irma update
Hurricane Irma battering Caribbean islands
02:54 - Source: CNN
CNN  — 

The shooting at a congressional baseball practice reminds us of something we too often forget: We are one country, and we’re all in this together. Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door. You can also get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.

1. Congressional shooting

Most forecasts predict Irma could hit Florida this weekend, but exactly when or where is up for debate. A state of emergency has been declared in the Sunshine State and evacuations have started. Some 5,000 military personnel, civilians, contractors and families based at Naval Air Station Key West have been told to get out.

Meantime, Congress wants to put disaster relief for Hurricane Harvey on the fast track, but already politics is getting in the way. To speed things up, some GOP senators want to attach the disaster relief bill to a measure that would raise the debt ceiling. Sen. Rand Paul says he’ll do “anything to try to stop that.”

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Harvey photographer: Victims were in disbelief
05:06 - Source: CNN

2. Democratic National Committee

But then President Trump took to Twitter, of course, to say he’ll “revisit” DACA if Congress doesn’t “legalize” it within six months. So, what exactly does that mean? Would the President use executive power to deal with DACA (the same thing Obama got hammered for, BTW)?  Does he want these young people to stay in the country, or will he fulfill his campaign promise to push them out? At any rate, this emotional issue probably will linger into 2018 – an election year.

daca whatsapp text cnn
Dreamers respond to DACA ending
02:13 - Source: CNN

3. The Weinstein effect

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 20: Senator Bob Menendez at Capitol Hill on July 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.  (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Kelly Craft)
What to know about Sen. Menendez's trial
01:39 - Source: CNN

5. Fried potatoes study

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Haley on Iran deal: Can't put lipstick on a pig
00:49 - Source: CNN

The nuke deal has been a boon to Iran in one area – tourism. It’s booming there since the deal was enacted because the lifting of sanctions has meant the return of European airlines servicing the country. That’s resulted in a 50% increase in visitors there compared with last year.

Young international tourists flock to Iran
Young tourists flock to Iran
01:46 - Source: CNN

5. Trump in Asia

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Blood clots and how to treat them
03:28 - Source: CNN

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We know very well, more than most, what it means to be deprived of human rights and democratic protection”

Myanmar state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who said her government will work to protect the rights of the Rohingya. The Nobel laureate has been criticized for not speaking out about the plight of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority considered some of most persecuted people in the world.

Rohingya migrant women cry as they sit on a boat drifting in Thai waters off the southern island of Koh Lipe in the Andaman sea on May 14, 2015.  The boat crammed with scores of Rohingya migrants -- including many young children -- was found drifting in Thai waters on May 14, according to an AFP reporter at the scene, with passengers saying several people had died over the last few days.     AFP PHOTO / Christophe ARCHAMBAULT        (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images)
Who are the Rohingya and why are they fleeing? (September 2017)
02:30 - Source: CNN

BREAKFAST BROWSE

People are talking about these. Read up. Join in.

The average age for American dads has increased to about 31 years old, which means they’ll be even more out of touch when the kids turn into teens.

Madonna’s moved to Portugal, but just like us mere mortals, even she has trouble getting packages delivered to her new crib.

If you can’t beat ‘em …

Stealing signs is as old as baseball itself, but the Red Sox – always looking for an edge against the Yankees – reportedly brought this theft into the digital era.

Who’s that lady?

That would be former first lady Michelle Obama, who fell into “Formation” to celebrate Beyonce’s 36th birthday.

michelle obama beyonce birthday tribute moos

Wild about Harry

For the first time, actress Meghan Markle opens up about her relationship with Britain’s Prince Harry in a Vanity Fair interview.

Picture perfect

Scientists have created an algorithm for the perfect selfie, because apparently we can’t do anything without an algorithm anymore.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Here’s what’s happening later.

That’s how much newspaper publisher Tronc is spending to buy the New York Daily News

President Trump is due to talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping by phone this morning in their first conversation since North Korea’s latest nuclear test. Need a quick explainer on just what the heck is going on with the North and its nuclear ambitions? This will get you up to speed.

New sanctions on North Korea

AND FINALLY …

The “How to Dad” guy teaches us how to get our kids to eat vegetables. Good luck with that. (Click to view)

A black and white tuxedo cat perfectly mimics the moves of the cat clock on the wall. (Click to view)