Melissa Pulverizes Jamaica, Government Shutdown SNAP Concerns, US Strikes 4 Suspected Drug Ships, North Carolina Killings

Today on America in the Morning Melissa Slams Jamaica Hurricane Melissa pulverized its way through Jamaica, making landfall south of Montego Bay, and already it is becoming clear that the powerful Category 5 storm has left behind catastrophic damage to the island’s infrastructure. Correspondent Julie Walker reports that one of those now trapped on the island of Jamaica is American tourist Christianne Box, who spoke with the Weather Channel, describing how she prepared in her hotel room for what became one of the two strongest-ever recorded hurricanes to make landfall in the Western Hemisphere. Government Shutdown’s SNAP Concerns As the government shutdown continues with no end in sight, nearly half of the nation’s states are suing the Trump administration over food assistance that one-in-eight Americans depend on to survive. Lisa Dwyer reports. US Targets Suspected Drug Ships The United States has ramped up the campaign against suspected drug-carrying vessels, targeting four ships in the Pacific Ocean. The details from correspondent Mike Hempen. Court Orders On Job Cuts A judge has ruled against the Trump administration involving cuts to government jobs. Correspondent Ed Donahue reports. Changes At ICE The Trump administration is reassigning at least half the top leadership at Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices around the country in a major shake-up of the agency responsible for carrying out the president’s vision for mass deportations. Latest On Hurricane Melissa It will be quite a while before we know just how exactly how much destruction Hurricane Melissa brought to Jamaica, but what is clear is that one of the most powerful hurricanes that made landfall in the Western Hemisphere has caused unimaginable damage to Jamaica, and slams into Eastern Cuba today. Correspondent Rich Johnson reports. Government Shutdown’s Blame Game Republican lawmakers are hammering Senate Democrats who once again voted down the House-passed continuing resolution that would re-open the government. John Stolnis has the latest on the stalemate, from Washington. Florida Execution A Florida man convicted of raping and killing his next-door neighbor was executed Tuesday evening, the state's 15th execution this year. North Carolina Horror A tragedy unfolding in a quiet North Carolina neighborhood, where it appears a dad has killed four of his young children. Joan Jones has the story. More Job Losses Following Monday’s news of the largest job cuts ever announced by Amazon, a number of other companies in the past week announced they are either cutting jobs or planning to. America in the Morning’s Jeff McKay reports for those losing work, the chances of finding a new one won’t be easy. Finally Today marks the 96th anniversary of the stock market crash of 1929. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices