News

The U.S. National Hurricane Center: Isaias weakened into a post-tropical cyclone after making landfall in Florida.

A series of attacks by Houthi rebels has cast a shadow over Saudi Arabia's key event, the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, often referred to as the "Davos of the Desert," with six people killed in attacks on the country's airports this week. Business executives are scrambling to assess whether they can still travel to Saudi Arabia for the event. These attacks come just days before the World Petroleum Council's Energy Conference (WPC) and only two weeks before the FII. "We have absolutely no idea what's going to happen," said an executive from a company planning to attend FII. "They want to keep the event going. But it depends on how things develop. The situation is very uncertain." Britain advised its citizens on Thursday to avoid "non-essential travel" to parts of Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, which could make it difficult for some banks to purchase insurance for their employees attending the conference. However, several foreign energy executives said they still plan to attend next week's WPC, noting that they know "the Saudis will remember who stood by them in times of trouble." Some Middle Eastern bankers said they still intend to attend FII, but will not bring their usual large entourages. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the FII organizers and Saudi authorities will view next week's WPC as a "bellwether" for whether to continue hosting the FII. The source stated that security is "clearly a top priority."

Douglas Police Department, Georgia, USA: Five people were shot and killed in a residence on October 9.

Russian authorities say they shot down 15 Ukrainian drones that were heading toward Moscow.

The governor of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region stated that the Russian attack resulted in seven deaths.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center predicts that Isaias will continue to weaken, but will continue to produce gusts deep inland until it weakens below gale force later today.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reports that Isaias is moving toward southern Alabama, with flash floods and strong winds threatening to spread further inland.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center: "Simon" has been classified as a Category 4 hurricane.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency: All roads in Houston County are closed until further notice. The closures will remain in effect until the situation is deemed safe.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency reports that Hurricane Isaias has generated strong winds and caused power poles to collapse, resulting in numerous travel difficulties.

US President Trump: (When asked about hurricane preparations) Everything is under control.

U.S. President Trump: (Regarding Hurricane Saias) We are closely monitoring this hurricane.

On October 9, Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People's Bank of China, met with Bonne, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the President of France. The two sides exchanged views on the current economic and financial situation, and Sino-French economic and financial cooperation.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: On October 9, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu held the 26th China-Australia Foreign Affairs Political Consultation with Australian Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Adam Smith, in Beijing. The two sides exchanged candid and in-depth views on China-Australia relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary: Due to the impact of Hurricane Isaias, a state of emergency has been approved for Florida and Alabama.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center predicts that Isaias will continue to weaken, but even after becoming a post-tropical cyclone, it is still expected to continue producing gusts inland throughout Saturday.

Florida Emergency Management Agency: A nationwide alert is in effect for North Florida, covering flash flood, storm surge, strong winds, and tornado warnings.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, and a life-threatening storm surge is hitting the Gulf Coast.

US President Trump: The Nobel Peace Prize has permanently lost its credibility. The prize has been completely tarnished by a small group of anti-democratic and anti-civilization radical ideologists.

US President Trump: By the way, I also acquired Greenland, and I hope you're happy about that. We got Greenland for the right price—zero dollars.