Hurricane Ian takes aim at South Carolina

Storm could be responsible for 'substantial loss of life' and be deadliest in Florida's history, Biden says. A Trump-appointed judge ruled the former president's team does not have to identify the documents they allegedly planted by the FBI at Mar-a-Lago. And a newly discovered "fingerprint" confirms an alarming prediction about climate change.

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts Today's Top Stories from NBC News FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 Good morning, NBC News readers.     South Carolina braces for potentially "life-threatening flooding and strong winds" after Ian restrengthened into a hurricane. A Trump-appointed judge ruled the former president's team does not have to identify the documents they allegedly planted by the FBI at Mar-a-Lago. And a newly discovered "fingerprint" confirms an alarming prediction about climate change.   Here's what we're watching this Friday morning. Hurricane Ian strengthens as storm takes aim at South Carolina after devastating Florida (Getty Images/AP/AFP)   Hurricane Ian strengthened as it barreled towards South Carolina's coast Friday after pounding parts of Florida, where it left at least a dozen people dead, knocked out power for millions and devastated communities across the state.   Speaking after a briefing with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials, President Joe Biden warned Thursday night that Ian could be responsible for "substantial loss of life" and end up being the deadliest storm in Florida's history.   Follow our live blog for the latest on Hurricane Ian.  Sections of the Sanibel Causeway in Florida were destroyed, cutting off access to the island community. Several Florida hospitals had to evacuate patients and place staff on lockdown as facilities contended with power outages and critical disruptions to water supply. One resident used duct tape, tarpaulin, blankets, pillows and zip ties to secure her paralyzed husband to his hospital bed as Ian battered their home. In Fort Myers, yachts were parked on the street and hundreds of cars were underwater.  How Ian compares to Florida's most destructive storms. Hundreds of thousands of Florida homes lie in flood-risk areas not recognized by FEMA's flood maps, research group says. Friday's Top Stories Judge spares Trump from having to back up claims of planted evidence at Mar-a-Lago Trump-appointed judge Aileen Cannon's ruling on Thursday effectively overrules a directive from Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond J. Dearie, the special master she named, to soon identify any documents allegedly planted by the FBI. READ MORE Putin to announce annexation of Ukrainian regions, Europe's largest since WWII The Russian president is set to declare four Ukrainian regions as part of Russia, an escalation following a series of military defeats. READ MORE Discovery of 'fingerprint' confirms alarming predictions of Greenland ice sheet melt With the detection of the sea level "fingerprint," scientists now have unambiguous proof that a phenomenon critical to predicting the impact of climate change exists. READ MORE Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa carried off field after brutal hit. Should he have been playing? Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was stretchered off the field during Thursday's game after being slammed to the ground. The injury and scene sparked shock and outrage, as well as questions as to whether he should have been playing at all. READ MORE Editor's Pick Influencers are eating ghee by the spoonful. Brands are responding with whitewashed versions. American brands are calling ghee a superfood and producing it en masse. South Asian experts say there's a problem with this. "One day, it's turmeric," one expert said. "Next day, it's ghee. And the day after maybe it's quinoa. It's basically a marketing ploy. I don't see anything redeeming about it." READ MORE Also in the News Some borrowers will no longer be eligible for student loan relief after Education Department reversal Ginni Thomas told Jan. 6 committee she still believes the election was stolen, chair says Johns Hopkins doctor and Army doctor spouse charged with conspiring to give U.S. soldiers' medical info to Russia Autopsy reveals kidnapped runner Eliza Fletcher's cause of death FDA approves controversial new drug designed to slow the progression of ALS After two-year decline, suicide rates rise again Trevor Noah to leave 'The Daily Show' after 7 years Select: Online shopping, simplified Shampooing removes dirt and product buildup from your scalp and hair. But over-washing can strip away natural oils. We talked to dermatologists and hair experts to find out how to find the best shampoo for your hair and the products they recommend. Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown. Today's newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson.   If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send us an email at: MorningRundown@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here. Want to receive Breaking News & Special Alerts in your inbox? SIGN UP HERE Check out more NBC News newsletters. Download the NBC News Mobile App 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 VIEW IN BROWSER | UNSUBSCRIBE | MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION | CONTACT | PRIVACY VIEW IN BROWSER | UNSUBSCRIBE | MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION | CONTACT | PRIVACY