Strengthening Maria Follows Irma’s Path; Could Reach Category 4 As It Approaches Puerto Rico
Storm threat. Hurricane Maria is forecast to rapidly strengthen over the next two days as it takes aim at Caribbean islands devastated by Hurricane Irma just days ago. “Significant strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Maria is expected to become a dangerous major hurricane before it moves through the Leeward Islands,” according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest update. In its 5 a.m. Monday update, the hurricane center placed Maria about 100 miles east of Martinique and about 130 miles east-southeast of Dominica. “Maria is likely to be at category 3 or 4 intensity by the time it moves into the extreme northeastern Caribbean Sea,” the center said.
Affordable Care Act. Senate Republicans are trying once again to kill off the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). The Graham-Cassidy bill, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), would provide states with funding to establish health insurance programs. If more than two Republicans vote against it, the bill will fail. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has already said he opposes the bill. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) is trying to shore up next year’s insurance markets, arguing that the GOP has a responsibility to protect our country from a collapsing health-care market.
North Korea. The Trump administration warned that time is running out for a peaceful solution between Kim Jong Un’s regime and the United States and its allies. North Korea recently tested a nuclear device that experts say was 17 times the force of the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. American intelligence agencies believe the fuel for the missiles initially came from China and Russia.
Featured Photo: The National Hurricane Center projected Hurricane Maria’s path early Monday.