DAILY NEWS / TRENDING NEWS

 Hurricane Gabrielle, the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, is gaining strength as it moves across the open Atlantic, prompting alerts for dangerous surf, rip currents, and potential impacts along the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda. As of September 23, Gabrielle has intensified into a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching 120 mph and gusts exceeding 140 mph.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Gabrielle is currently located approximately 250 miles southeast of Bermuda, moving north-northeast at 13 mph. Forecast models show the storm curving away from the U.S. mainland, but its outer bands are expected to affect coastal areas from North Carolina to Nova Scotia.

Gabrielle is projected to pass east of Bermuda late Tuesday night, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and high surf to the island. By Thursday, the storm is expected to weaken as it moves into cooler waters in the North Atlantic.

While Gabrielle is not expected to make landfall in the U.S., its wide reach is already generating hazardous marine conditions. The NHC has issued rip current advisories and high surf warnings for:

• Outer Banks, North Carolina

• Virginia Beach

• Cape Cod, Massachusetts

• Southern Nova Scotia

Beachgoers are urged to avoid swimming in flagged areas and follow local lifeguard instructions. Mariners are advised to monitor updates and avoid open waters near the storm’s path.

Gabrielle’s development follows a pattern of rapid intensification, fueled by warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear. Meteorologists note that the storm’s structure is well-organized, with a defined eye and symmetrical cloud bands—hallmarks of a mature hurricane.

Experts also point to the increasing frequency of late-season hurricanes in the Atlantic, a trend linked to climate change and shifting oceanic conditions.

Emergency management agencies across the East Coast are closely monitoring Gabrielle’s trajectory. While direct impact is unlikely, officials stress the importance of preparedness, especially in vulnerable coastal communities.

Residents are encouraged to:

• ✅ Stay informed via official weather channels

• ✅ Secure outdoor items and review emergency kits

• ✅ Avoid unnecessary travel near coastal zones

Hurricane Gabrielle’s path may spare the U.S. mainland from direct landfall, but its influence on coastal weather and marine safety is significant. As the storm continues its journey across the Atlantic, vigilance and preparedness remain key for communities in its projected path.

For live updates, visit National Hurricane Center, NOAA, and Weather.com.

 AT&T has agreed to a $350 million settlement following a class-action lawsuit over a 2021 data breach that compromised the personal information of more than 77 million users. The breach, linked to a third-party vendor, exposed sensitive customer data and triggered widespread concern over telecom security standards.

The exposed records included:

• Names and contact details

• Birthdates and Social Security numbers

• Account PINs and email addresses

The breach was initially downplayed, but forensic analysis confirmed that the data originated from systems connected to AT&T’s vendor network.

Impacted individuals may be eligible for:

• Cash payments for documented losses

• Free credit monitoring for up to 24 months

• Security upgrades to prevent future breaches

AT&T will notify affected users directly. Claims must be submitted by December 15, 2025, pending court approval.

In response, AT&T is implementing:

• Stronger vendor controls

• Enhanced encryption and access protocols

• Regular security audits

• Employee education on data protection

The company emphasized its commitment to customer privacy and pledged ongoing improvements.

This settlement marks a major milestone in telecom accountability. Legal analysts say it reinforces the need for companies to vet third-party partners and invest in robust data security.

Consumers are advised to:

• Monitor financial accounts

• Use secure passwords

• Report suspicious activity promptly

The AT&T data breach settlement provides restitution and protection for millions of affected users. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, this case highlights the urgent need for proactive security and transparent corporate responsibility.

To file a claim or learn more, visit AT&T Settlement Portal, FTC.gov, and Consumer Protection Resources. Let me know if you’d like a social media summary or infographic version.

 Typhoon Ragasa slammed into Hong Kong on September 23, 2025, triggering a Black Rainstorm Warning and Typhoon Signal No. 8 as the city faced intense rainfall, wind damage, and widespread flooding. The storm disrupted transportation, forced school closures, and prompted emergency evacuations across multiple districts.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued Typhoon Signal No. 8 early Tuesday morning as Ragasa’s winds reached 145 km/h, with gusts topping 180 km/h. By dawn, rainfall rates exceeded 70 mm per hour, prompting a Black Rainstorm Warning that remained in effect for several hours.

Ragasa’s downpour flooded streets in Central, Kowloon, and the New Territories, leading to:

• MTR line shutdowns due to submerged tracks

• Airport delays and over 120 flight cancellations

• Power failures in eastern districts

• Landslides in hilly areas like Sai Kung and Tai Po

Emergency teams worked through the morning to clear debris, rescue stranded commuters, and restore essential services.

All schools were closed by order of the Education Bureau, and government offices operated with skeleton crews. Residents were urged to stay indoors, avoid flood-prone zones, and follow updates from the Hong Kong Observatory and Emergency Coordination Centre.

Meteorologists link Ragasa’s strength to elevated sea temperatures, a symptom of global climate change. Experts caution that Hong Kong may see more intense typhoons in the coming years, requiring stronger infrastructure and disaster planning.

Dr. Felix Chan commented:

“Ragasa shows us how vulnerable dense urban areas are to climate extremes. We must act now.”

Typhoon Ragasa’s strike on Hong Kong has left a trail of disruption and exposed the city’s storm vulnerabilities. As recovery begins, officials are urging vigilance and long-term investment in climate resilience.