Halloween is still more than a month away, but some major retailers are already gearing up for Christmas.  Walmart and Target said they are starting the holiday shopping season earlier this year in stores and online as households nationwide continue to face persistently high inflation that is forcing them to cut back on spending.   

  Here’s what else you need to know to start your day.   

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  Canadians are bracing for the strongest storm ever to hit their country’s shores.  Hurricane Fiona, which has already battered the Caribbean, is now forecast to hit Bermuda today before hitting eastern Canada on Saturday morning.  Residents in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are being warned to prepare for Fiona’s impact.  The Category 4 storm, which has already killed at least five people and knocked out power for millions this week, will bring damaging winds, high waves and heavy rain that could lead to extended power outages, local officials said.  Several schools, government offices and other businesses in the area were closed today in preparation for the storm.   

  Occupied parts of Ukraine are voting in “fake” referendums today on joining Russia.  The referendums, which are illegal under international law, have been widely condemned by the West as illegal.  Such a move could give Moscow a pretext to escalate its faltering invasion, which has seen Ukraine reclaim thousands of square miles of territory this month.  The European Union has said it will not recognize the results and has said it is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia.  Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, supported the referendums in a recent address to the nation.  Separately, long lines of traffic were reported at many of Russia’s major land borders as Russian citizens try to escape the recently announced “partial mobilization.”

Video explainer: How long can Ukraine hold on to its military gains?

  A Democratic Florida lawmaker is suing Republican Gov. Ron DeSandis to stop him from taking more migrants across the southern border, arguing that last week’s flights to Martha’s Vineyard violated state law.  State Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Miami, says DeSantis illegally spent taxpayer dollars by flying about 50 immigrants from San Antonio to the Massachusetts island.  DeSantis has vowed to take more migrants across the border and previously told reporters that the flights to Martha’s Vineyard were “just the beginning.”  DeSantis said the action was paid for with $12 million allocated in the state budget and promised to use “every penny.”

Why This Lawyer Says Martha’s Vineyard Immigrants Were ‘Trampled’

  More than $45 billion in pandemic unemployment benefits may have been fraudulently paid to criminals between March 2020 and April 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor said in a memo Thursday.  This is the latest report to identify widespread schemes to steal money from a variety of federal relief programs after Congress enacted an expansion of the program to help Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic.  It’s also a big jump from the $16 billion estimated in June 2021. The scam was launched as state unemployment agencies were overwhelmed by record numbers of claims and relaxed some requirements in an effort to get money quickly to those who had lost their jobs. them.  Within five months, more than 57 million people filed for unemployment benefits.   

  Boeing has agreed to pay $200 million for misleading the public about the safety of its 737 Max plane after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. The Securities and Exchange Commission claims that, after the crash of the Lion Air 737 Max plane in October 2018 that killed 189 people, Boeing and then-CEO Dennis Muilenburg knew part of the plane’s flight control system was an ongoing safety concern — yet they told the public it was safe to fly.  Following a fatal crash of the 737 Max in March 2019, the SEC alleges that Boeing and Muilenburg knowingly misled the public about “slippages” and “gaps” in the certification process for that flight control system.  Elsewhere in the airline industry, American Airlines recently announced it would ban an unruly passenger for life after the person punched a flight attendant.   

  The Space Force theme becomes fodder for comedy   

  The United States Space Force has a new theme song… but critics say the tune is so bland and boring it’ll make you want to pop out of space.   

  The Boston Celtics are suspending their coach for the entire NBA season   

  Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka has been suspended after having a consensual relationship with a female member of the team’s staff.   

  Ye West apologizes to Kim Kardashian in GMA interview   

  Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, shared this message about his ex-wife on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”   

  Fetuses smile at carrots, but grimace at cabbage, study finds   

  A 4D image of a fetus shows a “scream” reaction after exposure to cabbage, but a “laughing face” in utero when exposed to carrots.  See the interesting – and relevant – images here.   

  Highlights from London Fashion Week   

  Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom declared national mourning.  But emerging brands kept the show going, with many designers honoring the late monarch in creative ways.   

  According to the FAA, how many hours of flight experience are required before a pilot can work for an airline?   

  A. 250   

  B. 500   

  C. 1,000   

  D. 1,500   

  Take CNN’s weekly news quiz here to see if you’re right!   

  6.9%   

  That’s how much FedEx will raise its express shipping rates through next year, the company said Thursday.  Fares will also increase by an average of 6.9% to 7.9%.  FedEx said the weakening global economy, particularly in Asia and Europe, has hurt its business.  The company is responding by reducing flights, reducing staff hours and closing 90 FedEx Office locations, as well as five corporate offices.   

  “Today the government of Nicaragua pulled our TV signal, denying Nicaraguan news and information from our TV network, which they have relied on for 25 years.”   

  –CNN en Español, issues a statement following CNNE’s abrupt removal from the Nicaraguan government this week, shortly after 10pm local time on Wednesday.  In recent months, CNN en Español has reported examples of repression by the country’s government under President Daniel Ortega’s fifth term.  Although the government did not explain why it removed CNN’s Spanish-language service, the move comes as Ortega’s regime has vigorously cracked down on the press and critics over the past two years.

Hurricane Fiona passes Bermuda as warnings for Canada

  Check your local forecast here >>>   
	The artist’s drawings on the sidewalk with chalk will mess with your perception
   Pavement designs that will confuse your perception   

  This street art is made to look like it’s interacting with its surroundings!  Some are so realistic you might have to look at them a bit!  (Click here to view)