1 Hurricane Warnings Extended Into North Carolina
With the absolute devastation in the Bahamas that hasn’t even begun to be calculated on a real level, those awaiting Hurricane Dorian’s wrath are on edge – especially as about two-million people remain under evacuation orders. With that in mind, President Trump is approving a federal disaster declaration for North Carolina ahead of Dorian’s arrival. Officials say the declaration will speed federal aid to the state, including bringing more FEMA and military personnel and resources for preparation and relief efforts. Governor Roy Cooper ordered evacuations from the barrier islands as the storm is expected to impact the North Carolina coast. In a statement, the governor says they are taking every precaution to make sure they're prepared. They’re not alone – officials in South Carolina are also urging residents to get out of town because of the increasing threat from Dorian. Currently a category two hurricane, the National Hurricane Center says the center is forecast to move near or over the coast of the Carolinas starting tomorrow. Dorian is already bringing tropical storm conditions to parts of the northeastern coast of Florida. At last check, the National Hurricane Center says the Category 2 storm is about 80-miles east of Cape Canaveral, packing sustained winds of 110-miles per hour. Flooding and storm surge are expected to pose threats as Dorian marches up the East Coast at a steady three-miles per hour. Portions of the Carolinas could see storm surge as high as seven-feet. There are hurricane watches and warnings posted throughout Florida and North Carolina. Where those warnings are in effect, the Hurricane Center says "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."
2 Walmart Dials Back Gun Sales, Drops Ammo Sales After Shootings
Walmart is discontinuing the sales of certain types of guns and ammunition after two mass shootings at stores this summer. The retail giant announced it would no longer sell short-barrel rifle ammunition, and would halt handgun ammunition and sales in Alaska entirely. At the same time, Walmart is also asking customers to no longer carry open firearms in stores where it is legal to do so, but it will not be changing its policy for concealed carry. CEO Doug McMillon says management has been listening to people in and outside of the company and "it is clear that the status quo is unacceptable." The announcement comes after two deadly mass shootings occurred at a Mississippi Walmart in July and an El Paso Walmart in August. And if you’re wondering about the “Walmart connection?” According to reports, one in five of the bullets used in major shooting incidents were purchased at through the chain.
3 Federal Investigators Confident They Will Have Answers In CA Boat Fire
As the investigation into Monday’s horrific boat tragedy off the California coast deepens, officials say they are 100-percent confident they'll figure out why a the diving ship Conception caught fire, killing dozens of people.Speaking to reporters in Santa Barbara, National Transportation Safety Board Member Jennifer Homendy says they currently have 16 investigators on site. The NTSB plans to interview surviving crewmembers, the companies that were involved in the boat charter and the first responders. Homendy says a preliminary report might be available as soon as next week.What’s already being revealed? That the victims were literally trapped – and had no chance for escape. As you might recall, the initial mayday call had the Coast Guard asking the crew, who had abandoned ship if they could get back on board “to unlock” the door to let the divers out. Apparently, both the entrance to the sleeping quarters AND the escape hatch were blocked by the blaze.