Fleeing Irma: One Family’s Journey From Florida to Alabama
Florida’s roadways are clogged with residents trying to flee Hurricane Irma. At least 500,000 residents are under evacuation orders. Birmingham native Sean Kelley loaded his son and daughter and their two dogs into the car and hit the Florida Turnpike. They moved from Alabama to Boca Raton more than a year ago. And they’re making the drive north to stay with family in Lake Martin for the next several days.
Evacuees face heavy traffic and long lines at the gas pump. Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned of fuel shortages earlier today. Normally it’s a 10-hour drive from Boca Raton to Birmingham, but Kelley anticipates the journey could take anywhere from 15 to 18 hours.
There’s one person they left behind: Kelley’s wife, a pediatric nurse at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. The hospital has generators and supplies, and the family is hopeful she and others staying in South Florida will be all right.
WBHM’s Gigi Douban talked with Kelly as he was stuck in traffic on the Florida Turnpike about some of the tough decisions they made, and how confident they are they’ll have a home to return to in the aftermath of the deadly storm.
Meanwhile, Alabama has been preparing for an influx of evacuees. State officials urge residents to continue to monitor the storm and have emergency plans in place.
Rescuers search for survivors after ferry sinking near Bali, Indonesia
The ferry sank almost half an hour after leaving Ketapang port in the East Java town of Banyuwangi late Wednesday, bound for Bali's Gilimanuk port, a 30-mile trip.
Haiti’s gangs have ‘near-total control’ of the capital, U.N. says
An estimated 90% of the capital Port-au-Prince is now under control of criminal groups who are expanding attacks not only into surrounding areas but beyond into previously peaceful areas.
Federal judge strikes down Trump’s order suspending asylum access at the southern border
The ruling was a win for immigrant advocacy groups that sued over the president's order, which they say put thousands of lives at risk.
A Ukrainian actress saw herself in a White House video — and created one in response
Antonina Khyzhniak, who appeared in stock footage included in a White House Instagram video for the Trump administration's tax bill, responded with a humorous video — and a serious message.
CBS is the latest news giant to bend to Trump’s power
With a $16 million payment to settle President Trump's lawsuit over 60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris, CBS becomes the latest media outlet to bow to his power.
‘Love Island’ and modern dating: why romance is dead
This season of Love Island USA is making some viewers feel exasperated. Is it a reflection of today's dating scene?