Truth Seekers Journal

How Helene became the near-perfect storm to bring widespread destruction across the South

By Terry Spencer – September 29, 2024

Hurricane Helene killed and destroyed far and wide — from Tampa to Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina, its high winds, heavy rains and sheer size created a perfect mix for devastation.

The storm made landfall late Thursday along a largely undeveloped expanse of pine trees and salt marshes on Florida’s Big Bend coast, but it immediately displayed its far-reaching power several hundred miles away. As of Sunday morning, at least 64 people were confirmed killed.

Tampa Bay was inundated with a massive storm surge that sent water up to people’s attics. Atlanta got more than 11 inches of rain, more than any 48-hour period in recorded history. So many trees were toppled in South Carolina that at one point more than 40 percent of the state lost electricity. In North Carolina, dams were in jeopardy of failing and entire communities are cut off by floods. Floodwaters submerged a hospital in Tennessee so quickly that more than 50 patients had to be rescued from the roof via helicopter.

How did a single storm unleash destruction so far away?

Dan Brown, a specialist at the National Hurricane Center near Miami, said Helene had all the attributes that make a storm widely destructive.

Discarded items from homes in the Shore Acres neighborhood St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson

It was large, about 350 miles (560 kilometers) wide. It was strong, with winds reaching 140 mph (225 kph) when it made landfall late Thursday, creating widespread storm surge. It carried heavy rains. And it was fast, speeding north at up to 24 mph (39 kph) offshore and 30 mph (48 kph) inland.

He compared the geographic scale of Helene’s destruction to 1972’s Hurricane Agnes, 1989’s Hurricane Hugo and 2004’s Hurricane Ivan.

“Systems that get very powerful, large and fast moving unfortunately do bring the potential for impact and damage well inland,” Brown said Saturday.

Here is a look at the many deadly tentacles of Helene.

FLORIDA

Helene’s devastation began Thursday, hours before it made landfall, as it swept through the Gulf of Mexico. Its then-120-mph (193-kph) winds created storm surge that pushed 6-to-15-feet (2-to-4.5 meters) of water into island and coastal neighborhoods all along Florida’s west coast.

Nine people who drowned were residents who stayed behind after their Tampa Bay area neighborhoods were ordered evacuated.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri expressed his frustration — issuing evacuation orders isn’t a decision that’s made lightly, he said. Many who ignored officials then called for help as some sought refuge in their attics from the rising waters. Deputies tried to help, using boats and high-profile vehicles, but they couldn’t reach many neighborhoods.

“We made our case, we told people what they needed to do and they chose otherwise,” Gualtieri said at a Friday press conference.

Late Thursday, Helene’s eye slammed into the northwest Florida coast in the Big Bend area, the spot where the Panhandle makes its westward jut from the peninsula — Hurricanes Idalia and Debby had previously hit the area within the last 13 months.

Susan Sauls Hartway had evacuated her seaside home — it was gone and when she returned Friday.

“I knew it would be bad, but I had no idea it was going to be this bad,” Hartway said. “This is unbelievable.”

GEORGIA

After making landfall, Helene sped into Georgia. Among more than 20 dead were a 27-year-old mother and her 1-month old twins died Friday when trees fell on their house in Thomson, just west of Augusta. An 89-year-old woman was killed when trees fell on her house nearby.

Rhonda Bell and her husband were spending a sleepless night in the downstairs bedroom of their century-old home just outside Valdosta, where Helene’s center passed shortly after midnight.

The winds broke off limbs, tore away neighbors’ roof shingles and knocked down fence panels in the neighborhood with train tracks along one edge. Then a towering oak tree crashed through the roof of an upstairs bedroom.

“I just felt the whole house shake,” Bell said. “Thank God we’re both alive to tell about it.”

Atlanta was hit with 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain, the heaviest 48-hour downfall since the city began keeping records in 1878. Streets flooded, submerging cars. Firefighters rescued at least 20 people.

NORTH CAROLINA

Helene’s heavy rains in the state’s western mountains caused massive flooding and mudslides in the Asheville region, cutting off most communication and making the roads impassable.

Video posted online shows large portions of the city underwater.

More than 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) away in Texas, Jessica Drye Turner begged on Facebook on Friday for someone to rescue her family members stranded on their Asheville rooftop.

But in a follow-up message Saturday, Turner said the roof had collapsed before help arrived and her parents, both in their 70s, and her 6-year-old nephew had drowned.

“I cannot convey in words the sorrow, heartbreak and devastation my sisters and I are going through,” she wrote.

eff Muenstermann and his wife, Lisa, friends of Turner’s, told The Associated Press on Saturday they had spoken to Turner after she posted the initial plea for help. At her request, they messaged members of The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, where they all attend, to pray for the family’s safety back in North Carolina.

“I just thought they were going to be rescued,” Jeff Muenstermann said. “I asked everybody to pray and they did. And then a couple hours later, her husband called me, completely distraught and said … we lost them. They all drowned.”

SOUTH CAROLINA

The storm was especially deadly in South Carolina. The biggest impact appears to be falling trees. The storm also produced tornadoes in the state.

In Saluda County, two firefighters were killed when a tree fell on their truck while they were answering a call. In Greenville County, four people were killed by falling trees. Four people were also killed in Aiken County by trees falling on homes, including a 78-year-old husband and his 74-year-old wife.

TENNESSEE

Helene’s heavy rains caused the state’s eastern rivers to overflow their banks and threatened to break dams, endangering those living nearby and forcing them to flee.

Patients and others at a hospital near the North Carolina border had to be evacuated to the roof Friday when torrents from the overflowing Nolichucky River rushed into the building.

Unicoi County Hospital tried to evacuate 11 patients and dozens of others, but the water was too treacherous for boats sent by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to navigate.

Helicopters were flown in to help rescue them. Eventually, everyone was evacuated.

Tina Charles Makes WNBA History in Record-Breaking 2024 Season

By Milton Kirby – Atlanta, GA – September 21, 2024

Tina Charles, one of the WNBA’s most iconic players, continues to add to her illustrious career during a historic 2024 season. Charles, who made her debut in 2010 as the first overall draft pick by the Connecticut Sun, was unanimously named Rookie of the Year in her debut season. Since then, she has etched her name in the league’s record books, with her most recent accomplishments coming during a season filled with remarkable milestones.

After a 12-year journey through the league, Charles joined the Atlanta Dream as a free agent in February 2024, following stints with the Connecticut Sun (2010–13), New York Liberty (2014–19), Washington Mystics (2021), Phoenix Mercury (2022), and Seattle Storm (2022). Her move to Atlanta has been marked by a string of firsts for both her and the franchise, cementing her status as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

On September 19, 2024, during a game against her former team, the New York Liberty, Charles became the WNBA’s all-time leader in total rebounds and double-doubles. Heading into the game, she needed just two rebounds to tie Sylvia Fowles’ record of 4,006. In just over three minutes into the first quarter, Charles grabbed her third rebound, passing Fowles and making history. “I can’t take this moment without mentioning Sylvia Fowles and what she’s meant to my career,” Charles said. “The heights she reached. The great person she is. It’s pretty special, full circle for me.”

The historic night didn’t stop there. Later in the game, Charles notched her 194th career double-double, surpassing Fowles for the most in WNBA history.

Charles’s six seasons with the New York Liberty added special significance to her achievements, as she was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame on September 19, 2024.

In August 2024, Charles also moved into second place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list, passing the legendary Tina Thompson. Charles accomplished this feat on August 21, when she converted a layup against the Phoenix Mercury. Just days earlier, on August 16, she had recorded her 3,000th career field goal in a game against the Seattle Storm, where she scored the game-winning shot, capping off a 16-point performance.

Charles’ contributions to the Atlanta Dream have also been groundbreaking. She set a new franchise record for double-doubles in a single season, surpassing Érika de Souza’s record of 18, and became the first Dream player to record over 500 points and 300 rebounds in a single season.

The 2012 WNBA MVP, Charles has been named to nine All-WNBA First- and Second-Teams, earned eight All-Star selections, and was part of four All-Defensive Teams. Internationally, she represented the U.S. in three Olympic Games, winning gold medals in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

With over 7,000 career points and 4,000 rebounds, Charles is the only player in WNBA history to reach both milestones, a testament to her all-around excellence. Although she sits behind only Diana Taurasi in career points, with Taurasi’s record at 10,500 points, Charles’ legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats is firmly solidified.

As the 2024 season concludes, Tina Charles continues to shine, leaving an indelible mark on the league and inspiring generations of players to come.

Atlanta Lock in a Playoff Berth with Big Win Over New York Liberty

By Milton Kirby – Atlanta, GA – September 19, 2024

The Atlanta Dream secured the final WNBA playoff berth with a 78-67 win over the New York Liberty in their regular-season finale. The victory on New York’s home court guaranteed Atlanta the eighth and final spot in the postseason.

The Dream started their core lineup of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Tina Charles for the 15th time this season. They executed efficiently from the start, outscoring the Liberty in three of the four quarters. The Dream’s lead grew steadily, with quarter scores of 21-15, 22-15, and 22-19, before holding off a late Liberty surge in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Despite the triumph, the celebration will be short-lived as the number 8 seeded Dream faces the same opponent, the number 1 seeded New York Liberty, in the first round of the playoffs starting on Sunday, September 22. The first-round format is a best-of-three series, with games one and two on the higher-seeded Liberty’s home court. If a third game is necessary, it will be held in Atlanta. The semifinals and finals will follow a best-of-five format.

“I don’t think anything matters at this point,” said Atlanta head coach Tanisha Wright regarding the upcoming playoffs. “The regular season is over. Everybody is 0-0.”

Game Summary

The Dream set the tone early, with Allisha Gray sparking a 9-0 run midway through the first quarter. Gray contributed five of the team’s first nine points, including a key three-pointer, while Atlanta’s defense held New York to 31.2% shooting and added three blocks and two steals. By the end of the first quarter, Atlanta had built a 21-15 lead, with Gray leading the way with seven points, going 3-for-4 from the field. Tina Charles added to the Dream’s offense with six rebounds in the first.

In the second quarter, Maya Caldwell’s three-pointer off the bench extended Atlanta’s lead to 26-18, forcing a New York timeout. The Dream’s relentless attack led to a 14-5 run to close the half, with Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard combining for 12 of the team’s 22 second-quarter points. Atlanta dominated inside, outscoring the Liberty 30-8 in the paint during the first half while shooting 52.8% from the field.

The third quarter saw the Dream extend their lead further. A 10-0 run to start the period, capped by a Jordin Canada hook shot, put the Dream up by 20 points, their largest lead of the game. Atlanta maintained strong shooting, hitting 50% from the field and 66.7% from three-point range.

While the Liberty attempted a comeback in the fourth, the Dream’s bench stepped up. Haley Jones led the reserves with four points, going a perfect 1-for-1 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Rookie Ezinne Kalu also made her mark, scoring the first points of her WNBA career with an and-one jumper.

The Dream shot 80% from the free-throw line in the final quarter, sealing the win.

Both teams will have two days of rest before their rematch in the playoffs, with the Dream looking to continue their momentum into the postseason.

Video courtesy WNBA Atlanta Dream

Dow, S&P 500 Hit Records After Rate Cut

By Ryan Dezember – Wall Street Journal

The Federal Reserve’s big rate cut sparked a furious global rally in stocks as traders bid up technology shares and other risky assets in a bet that lower borrowing costs will help keep unemployment low without reigniting inflation.

The rally was a delayed yet emphatic response to the central bank’s decision Wednesday to cut interest rates by a half percentage point that pushed the S&P 500 to its first record high since mid-July and the Dow to close above 42000 points for the first time.

Stocks rose immediately after the announcement but ended Wednesday lower. Shares regained those declines and much more on Thursday, rising at the opening bell and remaining aloft throughout the session.

The tech-dominated Nasdaq Composite led the way, climbing 2.5% and is now up 20% in 2024. The S&P 500 added 1.7%, surpassing the broad index’s previous peak, and is now up 19.8% this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.3%, or 522 points, to end at a record 42025 points.

The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies ended 2.1% higher to stretch its winning streak to seven sessions, its longest in more than three years. Stock indexes across Europe and Asia also rose.

Gold futures settled at a record of $2,588 a troy ounce, while the giant SPDR Gold Shares exchange-traded fund added 1.5%. Bitcoin climbed 5.3% to end at $63,270.05.

Ross Mayfield, investment strategist at Baird, said investors’ initial enthusiasm for a rate cut that was larger than many analysts expected was tempered by what some perceived as a downbeat press conference given by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Wednesday afternoon.

“Today’s reaction is the true reaction,” Mayfield said Thursday. “It’s clear the Fed will be cutting rates aggressively over the next year and that’s what should matter to markets and risk assets.”

The Fed voted to lower the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 4.75% and 5% while quarterly projections showed a narrow majority of officials penciled in further cuts of at least a quarter-point each at meetings in November and December.

Wednesday’s was the first rate reduction since early 2020, when the Fed cut rates to near zero amid the Covid market meltdown. The central bank raised rates starting in the spring of 2022 to fight inflation, eventually bringing borrowing costs to their highest level in a generation. Related video: ‘I was surprised’: S&P economist on the Fed’s bumper rate cut (CNBC)

Now that the central bank has pivoted to reducing rates, investors are focused on the pace of cuts. Jobs data will be key to forecasting the central bank’s next move as well as assessing whether the Fed lowered rates soon enough to avoid tipping the economy into recession, analysts said.

“Employment readings will have a larger influence on market direction over the next several months as the Fed tries to navigate the economy toward a soft-landing,” said Charlie Ashley, portfolio manager at Catalyst Funds.

New Labor Department data on Thursday showed that fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week than in any week since May.

Also Thursday, the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank said its gauge of regional business activity climbed into narrowly positive territory in September, signaling improving conditions and surprising economists, who had forecast another month in contraction.

The data pushed bond yields higher. The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes ended at 3.739%, up from 3.685% on Wednesday.

Darden Restaurants shares jumped 8.3% and led the S&P 500 higher after the Olive Garden owner said it struck a deal with Uber Technologies to deliver breadsticks and pasta to homes.

Tesla finished second in the index, rising 7.4%. Nvidia, which had waned amid concerns that its share price had outrun realistic profit forecasts, gained 4%. Facebook owner Meta Platforms climbed 3.9% to a fresh record.

Stocks that should benefit from lower borrowing costs and bond yields, such as utilities and big property owners, were among the few left behind Thursday. Such shares have rallied in recent months in anticipation of the rate cuts.

Shares of Steelcase dropped 5.7% after the maker of office furniture reported lower-than-expected sales for its fiscal quarter that ended Aug. 23 and said orders from big corporate customers were down.

Overseas, Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 2.1% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 2%. Germany’s DAX gained 1.6% to close at a new record high and London’s FTSE 100 increased by 0.9%.

Write to Ryan Dezember at ryan.dezember@wsj.com

Atlanta Dream Surge Toward Playoffs with Decisive Win Over Chicago Sky

By Milton Kirby – Atlanta, GA – September 18, 2024

The Atlanta Dream kept their playoff aspirations alive with an 86-70 victory over the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night. Both teams entered the game with identical 13-25 records, but Atlanta’s victory gave them the upper hand, improving their record to 14-25 while Chicago dropped to 13-26.

Chicago opened the game by winning the tip-off, but Atlanta’s defense set the tone early, with Allisha Gray blocking Rachel Banham’s first shot. That defensive intensity persisted throughout the contest, allowing the Dream to control the game from start to finish.

On Atlanta’s first possession, Jordan Canada wasted no time attacking the paint, scoring a layup and drawing a foul for the and-one. That aggressive play helped Atlanta close the first quarter with a 22-14 lead, fueled by a 16-6 run. Chicago struggled offensively, shooting just 33.3% from the field in the opening quarter.

Haley Jones added a crucial basket late in the first quarter, helping extend Atlanta’s lead to 12 points in the second quarter. Nia Coffey made an immediate impact off the bench, contributing four points in just three minutes. Atlanta’s reserves outperformed Chicago’s, with a 16-3 edge in bench points by halftime.

Gray and Canada led the Dream with eight points each in the first half, while Tina Charles dominated the boards, pulling down eight rebounds. All 10 active Dream players saw minutes in the first half, with the team’s largest lead growing to 18 points before the break. Atlanta out-rebounded Chicago 22-14 and outscored them in the paint 28-16, showcasing dominance inside.

In the fourth quarter, Atlanta shot a blistering 50% from the field, 75% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line. They capped off the game with a 19-11 run to seal the 16-point win.

Four Dream players scored in double figures, with Jordan Canada leading the way with 18 points, five assists, three steals, two rebounds, and a block. However, the game was not without setbacks—Haley Jones exited in the second quarter with a right calf injury and did not return.

Tina Charles made history in the win, recording her 20th double-double of the season with 16 points and 14 rebounds, tying Sylvia Fowles for the most career double-doubles in WNBA history with 193.

With the victory, Atlanta stays in the hunt for a playoff spot and continues to fight for their postseason dreams.

Video courtesy WNBA Atlanta Dream

Atlanta Dream Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Overtime Thriller Against Mystics

By Milton Kirby – September 15, 2024

In a high-stakes battle for their playoff future, the Atlanta Dream pulled off a crucial overtime victory against the Washington Mystics, winning 76-73 on the road to keep their postseason aspirations alive. The win brought both teams to an identical 13-25 record, heightening the intensity of the playoff race.

The Dream came out strong from the tip-off, with veteran Tina Charles scoring six of the team’s first eight points, igniting a 12-3 run to open the game. Charles and Rhyne Howard were offensive driving forces, combining for 15 of the Dream’s 21 points in the first quarter. Defensively, Atlanta’s pressure stifled the Mystics, holding them to just 35.7% shooting while the Dream converted 53.3% of their attempts. Key contributions on the boards came from Charles and Allisha Gray, who grabbed three rebounds each.

Atlanta’s momentum carried into the second quarter as the team extended their lead to 19-8. Howard drained a deep three-pointer to push the lead to eight, while Charles continued her stellar play, ending the half with 14 points and six rebounds on a near-perfect 7-for-8 shooting. Guard Jordin Canada sparked the offense with seven points in the second, orchestrating the Dream’s attack with three assists.

The third quarter saw the Dream’s first double-digit lead, thanks to a layup from Naz Hillmon. Gray, Hillmon, and Canada each added critical points as Atlanta executed a 10-2 run to push their advantage. Despite the lead, Washington fought back, but the Dream maintained their edge thanks to strong defensive efforts, including two steals by Howard.

Photo Stephen Gosling -NBAE/Getty Images

As the game wound down, Washington made a late push, with just 30 seconds left on the game clock, Charles, who set a franchise record with her 19th double-double of the season (20 points, ten rebounds), found Hillmon for a clutch jumper, forcing the game into overtime.

In the extra period, Atlanta remained poised. Hillmon, Charles, and Howard each scored key baskets while the Dream were perfect from the free-throw line, going 4-for-4. Atlanta’s defense was suffocating, holding the Mystics to just 20% shooting in overtime. Hillmon and Charles both recorded steals, sealing the win for Atlanta.

After the game, head coach Tanisha Wright praised Hillmon’s resilience. “Naz obviously was frustrated with herself from the last game, but you know, we just kept talking to her about being prepared and being ready and trusting her preparation and understanding that sometimes games happen like that – you gotta be short-term memory for the next game and stay confident she did that today. she stayed confident and when those opportunities came, especially at the end of the clock, she didn’t hesitate and she knocked down two big shots.”

Charles, reflecting on the win, said, “The goal was to win by any means necessary,” as her leadership on both ends of the court helped keep the Dream’s playoff dreams alive.

This overtime victory marked Atlanta’s second OT win this season, improving their record to 2-1 in extra time. All five Dream starters finished in double figures for just the second time this season. With the win, Atlanta improved their all-time record against Washington to 29-33 overall and 13-19 on the road.

As the Dream continue their fight for the postseason, Charles is now just one double-double away from surpassing Sylvia Fowles for the most in WNBA history.

Video courtesy WNBA Atlanta Dream

Atlanta Dream Suffer Heartbreaking Loss to Washington Mystics in Crucial Playoff Showdown

Atlanta, GA – September 14, 2024

By Milton Kirby

In a dramatic Friday night matchup, the Atlanta Dream faced off against the Washington Mystics at Gateway Center Arena with a crucial playoff spot on the line. Despite a strong performance from the Dream, they fell short in a heart-stopping 72-69 final.

The Dream, who have relied on the starting lineup of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Tina Charles for much of the season, came out strong in the opening quarter. Their offense quickly established a 4-0 lead, with Canada leading the transition game and finding Hillmon to secure an early 9-5 advantage. This prompted the Mystics to call their first timeout.

Atlanta’s dominance in the paint was evident, as they scored six of their first nine points from inside. The Dream ended the quarter with a 15-5 run, fueled by Howard’s impressive performance, including six points, two steals, one assist, and one block. Howard’s assist to Gray also marked a milestone, moving her up to sixth on the Dream’s All-Time Assists List. By the end of the first quarter, the Dream led 20-14, having outscored the Mystics in points in the paint (12-8), second-chance points (4-0), and fast break points (7-2).

Gray finished with a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds as the game progressed, earning her ninth career double-double. Hillmon also recorded a double-double, contributing 10 points and 11 rebounds, which was her first of the season. Additionally, Tina Charles set a new franchise record for the most rebounds in a single season, surpassing Érika de Souza’s previous record of 337. Charles achieved this milestone with her third rebound of the night and ended the game with 13 points and five rebounds, bringing her season total to 340.

Video courtesy of the Atlanta Dream

Despite these individual achievements and a strong start, the Dream couldn’t hold off the Mystics, who ultimately secured the win. The defeat was a tough blow for Atlanta, as they now face a challenging road to the playoffs.

The Dream have three games remaining in the regular season: they will play the Mystics again on Sunday, September 15, at Washington’s home court, followed by a matchup against Chicago at Gateway Center Arena on Tuesday, September 17, and concluding with a final regular season game in New York against Lynx on Thursday, September 19.

While New York has already clinched a playoff berth and is playing for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, Chicago and Washington are still fighting for their playoff positions.

The WNBA Boom Came with an Ugly Side. It Just Burst into the Open.

By Rachel Bachman – The Wall Street Journal

From the moment she entered the WNBA, Caitlin Clark has helped boost TV audiences, grow attendance and vault the league into the sports mainstream. The most-watched games have featured Clark’s Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese—rivals since they faced off in the 2023 NCAA women’s championship game.

But as the WNBA surged this year, an undercurrent of ugly discourse has circulated between followers of Clark, who is white, and Reese and many of the rest of the league’s players, who are Black. Players have received racist abuse online, physical intimidation and even death threats.

The issue burst into the open Tuesday, when WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was asked during a TV interview about her efforts to curb social-media discourse that takes a “more menacing” tone regarding players’ race or sexuality. Engelbert responded that this season is the WNBA’s Larry Bird-Magic Johnson breakout moment and advised those being targeted to simply ignore the abuse.

The reaction from the players was swift. Several posted on social media or gave interviews criticizing Engelbert’s comments.

“This is not about rivalries or iconic personalities,” the WNBA Players Association posted on X. “Racism, and the toll it takes on everyone, is NEVER tolerable, let alone justifiable, in the name of economic growth.”

On Friday morning, in response to the fallout, Engelbert sent an apology to all of the league’s players. In the letter, reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, she wrote: “I was asked a question about WNBA rivalries and the dark side of social media and race and simply put, my answer missed the mark and I’m sorry.”

She continued: “I regret that I didn’t express, in a clear and definitive way, condemnation of the hateful speech that is all too often directed at WNBA players on social media. This is a teachable moment and one that I embrace with humility.”

Engelbert pledged that the league would be swift in denouncing racism, misogyny and homophobia, would continue providing mental-health resources and would listen to its players.

Players have long received sexist barbs from the public, said Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm forward and president of the players’ association. But this season has brought a surge in racially motivated abuse, she said, adding that she has experienced it herself.

“Players have had to shut down their (social-media) accounts,” she said. “Players have had to be escorted away from certain high-concentrated fan environments.”

Reese, who recently suffered a season-ending injury, said on a podcast that she had received death threats and even been followed home.

Ogwumike spoke with Engelbert on Thursday and said, “We’re looking to move forward together. I encouraged her, you know, to develop that personal relationship with players, to maybe understand our lived experiences and, in fact, help the league grow bigger and better.”

This season, the league instituted league-wide charter flights for every game. In one incident last season, a man shouted at and filmed WNBA star Brittney Griner as she and the Phoenix Mercury traveled through a commercial airport.

The league also requires teams to include security in their travel parties and in arenas, and has security representatives in each market and at all games.

Audiences for the WNBA on ESPN networks have jumped 170% this season, to an average of 1.2 million per game. The WNBA playoffs begin Sept. 22.

Write to Rachel Bachman at Rachel.Bachman@wsj.com

Taylor Swift endorses VP Kamala Harris for President of the United States

By Milton Kirby – Atlanta, GA – September 11, 2024

Shortly after the 2024 Presidential Debate, hosted by ABC News, Taylor Swift announced on her official Instagram Page that she would be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. As of our writing today, her post has received 8.5 million likes.

In her post Taylor said, “Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country,” Swift wrote on Instagram, shortly after the conclusion of Harris’ debate with former President Donald Trump, her Republican rival, on ABC News.

“Recently, I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth. I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.”

Swift also said she was “so heartened and impressed” by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz being chosen as Harris’ running mate, adding that he “has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.”

Swift concluded her post by encouraging fans to register to vote and to vote early if they can, saying she would share links in her Instagram story on how to do so.

She signed off her post with her name and “Childless Cat Lady” — a callback to a 2021 comment from Sen. JD Vance, in which he smeared Harris and other Democrats for not having biological children, and a reference to her owning three cats.

Swift released her debut album, “Taylor Swift,” on October 24, 2006, under the Big Machine Records imprint. She has since been awarded 14 Grammys from 52 nominations. Swift wrote her third album all by herself and released it when she was 20 years old. It marked her transition into more of a pop sound, though you can still hear the country influence. The album sold 1 million copies in the U.S. in its first week, ultimately going platinum six times.

Taylor is one of the most prolific and influential recording artists currently recording and performing.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Face Off in Fiery Presidential Debate

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed in a heated debate, highlighting their differing visions for America’s future, with Harris emphasizing her plans for economic recovery and social policy.

By Milton Kirby – Philadelphia, PA – September 11, 2024

With just 56 days remaining before the November 5, 2024, election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed in what is expected to be their only face-to-face debate of the 2024 campaign season. The debate, held in Philadelphia, was a heated exchange filled with policy proposals, personal jabs, and contentious moments that highlighted their starkly different visions for America’s future.

The debate quickly turned combative, with Trump repeating false claims about the 2020 election results, immigration, and abortion. Harris, in contrast, appeared calm and composed, emphasizing her plans for economic recovery, and social policy.

Regarding immigration, Harris pointed out that the former President killed a bipartisan immigration legislation that would have provided needed resources at the border and more restrictive border and immigration policies by personally calling on several members of Congress.

At the onset, Harris said, “You are going to hear from the same old tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances, and name-calling. What you are going to hear tonight is a detailed and dangerous plan called Project 2025 that the former president intends on implementing if he gets elected again. I believe very strongly that the American people want a president who understands the importance of bringing us together. We have so much more in common than what separates us. I pledge to you to be a President for all Americans.”

For his part, Mr. Trump said, “Number one, I have nothing to do with it as you know, and she knows better than anyone, I have nothing to do with Project 2025. That’s out there, I haven’t read it, I don’t want to read it purposely, I am not going to read it. This is a group of people that got together. They came up with some ideas, I guess some good, some bad, but it makes no difference. I have nothing to do with it; everybody knows that I am an open book. Everybody knows what I am going to do; I will cut taxes substantially and create a great economy like I did before.”

Policy Proposals and Clashes

During the debate, Harris outlined her policy priorities, including tax breaks for small businesses and parents and a proposal for a first-time homebuyer credit to assist with down payments. Repeatedly declaring, “I have a plan,” Harris sought to contrast her approach with Trump, who referred to his own agenda as having “concepts of a plan,” particularly when questioned about replacing the Affordable Care Act.

Harris’s stance on energy policy also came under scrutiny, with the Vice President explaining her moderated position on fracking, stating, “My position is that we have got to invest in diverse sources of energy, so we reduce our reliance on foreign oil.”

Trump, meanwhile, sidestepped a direct question about whether he wanted Ukraine to win its war against Russia, instead pivoting to criticize Harris’s policy shifts and accusing her of adopting his own political philosophy. “Everything that she believed three years ago and four years ago is out the window—she’s gone to my philosophy now,” Trump claimed while warning that Harris’s election would mean “the end of our country” and labeling her a “Marxist.”

Personal Attacks and Heated Exchanges

The debate also saw Harris directly attack Trump, accusing him of being a poor businessman who inherited $400 million “on a silver platter and then filed for bankruptcy six times” and highlighting that he was “fired by 81 million people” in the 2020 election. Harris took aim at the enthusiasm of Trump’s supporters, quipping that attendees at his rallies “leave early out of exhaustion and boredom.”

Trump, not one to shy away from personal attacks, responded with a quip reminiscent of Harris’s famous line from the 2020 vice-presidential debate, “Wait a minute, I’m talking now if you don’t mind. Please.”

Contentious Moments on Afghanistan and Democracy

The debate also revisited the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. When asked whether she bore any responsibility for the manner of the withdrawal, Harris defended the decision to pull out, stating, “I agreed with President Biden’s decision to pull out of Afghanistan. Four presidents said they would, and Joe Biden did.” However, she did not directly address whether she felt accountable for the 13 U.S. service members killed in a terrorist attack during the withdrawal nor for the U.S. equipment left behind. Harris noted that the Trump administration had previously negotiated a weak deal with the terrorist organization the Taliban circumventing the Afghanistan government.

Trump seized on the issue, criticizing the withdrawal as “disastrous” and blaming the Biden administration for the chaos and loss of American lives. He also reiterated his longstanding claim that he is not a threat to democracy, stating, “They talk about democracy—I’m a threat to democracy. They’re the threat to democracy with the fake Russia, Russia, Russia investigation that went nowhere.”

Looking Ahead to November 5

With the November 5 election approaching, the debate underscored the high stakes of the 2024 race and the deep divisions within the electorate. As the only direct confrontation between the two candidates, it provided voters with a rare opportunity to see Harris and Trump challenge each other on stage and articulate their contrasting visions for the country’s future.

The outcome of this heated exchange and its impact on the election will unfold in the coming weeks as both campaigns make their final push toward Election Day.

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