North Carolina floods unleash yellow jacket swarms, prompting medical response
Hurricane Helene’s severe flooding in western North Carolina has displaced colonies of yellow jackets, increasing the risk of stings, according to NBC News.
Chris Hayes, an extension associate at North Carolina State University, explained that floodwaters likely destroyed the insects’ underground nests and toppled trees containing nests. In response, state health officials have purchased large quantities of Benadryl and EpiPens for distribution through healthcare providers, hospitals, and emergency services.
Residents and workers in affected areas report encountering yellow jackets more frequently, with some linemen getting stung while restoring power.
Experts warn that yellow jackets are generally more aggressive than bees, especially in fall, and can sting multiple times. The National Park Service advises slowly walking away with hands protecting the face if a disturbed nest is encountered.
Israeli strikes escalate in Lebanon as conflict widens
Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting a Hezbollah intelligence headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to CBS News.
The Lebanese health ministry reports over 2,000 deaths in the past two weeks due to Israeli operations, with 37 killed and 151 wounded in the last 24 hours alone. Israel claims to have killed 250 Hezbollah members, including 20 commanders, during four days of activity in southern Lebanon.
The conflict has displaced over 1 million people, with tens of thousands evacuated from border areas.
U.S. national Kamal Ahmed Jawad was among those killed in southern Lebanon.
The escalating violence has strained Lebanon’s healthcare system, with 40 paramedics and firefighters killed in recent days. Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike in the West Bank killed 18 Palestinians.
Despite U.S. calls for de-escalation, the conflict shows no signs of abating.
U.S. job market surges with 254,000 new Positions, unemployment at 4.1%
The U.S. economy added a robust 254,000 jobs in September, significantly surpassing economists’ expectations and indicating a resilient labor market, according to the Associated Press.
The unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%, down from 4.2% in August. Hourly wages rose 0.4% from August and 4% year-over-year.
Job gains were broad-based, with notable increases in restaurants, healthcare, government, and construction sectors.
The strong job market has eased concerns about a potential recession, with economists suggesting the Federal Reserve has achieved a “soft landing” in its efforts to control inflation.
Despite the positive economic indicators, many Americans remain frustrated with high prices as the November presidential election approaches.
The Fed is now expected to implement a quarter-point rate cut in November, rather than the previously anticipated half-point reduction.
Deadly gang attack in Haiti leaves at least 70 dead
At least 70 people, including 10 women and three infants, were killed in a brutal gang attack in central Haiti, according to The New York Times and the United Nations Human Rights Office.
The assault occurred early Thursday morning in Pont-Sondé, about 60 miles north of Port-au-Prince, and is attributed to the Gran Grif gang.
The attackers, armed with automatic rifles, also injured at least 16 people and set fire to numerous houses and vehicles.
This incident highlights the spreading violence in rural areas of Haiti, posing new challenges for the recently deployed international security force.
The attack took place in the Artibonite department, a key agricultural region that has seen a surge in gang activity.
The New York Times reports that the U.N. has called for increased international security assistance to Haiti in response to the escalating violence.
