1 Zeta To Hit Gulf Coast Today
Tropical Storm Zeta is expected to pick up steam as it moves towards the U.S. Gulf Coast. It's also expected to be a Category One hurricane by the time it reaches the Louisiana coast later today. As a result, hurricane warnings are in effect for the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Parts of the Florida and Alabama coasts are also under tropical storm warnings. Forecasters warn of damaging winds and dangerous storm surge. At last check, experts predict that southeast of Morgan City, Louisiana, this evening, and the center of the storm is expected to come close to New Orleans. Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to the White House requesting that President Trump declare a federal emergency for the state ahead of the storm's projected landfall. He notes, "I anticipate the need for emergency protective measures, evacuations, and sheltering for high-risk areas.”
2 Unrest Continues In Philadelphia
Police in Philadelphia are trying to gain control of demonstrations that have turned violent. Crowds were out on the streets for a second night to protest the death of Walter Wallace, Jr. Wallace was shot and killed by police when he confronted police with a knife. The Pennsylvania National Guard has been deployed to stem the violence – and officials say guardsmen will help protect "life, property, and the right to peacefully" protest. Meanwhile, the family of the 27-year-old says he struggled with mental health issues and that police knew it because his family told them so when they called 9-1-1. A family attorney also says they were aware due to multiple interactions with him. “Officers who are properly trained should notice certain things when they arrive at a scene,” Shaka Johnson told reporters at a press conference. “Especially when his wife tells you, ‘Stand down officers, he’s manic bipolar’.”
3 White House Talks Progress On COVID Treatment, Stimulus
The mortality rate of patients with COVID-19 is decreasing. That’s the word from White House Director of Strategic Communications Alyssa Farah says that's because treatment is getting better. In an appearance with Fox News, Farah says people are less likely to die of the virus than ever before. Unlike what we’ve previously heard, Farah says by the end of the year there should be significant vaccine distribution and by the first quarter of next year the vaccine should be widely available. She says there's better access to therapeutics to prevent severe symptoms of the virus. In the meantime, Farah says there’s more progress on the stimulus front – and that we’ll find out soon. “We are hoping within weeks,” she tells Fox & Friends. “I don’t want to get too ahead of any announcements.”