Hurricane Irma is expect to turn to the north a little sooner than the last forecast, but it may not be enough to spare the Florida peninsula of hurricane-force winds. NHC Meteorologist David Zelinsky says there is a mid-level trough that is causing Irma to turn:
CUT 7 (04) “actually occur”
Zelinsky says atmospheric conditions and sea surface temperatures will likely keep the storm a major hurricane as it heads towards the Bahamas and southern Florida.

Major refineries in Texas are starting to come back online, and gas prices across the nation are finally starting to level off. Patrick Dehaan, Senior Petroleum Analyst with GasBuddy.com, says Louisiana saw a 16 cent increase over the last week..:
Cut 10 (05) “plateau”
Today’s statewide average is $2.39.

In the wake of devastating storms with more on the way, Governor John Bel Edwards hopes to change the way disaster grants are awarded to impacted homeowners. Richard Carbo with the governor’s office says SBA loans are the only funding available immediately after a disaster, but they may not be the best option…:
Cut 12 (11) “Restore Louisiana program”
Carbo says the governor is pushing to end that provision and allow disaster victims to receive any assistance that’s available.