Start your week smart: Queen Elizabeth II, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Japan, Pelosi

By CNN

Published September 18, 2022 5:48 AM

CNN

By Andrew Torgan, CNN

There are countless companies out there gloating about their environmental responsibility initiatives, but only one is going all in. The founder of Patagonia — which makes about $100 million per year selling outdoor apparel and equipment — said last week he’s transferring ownership of the company after nearly 50 years into two entities that will help fight the climate crisis. “We’re making Earth our only shareholder,” he said. “I am dead serious about saving this planet.”

Here’s what else you need to know to Start Your Week Smart.

The weekend that was

• Prince William, Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II’s other grandchildren held a vigil beside her coffin on Saturday as the royal family prepares to bid farewell to the late monarch at her state funeral on Monday.

• Tsunami waves are possible along coastlines within a 300-kilometer (186-mile) radius of a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit southeastern Taiwan earlier today, the United States Geological Survey said.

• Puerto Rico is bracing for Tropical Storm Fiona, which could strengthen into a hurricane by the time it hits the island today, bringing with it the threats of flooding and mudslides.

• About two million people in southwestern Japan have been ordered to evacuate ahead of a powerful typhoon forecast to hit the region today, according to public broadcaster NHK-World Japan.

• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Saturday that she is leading a congressional delegation to Armenia this weekend, which her office said made her the highest-ranking US official to visit the country since its independence in 1991.

The week ahead

Monday

The state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II begins at 11 a.m. in London (6 a.m. ET). CNN will be airing special live coverage of all the ceremonial events beginning at 5 a.m. ET. World leaders, politicians, public figures and European royals, as well as more than 500 dignitaries from around the globe, are expected to descend on London to pay their last respects to Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

To get updates on the British Royal Family sent to your inbox, sign up for CNN’s Royal News newsletter here.

Tuesday

The midterm elections will officially be fewer than 50 days away and the final sprint to the November 8 finish line is underway. Here’s what we learned from a grueling primary season and what we might see come Election Day.

Wednesday

Federal Reserve policymakers will conclude their two-day meeting to determine the scope of the central bank’s next interest rate hike. A disappointing report on inflation last week has some analysts expecting the Fed to raise rates by a full percentage point, up from recent expectations of a third-straight three-quarter-point hike.

September 21 is also the UN’s International Day of Peace.

Thursday

The autumnal equinox begins at about 9 p.m. on September 22, so grab a hot pumpkin spice beverage and go for a walk to “admire” your neighbors’ over-the-top Halloween decorations.

And it’s World Rhino Day, which is a great excuse to show you this adorable baby white rhino that was born last month.

Get your politics fix in podcast form

In this week’s One Thing podcast, CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash previews the midterm elections in November. She runs down what’s at stake, looks at the key issues, and examines how abortion is motivating voters on both sides of the aisle in Michigan. Listen here.

Photos of the week

Check out more moving, fascinating and thought-provoking images from the week that was, curated by CNN Photos.

What’s happening in entertainment

TV and streaming

“The U.S. and the Holocaust” premieres the first episode of a three-part, six hour series tonight at 8 p.m. ET on PBS. This latest film from Ken Burns examines America’s inadequate response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the 20th century.

The second season of “Abbott Elementary” begins Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC with creator and star Quinta Brunson fresh off her Emmy win.

Disney+ debuts its latest “Star Wars” series “Andor” on Wednesday. “Andor,” which is actually a prequel to “Rogue One,” which was itself a prequel to “Episode IV: A New Hope,” tells the story of young Cassian Andor’s evolution from common thief to galactic martyr.

“Sidney” lands on Apple TV+ on Friday. The documentary, produced by Oprah Winfrey, looks back at Sidney Poitier’s life and groundbreaking career.

In theaters

“Don’t Worry Darling,” directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Florence Pugh, Gemma Chan, Chris Pine and Harry Styles, opens on Friday. The movie is already getting a lot of attention.

What’s happening in sports

Basketball

Game 4 of the 2022 WNBA Finals airs today at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Las Vegas Aces lead the Connecticut Sun 2-1 in the series and are one win away from the title. Connecticut needs to win at home to force a decisive Game 5 in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Golf

Round 1 of the 2022 Presidents Cup begins Thursday at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. The biennial match play tournament pits the US team against an International Team representing the rest of the world (minus Europe… that’s the Ryder Cup).

Quiz time!

Take CNN’s weekly news quiz to see how much you remember from the week that was! So far, 34% of fellow quiz fans have gotten eight or more questions right. How will you fare?

Play me off

‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’

Did you know that today is National Cheeseburger Day? Now, before our inbox gets inundated with comments about eating responsibly, all meat alternatives are welcome at the table! And now, a little grilling music please… (Click here to view)

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