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☆ US Launches Disaster Relief Reforms as Climate-Driven Events Rise
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden's administration on Friday said it was launching the most major reforms to disaster management relief in two decades as climate change-driven extreme weather events, such as floods and fires, increase. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reforms of its federal assistance policies and expanded benefits for disaster survivors aim to cut red tape that victims have said makes it difficult for them to access resources after a disaster. FEMA said the reforms follow feedback from disaster survivors. Previously, the payment was assessed on a disaster-to-disaster basis. FEMA said the changes will take effect for new disasters declared on, or after March 22, 2024.

Persons: Joe Biden's, ”, Deanne, Valerie Volcovici, Sharon Singleton Organizations: WASHINGTON, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, U.S, Small Business Administration Locations: U.S, Maui, California

New rules announced Friday by the federal agency in charge of emergency management aim to simplify and speed up the process. With natural disasters now affecting more people across the United States, insurance markets in many states are buckling under the weight of payouts to those hit by wildfires and hurricanes. Previously, FEMA couldn't help them because their insurance payout already exceeded the agency's assistance cap of $42,500 per disaster. GETTING RID OF THE LOAN RULEUnder previous rules, disaster survivors first had to apply for a loan with the Small Business Administration and get rejected before they could apply for FEMA assistance. And FEMA is creating a new category of aid called displacement assistance, designed to help those who can't return to their home.

Persons: —, Deanne Criswell, Nature, ” Criswell, ”, Criswell, deductibles Organizations: WASHINGTON, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Small Business Administration, SBA, https Locations: United States, Louisiana, Florida, California

☆ Your phone will make an alarming noise Wednesday at 2:20 p.m. ET unless you turn it off first
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If your phone, television or radio makes an alarming sound around 2:20 p.m. Nearly all smartphones connected to a cellular network will deliver a message, alongside an alert sound and vibration: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. This is the third nationwide test of the alert system, FEMA said. The alert sound can't be turned off on smartphones if they are on. While iPhones and most Android smartphones offer settings to opt out of certain government alerts, such as Amber alerts, users can't opt out of this test, FEMA said.

Persons: Deanne Criswell, Amber Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Communications Commission, National Wireless, FEMA, U.S

☆ Number of billion-dollar weather disasters in US blows through annual record with four months left in the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Ella Nilsen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

This year’s billion-dollar disasters have caused 253 direct and indirect fatalities and have resulted in $57.6 billion in damage, NOAA data shows. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Ken Kruse looks out at floodwaters surrounding his apartment complex in Tarpon Springs, Florida, on August 30. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Florida's Fort Myers Beach is seen during high tide ahead of Hurricane Idalia on August 29. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Images Shelves are left empty at a Target store in Gainesville, Florida, on August 29. Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11.

Persons: CNN — It’s, Idalia, Hilary, Rachel Cleetus, ” Cleetus, Cristobal Herrera, Shutterstock, Sean Rayford, Cheney Orr, Reuters Jewell Baggett, Ulashkevich, EFE, Thomas Simonetti, Jack Lemburg, Richard Burkhart, Douglas R, Clifford, Zuma Press Donnye Franklin, Joe Raedle, Rebecca Blackwell, Ron DeSantis, Savannah Alderman Nick Palumbo, Ken Kruse, Hurricane Idalia, Eva Marie Uzcategui, Christian Monterrosa, Stephen M, Dowell, Reagan Ortagus, Tyler, Bob Self, NOAA Ana Iris Aguiar, Alexandre Meneghini, Marco Bello, Adrees Latif, Samson, Victor Cassano's, Chris O'Meara, Yamil Lage, Sharon Walsh, Doug Engle, Christine Willis, Andrew West, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Adam Smith, Michael, Laura, Ida, Ian, ” Smith, Deanne Criswell, Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Ken Alba, Jae C, Yuki Iwamura, Patrick T, Fallon, Bryan Anselm, Mike Blake, Matthew A, Foster, Rick Bowmer, Lauren Haley, Makalea Ahhee, Justin Sullivan, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, Criswell, It’s, ” Criswell, Cleetus, ” Organizations: CNN, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Idalia, NOAA, Tropical, Union of Concerned, “, Tampa Bay Times, ZUMA Press, Reuters, Press, Washington Post, Angels Episcopal Church, Savannah Morning, USA, Network Rescue, Zuma Press, AP Florida Gov, Savannah, Bloomberg, Getty, Duke, Orlando Sentinel, Florida Times, Union, AP, Reuters Pike Electric, Southwest Airlines, Tampa International Airport, Reuters Home Depot, Reuters Fort Myers, Federal Emergency Management, FEMA, Senate, Ukraine, New York Times, Staff, US Army National Guard, Maui Police, Facility, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News Locations: United States, South, Midwest, California, Horseshoe Beach , Florida, Bend, Tampa, Horseshoe Beach, Perry , Florida, Keaton Beach , Florida, Madison , Florida, Steinhatchee , Florida, Samarra, St, Savannah , Georgia, Savannah, Steinhatchee, Crystal River , Florida, Perry, Crystal, Tarpon Springs , Florida, Mayo , Florida, Tarpon Springs, Myers, Hurricane, Gainesville , Florida, Sumterville , Florida, Johns County , Florida, Florida, NOAA, La Coloma, Cuba, Clearwater , Florida, Playa Majana, Suwannee , Florida, Batabanó, AFP, Guanimar, Ocala , Florida, USA, Reuters Fort Myers Beach, Gulf, Lahaina , Hawaii, Lahaina, Hawaii, Maui, Wahikuli, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, Kahului, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji

☆ The last 3 months were the hottest on record. Was summer 2023 just the beginning?
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Catherine Boudreau | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

June through August were the hottest months on record, the World Meteorological Organization said. The deadly extreme heat and other climate-fueled disasters are upending people's lives this summer. A summer of writing about disaster after disaster got me thinking: Will we look back on this summer as a turning point? More of us are feeling the whiplash: Americans are increasingly connecting the dots between disasters and the climate crisis. In the meantime, communities have to be better prepared because the next five years could continue to break temperature records , according to the World Meteorological Organization.

Persons: António Guterres, Anthony Leiserowitz, Leiserowitz, George Mason, they'd, Carole Walker, It's Organizations: World Meteorological Organization, Service, United Nations, Yale, George, George Mason University, Rocky Mountain Insurance Association, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA Locations: Wall, Silicon, Maui, Hawaii, Northeast

☆ Biden in Florida promises to rebuild, calls on Congress to provide more FEMA funding
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Emma Kinery | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"No winds this strong hit this area in one hundred years," Biden said, speaking in Live Oak, Florida. Biden and first lady Jill Biden traveled to Florida on Saturday to survey the damage done by Hurricane Idalia and meet with locals and recovery personnel. The president said he's directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to do "everything they can" to help rebuild. Speaking Saturday in Florida, Biden once again called on Congress to act. "These crises are affecting more and more Americans, and every American regularly expects FEMA to show up when they are needed," Biden said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Jill Biden, Hurricane Idalia, he's, Republicans —, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Jeremy Redfern, DeSantis, Redfern, Deanne Criswell, Hurricane Ian Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, United States Congress, Democrats, Republicans, Florida Governor, White, Republican, DeSantis, Hurricane Locations: Oak, Florida, Bend

☆ White House asks for additional $4 billion for FEMA after Hurricane Idalia, Maui fires
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Emma Kinery | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON — The White House is requesting an additional $4 billion from Congress to bolster funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is down to its last $3.4 billion after a string of major disasters. Friday's request is in addition to a $12 billion ask last month for FEMA's disaster relief fund, part of an overall $40 billion stopgap funding ask. It also comes a day after the White House asked Congress to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government as budget negotiations continue. The White House said the additional funds are needed in the wake of fires in Hawaii and Louisiana, and flooding in Florida due to Hurricane Idalia and Vermont. Criswell told reporters Tuesday that FEMA is prioritizing the immediate needs of people impacted by the Maui fires, Idalia and disasters still to come, which means recovery efforts from past disasters are on the backburner.

Persons: Joe Biden, WASHINGTON —, White, Idalia, Deanne Criswell, Criswell Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Coordination, Hurricane Idalia, WASHINGTON, White House Locations: Washington ,, Maui, Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, Vermont

☆ FEMA is down to its last $3.4 billion as Maui wildfires, Hurricane Idalia slam U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said this week that the U.S. disaster relief fund has a balance of $3.4 billion, which will be exhausted in the first half of September if Congress does not approve additional money. President Joe Biden called on Congress Thursday to pass $12 billion in additional funding for the disaster fund next month, at the latest, when hurricane season reaches its peak. We need this disaster relief request met and we need to do it in September — we can't wait," he added. With funds running low, FEMA is prioritizing the immediate needs of people impacted by the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Idalia that swept through Florida this week and other extreme weather events that may come, Criswell told reporters at the White House on Tuesday. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said on Wednesday that Washington has known since June that FEMA's disaster fund was "woefully low."

Persons: Deanne Criswell, Joe Biden, Biden, Criswell, Republican Sen, Marco Rubio, " Rubio, Rubio Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, White, Republican, Washington, Fox News Locations: U.S, Florida, Washington ,, Maui

☆ Biden says he will visit Florida this weekend to survey Idalia damage: 'Our nation has your back'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Emma Kinery | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden made a surprise trip to the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters Thursday, where he announced he would be traveling to Florida on Saturday to survey the damage after Hurricane Idalia. "Showing up for the moment to save the lives is critically important, but that's just the beginning … and some of it's going to take months and years to make sure we restore the people to the circumstances there before this disaster hit," Biden said at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. "And to the people of Florida, and throughout the southeast, I'm here to make it clear that our nation has your back." Biden spoke with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis twice Thursday and with FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell, who is in the state.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hurricane Idalia, that's, Biden, Ron DeSantis, Deanne Criswell Organizations: WASHINGTON, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hurricane, FEMA, Florida Gov Locations: Florida, Washington ,, I'm

☆ Biden vows enduring federal response to Idalia and Maui fires – and sends a warning to GOP
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Kevin Liptak | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Republicans have criticized how Biden and the federal government responded to the Hawaii fires, though officials in the state praised the support they received from the White House. “I let each governor I spoke with know if there’s anything the states need right now, I’m ready to mobilize that support,” Biden said. Biden visited the island early last week, pledging sustained federal support for the island and its residents. Biden signed an emergency declaration Monday unlocking federal resources and said Tuesday he was in “constant contact” with authorities from Florida. The US Coast Guard is supporting search and rescue, and there are three disaster survivor assistance teams deployed in Florida.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hurricane Idalia, Biden, Deanne Criswell, Idalia, Criswell, ”, ” Biden, Ron DeSantis, Brian Kemp, Henry McMaster, DeSantis Organizations: CNN, Hurricane, FEMA, White, Ukraine, Florida Gov, Georgia Gov, South Carolina Gov, Florida Republican, Department of Energy, Republican, US Coast Guard, US Department of Agriculture’s Food, Nutrition Service, US Army Corps of Engineers Locations: Hawaii, Florida, Maui, United States of America, Georgia, East Coast, West Coast

☆ A 100-year-old tree collapsed on the Florida governor's mansion during Idalia, Casey DeSantis says the family is fine
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Casey DeSantis said she and her kids were fine after a massive tree fell on the governor's mansion. DeSantis told reporters his wife had called him about the situation. AdvertisementAdvertisement"I don't know if they are going to cut down the whole tree," DeSantis told reporters during a storm update. FEMA director Deanne Criswell told reporters at the White House that President Joe Biden spoke to DeSantis and offered the federal government's assistance. The Florida governor's mansion was first built on its current grounds in 1907, according to a state website devoted to its history.

Persons: Casey DeSantis, Florida's, Idalia, Ron DeSantis, Hurricane Idalia, Mamie, DeSantis, John Dailey, Deanne Criswell, Joe Biden, LeRoy Collins, Andrew Jackson's, Jackson Organizations: Gov, Service, Hurricane, Associated Press, FEMA, Florida Territory Locations: North Florida, Wall, Silicon, Florida, Tallahassee — Mason, Madison, Florida's, Tallahassee, Hermitage, Nashville

☆ Biden says climate crisis is undeniable after Hurricane Idalia damage
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Aug 30 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday said no one could deny that the world is facing a climate crisis, after Hurricane Idalia plowed through the Big Bend region of Florida and forced millions of residents to evacuate. "I don't think anybody can deny the impact of the climate crisis anymore," Biden told reporters at the White House. Some Republican lawmakers, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running to win the Republican presidential nomination, continue to oppose a slew of measures aimed at curbing emissions. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy called "the climate agenda" a "hoax" during last week's GOP debate. On Tuesday, she told reporters that extreme storms were part of a "new normal" that Americans are facing, adding that investments in resilience and mitigation were critical to prepare for future storms.

Persons: Joe Biden, Idalia, Biden, ” Biden, Ron DeSantis, Hurricane Idalia, Leah Millis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Deanne Criswell, Jeff Mason, Andrea Shalal, Trevor Hunnicutt, Andy Sullivan Organizations: White, Republican, Hurricane, REUTERS, GOP, Federal Emergency Management, Thomson Locations: Bend, Florida, Maui, Hawaii, Washington , U.S

STEINHATCHEE, Florida, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Florida's Gulf Coast braced on Wednesday for fierce winds, torrential rain and surging seawater from Idalia, forecast to become "an extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane, as it swirled toward a direct hit on the state's Big Bend region. Most of Florida's 21 million residents, and many in the adjacent states of Georgia and South Carolina, were under hurricane warnings and other storm-related advisories. Any storm reaching Category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane. 1 killer in all of these storms is water," Deanne Criswell, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's administrator, said on CNN. Idalia-related disruptions extended to Florida's Atlantic coast at Cape Canaveral, where the Tuesday launch of a rocket carrying a U.S. Space Force intelligence satellite was delayed indefinitely.

Persons: Kevin Guthrie, Rene Hoffman, Idalia, Steve Pizzano, Adrees Latif, Biden, Ron DeSantis, Irma, Michael, Ian, DeSantis, Milton Bontrager, Maria Alejandra Cardona, Marco Bello, Joey Roulette, Rich McKay, Nelson Acosta, Dave Sherwood, Brad Brooks, Brendan O'Brien, Nandita Bose, Steve Gorman, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Reuters Graphics Reuters, National Hurricane Center, NHC, REUTERS, Federal Emergency Management, CNN, White, Florida, Republican, U.S . Space Force, Tampa International Airport, National Guard, Thomson Locations: STEINHATCHEE, Florida, Idalia, Bend, Gulf of Mexico, Georgia, South Carolina, Steinhatchee , Florida, Miami, Cedar Key , Florida, Gulf Coast, North, Sarasota, Apalachicola Bay ., Clearwater Beach , Florida, U.S, Gulf, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Tampa, St, Petersburg, Cape Canaveral, Cuba, Tampa , Florida, Atlanta, Havana, Guanimar, Longmont , Colorado, Chicago, Washington

Idalia was expected to intensify rapidly before slamming ashore on Wednesday morning, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC). SURGES UP TO 12 FEET HIGHMost of Florida's 21 million residents, along with many in Georgia and South Carolina, were under hurricane, tropical storm and storm surge warnings and advisories. "I don't panic, I prepare," said Bontrager, 40, who runs six sport and charter fishing boats in Venice along the Gulf Coast near Tampa. From Tuesday through Thursday, Florida's Gulf Coast along with southeastern Georgia and eastern portions of North and South Carolina could face torrential rains of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm, the hurricane center warned. In some spots, the surge of water could rise 8 to 12 feet (2.5-3.7 m), the hurricane center said.

Persons: Idalia, Ron DeSantis, Irma, Michael, Ian, Milton Bontrager's, Hurricane Idalia, Marco Bello, Anthony Holloway, DeSantis, Guan, Madelin Suarez Morejon, Rich McKay, Dave Sherwood, Brendan O'Brien, Steve Gorman, Swati Verma, David Ljunggren, Joseph Ax, Lincoln, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Hurricane Center, NHC, REUTERS, Federal Emergency Management, CNN, Tampa International, National Guard, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Authorities, Thomson Locations: Florida, Florida's Gulf Coast, Miami, Bend, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Tampa, St, Petersburg, Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, Georgia, South Carolina, Sarasota, Venice, Gulf, North, Cedar Key , Florida, Apalachicola Bay ., CUBA, Caribbean, Havana, Pinar del Rio, Atlanta, Guanimar, Chicago, Los Angeles, Bengaluru, Ottawa, West Stockbridge , Massachusetts

☆ Many Maui restaurants were destroyed in the fires. For those that survived, their future remains uncertain
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

An aerial view of destruction on Front Street on August 11, 2023 in Lahaina, Hawaii. In Lahaina, a historic area and popular tourist destination that was hit particularly hard by the fires, restaurants are big business. Restaurants are an important part of the tourism sector, which is responsible for 75% of all private-sector jobs in Maui. Their restaurants survived, but their future is uncertain. In Kula, about an hour’s drive from Lahaina, fires damaged the Kula Sandalwoods Inn & Cafe, which has been in Monica Loui’s family for decades.

Persons: Qiana Di, Di Bari, ”, Di Bari’s, Pepe, …, Di, ” Di Bari, Justin Sullivan, Baris, Sheryl Matsuoka, They’re, Javier Barberi, Barberi, Robert Gauthier, Barberi couldn’t, Hana Hou, “, it’s, Monica Loui’s, you’re, ” Loui, she’s, Caleb Hopkins, We’re, Hopkins, he’s, “ We’re, Hou Hospitality, Josh Green’s, Hawaii Josh Green, Rick Bowmer, Barry Allison, Kihei, we’ve, —, Catherine Thorbecke Organizations: New, New York CNN, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii Restaurant Association, Los Angeles Times, Hawaii Gov, FEMA, ” Locations: New York, Maui, Qiana Di Bari, Lahaina, Italian, Di Bari, Lahaina , Hawaii, United States, Kahului, “, Kula, Loui’s, GoFundMe, Hawaii

☆ Biden to visit fire-ravaged Maui on Monday as search efforts continue, with more than 800 people still missing
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Kevin Liptak | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Biden is planning to name a senior federal emergency official to oversee long-term recovery efforts during his visit. Josh Green, Biden sought to ensure the large footprint required for a presidential visit would not obstruct ongoing response and recovery efforts. “If President Biden could just teleport himself over, he would’ve come here in five seconds,” Green said at a news conference last week. Bob Fenton, an experienced disaster response official, will serve as the chief federal response coordinator. During the visit, Biden plans to reassure residents that the federal government will support their recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell said Sunday.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Biden’s, curt “, Biden couldn’t, Josh Green, ” Biden, “, ” Green, “ I’ve, Jill Biden, Bob Fenton, Fenton, Deanne Criswell, “ He’s, ”, Criswell, Isabella Guzman, ” Guzman, CNN’s Kayla Tausche, ” Criswell Organizations: CNN, Hawaii Gov, Biden, FEMA, White, Federal Emergency Management, Union, US Small Business Administration, SBA Locations: Maui, Maui County, Delaware, Salt Lake City, Green, Lahaina, Hawaii, “ State

☆ Biden to reassure Maui's Lahaina residents they will control rebuilding after devastating wildfires
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden step off Air Force One upon arrival at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Reno, Nevada on August 18, 2023. The wildfires incinerated the town of Lahaina on Aug. 8, destroying 2,200 homes and businesses and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. Biden has faced criticism from Republicans for not speaking publicly about the tragedy until five days after it occurred. Criswell said she was in communication in the days that followed the wildfires, helping Biden understand the magnitude of the situation and what resources were needed. — Biden on Friday authorized additional federal support for Hawaii, the White House said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Deanne Criswell, Criswell, Biden, —, — Biden Organizations: Air Force, Tahoe, . Federal Emergency Management Agency Locations: Reno, Reno , Nevada, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

A sign at the site of the destroyed Pioneer Hotel and Pioneer Theater is seen after wildfires driven by high winds burned across most of the town in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S. August 10, 2023. The wildfires incinerated the town of Lahaina on Aug. 8, destroying 2,200 homes and businesses and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. Biden has faced criticism from Republicans for not speaking publicly about the tragedy until five days after it occurred. Criswell said she was in communication in the days that followed the wildfires, helping Biden understand the magnitude of the situation and what resources were needed. Some will be too traumatized to attend when their schools in Lahaina reopen while some parents will opt to move rather than rebuild.

Persons: Deanne Criswell, Joe Biden, Criswell, Biden, Jonathan Allen, Brendan O'Brien, David Morgan, Mary Milliken, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Pioneer, Hawai'i Department of Land, Natural Resources, REUTERS Acquire, . Federal Emergency Management Agency, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S, Kihei, Chicago, Washington

☆ Inside the White House response to the Maui wildfires
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Priscilla Alvarez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

After the fires began, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients immediately briefed the president on what became a rapidly evolving situation, according to White House officials. Within the administration, a White House official told CNN, there have been multiple staff calls each day focused on response and recovery. Criswell, who surveyed the damage last weekend, regularly briefed Biden and will be traveling with the president to Maui on Monday. FEMA has also provided more than $2.3 million in assistance, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. While focus remains on search and rescue and later, debris removal, Cabinet and senior administration officials also met at the White House with Homeland Security Adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall this week to chart a path forward on other issues like housing and the making the state’s energy grid more resilient with the help of the Department of Energy, according to a senior White House official directly involved.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, Jeff Zients, ”, Biden, “, I’ve, ” Biden, Biden’s, Donald Trump, they’ve, Deanne Criswell, ” Criswell, Karine Jean, Pierre, Elizabeth Sherwood, Randall, “ We’re Organizations: CNN, Hawaii, Federal Emergency Management Agency, White, White House, FEMA, Fire Management, US Coast Guard, Navy, Fleet, US Army, US Department of Defense, Small, Administration, Homeland, Department of Energy Locations: Houston, Hawaii, Maui, Milwaukee, “

☆ West Maui highway reopens but 'destruction zone' remains off limits
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Jonathan Allen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

LAHAINA, Hawaii, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Hawaii officials on Wednesday reopened a highway into West Maui to all motorists for the first time since last week's deadly wildfire, but the devastated town of Lahaina remained closed as the painstaking search for hundreds of missing dragged on. [1/2]Vehicles are seen in traffic on Honoapiilani Hwy after officials allowed residents and tourists back into West Maui after a wildfire destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, in Maui, Hawaii, U.S. August 11, 2023. Maui Fresh Streatery, a local business, urged people in a Facebook post to refrain from using the highway into town for sightseeing. "Let us allow this time for our Lahaina residents." As officials work to identify the deceased, stories about those who perished have emerged from loved ones.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Biden, Deanne Criswell, Criswell, Josh Green, Marco Garcia, Ma, Daisy, Daisy Ma, Kevin, Saane Tanaka, Jorge Garcia, Sandra Stojanovic, Brendan O'Brien, Jonathan Oatis, Sandra Maler Organizations: Twitter, Wednesday Biden, U.S . Federal Emergency Management Administration, White, FEMA, REUTERS, New York Times, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Reuters, Thomson Locations: LAHAINA, Hawaii, West Maui, Lahaina, Washington, Maui, charring, U.S, Chicago

☆ Biden takes his reelection pitch to Wisconsin, a state Republicans are wooing in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Emma Kinery | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

President Joe Biden spoke in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday, a week before Republicans meet there for their first presidential debate. "Look folks, it's really kind of basic: We just decided to invest in America once again," Biden said in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is a key battleground state that Biden won in 2020, but which former President Donald Trump won in 2016. In an unusual move, the Biden reelection campaign also issued a statement on his Wisconsin trip, criticizing Republicans' track record in the state. Biden spoke with Hawaii Governor Josh Green and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on the plane ride to Wisconsin.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Olivia Dalton, Donald Trump, Trump, MAGA, Kevin Munoz, Dalton, Jill, we've, I've, Josh Green, Deanne Criswell Organizations: White, House, Wisconsin, Biden, Hawaii, FEMA Locations: Delaware, Washington , U.S, Milwaukee , Wisconsin, Wisconsin, America, Ingeteam, Milwaukee, Hawaii, Maui

☆ Biden Says He’ll Visit Hawaii After Deadly Wildfires
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Reid J. Epstein | More About Reid J. Epstein | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Biden said on Tuesday that he would travel to Hawaii to inspect damage on Maui after the country’s deadliest wildfires in over a century ripped through the island, killing at least 99 people and devastating an entire coastal town. “My wife, Jill, and I are going to travel to Hawaii as soon as we can,” Mr. Biden said in a speech focused on the economy at a wind and electric power manufacturing plant in Milwaukee. “That’s what I’ve been talking to the governor about but I don’t want to get in the way.”Mr. Biden had not addressed the Maui wildfires since last week, when he declared a federal emergency and issued a statement with condolences for the families of those who died. His relative silence had drawn criticism from Republicans, which led to pushback from the White House. Josh Green of Hawaii and Deanne Criswell, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, during his flight to Milwaukee, White House officials said.

Persons: Biden, Jill, Mr, I’ve, Josh Green of, Criswell Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, White Locations: Hawaii, Maui, “, Milwaukee, Josh Green of Hawaii

☆ Hawaii wildfires: Anger and aid spread amid the devastation
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Bill Weir | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Lahaina, Hawaii CNN —A week after blowtorch winds brought the most horrific disaster in modern Hawaiian history, members of Maui’s working class have become do-it-yourself first responders and cul-de-sac commanders. A woman collects water at a shopping center in Lahaina where different groups are handing out supplies. “We had three families sleep here the first night and we fed them just as if they were local. While the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau took to social media to “strongly discourage” visitors from vacationing on the western side of Maui. At least 99 people have been confirmed dead from the wildfires, and the number could double over the next 10 days, Hawaii Gov.

Persons: Evelio Contreras, Keoki Naihe, ”, he’s, Alika Peneku, “, Brittany Fleck, Charlie Fleck, ” Charlie, Grace Hurt, Josh Green, of Fame waterman, ‘, ’, Archie Kalepa, Kalepa, Deanne Criswell, ” Criswell, ” Naihe, “ We’ve, ” Peneku Organizations: Hawaii CNN, CNN, CNN “ Tourists, Facebook, Hawaii Visitors, Hawaii Gov, Pohaku, of Fame, Ocean Safety, aloha, FEMA, Small Business Administration Locations: Lahaina, Hawaii, Maui, Charlie, “, Peneku, Pohaku, Pohaku Beach

☆ Live updates: Maui wildfires death toll rises, Lahaina recovery begins
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Aditi Sangal | Mike Hayes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Struggle to house displaced residents and tourists: The devastation has displaced thousands of people, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell estimated. As of Friday night, a total of 1,418 people were at emergency evacuation shelters, according to Maui County officials. Teams are working to get displaced Lahaina residents into temporary homes, with more than 500 hotel rooms already obtained with government subsidies, Green said Sunday. Hawaii's main electric provider sued: A lawsuit claims electrified power lines blown over by high winds helped to cause the destructive Lahaina wildfire. Mayor Bissen acknowledged Thursday that power lines that were “still energized” had fallen on the roads, but the new lawsuit does not state exactly how the power lines allegedly caused the wildfire.

Persons: Yuki Iwamura, John Pelletier, Josh Green, Deanne Criswell, Green, ” Green, weren’t, Bissen, ” Organizations: Getty, Maui Police, Gov, FEMA, Hawaiian Electric Industries Locations: Lahaina , Hawaii, AFP, Maui, Maui County, Lahaina

Smoke billows from flames near Lahaina as wildfires driven by high winds destroy a large part of the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii, U.S. August 9, 2023. The database includes names collected from "missing persons" notices posted at shelters as well as information submitted by loved ones. About 46,000 people had flown out of Kahului Airport, Maui's main airport, between Wednesday and Saturday, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. "50% of our visitor economy still exists and is thriving in South Maui," the Maui Fresh Streatery food truck posted on Facebook. Bar chart shows visitor spending share of GDP to Maui and Hawaii which are much higher than that for the entire U.S.

Persons: Dustin Johnson, Handout, Josh Green, We've, Green, We're, Chris Loeffler, Deanne Criswell, Criswell, Jeremy Greenberg, Greenberg, Chris Young, Young, Basil Spring, Jorge Garcia, Mike Blake, Brendan O'Brien, Rich McKay, Andrew Hay, Brad Brooks, Sharon Bernstein, Doyinsola Oladipo, Dan Whitcomb, Joseph Ax, Daniel Trotta, Jonathan Oatis, Matthew Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, Monday, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Cross, Hawaiian Electric Industries, CNN, Kahului, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Reuters Graphics, Facebook, Thomson Locations: Lahaina, Lahaina , Hawaii, U.S, Hawaii, Maui, Minnesota, West Maui, Maui's, South Maui

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