5 things to know for Sept. 26: Hurricane Helene, Middle East, Government shutdown, NYC mayor, Zelensky visit

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Kids say the darndest things — especially if you’re discussing serious topics like politics, religion or the climate crisis. CNN asked 10-year-olds about the November election and received jarring responses on how they view the candidates and the country’s political landscape. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. A massive storm churning through the Gulf of Mexico is expected to make landfall in Florida today as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm surge — how high the water rises above normal levels — could climb to 20 feet along Florida’s Big Bend. The National Weather Service has warned Hurricane Helene could unleash “unsurvivable” conditions in Apalachee Bay. Wind speeds in the storm are expected to reach at least 130 mph, though additional strengthening is possible. Thousands of Florida residents have already been forced to evacuate and nearly the entire state is under alerts. Widespread power outages are also likely across the Southeast. Follow live updates here. A diplomatic push is underway to prevent a regional war from erupting in the Middle East, with the US and its allies calling for a 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border as the UN chief urged all sides to “step back from the brink.” The calls for calm come after Israel’s military said it was preparing for a possible ground incursion into Lebanon. It also said it was calling up two reserve brigades for missions in the north. As the conflict escalates, Israel and Hezbollah are trading waves of strikes, forcing tens of thousands in Lebanon to flee their homes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not responded to the ceasefire proposal, his office said in a statement today, adding that reports suggesting there could be a pause were “incorrect.” Congress on Wednesday approved a spending plan to avert a government shutdown. The agreement will fund the government until December 20 under a narrow continuing resolution advanced by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. The measure faced opposition from some members of his own conference in the Republican-controlled body, forcing Johnson to seek significant Democratic support. It will next be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Biden applauded Congress for “avoiding a costly government shutdown,” saying in a statement that it gives lawmakers “more time to pass full-year funding bills by the end of this year.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on at least one federal criminal charge, multiple sources tell CNN. The indictment follows a monthslong federal investigation by the US attorney’s office in Manhattan, which was reportedly scrutinizing his connection to Turkish officials and businessmen, and campaign donations he received. The charges he is facing are not publicly known at this time. Adams has denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly said that he told members of his campaign and administration to follow the law. In a defiant video message sent out Wednesday, Adams insisted he was not only innocent but that he was not going to step down.