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☆ Merle Liivand: Meet the eco-friendly ‘mermaid’ cleaning oceans one record-breaking swim at a time
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Charlie Webster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Courtesy Michael A. SamwayThe Tallinn-born competitor moved to the US in 2011 and, as she tired of only competing in breaststroke, started doing triathlons and then tried open water swimming. After seeing first-hand the scale of water pollution, Liivand was determined to take on a fight tougher than any competitor. The Jamaican sprint icon recognized Liivand for her open-water swimming exploits and mermaid school but confused the two. “It was like, here we are, testing waters, but we still don’t address that open water sport is in real danger because of pollution,” she said. Marco Bello/ReutersIn a grueling 14-hour swim, at times, Liivand will have to swim against the current.

Persons: Merle Liivand, ” Liivand, Liivand, ‘ Merle, “, ”, Michael, “ It’s, ’ ”, Mario Tama, microplastics, Usain Bolt, Marco Bello, ’ Liivand, “ I’m, I’m, Richard Branson, Liivand’s Organizations: CNN, Guinness, CNN Sport, Federal University of Rio, Rio, UNESCO, Environmental International, Records, Reuters Locations: Estonian, Biscayne Bay , Miami, California, Florida, Tallinn, Guanabara Bay, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Leblon, Jamaica, Biscayne, Los Angeles, Miami, Paris ’

☆ 4 people have gone overboard on cruise ships this summer. Here's why most cruise lines don't use technology that could've helped save them.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +18 min

An average of 19 people go overboard on cruise ships every year, industry data has found. At 6:36 p.m. — more than 12 hours after Peale fell overboard — Carnival contacted the Coast Guard, according to the agency. Less than two months after Peale fell overboard, 30-year-old Jaylen Hill also went overboard a Carnival cruise ship. Legislation without regulationThe US Coast Guard does not check for man-overboard image capture or detection technology during compliance inspections of cruise ships. A Coast Guard spokesperson said there are no regulations preventing cruise lines from installing MOB detection systems on their vessels.

Persons: Ronnie Peale Jr, Peale, Linda Peale, —, Travis Heggie, Hill, Eric Rodriguez, Joe Perez, Ross Klein, Paul McConnell, Jamie Barnett, James Michael Grimes, Grimes, CLIA, it's, Mike Collier, MOBtronic, Sen, Richard Blumenthal, Collier, Blumenthal, Linda Peale Jennilyn Blosser, Blosser, didn't, Barnett, Jim Walker Organizations: US Coast Guard, Carnival, Coast Guard, Bowling Green State University, Cruise Lines International Association, Royal Caribbean's, Princess Cruises, Jacksonville , Florida . U.S . Coast, Washington Post, Carnival Corporation, U.S . Coast Guard, Getty, Cruise Vessel Security, Safety, Guard, International Cruise Victims Association, Line International Association, USA, Royal Caribbean, International, Organization Locations: Virginia's Shenandoah, Connecticut, Jacksonville , Florida . U.S, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, MOBtronic

In an aerial view, burned cars and homes are seen a neighborhood that was destroyed by a wildfire on August 17, 2023 in Lahaina, Hawaii. A young boy walks through wildfire wreckage Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Search and recovery team members check charred buildings and cars in the aftermath of the Maui Fires in Lahaina, West Maui, Hawaii, August 17, 2023. Lahaina, Maui, Wednesday, August 16, 2023 - Homes and businesses lay in ruins after last week's devastating wildfire swept through town. A woman walks through wildfire wreckage Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Persons: Patrick T, Fallon, Fred Abad, Louise Abihai, Ellie Erickson —, Richard Zubaty, Richard Bissen, Harold, Justin Sullivan, Lynn Ouano, Faias, Jay Ouano, Rick Bowmer, Kuulei Barut, Losano, Leona Castillo, Castillo, Yuki Iwamura, haven't, Erickson, Robert Gauthier, Julie French Organizations: Kahului, AFP, Getty, NBC, Maui, Facebook, Los Angeles Times Locations: Maui, Kahului, Hawaii, Maui County, Instagram, Palm Springs, Texas, Lahaina , Hawaii, Washington, U.S, Pennsylvania, Lahaina, Lahaina , West Maui, Kihei, Australia

☆ Fact Check-Bloomberg report did not name Obama as Epstein’s ‘middle man’
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Bloomberg report did not say former U.S. President Barack Obama was late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein’s “middle man,” despite online posts that misrepresent the article on revelations from court filings by JPMorgan Chase and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A post on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “BREAKING: President Obama has been named as Jeffrey Epstein’s middle man to JP Morgan according to Bloomberg” (here). Some posts link to an Aug. 16 Bloomberg report with the headline, “Epstein Tapped JPMorgan to Help Goldman Lawyer Open Account” (here). The report mentions a “former Obama White House lawyer,” but it does not name Obama as Epstein’s so-called “middle man” to JPMorgan. A Bloomberg report did not name former U.S. President Barack Obama as Jeffrey Epstein’s “middle man” to JPMorgan.

Persons: Barack Obama, Jeffrey Epstein’s “, JPMorgan Chase, Epstein, Obama, Jeffrey Epstein’s, JP Morgan, Bloomberg ”, “ Epstein, ”, Kathy Ruemmler, Lesley Groff, Epstein’s, Mary Erdoes, ’ ” Erdoes, Michelle, Richard Branson, Read Organizations: Bloomberg, JPMorgan, U.S ., U.S . Virgin Islands, Reuters, Twitter, Facebook, Goldman, Obama White House, White, Free Law Locations: U.S, U.S . Virgin Islands, “, British Virgin

☆ 850 people still missing after Maui wildfires, mayor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Chantal Da Silva | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Search and recovery team members check charred buildings and cars in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 18, 2023. A total of 850 people are still missing in connection with the deadly wildfires that devastated Maui earlier this month, the county's mayor announced. In an overnight update posted to Facebook, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said there were now 850 people officially believed to be missing. Bissen said the number of missing people was the result of the FBI combining and refining various lists of missing people. "The death toll number is always provisional, in a way," Goldman said.

Persons: Richard Bissen, Bissen, We're, Lynn Goldman, Hurricane Maria, Goldman Organizations: Facebook, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, NBC, FBI Locations: Maui, Lahaina , Hawaii, Maui County, Puerto Rico, Lahaina

☆ Biden heading to Maui to meet with wildfire survivors
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Steve Holland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/8] U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden board a plane as they depart for Maui from Reno, Nevada, U.S., August 21, 2023. "It’s going to be an emotional day for everyone," White House spokesperson Olivia Dalton told reporters on Air Force One. Biden, who is seeking reelection in 2024, has been criticized by some Republicans and others for his initial response to the Maui fires. Biden said on Aug. 10 he would expand federal aid to Hawaii and promised help to anyone who needed it. Biden himself said he did not want to travel to Maui until he was assured he would not interfere with emergency response efforts.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Kevin Lamarque, Joe Biden's, Biden, Olivia Dalton, Dalton, Deanna Criswell, Richard Bissen, Bob Fenton, Criswell, Steve Holland, Jarrett Renshaw, Colleen Jenkins, Michael Perry, Jonathan Oatis, Heather Timmons, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: REUTERS, FORCE, Air Force, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Facebook, Monday, FEMA, Southwest, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Maui, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Maui, Reno , Nevada, U.S, Tahoe, Lahaina, Hawaii, Delaware, Maui County, Southern California

☆ Maui emergency chief resigns after defending decision to not activate sirens during wildfire
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

In this image taken from video, Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya speaks during a news conference in Wailuku, Hawaii, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. The head of Maui County's emergency management agency resigned on Thursday, a day after he defended his decision to not activate sirens during catastrophic wildfires that have taken more than 100 lives. Maui Emergency Management Agency administrator Herman Andaya cited health reasons for his resignation, which took immediate effect. The inferno is the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century and the worst disaster in Hawaii state history. State and local emergency management officials face growing scrutiny over whether they did enough to alert the public as the wildfires spread.

Persons: Herman Andaya, Andaya, Richard Bissen, Bissen, Anne Lopez, Lopez, Josh Green, Green Organizations: Maui Emergency Management, Maui Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Gov Locations: Maui, Wailuku, Hawaii, West Maui, Maui County, Lahaina, U.S

So far, at least 111 deaths have been confirmed in the wildfires, according to a release from Maui County. Names of other victims have been released by familiesFirefight continues : Crews are still battling the fires on Maui. “The people that were trying to put out these fires lived in those homes – 25 of our firefighters lost their homes,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said Wednesday. “They watched their homes burn as they fought the fire for other homes in their neighborhood,” she explained. “That is a scar that we will carry for a very long time.”Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11.

Persons: John Pelletier, ” Pelletier, ”, Pelletier, Josh Green, CNN’s Wolf, “, Brenda Keau, ” Keau, Jeff Hickman, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, ” Hickman, Melva Benjamin, Virginia Dofa, Alfredo Galinato, Robert Dyckman, Buddy Jantoc, Benjamin, Crews, Brad Ventura, ” Biden, Herman Andaya, would’ve, Matthew A, Foster, Richard Bissen, Aina Kohler, I’ve, Kohler, “ It’s, Jonny Varona, They’re, Wade Ebersole, it’s, who’s, ” Ebersole, ” Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Jae C, Patrick T, Fallon, Rick Bowmer, Justin Sullivan, Lauren Haley, Bryan Anselm, Makalea Ahhee, Yuki Iwamura, Mike Blake, 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, Bob Marshall, ” Marshall, Marshall, Jim Kelly, ” Kelly, ” Darren Pai Organizations: CNN, Maui Police, Authorities, Hawaii Gov, Hawaii Department of Defense, Fire, White House, Maui, Maui Emergency Management, Tuesday . U.S . Army National Guard, Staff, KITV, Maui Health, Maui Memorial Medical, New York Times, AP, FBI, Facility, Getty, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Reuters, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News, Whisker Labs, Maui Bird Conservation Center, The Washington, Hawaiian Electric, CNN Sunday Locations: Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, Lahaina, Tuesday ., ”, Lahaina , Hawaii, Wailuku, AFP, Kula , Hawaii, Kaanapali, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Kahului, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, California, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Makawao, Western Maui

The industry is Maui's "economic engine," generating 80% of its wealth, according to the island's economic development board. Hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings. Many are housing their employees and preparing to house evacuees and first-responders working on disaster recovery, according to the tourism authority. "Maui is not closed," Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said at the weekend press conference alongside the governor. Tour operators who continued to offer services in or around West Maui after the fires faced a flood of criticism.

Persons: Mike Blake, Jason Momoa, Maui, Josh Green, Green, Ilihia Gionson, Richard Bissen, Jack Richards, Rich McKay, Doyinsola Oladipo, Julia Harte, Colleen Jenkins, Stephen Coates Organizations: REUTERS, Hawaii, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic, Tourism, U.S . Census, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hotels, Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Los, Thomson Locations: Wahikuli, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S, West Maui, Maui County, Wailea, South Maui, Los Angeles

☆ Sen. Dianne Feinstein says she's being cut out of millions from her husband's estate in an act of 'financial elder abuse'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Dianne Feinstein alleges that the trustees for her husband's estate have engaged in "financial elder abuse." Katherine Feinstein, who filed the suit on behalf of her mother, alleges that Feinstein is being cut out of millions. Katherine Feinstein, a former San Francisco judge, filed the suit on behalf of her mother. In a previous suit, Katherine Feinstein alleged that the trust was not moving quickly enough to sell the Stinson Beach house. Katherine Feinstein concedes that the trust has never denied one of Feinstein's requests, but characterizes this claim as "misleading."

Persons: Dianne Feinstein, Katherine Feinstein, Feinstein, Richard Blum's, Sen, Dianne Feinstein's, Feinstein's, Blum, Michael Klein, Marc Scholvinck, Verett Mims, Klein, Scholvinck, Steven P, Braccini Organizations: Service, San Francisco Chronicle, California Democrat, San Francisco, D.C, Stinson, Claremont Locations: Wall, Silicon, California, San Francisco, Washington, Kauai, Berkeley , California, Feinstein's

☆ At Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Displays Its Heritage and Uncertain Future
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( David Allen | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

Hints of a progressive Californian spirit were soon in evidence, as composers started appearing onstage at Symphony Hall in Boston to introduce their works, and the atmosphere began to feel more engaged. But Samuel lasted a mere 18 months, stepping down in January for reasons that are still not clear. Smith, who for a long time was the adventurous Philharmonic’s programming guru, is hugely respected, and his hiring is cause for excitement, if some trepidation. In addition, Elizabeth Rowe, the principal flutist whose distinctive, ever-so-slightly melancholy tone has defined the sound of the modern Boston Symphony, has announced that she will leave her position next year. She sued the orchestra in 2018 to secure pay equal to that of the oboist who sits to her left, John Ferrillo.

Persons: Mark Volpe, Gail Samuel, Samuel, Chad Smith, Smith, Malcolm Lowe, Lowe, Joseph Silverstein, Richard Burgin, Alexander Velinzon, Elita Kang, Tamara Smirnova, Elizabeth Rowe, John Ferrillo Organizations: Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Symphony Hall Locations: Boston, Angeles, North America

☆ Focus: US space startups' latest struggles marked by layoffs, shake-ups
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Joey Roulette | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Mike Blake/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Aug 15 (Reuters) - U.S. space startups have slashed workforces and restructured operations to survive amid an investment drought that has grounded once-lofty aspirations. Those struggles follow the April bankruptcy filing by satellite launch firm Virgin Orbit, which was owned by billionaire Richard Branson. "The focus for investors in this space is very different than what it was a couple years ago. The financial headwinds faced by rocket startups have triggered pain elsewhere as well. It shifted much of its focus to government defense programs as its commercial customers face tight capital markets, CEO Laurienti said.

Persons: Mike Blake, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, Joe Laurienti, Caleb Henry, Chris Kemp, Will Marshall, Quilty's Henry, Laurienti, Joey Roulette, Ben Klayman, Matthew Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, Elon, SpaceX, Astra, Labs, Ursa, Reuters, Planet Labs, Thomson Locations: Long Beach , California, U.S, Denver, Washington

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) attends a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting to vote on legislation and pending nominations before the committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., May 11, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Aug 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein has filed a lawsuit alleging financial elder abuse and breach of trust by the trustees of her late husband's estate, with the legal filing seeking their removal over the alleged wrongdoing. The lawsuit alleges that the trustees committed "financial abuse" of Feinstein by "wrongfully withholding distributions to which (her late husband's) trust entitles her in bad faith and diverting assets that they should have used to fund" the senator's trust. The attorney added: "The trustees have always respected Senator Feinstein and always will. First elected to the Senate in 1992, Feinstein has said she will not seek re-election in 2024.

Persons: Dianne Feinstein, Kevin Lamarque, Katherine Feinstein, Feinstein, Richard Blum, Steven Braccini, Michael Klein, Marc Scholvinck, Kanishka Singh, Sandra Maler Organizations: Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Democratic, California Superior Court, Democrats, Senate, San Francisco Chronicle, Committee, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, California, County, San Francisco, Washington

Those winds also battered power lines on the island, and dramatic videos show lines swaying and being toppled in the gusts. Now, some locals are casting blame on Hawaiian Electric, the state’s biggest utility, for not shutting off power to high-risk areas – and claiming that its power lines could have sparked the deadly fire. State officials were well aware of the danger posed by downed power lines during hurricanes. A 2021 state report noted that “downed power lines” and “residential and wildland fires” were hazards related to hurricanes. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said Thursday that power lines that were “still energized” had fallen on the roads.

Persons: Shane Treu, Treu, ” Treu, kindling, Lisa Treu, –, ”, “, Hurricane Dora, “ inexcusably, Jim Kelly, ” Kelly, Kelly, Richard Bissen, Yuri Iwamura, hydrants –, Cole Millington, Millington, Bradford Ventura, Adam Weintraub, ” Weintraub, Jill Tokuda, Keahi Ho, John Stufflebean, Josh Green, Anne Lopez, ” Green, “ It’s, Dora, Abby Frazier, Dora inched, Josh Stanbro Organizations: CNN, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters, Electric, National Weather Service, Hawaiian Electric Company, Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, Maui, Volunteers, Getty, Facebook, Bradford, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Democrat, New York Times, Maui County Department of Water Supply, Times, Government, Hawaii Gov, Clark University Locations: Mauna, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, County, California, Paradise, West Maui, Maalaea, AFP, “, Maui County, United States, Massachusetts

☆ Maui wildfires: Crews still working to identify 93 victims found so far in deadliest US fire in over a century
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( Nouran Salahieh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

Matthew Thayer/The Maui News/AP Volunteers unload supplies from trucks before loading them onto boats for people in need at Kihei Ramp in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, August 12. Rick Bowmer/AP Grace Hurt, right, embraces someone while loading supplies for those in need at Kihei Ramp in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/AP Burnt boats sit in waters off of Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images In an aerial view, search and rescue crews walk through a neighborhood, continuing to search for missing people in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday. Phonoxaylinkham, his wife, and their five children were caught in the Lahaina wildfires and survived by exiting their car and spending four hours in the ocean as the west Maui wildfires raged around them.

Persons: Josh Green, “ It’s, Dora, We’ve, ” Green, ”, John Pelletier, Deanne Criswell, Green, Brad Ventura, Kihei –, •, Anne Lopez, ” Lopez, Matthew Thayer, Evelio Contreras, Rick Bowmer, Grace Hurt, Hurt, Justin Sullivan, Mike Blake, Zoltan Balogh, Zeran Harris, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Patrick T, Fallon, Dustin Johnson, “, who’ve, Ilihia Gionson, Gionson, –, Steven, Giulietta Daiker, ” Steven, ” Giulietta, “ We’re, Richard Bissen Jr Organizations: CNN, National Fire Protection Association, ”, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Maui Police, FEMA, Maui County Fire, • Cell, Maui News, AP Volunteers, Hawaii Department of Land, Natural Resources, Reuters, . Hawaii Department of Land, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Fire Department, Kahului, Technologies, AP Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Getty, National Guard, Department of Health, Human Services, Pacific Whale Foundation, Ritz, Carlton, Hawaii Department, Transportation, Saturday, Volunteers, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Lahaina Residents Locations: Maui, ” Hawaii, Maui County, Lahaina, Kihei, Upcountry, Hawaii, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Lahaina , Hawaii, Wailuku, Kula, Waiola, Kula , Hawaii, Maalaea, Kahului, California, Las Vegas, AFP, Kapalua, Lahaina –, Hawaiian

☆ Virgin Galactic's first space tourism flight took off this week. Here are the players taking civilians to space.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( Will Gendron | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Virgin Galactic launched its first space tourism flight for paying customers on August 10. It marks a new era in space tourism for the company, with monthly flights expected to follow. Seats on a Virgin Galactic flight cost $450,000 each. This week, Virgin Galactic's first space tourism flight successfully launched from New Mexico, taking three passengers who weren't traditional astronauts, to the edge of space and back. Virgin Galactic, Richard Branson's commercial space venture, was established in 2004 and completed its first commercial spaceflight in June.

Persons: Virgin Galactic's, Keisha Schahaff, Anastatia, Jon Goodwin, Richard Branson's, Goodwin, Jeff Bezos, Shepard, There's, Jared Issacman Organizations: Virgin Galactic, Virgin, Caribbean, Galactic, Italian Air Force, National Research Council, Origin, Amazon, SpaceX, Elon Musk's, SpaceX's, Space, International Locations: New Mexico

☆ Virgin Galactic’s first space tourists had a ‘surreal experience’
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Billionaire Richard Branson founded Virgin Galactic in 2004, and it built up a backlog of 800 paying passengers. Andres Leighton/APVirgin Galactic’s rocket-powered space plane carried its first group of tourists on a brief trip Thursday. Entrepreneur and health and wellness coach Keisha Schahaff and her daughter Anastatia Mayers were the first space travelers from Antigua. The skull’s lower jaw has particularly confounded scientists because it combines features of Homo sapiens and another ancient human relative — the mysterious Denisovans. ConsequencesA close-up shot reveals the details of the ancient moss Takakia growing on the Tibetan Plateau.

Persons: Richard Branson, Jon Goodwin, Anastatia Mayers, Keisha Schahaff, Andres Leighton, Mayers, Goodwin, Xuedong Li, Hupehsuchus nanchangensis, Shu, Long Cheng, James Webb, Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt Organizations: CNN, Virgin Galactic, AP Virgin Galactic’s, International Whaling Commission, Wuhan Center, China Geological Survey, University of Bristol, James Webb Space, CNN Space, Science Locations: Antigua, Russia, India, China, Tibetan, Wuhan, Egypt, Thailand, Switzerland

☆ Maui wildfires: Firefighting crews make progress against wildfires that killed at least 80 people, but flare-ups continue
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( Aya Elamroussi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

People in Kaanapali were evacuating Friday night after spotting a fire in the neighborhood, which is about 4 miles north of hard-hit Lahaina, Maui police said. The hall of the historic Waiola Church and the nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in flames in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Tuesday, August 8. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/AP Burnt boats sit in waters off of Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images In an aerial view, search and rescue crews walk through a neighborhood, continuing to search for missing people in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday. Phonoxaylinkham, his wife, and their five children were caught in the Lahaina wildfires and survived by exiting their car and spending four hours in the ocean as the west Maui wildfires raged around them.

Persons: Dora, Kihei –, Rick Bowmer, Richard Bissen, Josh Green, ”, Deanne Criswell, It’s, Anne Lopez, ” Lopez, Matthew Thayer, Mike Blake, Justin Sullivan, Zoltan Balogh, Zeran Harris, 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, Patrick T, Fallon, Dustin Johnson, it’s, ” Steve Dolan, “, anything’s, what’s Organizations: CNN — Firefighters, Hawaii Gov, CNN, “, FEMA, Maui Police, Hawaii News, Maui News, Hawaii Department of Land, Natural Resources, . Hawaii Department of Land, Reuters, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Kahului, Technologies, AP Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Getty Locations: Maui, Lahaina, Hawaii, Kaanapali, Maui County, Kihei, Upcountry, Lahaina , Hawaii, Upper Kula, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Kula, Waiola, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Maalaea, Kahului, California, Las Vegas, AFP

☆ The death toll rises to 80 in Maui wildfires as survivors begin returning to communities in ruins
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Maui residents John Rey Serrano and Lexie Lara look from a road above Lahaina Town in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii on August 11, 2023. Maui County raised the number of confirmed deaths to 80 in a 9 p.m. statement Friday. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were deployed to search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. Maui County's hazard mitigation plan updated in 2020 identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and several buildings at risk. The report also noted West Maui had the island's second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers.

Persons: John Rey Serrano, Lexie Lara, Anthony Garcia, Garcia, I'm, Josh Green, Green, Richard Bissen Jr, Anne Lopez, Lopez, Lynn Robinson, Kyle Scharnhorst, Gilles Gerling, Karen Clark, Bobby Lee, Andrew Whelton, Lana Vierra, Riley Curran, Curran, I've Organizations: roosters, Gov, Hawaii News, Associated Press, Iniki, Karen Clark & Company, Hawaii Firefighters Association, Purdue University Locations: Maui, Lahaina, Hawaii, Maui County, Kaanapali, West Maui, U.S, California, Paradise, Molokai, Kula

☆ Maui wildfire death toll of 55 expected to rise amid search for victims
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Marco Garcia | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

KAHULUI, Hawaii, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The death toll from a wildfire that killed at least 55 people on Hawaii's Maui island was expected to rise on Friday, as search teams prepared to comb through the charred ruins of a historic resort town for more victims. "Understand this: Lahaina Town is hallowed, sacred ground right now," Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said, referring to humans remains that have yet to be recovered. In addition to searching for the missing, officials were drafting a plan to house the newly homeless in hotels and tourist rental properties. The Lahaina fire is one of three major wildfires on Maui. There was no estimate for the Upcountry fire in the center of the eastern mass of the island, Maui County said.

Persons: John Pelletier, Poweroutage.us, Richard Bissen, NBC's, Knickerbocker, Josh Green, Green, Kamehameha III's, Gregory Knickerbocker, Nicoangelo, Brendan O'Brien, Frank McGurty, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Maui Police, Authorities, U.S . Midwest, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Reuters, Thomson Locations: KAHULUI, Hawaii, Maui, Lahaina, California, Washington, Maui County, Oahu, Kahului, U.S, Kingdom of Hawaii, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Europe, Canada, East Coast, Maui ., Chicago

☆ Collin Morikawa pledges to donate $1,000 per birdie to Maui wildfire recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Collin Morikawa will donate $1,000 for every birdie he makes on the PGA Tour this month to support those affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, the American golfer announced Thursday. The two-time major champion will set aside the sum for each birdie holed across three FedEx Cup Playoff events, starting with the FedEx St. Jude Championship, which teed off in Memphis, Tennessee, on Thursday. Though Morikawa was born and raised in California, his family emigrated to Maui from Japan, with his grandparents owning a restaurant in Lahaina. 22 has already added $6,000 to the pot, having holed six birdies during an impressive opening round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Thursday. Ahead of the start of Friday’s round, Morikawa is two shots behind Spieth at five-under.

Persons: CNN — Collin Morikawa, Josh Green, Richard Bissen, Morikawa, ”, “, ” Morikawa, texted, ’, Andy Lyons, Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, Spieth Organizations: CNN, PGA, FedEx, FedEx St, Jude, It’s, Getty, TPC, BMW Championship, East Lake Golf Club Locations: Maui, Hawaii, Memphis , Tennessee, Lahaina, California, Japan, Instagram, Maui United, “, Illinois, Chicago, Atlanta , Georgia

Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii told MSNBC. In a late evening statement, Maui County said that the death toll had risen to 80. [1/9]A view of damage cause by wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S., in this undated picture posted on August 11, 2023. County officials began allowing Lahaina residents back to their homes on Friday, even though much of Maui's western side remained without power and water. "Hot spots still exist and wearing a mask and gloves is advised," Maui County said in a statement.

Persons: Nobody, Brian Schatz, Josh Green, Green, Fire Chief Bradford Ventura, Hawaii Josh Green, Richard Bissen, NBC's, Andrew Rumbach, Marco Garcia, Mike Blake, Brendan O'Brien, Jonathan Allen, Rich McKay, Andrew Hay, Daniel Trotta, Dan Whitcomb, Doyinsola, Joseph Ax, Frank McGurty, Jonathan Oatis, Sandra Maler, Frances Kerry Organizations: Hawaii, U.S, MSNBC, CNN, Fire Chief, REUTERS, Facebook, Urban Institute, University of Hawaii, Police, Thomson Locations: MAALAEA, Hawaii, Maui, Lahaina, United States, Maui County, U.S, Kula, Washington

☆ Virgin Galactic launches tourists to edge of space
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

VSS Unity rocket operated by Virgin Galactic lands after the company's first commercial flight to the edge of space, at the Spaceport America facility, in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, U.S., June 29, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Virgin Galactic on Thursday blasted three tourists to the edge of space aboard its air-launched VSS Unity spaceplane, a live stream showed, the Richard Branson-founded company's second commercial mission as it starts routine flights. The rocket-powered VSS Unity craft dropped from the carrier plane over New Mexico around 9:20 a.m. local time and blasted its four passengers, a company instructor and three tourists, to an altitude of roughly 55 miles (88.51 km). Reporting by Joey Roulette; Editing by Mark Porter and Richard ChangOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jose Luis Gonzalez, Richard Branson, Joey Roulette, Mark Porter, Richard Chang Organizations: VSS Unity, Virgin Galactic, America, REUTERS, Galactic, VSS, Thomson Locations: New Mexico, U.S

☆ 3 Reasons to Buy a Dashboard Camera for Your Car—and 4 Reasons Not To
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Sal Vaglica | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

I SPY The footage taken by a dashboard camera can prove helpful if you end up in a crash. Illustration: Richard BorgeHOMEOWNERS CAN add a video doorbell to confirm deliveries have arrived or to rebuff persistent evangelists and their pamphlets. It’s that kind of digital eye that Tim McCullough wishes he’d had in his vehicle during an incident five years ago. “It was just a fender bender,” said the 44-year-old supervisor at a pool service company in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. “But I had detectives show up to my office.”

Persons: Richard Borge, Tim McCullough, he’d, ” Organizations: CAN Locations: Rancho Cucamonga, Calif

☆ Photos this week: August 4-10, 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

Wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui have caused widespread devastation this week, especially in the town of Lahaina where homes and businesses have been wiped out and hundreds of families have been displaced. Dozens of people have also been killed in the wildfires, which led President Joe Biden to approve a disaster declaration so the state could receive federal aid to assist in the recovery. Most of the fires, fueled partly by strong winds associated with Hurricane Dora hundreds of miles away, have not yet been contained, according to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. Hawaii's Big Island has also been impacted by wildfires. Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hurricane Dora, Richard Bissen Jr Organizations: Hurricane Locations: Maui, Lahaina, Maui County

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