Helene slams the South; free COVID tests are back; Cowboys top Giants

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Authorities are rescuing people trapped by floodwaters and more than 3 million customers are in the dark across much of the southeastern U.S. as Hurricane Helene weakens to a tropical storm over Georgia early Friday. The storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm overnight amid warnings from the National Hurricane Center that the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge. There were at least three storm-related deaths. Hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extend far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams could make his initial court appearance on charges that he accepted illegal campaign contributions and free overseas trips from people looking to buy his influence in city government. 

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines executives have unveiled their vision for turning the carrier into an airline that gives passengers assigned seats, charges them extra for more legroom and offers red-eye flights but bags still fly free. The airline announced on Thursday that it plans to end the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years and start flights with assigned seats in early 2026. 

BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium’s prime minister has blasted Pope Francis for the Catholic Church’s horrific legacy of clerical sex abuse and cover-ups. Alexander De Croo demanded “concrete steps” to come clean with the past and put victims’ interests over those of the institution as he delivered a blistering welcome Friday at the start of Francis’ visit. 

In other news:

• Harris blasts Trump proposals for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia during Zelenskyy meeting.
• Harris says the right to be safe is a civil right, as Biden signs order on gun technology.
• Appeals court signals it might be open to altering Donald Trump's $489 million civil fraud penalty.
• Prosecutors file sealed brief detailing allegations against Trump in election interference case.
• Rudy Giuliani disbarred in DC after pushing Trump's false 2020 election claims.
• Top Haitian official denounces false claim, repeated by Trump, that immigrants are eating pets.
• Free COVID tests are back. Here's how to order a test to your home.
• NASA, Boeing describe limited roles despite Titan's owner touting aerospace ties.
• Police in small Mississippi city discriminate against Black residents, Justice Department finds.
• Average rate on a 30-year mortgage slips to 6.08%, lowest level in two years.
• Oklahoma executes a man for a 1992 killing despite board recommending his life be spared.
• X requests it be reinstated in Brazil after complying with judge's orders, source says.
• Hoda Kotb is leaving NBC's 'Today' show early next year.
• Judge hears arguments on possible retrial of movie armorer in fatal set shooting by Alec Baldwin.
• Memphis man gets life sentence for killing rapper Young Dolph.
• The Cowboys win Thursday night, two MLB teams clinch division titles, a former NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP retires, a Major League Baseball player is facing a criminal trial, the Athletics play their last game in Oakland, and the United States gets off to a great start at the Presidents Cup.
• Japan's soon-to-be prime minister faces big challenge as he tries to move past ruling party scandals.
• Families of 43 missing students in Mexico are still demanding justice 10 years later.