2 longtime Lahaina residents who tried to flee their homes were among the 99 people killed in the Maui wildfires
A 68-year-old man who tried to save his home from burning and a 60-year-old woman who got lost in thick black smoke while trying to evacuate were among the 99 lives lost in the apocalyptic Maui wildfires, family members told CNN.
2023-08-15 07:58
How a devastating combination of conditions triggered America's deadliest wildfire in more than a century
While the cause of the fire has not been determined, observers have pointed to downed power lines, sputtering fire hydrants, and emergency alarms that sat silent as factors that hampered the response to the deadly blaze.
2023-08-15 07:21
Montana Youth Climate Activists Get Historic Win in State Case
(Bloomberg Law) -- A state judge ruled Monday that Montana’s oil and gas policies are infringing on young people’s constitutional
2023-08-15 06:51
Ukraine Recap: Two Die in Russia Oil Field Blast, Tass Reports
A blast in a northern Russia oil field killed two people and injured at least five others, the
2023-08-15 06:46
Manhattan federal prosecutors drop campaign finance charge against Sam Bankman-Fried in new indictment
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan filed another indictment against FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried Monday, dropping another count against him.
2023-08-15 06:25
Hawaii wildfires: 'Directed energy weapons' and other false claims go viral
Rumours that the disaster was orchestrated by elites with a laser have been seen by millions.
2023-08-15 05:46
Burning mangrove trees for a living: 'I'd quit tomorrow if I could'
Indonesia's mangrove forests are being felled to make charcoal - locals say they have to make a living.
2023-08-15 05:28
Data protection bill: Will India's hard-won information law get weaker?
A crucial new law will make it hard to use the landmark right to information legislation, activists say.
2023-08-15 05:23
Back to the future for India's rice farmers
India, the world's biggest rice exporter, is turning to old varieties and new farming techniques.
2023-08-15 05:15
Major heat wave creates dangerous fire potential in Pacific Northwest and Canada
The Northwest US has mostly been able to dodge major heat this summer, but it has arrived with a vengeance and could help to stoke and start wildfires, including in parts of western Canada where hundreds of wildfires are raging out of control.
2023-08-15 04:18
Bankman-Fried charged with using stolen customer funds for $100 million in US political donations
(Reuters) -Sam Bankman-Fried used stolen customer funds to make more than $100 million in campaign contributions ahead of the 2022
2023-08-15 04:15
White House defends Hawaii wildfire response saying President Biden is ‘deeply concerned’
The White House defended President Joe Biden’s federal response to the devastating wildfires in Hawaii on Monday saying the president is “deeply concerned” and sending federal aid. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spent the first half of Monday’s press briefing focusing on Mr Biden’s federal action to assist officials and residents in Maui. “You’ve heard from [Mr Biden] already on Thursday, certainly you’ll hear from him continuously this week,” Ms Jean-Pierre said. “Look, this is something that the President is clearly deeply concerned about.” Ms Jean-Pierre’s statement was in defence of Mr Biden who has faced criticism for what some believe to be an emotionally indifferent approach to addressing the fires. Despite declaring the fires to be a major disaster last week, Mr Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris have plans to visit Hawaii. Ms Jean-Pierre was joined by Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to answer questions about the federal government’s efforts in Maui. Ms Criswell insisted that the Biden administration has coordinated federal agencies with local and state officials to assist in search and recovery efforts. At least 96 people have died as a result of the outrageous wildfires which swept across parts of Maui and other parts of Hawaii last week. That number is expected to go up, according to Hawaii governor Josh Green, as cadaver dogs and teams search burned buildings for victims or survivors. So far, the cadaver dogs have only searched three per cent of the search area. They are expected to continue that search this week. Hundreds of other Hawaiians are still missing and thousands of people are displaced as many homes and buildings were destroyed. Over the weekend, Mr Biden spent time relaxing at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. When the President was confronted by reporters about visiting Hawaii, he responded vaguely. Some Republicans slammed Mr Biden for not taking physical action to visit Hawaii or appearing to be concerned about the conditions in Maui. Mike Flynn, who served as US national security adviser under Donald Trump, claimed Mr Biden’s predecessor would have faced a “media firestorm” for doing the same thing. Conspiracy theorist and MAGA Republican Kari Lake also joined in the criticism, tweeting: “In Maui: 93 (& counting) Americans are dead. 1,000 are missing. One of the most beautiful places on earth has been reduced to cinders. In Delaware: @JoeBiden can’t be bothered to care. Putting America First means getting this joker out of the White House.” Ms Harris told reporters last week she had no plans to visit Hawaii so as not to take away resources from where they are needed, like increased security measures. Despite the online rhetoric, Mr Green has praised Mr Biden for issuing the major disaster declaration with haste. “We were honored to have the President jump to it so fast,” Mr Green said on MSNBC on Sunday. He added: “In 6 hours, he approved the presidential declaration. It was incredible. Within 6 hours. And so, that opened up, like you said, FEMA and amazing support for recovery.” During Monday’s press briefing, a reporter asked Ms Jean-Pierre if the President’s outward image should reflect his concern for Hawaii. Ms Jean-Pierre responded by directing people to the comments that Mr Green and other Hawaii officials have given. “The president is certainly deeply concerned about the people in Maui,” Ms Jean-Pierre reiterated. “To the point of mobilising a whole of government approach.” Read More Maui wildfires live updates: Hawaii governor predicts death toll will rise by 10 to 20 people each day Lauren Boebert slammed for attacking Biden over Maui wildfires Republicans slam Biden’s blasé response to questions about Maui wildfires Did Hawaii officials botch the response to Maui wildfires? Hawaii fire survivors blast warning system failures and prepare to sue energy firm Family of four identified as some of first victims of Maui wildfires
2023-08-15 03:29