Wasn’t this kind of the plot of “Ocean’s 11?” Not cool, Brad Pitt.

Happening in the World: The Spanish authorities reported that they have arrested five people for scamming women by posing as actor Brad Pitt. The arrests, which were made from last November to this summer, were publicized in a statement providing the details of the “criminal organization.” According to the report, the victims were contacted through direct messages and emails, and believed they were in contact with the actor himself. The correspondence became so personal, the women were under the impression they had a romantic relationship with Pitt. Eventually, two women sent over a combined total of around $300,000 to the scammers through a series of direct transfers. The suspects now face charges of fraud and money laundering. (NYT)

Happening in the US: Hurricane Helene, the developing category four storm, has gained strength, now causing winds up to 130 miles per hour. The hurricane has forced the evacuation of 60 counties in Florida, led to the cancellation of over 1000 flights and closure of several airports, and is currently flooding many cities in the region due to severe rain. The storm will proceed to move upwards into Alabama and Georgia, with rainfall predicted to extend into the northern states. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: Hoda Kotb, a longtime host of NBC’s NYC-based Today Show, tearfully announced Thursday morning that she will be stepping down from the role. Kotb explained that her sixtieth birthday and her desire to spend more time with her young daughters inspired her decision. That being said, the host has also decided to stay on the show through the beginning of 2025 and claimed she will remain a member of the NBC family through other opportunities, but did not elaborate. (TODAY)

Happening in Our Community: On Friday, September 27, Columbia University and Columbia Votes will host a Discussion and Q&A as part of the ​​Eric H. Holder Jr. Initiative for Civil and Political Rights’ American Voter Project series. “The American Voter Project: Looking Ahead to the 2024 Elections,” intends to provide a conversation about the Electoral College, voting rights, and the upcoming election. The panel will feature Eric H. Holder CC‘73, LAW’76, himself, as well as two other alumni speakers, Michael Waldman CC’82 and Mila Atmos CC’82, SIPA’05. The event will be held in Faculty House from 6 to 8:30 pm and is open to CU affiliates who register online. 

Brad Pitt via Flickr