FEMA paused Hurricane Helene assistance operations in North Carolina due to threats against responders, but the agency’s Recovery Centers will remain open. The pause is temporary, as officials evaluate how to proceed amidst the misinformation being spread about the agency in the wake of the hurricane. (UPI)
A New Jersey Transit train struck a fallen tree near Philadelphia, killing the operator and injuring 23 passengers. Service on the River Line was suspended between certain stations. Gov. Phil Murphy confirmed an ongoing investigation into the incident. The River Line had previous safety concerns and increased patrols. (UPI)
MLB postseason viewership is up 18% from last year, with an average of 3.33 million viewers. The Division Series saw a 14% increase, attributed to series going the distance and involving popular teams. Fox and FS1 had their highest ratings since 2014, with TNT Sports averaging 3 million for the ALDS series games. (AP)
True Value, a hardware retailer founded in 1948, has declared bankruptcy and will be acquired by Do it Best. The Chicago-based company filed for Chapter 11 protection, with Do it Best set to acquire most of its assets. True Value aims to continue supporting independently-owned retailers. True Value serves more than 4,500 stores. (CBS News)
Bath & Body Works apologizes for a candle packaging resembling KKK hoods. The “Snowed In” candle, featuring a snowflake design, faced backlash on social media for its alleged resemblance. While some condemned it, others believed it was a design error. The company swiftly removed the product and issued an apology. (ABC News)
