9 AM ET: NC early voting, growing global water disaster, AI fighting crime & more.

Early voting kicks off in North Carolina as communities recover from Hurricane Helene, highlighting the importance of civic engagement. Scientists are ringing alarm bells about a global water crisis that threatens food production and economic stability. New footage raises concerns over military actions in conflict zones, while President Biden announces another wave of student debt cancellations, impacting millions. Additionally, advancements in AI are proving effective in combating crime and financial fraud, showcasing technology’s potential in public safety.