Florida braces for Elsa, an assassination in Haiti, and glitz returns to Cannes

Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     All eyes are on the downgraded, but still dangerous, Tropical Storm Elsa as it nears landfall along Florida's north Gulf Coast this morning. As the delta variant spreads, experts are urging the unvaccinated to act now. And the Haitian president was assassinated in an attack on his residence.   Here's what we're watching this Wednesday morning. Florida braces as Tropical Storm Elsa gets nearer to landfall  Elsa weakened to a tropical storm early Wednesday, hours before it was expected to make landfall on Florida's north Gulf coast, forecasters said.   Officials are warning of a possible life-threatening storm surge, predicting that Elsa could dump as much as 9 inches of rain in some areas and cause flooding.    The National Hurricane Center warned early Wednesday that the storm could bring "heavy rains and gusty winds" to western Florida.    While the storm is forecast to weaken as it moves inland and heads northeast, hurricane warnings remain in effect, according to the center.     Follow Elsa's path with our storm tracker. And tune into NBC News, MSNBC and NBC News Now throughout the day for live updates from Florida.  Wednesday's top stories Covid's delta variant is highly contagious. Will vaccines work against it? By Erika Edwards | Read more   While vaccinated people have a high degree of protection against the delta variant, the unvaccinated face a much greater risk with the "hypertransmissible" variant of the coronavirus. Experts say that if people are waiting for a "magical moment" to get vaccinated, now is the time. Whistleblowers allege poor care for migrant kids by contractor specializing in disaster cleanup By Julia Ainsley | Read more   The contractor hired to oversee one of the Biden administration's largest shelters for unaccompanied migrant minors specializes in cleanup after water, fire and storm disasters and had no experience in child care, according to a complaint by two federal workers. Britney Spears' attorney to resign from conservatorship case By Doha Madani | Read more  Marking the third resignation from Spears' team in the last week, the pop star's attorney filed a motion to resign as her counsel Tuesday, almost two weeks after Spears testified that she wanted to find her own attorney. OPINION Pinterest bans weight loss ads. That won't end anti-fat messaging, but it's a good start. By Kate Bernyk | Read more   Despite the reams of studies that show diets don't work, and can actually worsen your health in the long run, the diet industry has gotten away with its ads for far too long.  Eric Adams wins NYC's Democratic mayoral primary, a direct path to winning City Hall By Dartunorro Clark and Dareh Gregorian | Read more    Adams is poised to become New York's second Black mayor if he is elected in November's general election after The Associated Press called the city's first ranked-choice vote. BETTER How one man focused on developing healthier habits to drop 35 pounds during the pandemic By Julie Compton | Read more   Aaron San Filippo says he now feels healthier, stronger, and has "a lot more stamina and energy." Want to receive the Morning Rundown in your inbox? Sign up here. Also in the news ... Haitian President Jovenel Moïse assassinated, first lady injured in attack U.S. sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson not named to relay team, won't compete in Tokyo Olympics Matt Gaetz associate, cooperating with federal investigators, asks for sentencing delay Pro golfer killed on Georgia golf course witnessed crime before he was shot, police say Atlanta woman wakes up to find serval cat in bed after husband leaves door open You're not the only one who's had enough — 95 percent of workers are considering quitting SHOPPING From an inflatable basketball hoop to a remote-controlled car, these pool toys can keep both kids and adults cool this summer. One fun thing The Cannes Film Festival rolled out the red carpet for the first time in more than two years on Tuesday, bringing its customary glitz and glam to the French Riviera, as well as Covid-19 precautions.   Spike Lee, who is heading the jury that will decide this year's best film, helped open the festival declaring "Vivre la France!"   Watch a video about it here. Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: petra@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Petra Cahill Download the NBC News App Follow NBC News Privacy | Unsubscribe | More NBC Newsletters | Contact View in browser