State of Emergency Expanded as Dorian Approaches Georgia Coast
Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday expanded a state of emergency to include nine additional counties: Appling, Bacon, Bullock, Clinch, Echols, Evans, Screven, Tattnall and Ware counties are now included as Hurrican Dorian approaches, bringing the total to 21 counties. The Category 2 hurricane is expected to veer northwest to Georgia coast through tonight, the National Hurricane Center warned in an advisory at 8 a.m.
Water levels have the potential of reaching 3-5 feet along with a predicted 3-9 inches of rain. Surge-related flooding is possible and can rise “well in advance” of strong winds, possibly causing life-threatening flash floods, depending on how close Dorian spins towards the coast. Tornadoes are also a possible result. Kemp urges people to take the storm seriously in order to prevent injury and death.
National Parks Service to Allow E-Bikes on Its Trails and Roads
On August 30, the National Parks Service announced a new policy allowing e-bikes on its park trails and roads in hopes of increasing access to parks as well as decrease environmental impact. National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith said in an official statement that this new policy is for “people who want to ride a bicycle but might not otherwise do so because of physical fitness, age, disability, or convenience.”
The policy limits e-bikes to 750 watts of assistance, and states that the motor can only be used to help aid the user in pedaling. With this being a new policy, the NPS urges e-bike riders to check with individual parks before riding to ensure safety and awareness of specific rules to the park.
Unpaid Miners of Harlan County have been Blocking Coal on a Kentucky Railroad Track for 38 Days
With no warning, the nation’s sixth-largest coal company, Blackjewel LLC, declared bankruptcy on July 1st, leaving 1,700 employees out of work, in debt, and unpaid.
The Department of Labor claims that the coal was mined in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and shouldn’t be moved until miners are paid. There will be a two-day hearing happening today and tomorrow that will likely determine the fate of the blockaded coal.
