Each time Vice President Kamala Harris speaks, former President Donald Trump's prospects improve. In fact, during Harris' hitherto-rare-but-now-increasingly-frequent interviews, the potential Trump campaign ads practically write themselves. For instance, during an appearance Tuesday on ABC's "The View," Harris shockingly declared that she would have done "not a thing" differently than...

For an extra $1,700 over the base MT-09, the MT-09 SP has better suspension and brakes plus a few other goodies. (Photos by Dave Schelske) Several months ago, we reviewed the updated 2024 Yamaha MT-09. We’ve heaped praise on the MT-09 since its 2014 debut because it delivers a thrilling ride and loads of character in a lightweight, affordable package. But the MT-09 SP is even better. Over the course of four model generations, the MT-09 has steadily improved – more power, better handing, new features. An SP version of the MT-09 has been available since the third-gen update of the platform in 2021. (SP is short for “Sports Production,” and there’s also an SP version of the MT-10). What makes the SP better than the standard model? Mostly suspension and brakes, plus a few extras. The MT-09 SP has a two-tone Liquid Metal / Raven color scheme inspired by the YZF-R1M. When manufacturers need to hit a certain price point, suspension and brakes are where they’re likely to make compromises – and therefore save money. The standard MT-09 has KYB suspension, with a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork and a single shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound, and the 2024 model has firmer damping. Eureka! Gold fork tubes with black DLC-coated sliders and a gold Öhlins shock reservoir. The MT-09 SP’s fork is also made by KYB, but it’s a higher-spec unit with DLC-coated tubes for less friction and full adjustability that includes high- and low-speed compression damping. Out back, the SP has a fully adjustable Öhlins shock with a remote reservoir and a remote preload adjuster. The fully adjustable Öhlins shock has a remote reservoir and a remote preload adjuster. The standard MT-09’s front brakes are dual Advics 4-piston radial calipers with 298mm floating discs, while the MT-09 SP is equipped with top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema monoblock 4-piston radial calipers. This year, both models were upgraded to a Brembo radial front master cylinder, which provides more precise feel at the lever. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP has Brembo Stylema monoblock radial front calipers and Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires. Other updates for 2024 on both the MT-09 and MT-09 SP are mostly enhancements. Both have a larger 5-inch TFT instrument panel with four display modes (the SP gets a dedicated Track theme) and new self-cancelling turnsignals. Using the Yamaha Y-Connect app, a smartphone can be paired with the bike, allowing use of the free Garmin StreetCross app for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP has a larger 5-inch TFT instrument panel with multiple display themes, and the SP also gets a special Track theme. The Yamaha Ride Control electronics suite has been simplified into three standard ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain) as well as two customizable modes that allow rider aids to be tailored to the rider’s preferences via the TFT menu or Y-Connect app. The MT-09 SP gets special YRC settings, including four exclusive Track ride modes and the ability to turn rear ABS off. The handlebar switches have been redesigned to be more user-friendly and intuitive, and cruise control is now standard. Riding the up-spec MT-09 SP on the freshly paved Tail of the Dragon was a blast! The transmission now shifts more smoothly, and Yamaha’s third-generation quickshifter works at lower speeds and in more situations. Intake sound has been improved with revisions to the intake ducts and airbox and by adding Acoustic Amplifier Grilles atop the fuel tank that project intake sound directly into the cockpit. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP has a polished and clear-coated cast-aluminum swingarm. The bikes have new styling, a reshaped and repositioned fuel tank, sportier ergonomics, and more steering lock. The net result of these changes is more weight on the front tire and a smaller turning radius, making the bike easier to maneuver. There’s a new two-piece saddle with rider’s seat that’s flatter and narrower near the front for an easier reach the ground. The footpegs have been moved rearward and are adjustable. The clutch lever is now adjustable, the mirrors are larger, and the cast brake pedal was replaced with a stronger forged unit. Sportier ergonomics and revised frame improve the rider’s sense of control and the bike’s maneuverability. GEAR UP | 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Helmet: Speed and Strength SS900 Jacket: Speed and Strength Lightspeed Mesh Airbag Vest: Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Gloves: Speed and Strength Rust and Redemption Pants: Speed and Strength Dogs of War Boots: Speed and Strength United by Speed Shoe Yamaha also made changes to the MT-09/SP’s chassis. The CP3 Triple is a stressed member of the chassis, and the right- and left-side engine brackets were made thicker for more rigidity in the middle. The headstock bracket, on the other hand, was changed to allow more compliance up front. The 2024 MT-09 SP is the first bike in Yamaha’s Hyper Naked lineup to get the wireless Smart Key system. Other upgrades exclusive to the MT-09 SP include Yamaha’s wireless Smart Key System; a polished and clear-coated finish on the cast-aluminum swingarm; and a two-tone Liquid Metal / Raven color scheme inspired by the YZF-R1M. Yamaha hosted a press launch for the MT-09 SP in western North Carolina at Fontana Village, which is located on the famous Moonshiner 28 (NC Route 28). Our test route included the perfectly radiused curves of the Cherohala Skyway and the infamous Tail of the Dragon, which had been resurfaced a few weeks earlier and was billiard-table smooth. In the background is Fontana Dam. We tested the MT-09 SP on some of the best roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Those tight, technical Appalachian backroads are where the MT-09 SP really struts its stuff. Its spinforged aluminum wheels are shod with the latest Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, which provide incredible grip and fluid transitions through turns. The bike’s revised ergonomics, weight distribution, and chassis provide a better sense of control and boost rider confidence. The standard MT-09’s suspension works well, but the SP’s suspension is noticeably better. It gives riders a greater degree of control over settings, and the up-spec KYB fork and Öhlins shock provide a more refined and precise feel. Likewise, the Brembo Stylema calipers offer greater sensitivity at the lever and more immediate response than the standard model’s binders. The MT-09 SP’s higher-spec chassis bits level up the bike’s responsiveness and agility, as well as its style and functionality. The MT-09 SP commands a $1,700 premium over the base model. Is it worth it? If you are an exacting rider or a self-proclaimed gear geek, then the top-of-the-line SP has the best components and the most sophisticated tech with some added flair thrown in. You can’t go wrong either way. Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide  2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Specs Base Price: $12,299 Website: YamahaMotorSports.com Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles Engine Type: Liquid-cooled transverse inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.  Displacement: 890cc Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 62.1mm Horsepower: 117 hp @ 10,000 rpm (factory claim) Torque: 69 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (factory claim) Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch  Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 56.3 in. Rake/Trail: 24.7 degrees/4.3 in. Seat Height: 32.5 in. Wet Weight: 428 lb (factory claim) Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal. Fuel Consumption: 41.3 mpg (MT-09) The post 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, a Democrat, issued an extremely blunt warning to residents who refuse to leave evacuation zones before Hurricane Milton makes landfall. “What would you say to people tonight who are saying, you know what: ‘I’m going to ride this out.’ I’ve ridden others out.’ What would you say to people who aren’t heeding those evacuation orders?” CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins asked. “You may have done that in others but there’s never been one like this,” Castor responded. “This is literally catastrophic,” she continued. “I can say this without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die,” she added. WATCH: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor: “I can say this without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die.” pic.twitter.com/CP0VmK3TUC — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) October 8, 2024 WFLA reports: She went on to explain that she’s never given that warning before but given the unprecedented circumstances of Milton and the threat of a direct hit to the Tampa Bay area, the warning could save residents’ lives who are on the fence about staying or leaving. Helene roared ashore as a Category 4 hurricane in the Big Bend region on Sept. 26. The hurricane brought catastrophic damage and left hundreds dead from the system’s strong wind, powerful rain, and storm surge. The hurricane caused more than 200 deaths across several states, including 25 in Florida and at least 14 in the Tampa Bay area. Multiple Florida counties have issued various mandatory evacuation orders. WATCH: The Mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor just gave a dire & serious Warning. “If you choose to stay…you are going to die. Helene was a wake up call. This is literally catastrophic. I can say without any dramatization whatsoever if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas you… pic.twitter.com/WxpNn4ekxY — David lester Straight (@lesterstra) October 8, 2024 Per FOX 13 Tampa Bay: Citrus County A mandatory evacuation is in effect for all of Zone A, along with anyone living in campers, tents, mobile homes, manufactured homes, or any structure not capable of withstanding sustained winds of up to 110 mph. Hernando County Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for all areas west of US 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B, and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county wide, are included. Hillsborough County Hillsborough County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zones A and B, and for all mobile homes and manufactured housing throughout the County starting at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7. Manatee County Evacuations of zones A, B and C – along with all mobile/manufactured homes and RVs – begin at 2 p.m. Monday. Anna Maria Island The City of Anna Maria says a mandatory evacuation of the island will be ordered at 12 p.m. tomorrow. City Hall is open on Sunday until 4 p.m. for re-entry tags. Pasco County Pasco County is under an order of local state emergency. Mandatory evacuations for zones A, B, C and residents in mobile homes, low-lying areas and flood prone are in effect, according to officials. Residents who are registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident, and everyone who would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss are under a voluntary evacuation. Pinellas County Pinellas County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in Zones A, B, and C and all mobile homes county-wide. Sarasota County A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for Levels A, B, and C, along with all mobile or manufactured homes and people living on boats. Florida interstates have backed up with severe traffic amid the massive evacuation. Tampa mayor Jane Castor warns residents they will 'DIE' if they don't evacuate as Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/nPnwpjRHOx — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) October 8, 2024 NEW: Massive evacuation happening in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. This is I-75 in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/wNLse6KJke — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) October 8, 2024 From the New York Post: Milton is already the second-strongest Gulf hurricane in recorded history — and experts believe it’ll only grow stronger as it approaches Florida. The storm’s winds are already a stunning 180 mph with heavy downpours also expected. “This is something that I’ve never seen in my life and I can tell you anyone born and raised in the Tampa Bay area has never seen anything like this before,” she stressed. “People need to get out.” “If we have this predicted storm surge, this is not survivable,” she reiterated. A long line of cars was already on the road Monday night and shelves in supermarkets across the area were barren from panic buying.

Hospitals nationwide face significant shortages of intravenous (IV) fluids after Hurricane Helene’s destruction. The powerful storm damaged a Baxter International manufacturing plant, the country’s top supplier of hospital IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions. The North Cove, North Carolina-based facility has temporarily shut down production. “Our North Cove facility in North Carolina remains closed for production due to the significant impact from Hurricane Helene. We are working around the clock to advance the recovery process,” Baxter International wrote. Our North Cove facility in North Carolina remains closed for production due to the significant impact from Hurricane Helene. We are working around the clock to advance the recovery process. More here: https://t.co/8VHT6KvmbW #NorthCoveStrong pic.twitter.com/ZLj2heZ3pm — Baxter International (@baxter_intl) October 3, 2024 Fierce Healthcare reports: The company said Thursday that the plant was “significantly impacted by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Helene.” While progress is already being made after the storm, which resulted in water “permeating” Baxter’s plant, the company cautioned Thursday that it does not yet have a timeline for when operations at the North Cove site will be back online, Fierce Pharma reported. In addition to the flooding at the site, which is the largest in Baxter’s global manufacturing network, bridges leading to the site were damaged in the hurricane, hampering transportation of remediation equipment going into the facility and some finished products unaffected by the storm that Baxter is seeking to get out to customers and patients, according to Fierce Pharma. The plant in question primarily manufactures intravenous (IV) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions and is the largest producer of those critical drugs in the U.S. The North Cove facility, which employs about 2,500 workers, manufactures 60% of the country’s supply of IV solutions and produces 1.5 million bags per day. Baxter has seven manufacturing sites within North America and 13 plants globally. We continue to make steady progress in restoring our North Cove facility, which was impacted by Hurricane Helene. Latest here: https://t.co/iDDp1EQDVm #NorthCoveStrong pic.twitter.com/mGfXVsMOgw — Baxter International (@baxter_intl) October 7, 2024 Baxter International, the largest manufacturer of certain intravenous (IV) solutions in the United States, shut down its North Carolina plant after being impacted by Hurricane Helene, disrupting critical supply to hospitals. https://t.co/3NIzMSoMD8 — Epoch Health (@EpochHealth1) October 7, 2024 Per USA TODAY: Hospitals are urging the White House to help shore up supplies of IV bags after a North Carolina factory closed because of flood damage wrought by Hurricane Helene. Several hospitals have implemented conservation plans and warned the public of potential disruptions since Baxter International temporarily closed a manufacturing site in Marion, North Carolina, about 35 miles east of Asheville. The Marion factory supplied 60% of the nation’s IV fluids to health facilities. The factory also ships peritoneal dialysis solutions to dialysis centers. On Monday, Rick Pollack, CEO of the American Hospital Association, urged President Joe Biden’s administration to take immediate steps to address the “substantial shortages of these lifesaving and life-supporting products.” “Patients across America are already feeling this impact, which will only deepen in the coming days and weeks unless much more is done to alleviate the situation and minimize the impact on patient care,” Pollack said in a letter Monday to Biden. The AHA, which represents nearly 5,000 hospitals and health care organizations, wants the Food and Drug Administration to declare a shortage of IV solutions and allow hospitals and health systems to prepare sterile IV solutions in their own pharmacies. “In follow-up to the communication issued on September 29, 2024 regarding Baxter’s North Cove, NC facility and the disruption of site operations as a result of Hurricane Helene, below is information from Baxter’s Medical Affairs team regarding immediate product management and conservation actions,” Baxter International wrote. “Healthcare practitioners should use their professional judgment in evaluating the information in this document and assessing the needs and resources of their individual organizations,” it added. Baxter International provided a full list of the impacted products.

The Struts frontman Luke Spiller hasn't given up on his dream of writing a James Bond film theme, even if he lost out to Billie Eilish last time

TikTok is being sued by 13 states and the District of Columbia in new lawsuits that allege the social media platform uses addictive features to “intentionally target children.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is receiving heavy backlash after her appearance on The View on Tuesday.