Mandatory evacuation orders for parts of North Carolina’s Outer Banks will take effect Thursday morning as state emergency officials prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irene, now battering the Bahamas with sustained winds of 115 mph.

The biggest question for the Libya opposition: Where’s Gadhafi? He remains elusive despite a $1.4 million bounty posted for his capture or death. HOW LONG CAN HE HOLD OUT? | Q&A | E-MAILS WITH GADHAFI’S SON |