Hurricane Ian aims at Florida; Iran blames US for protests; Harris in Japan

On Sept. 26, 2022, Tropical Storm Ian has been upgraded to a hurricane as it’s projected path is aimed at Florida; Iran has accused the U.S. of destabilizing their country as protests breakout; and Vice President Kamala Harris is in Japan ahead of the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s funeral.

Hurricane Ian aimed at Florida – The National Hurricane Center has upgraded Tropical Storm Ian into a hurricane. The storm is expected to become a major hurricane as soon as Monday night as it approaches Cuba. The exact path is still unclear but Hurricane Ian is expected to hit Florida by the middle of the week. Both Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have declared emergencies ahead of the storm’s arrival.

Iran protests adds fuel to fire with U.S. – As mass protests continue over the death of a 22-year-old woman in Iranian police custody, Iran is accusing the U.S. of stoking the flames in order to destabilize Iran. The woman was detained for wearing her head covering too loosely and ended up in a coma the day of her arrest. Her death received international condemnation. Iran’s foreign ministry said the U.S. is supporting rioters in an attempt to weaken Iran’s stability and security. It’s just the latest factor to contribute to an unsteady relationship between the two countries.

Vice president in Japan – Vice President Kamala Harris is in Japan meeting with the Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ahead of the funeral for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The funeral itself has been a source of controversy in the country. Such memorials are uncommon, and the late leader’s legacy remains disputed. Abe, a conservative nationalist in a country that embraced pacifism after World War II, was assassinated with a homemade firearm nearly three months ago.

Harris will have a busy agenda besides the funeral overseas. She will meet with South Korean official amid growing tension with North Korea. She will also discuss business with Japan as the U.S. explores the expansion of chip manufacturing.