US-N. Korea nuclear talks, weather in the South, Hong Kong violence: 5 things you need to know this weekend
Nuclear talks set to resume for U.S., N. Korea
The U.S. and North Korea are scheduled to restart nuclear talks this weekend despite a series of recent North Korean missile tests. The State Department earlier this week confirmed the talks; North Korea's first vice foreign minister, Choe Son-hui, said negotiations would begin Saturday. North Korea has conducted a half-dozen short-range missile tests in recent months, including the test-firing Wednesday of a new submarine-launched ballistic missile. President Trump has downplayed the significance of those weapons tests, even as others said North Korea was violating United Nations Security Council resolutions.
- A bigger threat? North Korea tests submarine-launched missile
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South heat wave is beginning to end, but has damage already been done?
The extended heat spell that has broiled much of the southern United States will finally loosen its grip this weekend, Accuweather reports. The heat wave has forced the region to endure a number of high-temperature records, including a high of 97 degrees in Atlanta on Friday. The relief is expected to begin this weekend across the Carolinas and parts of Georgia where highs in the 90s will be replaced by highs in the 70s and 80s. But Accuweather warned folks in the Deep South will have to wait until early next week to see the same relief. The heat may finally be subsiding, but the effects may linger. In addition to the scorching heat, the South has also dealt with a lack of significant rainfall over the past few weeks, triggering what climate experts are calling a "flash drought." The drought, which is affecting 45 million people in 14 states, is cracking farm soil, putting stress on a variety of crops and raising the risk of wildfires.
- Heat-fatigued areas: Record-smashing heat wave scorches South, other parts of the U.S.
- Ready for leaf-peeping season? Unusual warmth and dryness have delayed fall foliage
Mask ban goes into effect in Hong Kong, but protesters march on
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam instituted a ban of protesters from wearing masks at rallies that went into effect on Saturday and it appears the ban has caused more problems than it solved. All subway and train services were suspended and shops were closed as protesters marched again Saturday after another night of brutality and destruction. Lam called Saturday "a very dark day" and described Hong Kong as "semi-paralyzed" and in the grips of "unprecedented violence." She insisted the measure and her use of rarely deployed emergency powers to introduce it without legislative approval were not at the behest of the Chinese government. But pro-democracy residents of Hong Kong have long accused China of slowly encroaching on their rights and a government proposal to change extradition laws to allow suspects in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China to face trial ignited months of massive protests this year.
- Hardening government stance: Hong Kong leader bans face coverings at rallies
- More clashes: Trump lauds China; police chief laments one of Hong Kong's 'most violent and chaotic days'
- Previously: Hong Kong leader withdraws extradition bill that sparked initial protests
Target shopping becomes more rewarding
Days after shopping at some Target locations became more magical because of new Disney stores opening, it’s becoming more rewarding. On Sunday, Target’s loyalty program, Target Circle, expands nationwide and will offer perks to all shoppers. With the free program, shoppers will get personalized offers like a birthday discount of 5% and can support local non-profits. Shoppers with a Target RedCard credit or debit card will continue to save 5% on purchases and non-RedCard loyalty members earn 1% on every Target run to redeem later. If you have a Target.com, Cartwheel or RedCard credit or debit card, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Target Circle.
- Target 20th Anniversary Collection: How to still find items
- New Target food brand: First Good & Gather items now available
Florida and Auburn meet in first part of 'Triangle of Doom' round-robin
College football's Southeastern Conference is filled with a staggering number of good-to-elite teams this season and the proof is in the Amway Coaches Poll where five of the top eight squads (No. 1 Alabama; No. 3 Georgia; No. 6 Louisiana State; No. 7 Auburn and No. 8 Florida) are all powerhouses with impressive pedigrees. But only two teams can play in the conference championship game in Atlanta on Dec. 7 and we'll start getting a clearer picture of the teams that may end up there on Saturday when Auburn travels to Gainesville to take on Florida in the first game of a three-week, three-team unofficial round-robin tournament for conference superiority. Next week, Florida is at LSU. Two weeks after that, Auburn visits Baton Rouge. The three teams may knock one another out of SEC title contention. But if one of those teams escapes with a 2-0 record, the winner will be in a great position going into the final stretch of the season.
- Looking ahead: Top five College Football Playoff impact games for Week 6
- NCAA picks: Who wins SEC and Big Ten showdowns?
- Bold predictions: It could get ugly for Tennessee this week
Contributing: Associated Press