U.S. Space Command, Hurricane Dorian, college football: 5 things to know Thursday
After moving past Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, all eyes on Dorian
Hurricane Dorian moved out over open waters early Thursday after it battered the Virgin Islands and parts of Puerto Rico with powerful winds and heavy rainfall, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding. As of 11 p.m. EDT, Dorian was gaining momentum in the Atlantic's warm water, a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 85 mph, but the National Hurricane Center predicted "marked intensification." In Puerto Rico, the storm's threat sparked fears as the island continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, which wiped out power two years ago. Dorian is expected to move toward the U.S. coast as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of at least 111 mph, the weather service added." All indications are that by this Labor Day weekend, a powerful hurricane will be near or over the Florida peninsula," the weather service said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency and urged residents to prepare for the storm's arrival.
3, 2, 1, Liftoff: US Space Command launches
The U.S. Space Command officially starts Thursday, serving as the launching pad for the Space Force, Vice President Mike Pence and Pentagon officials announced earlier this month. For years, Pentagon officials scoffed at the idea. The Trump administration has cited potential threats from China and Russia as part of the reasoning behind creating a space force. The Air Force, which operates the Space Command, said creating a branch would be costly and disruptive. But the concept has gradually won converts over the years, including President Donald Trump, who signed a directive in February creating the Space Force. Air Force Gen. John Raymond has been tapped and confirmed by the Senate as its first leader. Establishment of the Space Force still requires congressional funding and authority, a step Pence said would happen soon.
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Third Democratic presidential debate participants to be announced
The number of candidates making the stage for the third Democratic presidential debate in Houston is expected to be sliced considerably when the lineup is announced Thursday. Just 10 could participate in a single night on Sept. 12, due to the required increased polling and fundraising thresholds set by the Democratic National Committee. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Kamala Harris of California should be in the lineup and will debate one another on the same stage for the first time. Some candidates aren't happy with the process. Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and author Marianne Williamson have decried the release of qualifying polls and Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said the debates are "stifling debate at a time when we need it most." ABC and Univision will co-host the event.
Defending national champs Clemson open its 2019 campaign
College football is back, as Thursday night features 16 games involving FBS teams, including the defending national champions kicking off their title defense. No. 1 Clemson hosts ACC rival Georgia Tech (8 p.m. ET, ACC Network), with the focus on sophomore QB Trevor Lawrence, a top Heisman Trophy contender. As college football celebrates its 150th anniversary, prepare for the season with outlooks for Top 25 teams, bowl projections, conference-by-conference power rankings and 10 games that could trip up playoff contenders.
Getting away for Labor Day weekend? Know this
You've missed the busiest time for travelers looking to get away for the holiday. According to mobility analytics company INRIX, that would have been Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The bad news is that Friday afternoon is expected to be pretty busy as well, with roads being the most crowded between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you're planning to drive, always remember to obey traffic laws. The skies will be busy as well of course. In fact the lobbying group Airlines for America projects a record number of passengers will travel with U.S. airlines this Labor Day weekend.
Contributing: Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US Space Command, Hurricane Dorian: 5 things to know Thursday
