prefer permanent daylight saving time, giving longer evenings. About four in ten favor permanent standard time. Younger adults are more likely to be indifferent. (Story URL)
Retailers nationwide are struggling to make exact change after President Trump ended penny production earlier this year. Banks, unable to order new pennies, are now rationing supplies. Some businesses are offering promotions to gather coins. Giant Eagle in Pennsylvania will host a one-day event exchanging pennies for double-value gift cards, while Sheetz is offering a free soda for 100 pennies. (Story URL)