Kamala Harris gets under Donald Trump’s skin in their first debate. Hurricane Francine barrels toward Louisiana. And a new diet pill shows dramatic results.

Here’s what you need to know today.

First presidential debate with Harris features clashes, conspiracies and a shocked Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed over the economy, abortion and immigration in a presidential debate filled with fiery exchanges. And while Trump tried to pair Harris with President Joe Biden, he found that she is a much stronger rival.

As Trump attempted to recreate the circumstances of the fateful June debate stage, Harris reminded him: “You’re not running against Joe Biden. You’re running against me.”

Harris quickly brought up the economy, promising a family tax cut to ease the concerns of middle-class voters, and she found her comfort zone when criticizing Trump’s positions on abortion. Trump was the most confident, pointing to issues on which Harris had changed her position over the years, such as banning fracking. Both candidates sought to claim the mantle of change in a country full of voters hungry for it.

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Haris tried to touch Trump’s skinluring him into a defensive stance that prevented him from attacking her weaknesses. In one of the most memorable moments, Trump sidetracked over debunked conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants in Ohio who eat dogs and other pets.

And when Trump rebuked Harris’s attempt to interrupt, some allies lamented that he lost control at a crucial moment. “Wait a minute, I’m talking now,” Trump said, sounding exasperated. “You don’t mind? … Does that sound familiar?” (Watch the moment here.)

Three Republican sources told NBC News after the debate that Trump appeared “angry” at the time.

After the matchup, Trump approached reporters to claim the night was won. He would not commit to a second debate, a challenge Harris’ campaign has made to him.

Read the whole story here.

More coverage of the debate:

• Here are six key conclusions from the debate.
• View highlights of the debate in 3 minutes.
• Moments after it ended, pop star Taylor Swift supported Harris — and captioned her Instagram post “Childless Cat Lady.”
• NBC News’ political team fact-checked the statements from the debate. This is what is trueneeds context or is downright incorrect.
• In a lengthy conversation about abortionTrump twice refused to say whether he would veto a federal ban on abortion.
• Trump refused to acknowledge his 2020 election defeat and dodged the question of whether he regretted his actions on January 6.
• Trump reiterated debunked rumors about Venezuelan gangs taking over an apartment complex in Colorado. Thus began the false claim.
• “Harris was a Debating 101 example” when it came to getting Trump to talk about himself, writes NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd. But voters who wanted to know more about Harris probably didn’t. Read the full analysis. 

Inflation stabilizes ahead of expected rate cut

Inflation continues to ease, but many consumers are likely still feeling the pinch of higher prices ahead of the Federal Reserve’s expected rate cut this month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released its consumer price index for August, and economists predict it will show an annual increase of 2.6%, down from 2.9% in July. Despite the apparent relief, consumers are still struggling with the rise in prices since the start of the Covid pandemic, especially when it comes to housing costs.

While some economists predict an economic “soft landing” with unemployment and inflation remaining low, others fear the Fed’s expected 0.25% rate cut. may not be enough to avert a harsher outcome.

Hurricane Francine heads towards Louisiana

Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall in Louisiana today, bringing storm surges of 5 to 10 feet and possibly 12 inches of rain to the coastline. Public schools in New Orleans are closed today and tomorrow, and curfews were in place in several parishes. The governors of both Louisiana and Mississippi have declared states of emergency. Follow the latest updates here.

Daily pill reduces body weight by 13% in 3 months in early trial

An experimental weight-loss drug from Novo Nordisk was found to reduce body weight by as much as 13% after three months, a rate that appears to be faster than what is seen with other popular weight-loss drugs, according to findings presented this week. The daily pill, called amycretin, works in a similar way to semaglutide, the drug in Wegovy and Ozempic, by mimicking a hormone that helps reduce food intake and appetite. It also mimics a second hormone that can promote feelings of fullness.

The results are part of a phase 1 clinical trial, which looks at the safety of a new drug. More research is needed to determine how well the drug works.

Despite convincing results, medical experts already have critical questions.

Politics in brief

Hospital Representative: Republican Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina is being treated after he collapsed at an event in Washington. His family said the 77-year-old was experiencing “symptoms consistent with a stroke.”

New Hampshire Politics: Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Joyce Craig won their party’s primaries for governor, what is expected to be a neck-and-neck race in the deciding state.

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Read all about it

• Mauricio Pochettino, who has managed some of the biggest football clubs in the world, was appointed head coach of the American men’s team.
• Videos have surfaced on social media about Ukraine using so-called “dragon drones” who spewed a fiery substance over troops and terrain in the war with Russia.
• Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl admitted to being the father of a baby outside of his 21-year marriage.
• Police identified the officer who had been suspended after Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and not wearing a seat belt.

Staff choice: ‘Master in our field’

After news broke of actor James Earl Jones’ death, a debate quickly erupted in our newsroom: What was the actor’s most iconic role: Darth Vader or Mufasa? Regardless of where you fall, what’s undeniable is Jones’ impact on American culture and his role as a trailblazer who broke color barriers. NBC News BLK reporter Char Adams looks back on a career that spanned generations and set the standard for black actors. — Joy Y. Wangsenior editorial director

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Ready for some self-care? Dermatologists shared the 18 Best Under Eye Creams, Patches & Rollers to de-puff and brighten your eyes. And don’t skip the shower oilswhich are a great alternative to shower gel, but do not dry out your skin.

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