World News: It's Dolly Parton Day

Friday, September 25

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The Daily Briefing

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Good morning! It's Friday, Sept. 25, and here's what you should know today: The FDA elevated a thyroid medicine recall to its highest level. Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore" has dropped. And it's Dolly Parton Day!

I'm Mallorie Sullivan, and although I've just poured my cup of ambition, finding out I'm just minutes away from one of the best sandwiches in America already has me counting down to lunch. Let's dive in.

☔️ A nor'easter is on the move

After crawling up the East Coast on Thursday into the mid-Atlantic region Friday, the storm is expected to wallop New England over the weekend with heavy rain and potential hurricane-force wind gusts. The combo of strong onshore winds, high surf and high tides will result in moderate to major coastal flooding, as well as rip currents, beach erosion and property damage, NOAA said.

•	If you're in the path of the storm, make sure you have these emergency preparedness essentials.
•	In the Pacific: Nolo could bring catastrophic rainfall to Hawaii over the weekend.

🦠 COVID-19 cases are increasing

Just as Americans are dealing with the end of the "summer surge," several states in the South and West have reported high or very high COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater, data show, while activity is also rising in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. Most strains carry many symptoms that overlap with other seasonal illnesses like the flu, so make sure you know the key differences.

•	Confused about the latest vaccine guidance? This is what top doctors now recommend.

🦋 A moment for Dolly

Across the country, counties, cities and even two states have declared today Dolly Parton Day. (The date, of course, is a nod to her hit "9 to 5.") See how communities are celebrating the late country legend, then check out a few of my favorite stories from some of USA TODAY's sister sites:

•	In Tennessee, two fans helped rename Nashville's airport after Dolly Parton.
•	Dolly Parton considered Ohio her "second state." Here's why.
•	And here's how a Michigan corn maze became a Dolly Parton memorial.

🗓️ What's happening this weekend

•	For the cinephiles: "Primetime" and "Forgotten Island" hit theaters today.
•	For the football fans: Here are our college and NFL predictions.
•	And for the music lovers: The MTV VMAs are on Sunday. Swifties, take note!

☝️ One more thing ...

This year, September's moon is known as the Harvest Moon because it falls closest to the fall equinox. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun/ USA TODAY NETWORK

•	Don't forget to look up this weekend! The first full moon of fall is on the horizon.

Keep scrolling for more news. You can find the crossword here! See you next week with your Monday lookahead 👋

Have feedback for me? Shoot me a message at msullivan@usatoday.com, I'd love to hear from you! Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get it in your inbox daily.