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Since most Americans last voted for Congress, thousands of people have been added to certain voting districts — and subtracted from others — under new political maps enacted following court rulings. Here's a look at how voting districts have changed — or could change — before the November elections and what affect that could have on the battle for control of Congress. Perhaps the most notable is Florida, where a trial judge in September ruled that U.S. House districts pushed by Republican Gov. Litigation over congressional districts also is lingering in Arkansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. The reshaping of voting districts matters, but doesn't necessarily pre-determine the outcome of elections.

Persons: George Santos, Ron DeSantis, “, ”, Chris Warshaw, Warshaw, Jeffrey Wice Organizations: Republicans, GOP, George Santos of New, Supreme, Republican, Assembly, Democratic, New, New York Legislature, Republican Gov, Florida Supreme, George Washington University, Voters, New York Law, Redistricting Locations: November’s U.S, Alabama , Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina . New York, New, George Santos of, George Santos of New York, U.S, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Florida, Arkansas , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , Utah, Wisconsin

☆ The USDA's new plant zone map could change how you garden, including when and what you grow
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | Jenny Mcgrath | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

According to the new map, central Arkansas shifted half a zone up from zone 7b to zone 8a since the USDA last updated its map in 2012. The 2023 USDA map shows warmer zones in central Michigan, as well as shifts in some Northeastern states. AdvertisementLimitations of the USDA's new plant zone map"The map is a guideline, not a guarantee," Foster wrote, and plants can thrive in several zones. AdvertisementIn the Northwestern US, the 2023 USDA map (left) shows some regions of Montana in new, warmer zones. Sections of the South Central US, including Houston, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana, have changed to new zones in the 2023 USDA map (left).

Persons: Megan London, NPR she's, Chris Daly, Daly, Jonathan Foster, The University of Maine's Maine, Foster, you'll, US Department of Agriculture Foster, US Department of Agriculture Daly, " Daly Organizations: USDA, Service, NPR, Better Homes, Gardens, Oregon State University, US Department of Agriculture, North Central, The University of Maine's, The University of Maine's Maine Gardner, Southwestern, Northwestern, South Central Locations: Arkansas, Florida, Montana, Central, Michigan, Northeastern, Omaha , Nebraska, Minnesota, Southwestern US, Maine, Houston , Texas, New Orleans , Louisiana

☆ These redistricting fights could determine which party controls the House
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Fredreka Schouten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

Before the court action, Alabama – which is 27% Black – had only one Black-majority congressional district out of seven seats. The case is expected to land before the all-Republican state Supreme Court, where DeSantis appointees hold most seats. A separate federal case in Georgia challenges the congressional map on constitutional grounds and is slated to go to trial next month. UtahThe state Supreme Court, in a case it heard in July, is considering whether it even has the authority to weigh in on map-drawing decisions by the GOP-controlled state legislature. Advocacy groups and a handful of voters are challenging a congressional map that further carved up Democratic-leaning Salt Lake County between four decidedly Republican districts.

Persons: “, ”, David Wasserman, Amy Walter, Wasserman, Adam Kincaid, Kincaid, it’s, Nick Seabrook, –, John Roberts, Brett Kavanaugh, Ron DeSantis, Al Lawson, Steve Jones, Jones preliminarily, Andy Barr, Amy McGrath, Barr, Kareem Crayton, Brennan, Gabe Vasquez –, Chris Cooper, Jeff Jackson, Wiley Nickel, Kathy Manning, Don Davis, Valerie Foushee –, Davis, Roy Cooper, Nancy Mace, Kevin McCarthy Organizations: CNN, Democratic, Republicans, The, Republican, Black, National Republican Redistricting Trust, University of North, House, US, Gov, Black Democrat, Georgia Republicans, – Democratic, Congressional, Republican –, GOP, Louisiana Republicans, Appeals, Brennan Center for Justice . New, Brennan Center for Justice . New Mexico Republicans, New, New York Republicans, North Carolina, Democrats, Western Carolina University, Foushee, North, Democratic Gov, Supreme, Republican Rep, House GOP Locations: North Carolina, New York , Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, New York, University of North Florida, America, Louisiana, Florida, Black, North Florida, Atlanta, Peach, . Kentucky, Kentucky, Frankfort, Democratic, Brennan Center for Justice . New Mexico, New Mexico, Mexico, Empire, “, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, state’s, Carolina, Charleston, Utah, Salt Lake County, Salt, Texas, Tennessee

☆ A government shutdown would be a 'gut punch' to Head Start programs that serve 10,000 low income children
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Head Start programs, which serve over 10,000 children across the nation, would lose funding. If the shutdown isn't averted, Head Start programs serving more than 10,000 children would immediately lose federal funding, including Ferguson's program. This is a particular concern with nearly 20% of Head Start staff positions vacant nationwide, according to the National Head Start Association. The 16-day October 2013 shutdown was the last to hit Head Start hard, affecting 19,000 children and shuttering programs in several states. Laketia Washington, a mother of eight whose 3- and 5-year-olds attend Head Start programs in Tallahassee, Florida, lamented the turmoil as she rang up customers at a discount store.

Persons: —, Monette Ferguson, Ferguson, Tommy Sheridan, Sheridan, Bobby Kogan, Lori Milam, she's, Philip Shelly, Nikki Budzinski, Maureen Coffey, Lynn Karoly, John, Laura Arnold, what's Organizations: Service, Alliance for Community Empowerment, Start Association, Sunday, Center for American Progress, West Virginia, Democratic U.S ., Start, Center for American, Rand Corp, Tim Center, Capital Area Community Action Agency Locations: Connecticut, Florida , Alabama , Connecticut, Georgia , Massachusetts, South Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota , New York, Maine, Houston, Florida, Laketia Washington, Tallahassee , Florida

If the shutdown isn’t averted, Head Start programs serving more than 10,000 children would immediately lose federal funding, including Ferguson's program. That's what worries Lori Milam, executive director of the West Virginia Head Start. This is a particular concern with nearly 20% of Head Start staff positions vacant nationwide, according to the National Head Start Association. Another pot of COVID-19 relief funds that helped Head Start ran out in the spring. Laketia Washington, a mother of eight whose 3- and 5-year-olds attend Head Start programs in Tallahassee, Florida, lamented the turmoil as she rang up customers at a discount store.

Persons: Monette Ferguson, “, ”, Ferguson, Tommy Sheridan, Sheridan, Bobby Kogan, Lori Milam, she's, Philip Shelly, Nikki Budzinski, Maureen Coffey, “ It’s, Lynn Karoly, John, Laura Arnold, what’s Organizations: KANSAS CITY, Alliance for Community Empowerment, Start Association, Sunday, Center for American Progress, West Virginia, Democratic U.S ., Start, Rand Corp, Tim Center, Capital Area Community Action Agency Locations: KANSAS, Mo, Connecticut, Florida , Alabama , Connecticut, Georgia , Massachusetts, South Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota , New York, Maine, Houston, Florida, Laketia Washington, Tallahassee , Florida

At issue was whether the Republican-drawn map violated a bedrock federal civil rights law, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, that prohibits racial discrimination in voting. "We have now said twice that this Voting Rights Act case is not close," the judges wrote. Alabama's Republican Secretary of State Wes Allen in filings submitted to the lower court disclosed plans to appeal to the Supreme Court and the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. The Supreme Court in June allowed a challenge to Louisiana's congressional map to advance. The Voting Rights Act was passed at a time when Southern states including Alabama enforced policies blocking Black people from casting ballots.

Persons: Terri Sewell, Michael A, McCoy, Steve Marshall, Wes Allen, Ron DeSantis, Joseph Ax, John Kruzel, Colleen Jenkins, Bill Berkrot, Will Dunham Organizations: Republican, U.S, Supreme, Democratic, U.S . House, Democratic U.S, Selma Fire, REUTERS, Circuit, Appeals, NAACP, Republicans, Thomson Locations: U.S, Alabama, Birmingham, Selma, Selma , Alabama, Atlanta, Florida, Black

Under the Republican map, only one of the state's seven congressional districts is majority Black, even though Black residents make up more than a quarter of the state's population. The office of Attorney General Steve Marshall, a Republican, said the state would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The plaintiffs who challenged Alabama's map, including the state chapter of the NAACP, in a joint statement said: "Alabama openly admits its intention to defy the law and the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court also in June allowed a challenge to Louisiana's congressional map to advance. A federal court has ordered lawmakers to draw a second majority-Black district, and a U.S. appeals court is set to review the case next month.

Persons: Michael A, McCoy, Terri Sewell, Steve Marshall, Ron DeSantis, Joseph Ax, Colleen Jenkins, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Democratic, Selma Fire, REUTERS, Republican, Democratic U.S, U.S, Supreme, NAACP, Republicans, U.S . House, Representatives, Thomson Locations: Selma, Selma , Alabama, U.S, Birmingham, Alabama, Florida, Black

Instead, a court-appointed special master will be tasked with creating a new map ahead of next year's vote. "And we are deeply troubled that the State enacted a map that the State readily admits does not provide the remedy we said federal law requires." Under the Republican map, only one of the state's seven congressional districts is majority Black, even though Black residents make up more than a quarter of the state's population. The panel first intervened in 2022, ruling that an earlier Republican plan was illegal. The Supreme Court also ruled in June that a challenge to Louisiana's congressional map could advance.

Persons: Michael A, McCoy, Terri Sewell, Ron DeSantis, Joseph Ax, Colleen Jenkins, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Democratic, Selma Fire, REUTERS, Republican, Democratic U.S, U.S, Supreme, Republicans, U.S . House, Representatives, NAACP, Thomson Locations: Selma, Selma , Alabama, U.S, Birmingham, Alabama, Florida, Black

☆ NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts splash down near Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Jackie Wattles | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Four astronauts have returned home from a six-month stay on the International Space Station, making a splashdown landing aboard their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule off the coast of Florida on Monday. The astronauts, members of the Crew-6 mission run jointly by NASA and SpaceX, departed the space station on Sunday at 7:05 am ET. Before the astronauts left the space station, NASA said that it had been monitoring the impact of Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall Wednesday morning on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Over the past week, the Crew-6 astronauts worked to welcome and hand over operations to Crew-7 team members, who arrived at the space station on August 27. During their stint in space, the Crew-6 astronauts were slated to oversee more than 200 science and tech projects.

Persons: Stephen Bowen, Warren “ Woody ” Hoburg, Alneyadi, Andrey Fedyaev, ” Hoburg, “, It’s, Hoburg Organizations: CNN —, SpaceX, NASA, Carolinas, United, CRS, International Locations: Florida, Jacksonville , Florida, Gulf Coast, Georgia, United Arab Emirates, Russian, American, Saudi Arabia

☆ NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts depart space station after Hurricane Idalia clears Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( Jackie Wattles | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Four astronauts concluded their six-month stay aboard the International Space Station on Sunday and are heading for a splashdown off the coast of Florida days after Hurricane Idalia ravaged parts of the state. The astronauts, members of the Crew-6 mission run jointly by NASA and SpaceX, boarded their Crew Dragon capsule on Sunday and departed the space station at 7:05 a.m. Over the past week, the Crew-6 astronauts have worked to welcome and hand over operations to the Crew-7 team members, who arrived at the space station on Sunday. During their stint in space, the Crew-6 astronauts were slated to oversee more than 200 science and tech projects. But the Russian Soyuz spacecraft that carried him and two Russian colleagues to the space station sprang a coolant leak late last year.

Persons: Hurricane, Stephen Bowen, Warren “ Woody ” Hoburg, Alneyadi, Andrey Fedyaev, ” Hoburg, “, It’s, Hoburg, Frank Rubio, Rubio, Mark Vande Hei, Rubio’s, “ We’ve, “ Frank, … Organizations: CNN —, NASA, SpaceX, Carolinas, United, CRS, International Space Station, Russian Soyuz Locations: Florida, Gulf Coast, Georgia, United Arab Emirates, Russian, American, Saudi Arabia, Roscosmos

☆ Factbox: Stocks to watch as Idalia makes landfall in Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Electric power transmission pylon miniatures and Nextera Energy logo are seen in this illustration taken, December 9, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Acquire Licensing RightsNEW YORK, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Florida is bracing for Tropical Storm Idalia as it intensifies into a major hurricane on Monday before making landfall on the state's Gulf Coast by Wednesday morning. About 20 million Floridians are under hurricane and tropical storm watches, and authorities have begun issuing evacuation orders. Shares of NextEra Energy Inc (NEE.N), which owns the Florida Power & Light Company, the state's largest utility, was little changed at $68.06, up 0.154%. Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York; editing by Lance Tupper and Nick ZieminskiOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Idalia, Here's, Ron DeSantis, –, Owens Corning, Chibuike Oguh, Lance Tupper, Nick Zieminski Organizations: REUTERS, Simpson, National Hurricane Center, POWER Florida, NextEra Energy Inc, Florida Power & Light Company, Duke Energy Corp, Generac Holdings, Universal Insurance Holdings, Allstate Corporation, American International, Home, Lowe's, Thomson Locations: Florida, Coast, Big, New York

☆ Stocks to watch as Idalia makes landfall in Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Acquire Licensing RightsNEW YORK, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Florida is bracing for Tropical Storm Idalia as it intensifies into a major hurricane on Monday before making landfall on the state's Gulf Coast by Wednesday morning. Idalia is predicted to transform into a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale when it makes landfall in northern Florida's Big Bend area, where the panhandle transitions into the peninsula, the National Hurricane Center said. About 20 million Floridians are under hurricane and tropical storm watches, and authorities have begun issuing evacuation orders. Shares of NextEra Energy Inc (NEE.N), which owns the Florida Power & Light Company, the state's largest utility, was little changed at $68.06, up 0.154%. Duke Energy Corp (DUK.N) said on Monday it is mobilizing approximately 4,500 people - power line technicians, vegetation workers, damage assessors and support personnel – to respond to power outages as Idalia reaches Florida.

Aug 28 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Idalia was expected to intensify into a major hurricane on Monday as it barreled toward Florida's Gulf Coast, where authorities urged millions of residents to prepare to evacuate ahead of an expected landfall early Wednesday morning. The storm's growing intensity and its current northerly track put some 20 million Floridians under hurricane and tropical storm watches. "This is going to be a major hurricane. This is going to be a powerful hurricane and this is absolutely going to impact the state of Florida." To the east of Idalia, Hurricane Franklin, the first major hurricane of the season, meandered in the Atlantic, where it was forecast to turn to the northeast over the next two days.

Persons: Idalia, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Hurricane Franklin, Brendan O'Brien, Rich McKay, Conor Humphries Organizations: National Hurricane Center, Simpson, National Guard, Duke Energy, meandered, U.S ., Thomson Locations: Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Cuba, Big, Florida, Coast, Florida's Gulf Coast, Georgia, North, South Carolina, Bradenton, Hillsborough County, Idalia, Hurricane, Bermuda, U.S . East Coast, Chicago, Atlanta

☆ Tropical Storm Idalia expected to hit Florida as hurricane
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 27 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Idalia could strengthen into a hurricane on Monday, bringing high winds and storm surges to Cuba and Florida later this week. The storm has sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and could reach Category 2 strength with sustained winds of 96 to 110 mph when it is forecast to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, according to Governor Ron DeSantis. The governor said the hurricane could make landfall in northern Florida's Big Bend area - where the panhandle transitions into the peninsula. Reuters Image Acquire Licensing Rights"Idalia is likely to be near or at major hurricane intensity when it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida," the NHC added. Duke Energy (DUK.N) is closely monitoring the approach of Idalia and preparing crews and equipment to respond if customers lose power.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Joe Biden, Baranjot Kaur, Maria Caspani, Katharine Jackson, Trevor Hunnicutt, Lisa Shumaker Organizations: U.S, National Hurricane Center, Yucatan Channel, Reuters, NHC, Florida's Division, Emergency Management, National Guard, Duke Energy, Thomson Locations: Cuba, Florida, Big, Yucatan, Florida's, Georgia, Miami, Bengaluru, New York, Washington, Lincoln

☆ These are the 3 best markets for long-distance real-estate investors to capitalize on both strong cash flows and property value appreciation, according to an expert who's written multiple books on inv
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

David Greene says Alabama, Southern Georgia, and Northern Florida are ripe markets for appreciation. I do think appreciation is likely to be experienced later because of the increasing population that's moving there," Greene said on the podcast. According to Census Bureau data compiled by the National Association of Realtors, Florida's population grew the most in absolute terms out of any US state in 2022, while Georgia grew the sixth-most and Alabama grew the ninth-most. Cities they found where the population grew above 6% last year include Ocala, Florida; Tallahassee, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; and Deltona, Florida. National Association of RealtorsData also shows that median home prices in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are cheaper than the national median of $436,800.

Persons: David Greene, bullish, Greene, Southern Georgia Daniela Duncan, Austin Organizations: Alabama, Florida Bown Media, Getty, National Association of Realtors, NAR, US Postal Service, National Association of Realtors Data, Rocket Mortgage Locations: Alabama, Southern Georgia, Northern Florida, Phoenix, Nashville, Austin, Alabama Montgomery , Alabama, Northern Florida Pensacola, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Birmingham, Bentonville , Arkansas, Florida's, Georgia, Ocala , Florida, Tallahassee , Florida, Savannah , Georgia, Deltona , Florida, Alabama , Georgia

☆ Disney sues Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, alleges political effort to hurt its business
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Walt Disney Co. sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, alleging the Republican governor has waged a "relentless campaign to weaponize government power" against the company amid a protracted fight over a controversial classroom bill. The federal lawsuit alleges that DeSantis "orchestrated at every step" a campaign to punish Disney that now threatens the company's business. Soon after, the governor and his allies targeted the special tax district that has allowed Disney to essentially self-govern its Florida operations since the 1960s. "The government action was patently retaliatory, patently anti-business, and patently unconstitutional," Disney alleged in the civil complaint in U.S. District Court in northern Florida.

☆ 13 hot spots for real-estate investors seeking solid rental income returns and cheaper property instead of high prices and taxes, according to an expert who's spent 2 decades investing around the glob
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Laila Maidan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

With the right locations, he believes investors could double their cash investment in the next five years based on property appreciation and rental income. you'll also need to pay taxes on rental income which varies by state. If you plan on generating short or long-term rental income, find a strong rental or property manager. If you're on a budget but want to invest in a good shorter-term rental property for Airbnb, look in high-traffic destinations, he said. Top picks for short-term rental income are internationalized destinations that have easy air access, great amenities, and a lack of hotel competition.

☆ Florida prosecutor blamed an 'entry-level' staffer after a document surfaced from his office outlining harsher penalties for 'Hispanic' defendants
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Charles R. Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A Florida prosecutor has confirmed to Insider the authenticity of a document that outlined a racist policy in his office. The document called for "Hispanic" defendants to receive stricter penalties for "No Valid Driver's License." The prosecutor, Jack Campbell, blamed the document on a junior staffer who has been "reprimanded." First elected in 2016, Campbell, is the state attorney for the 2nd Judicial District, making him the chief prosecutor for six counties in northern Florida. Hayes, who worked for Campbell as an assistant state attorney, left Florida in January and now works as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia.

Millions of people in the South and the Southeast are at risk of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash floods Tuesday and Wednesday, while a messy winter storm is expected to hit the Midwest and a separate storm slams California later this week. Threats of severe thunderstorms, flash floodsAs many as 20 million people from southeast Louisiana to south-central Alabama are at risk for severe thunderstorms Tuesday that could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail and some strong tornadoes, classified as having winds of more than 111 mph. The thunderstorms are expected to continue through the day and last into the overnight hours. In addition to the severe thunderstorms, flash flooding will also be a threat. St. Louis could see a high in the early 70s Tuesday before expected highs plunge to the high-30s and the mid-40s the rest of the week.

The storm will begin to organize on Wednesday, bringing snow and wind to the Rockies and northern Plains. On Thursday, heavy snow with strong winds will move into the Midwest, Great Lakes and central Plains. Even the Southeast will experience strong winds. As snow is falling across the Midwest and Great Lakes, the I-95 corridor will be getting lashed with torrential rain and strong winds. Despite the precipitation ending late Friday, strong winds lingering in the first half of Saturday could continue to spark delays until the winds subside.

☆ Legislator behind Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' law is accused of Covid-relief fraud
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Tim Stelloh | Tim Stelloh Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

The Florida legislator who sponsored legislation critics dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay" bill was accused of illegally obtaining tens of thousands of dollars in Covid-relief funds, authorities said Wednesday. Joseph Harding, 35, was indicted on six counts of wire fraud, money laundering, making false statements and other crimes, the U.S. attorney’s office for Northern Florida said in a release. Harding sought more than $150,000 in loans and received roughly $45,000 in January and February 2021, according to the indictment. "This bill goes way beyond the text on its page," former Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat who is gay, said in February. He could face 20 years in prison for the fraud charges, 10 years for money laundering and five years for making false statement, the release says.

A cross-country winter storm system is expected to bring severe weather conditions to the South and Northeast. Jackson, Mississippi, is in the center of the severe weather risk area, with other cities to watch being Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans; Birmingham, Alabama; and Shreveport, Louisiana. The storm system will shift east on Wednesday, bringing strong thunderstorms, heavy rain and wind to the East Coast. Atlanta; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Tallahassee, Florida, could all see strong storms, especially in the first half of the day. The northern side of this cross-country storm system will bring snow, which will affect the Upper Midwest.

Hurricane Nicole weakened into a tropical storm shortly after making landfall on Florida’s Atlantic coast just south of Vero Beach early Thursday, officials said. Just under an hour later, the hurricane center said Nicole had weakened into a tropical storm as it made its way over east-central Florida, bringing strong winds, heavy rains and dangerous storm surge. Hurricane Nicole approaches the Florida coast on Nov. 10, 2022. After striking Florida, Nicole is expected to move over central and northern Florida and into southern Georgia on Thursday and Thursday night, forecasters said, before moving into the Carolinas. Nicole struck Florida as a hurricane about six weeks after Hurricane Ian hit the state as a Category 4 hurricane.

NASA has delayed the launch of its next-generation megarocket and space capsule to the moon as Florida braces for an approaching storm. Tropical Storm Nicole, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane Wednesday, is projected to batter Florida's eastern coast, forcing the space agency to reschedule its planned launch on Nov. 14. NASA is now aiming to launch its uncrewed Space Launch System rocket Nov. 16, during a two-hour window that opens at 1:04 a.m. The rocket is sitting at launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. NASA said the SLS booster is designed to withstand 85 mph winds and will remain at the launch pad during the storm.

Tropical Storm Nicole neared hurricane strength early Wednesday as it aimed for Florida's Atlantic coast and the Southeast U.S. Previously a subtropical storm, Nicole has worked its way up to a tropical storm and was all but assured to become a hurricane overnight, the National Hurricane Center said. The hurricane center warned the entire state to be prepared for heavy weather. "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the National Hurricane Center said in a late-night public advisory. Storm surf is likely to affect a long stretch of U.S. coastline, from the east coast of Florida to the Southeastern U.S., the hurricane center said.

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