Transcript

Hello, everyone! This is Erika from “Just a Moment News,” and today’s date is October 9, 2024. Let’s dive into some of the key news stories making headlines today.

First up, we have an urgent situation developing in Florida. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm with winds of one hundred and sixty miles per hour, is nearing Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s expected to hit by late Wednesday or early Thursday. Despite predictions of weakening to a Category 3, the storm could still bring devastating impacts across the region, including life-threatening storm surges and heavy rainfall. Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, has issued mandatory evacuation orders for certain zones, impacting around one and a half million residents. Fuel shortages are also a concern as evacuees prepare to leave. Major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios have closed in preparation.

Next, let’s talk about a significant achievement in the world of science. Geoffrey E. Hinton, often referred to as the “godfather” of AI, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics alongside John J. Hopfield. Their pioneering work in the 1980s on neural networks has been foundational for modern machine learning. Hinton’s innovations include the co-invention of Boltzmann machines, which have significantly advanced AI capabilities.

Moving on to a tech update from South Africa, over thirty-one thousand outlets across the country can now accept cryptocurrency payments. This comes as Luno, a leading crypto service provider, teams up with Zapper, a local payments network. The collaboration allows for transactions up to one hundred thousand Rand per payment at places like Dis-Chem and FlySafair, pushing crypto closer to becoming a currency for everyday use.

In a fascinating discovery from the world of archaeology, scientists have revealed a deep secret hidden by Alaska’s Ruth Glacier. After decades of speculation and recent studies using modern technology, researchers have confirmed that the Great Gorge beneath Ruth Glacier is over eight thousand feet deep, making it deeper than any previously known gorge in North America. This finding, published in the Journal of Glaciology, could change how we study glaciers worldwide.

Lastly, in entertainment news, Hugo Weaving, starring in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, teases what sounds like a gripping season finale. Weaving’s character, Frank Harkness, adds complex layers to the narrative, intertwining personal and professional conflicts that promise to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the season.

That wraps up our quick look at today’s top stories. I’m Erika, and this has been “Just a Moment News.” Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll catch you next time with more updates. Stay safe out there!

Keywords - moment, daily, news