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☆ Factbox: Hurricane Lee intensifies into major storm, roars toward Caribbean
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A composite image shows Hurricane Lee churning towards the Caribbean after intensifying into a major storm, September 8, 2023. How powerful is Hurricane Lee? Lee is packing maximum sustained winds of 165 miles (265 km) per hour, making it a Category 5 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is based on a storm's sustained wind speed. If Hurricane Lee makes landfall as a Category 5, it could cause catastrophic damage and destroy a high percentage of framed homes. Lee adds to a busy hurricane season that has thus far set a pace above average on several measures, including named storms, named storm days and major hurricane days, Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach said.

Persons: Lee, Handout, Philip Klotzbach, Brendan O'Brien, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Handout REUTERS, Simpson, National Weather Service, Northern, U.S . East, National Hurricane Center, Colorado State University, Thomson Locations: Caribbean, Northern Leeward, Leeward Islands, Virginia Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S . East Coast, Canada, Bermuda, Chicago

☆ Ohio police release video of fatal shooting of pregnant Black woman
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Brendan O'Brien | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Video of the incident in Blendon Township on Aug. 24 followed demands by the family of the 21-year-old woman, Ta'Kiya Young, for the officer who fired the fatal shot to be held accountable. "A theft suspect drove her car into one of my officers and the officer fired a single shot through the windshield," Blendon Police Chief John Belford said in a statement accompanying the release. Video made public on Friday shows an officer standing next to Young's vehicle as he repeatedly orders her to get out. A second officer comes around the front of vehicle and points a gun at the windshield, demanding that she exits. Young can be seen turning the wheels to the right, away from the officer, before the vehicle begins moving toward him.

Persons: Ta'Kiya Young, John Belford, Sean Walton, Walton, Young, Belford, Brendan O'Brien, Mark Potter Organizations: Blendon Township Police Department, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, An, Blendon Police, Police, Facebook, Ohio, Investigation, Thomson Locations: Blendon Township , Ohio, U.S, Blendon Township, An Ohio, United States, Blendon, Columbus, Chicago

PERRY, Florida, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Cleanup and recovery from Hurricane Idalia began on Thursday along Florida's Gulf Coast, where property damage, loss of life and power disruptions paled in comparison to the last major hurricane that struck the state nearly a year ago. "The bad news type calls we were accustomed to during Ian, those were not happening during this storm," DeSantis said at a late-afternoon news conference on Wednesday. Florida Highway Patrol reported that two motorists had died in separate rain-related crashes early Wednesday before Idalia made landfall. Reuters Graphics[1/3]A vehicle is seen in a canal after the arrival of Hurricane Idalia in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, U.S., August 30, 2023. The same region, featuring a marshy coast and threaded with freshwater springs and rivers, was devastated by a major hurricane in 1896.

Persons: Hurricane Idalia, Idalia, Ron DeSantis, Perry, Ian, DeSantis, Cheney Orr, Jared Perdue, Casey DeSantis, Maria Alejandra Cardona, Marco Bello, Joey Roulette, Rich McKay, Brendan O'Brien, Brad Brooks, Kanishka Singh, Jeff Mason, Nandita Bose, Steve Gorman, Michael Perry Organizations: Hurricane, National Guard, UBS, Florida Highway Patrol, Reuters, REUTERS, HIT, state's Transportation Department, Reuters Graphics Reuters, National Hurricane Center, NHC, Thomson Locations: PERRY, Florida, Gulf Coast, Keaton, Florida's Big Bend, Taylor, Hernando counties, St . Petersburg, Georgia, Horseshoe Beach , Florida, U.S, Florida's, Big Bend, Gulf, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Bend, Hillsborough County, Tampa, Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, South Carolina, North Carolina, Steinhatchee , Florida, Cedar Key , Florida, Tampa , Florida, Atlanta, Chicago, Longmont , Colorado, Washington

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

Aug 29 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Idalia closed in on Florida's Gulf Coast on Tuesday after skirting past Cuba, headed for a U.S. landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm, prompting authorities to order evacuations of vulnerable shoreline areas. [1/3]People walk on a flooded street as Storm Idalia makes landfall in Cuba, Guanimar, Cuba, August 28, 2023. MOVING TO HIGHER GROUNDEvacuations of barrier islands and other low-lying areas of Florida's Gulf Coast began on Monday. Far to the east of Idalia, Hurricane Franklin, the first major hurricane of the season, meandered in the Atlantic, and was forecast to turn to the northeast over the next two days. The Category 4 storm threatened to bring heavy swells to Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast throughout the week.

Persons: Idalia, Buckle, Ron DeSantis, Irma, Michael, Ian, Guan, Storm Idalia, Alexandre Meneghini, We've, Yadira Alvarez, Shannon Hartsfield, Hartsfield, DeSantis, Hurricane Franklin, Rich McKay, Dave Sherwood, Brendan O'Brien, Steve Gorman, Swati Verma, Lincoln Organizations: U.S, Hurricane Center, NHC, Storm, REUTERS, Authorities, Coast, Hartsfield, Tampa International, National Guard, meandered, U.S ., Reuters Graphics Reuters, Thomson Locations: Florida's, Coast, Cuba, Miami, Bend, Florida, Gulf, Mexico, Sarasota, Tampa, Apalachicola Bay, Caribbean, Havana, Guanimar, Pinar del Rio, Florida's Gulf Coast, Georgia, North, South Carolina, Idalia, Hurricane, Bermuda, U.S . East Coast, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Bengaluru

Aug 28 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Idalia was expected to intensify into a major hurricane on Monday as it barreled toward Florida's Gulf Coast, where authorities urged millions of residents to prepare to evacuate ahead of an expected landfall early Wednesday morning. The storm's growing intensity and its current northerly track put some 20 million Floridians under hurricane and tropical storm watches. "This is going to be a major hurricane. This is going to be a powerful hurricane and this is absolutely going to impact the state of Florida." To the east of Idalia, Hurricane Franklin, the first major hurricane of the season, meandered in the Atlantic, where it was forecast to turn to the northeast over the next two days.

Persons: Idalia, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Hurricane Franklin, Brendan O'Brien, Rich McKay, Conor Humphries Organizations: National Hurricane Center, Simpson, National Guard, Duke Energy, meandered, U.S ., Thomson Locations: Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Cuba, Big, Florida, Coast, Florida's Gulf Coast, Georgia, North, South Carolina, Bradenton, Hillsborough County, Idalia, Hurricane, Bermuda, U.S . East Coast, Chicago, Atlanta

Antrim Acquire Licensing Rights Read moreAug 23(Reuters) - A trial for the last three men to face charges in a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer began on Wednesday in state court, where they are accused of terrorism and firearms crimes. The Michigan men face up to 20 years in prison if they are convicted of the charges. The three defendants are the last of more than a dozen men to face federal and state charges in the kidnapping conspiracy. The group of men were accused of taking part in an elaborate plot to abduct the governor from her vacation home, then put her on trial for treason. Both men were convicted of domestic terrorism, conspiracy to kidnap and other crimes in a federal trial.

Persons: William Null, Eric Molitor, Michael Null, Shawn Fix, Gretchen Whitmer, William, Charles Hamlyn, Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr, Brendan O'Brien, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Antrim County Sheriff's, Prosecutors, Democratic, Thomson Locations: Antrim County, Michigan, Antrim, Antrim County , Michigan, Chicago

☆ Tropical Storm Harold, packing heavy downpours, makes landfall in Texas
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Tropical Storm Harold moving northwest in the Gulf of Mexico, August 22, 2023. via NOAA Acquire Licensing RightsAug 22 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Harold on Tuesday thrashed the southern tip of Texas with damaging winds and heavy downpours as forecasters warned of possible flash flooding, minor damage and power outages throughout the day. Some 1.3 million people in the Deep South Texas and Rio Grande Valley area were under a tropical storm warning as Harold, packing 50 mile (80 km) per hour winds, made landfall at about 10 a.m. local time on Padre Island, Texas, the National Weather Service said. The storm could produce coastal flooding and flooding along rivers, roadways and in poor drainage areas. Some 7,500 homes and businesses in southern Texas were without power as the storm arrived in the area, according to Poweroutage.us. In anticipation of the storm, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the deployment of state emergency response resources and an increase in the readiness level of the state's emergency operations center.

Persons: Harold, Greg Abbott, Brendan O'Brien, Chizu Nomiyama, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: NOAA Acquire, Tuesday, National Weather Service, Texans, Nuevo, Thomson Locations: Gulf of Mexico, Texas, South Texas, Rio Grande, Padre Island , Texas, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Chicago

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

[1/8] People walk along the beach in Pacific Beach area as Tropical Storm Hilary approaches San Diego, California, U.S., August 20, 2023. Hilary made landfall on Sunday morning over the northern parts of the Baja California peninsula, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory. It has been seven decades since the last tropical storm made landfall in California. MEXICO EVACUATIONSIn Mexico, nearly 1,900 people have been evacuated to shelters in the Baja California peninsula, according to the country's army. Around the coastal town of Mulege, on the eastern side of the Baja California peninsula, one person died after his family was swept away while crossing a stream on Saturday.

Persons: Hilary, Sandy Huffaker, Zack Taylor, Taylor, It's, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Kristin Crowley, Drazen Jorgic, Lizbeth Diaz, Bharat Govind Gautam, Rich McKay, Brendan O'Brien, Frances Kerry, Matthew Lewis Organizations: REUTERS, MEXICO CITY, U.S, National Weather Service, Center, National Hurricane Center, NHC, Los Angeles Mayor, Los Angeles Fire Department, Schools, Mexico's Navy, San Diego International, Major League Baseball's, Dodgers, Angels, Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy, Thomson Locations: Pacific Beach, San Diego , California, U.S, MEXICO, Baja California, Mexico, United States, College Park , Maryland, Palm Springs , California, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Miami, Los, California, Tijuana, San Diego, Mulege, Major League Baseball's Los Angeles, Mexico City, Bengaluru, Atlanta, Chicago

[1/4] A damaged vehicle is pictured in the fire ravaged town of Lahaina on the island of Maui in Hawaii, U.S., August 15, 2023. Joseph Schilling, 66, enjoyed hunting for bullet shells and was known by his loved ones for making delicious sugar toast. Both died last week in the wildfires that scorched Maui and were among the first victims identified by authorities and family members in the heart-wrenching days afterward. As names of the dead are shared, an early pattern has emerged: Many who perished were over the age of 65. The other victims identified so far by officials are Melva Benjamin, 71; Robert Dyckman, 74; Buddy Jantoc, 79; Alfredo Galinato, 79; and Virginia Dofa, 90.

Persons: Mike Blake, Donna Gomes, Joseph Schilling, Schilling, Joe, Akiva Bluh, Bluh, Gomes, Tehani Kuhaulua, Benjamin, Robert Dyckman, Buddy Jantoc, Alfredo Galinato, Virginia Dofa, Galinato, KITV, Joshua Galinato, He's, Daniel Trotta, Brendan O'Brien, Don Durfee, Cynthia Osterman, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: REUTERS, U.S . Fire Administration, Research, National Institute of Standards, Technology, Fire Administration, ABC, Thomson Locations: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S, Virginia

☆ Biden pledges U.S. support for Maui through wildfire recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Jonathan Allen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

During his remarks, Biden highlighted the efforts of first responders - many of whom have been personally affected by the wildfires. Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to Hawaii on Monday to survey the devastation and meet with first responders, survivors and federal, state and local officials. Reuters Graphics Reuters Graphics-- Hundreds of people remain unaccounted for as the death toll rose to 110. Maui officials have identified three others, but their names have been withheld pending family notification, Maui County said. Reuters Graphics-- Residents have been outraged by the tourists enjoying Maui's tropical beaches while search-and-rescue teams trawl ruins and ocean waters for victims of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kevin, Biden, Jill Biden, Herman Andaya, Andaya, Josh Green, Robert Dyckman, Buddy Jantoc, Laurie Allen, shouldn't, Jonathan Allen, Brendan O'Brien, Julia Harte, Eric Beech, Daniel Trotta, Frank McGurty, Alistair Bell Organizations: Ingeteam Inc, REUTERS, America, Local, Emergency Management Agency, Officials, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Reuters Graphics, Thomson Locations: Hawaii, Milwaukee, Milwaukee , Wisconsin, U.S, LAHAINA, Maui, Lahaina, Maui County, Oahu, Chicago, New York, Washington, Carlsbad , California

☆ 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

☆ Maui officials defend decision not to sound sirens during wildfire
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Jonathan Allen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

LAHAINA, Hawaii, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Maui's emergency management chief on Wednesday defended his agency's decision against sounding sirens during last week's deadly wildfire amid questions about whether doing so might have saved lives. Herman Andaya, administrator of the Maui County Emergency Management Agency, said sirens in Hawaii are used to alert people to tsunamis. Because the sirens are primarily located on the waterfront, they would have been useless to people on higher ground, he said. Hawaii Governor Josh Green also defended the decision not to sound sirens. In other developments:[1/5]A Combined Joint Task Force 50 (CJTF-50) search, rescue and recovery member conducts search operations of areas damaged by Maui wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, U.S. August 15, 2023.

Persons: Herman Andaya, Andaya, Josh Green, Green, Matthew A, Foster, Handout, Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Robert Dyckman, Buddy Jantoc, Laurie Allen, shouldn't, Allen, Jonathan Allen, Jorge Garcia, Sandra Stojanovic, Brendan O'Brien, Julia Harte, Eric Beech, Daniel Trotta, Colleen Jenkins, Stephen Coates Organizations: Emergency Management Agency, Force, U.S . Army National Guard, Staff, REUTERS Acquire, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Reuters Graphics, Thomson Locations: LAHAINA, Hawaii, Maui, Lahaina, Lahaina , Hawaii, U.S, Maui County, Oahu, Chicago, New York, Washington, Carlsbad , California

It's our loved ones," Pelletier said, relating the instructions that a director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency gave rescue workers in a briefing. Reuters Graphics Reuters GraphicsEven as Hawaii officials promised more help for the displaced, some Lahaina residents were taking matters into their own hands. Officials declined to estimate how many remained unaccounted for but promised they were meticulously verifying the status of all. The database includes names collected from "missing persons" notices posted at shelters as well as information submitted by loved ones. Reuters GraphicsBar chart shows visitor spending share of GDP to Maui and Hawaii which are much higher than that for the entire U.S.

Persons: Jorge Garcia KAHULUI, John Pelletier, It's, " Pelletier, Patience, Kanamu, Balindin, Pelletier, Shelee Kimura, ”, Kimura, Josh Green, Jeremy Greenberg, Chris Young, Green, Jorge Garcia, Mike Blake, Brendan O'Brien, Rich McKay, Andrew Hay, Brad Brooks, Sharon Bernstein, Dan Whitcomb, Frank McGurty, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: REUTERS, Maui County Police, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Hawaiian Electric Industries, Hawaiian Electric, Federal Emergency Management, Cross, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S, Maui County, buffeted, “, California

☆ Hawaiian Electric Industries shares plunge amid deadly Maui wildfire scrutiny
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Hawaiian Electric was last trading down 35% at $20.90. Hawaiian Electric did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Hawaiian Electric Vice President Jim Kelly told CNN Sunday that the company does not comment on pending litigation. He added that Hawaiian Electric does not have a formal shut-off program and precautionary shut-offs have to be arranged with first responders, CNN reported. Morningstar strategist Andrew Bischof said he was lowering his fair value estimate for Hawaiian Electric Industries to $23 per share from $34 due to the reports.

Persons: Mike Blake, Thomas Hayes, Jim Kelly, ” Kelly, Wells, Morningstar, Andrew Bischof, Wells Fargo, Shreyashi Sanyal, Clark Mindock, Shristi, Brendan O'Brien, Michelle Price, Lisa Shumaker, Alexia Garamfalvi Organizations: REUTERS, Hawaiian Electric Industries, Electric, Great, Washington Post, Maui Electric, National Weather Service, Hawaiian Electric, CNN Sunday, CNN, Morningstar, Thomson Locations: Kula, Maui, Hawaii, U.S, Lahaina, Great Hill, New York, Bengaluru, Chibuike

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

☆ 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

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

☆ Hawaii wildfires raze resort city on Maui island, killing dozens
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Marco Garcia | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke said late on Wednesday that officials were still assessing the damage. The cause of the Maui wildfires had yet to be determined, but the National Weather Service said a mix of dry vegetation, strong winds, and low humidity fueled the fast-moving conflagration. THREE SEPARATE BLAZESFirefighters were battling three separate blazes on the island, officials said late on Wednesday night, without providing further details. An aerial view shows damage along the coast of Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, U.S. August 9, 2023 this screen grab obtained from social media video. More than 11,000 travelers were evacuated from Maui, Ed Sniffen of the Hawaii Department of Transportation said late on Wednesday.

Persons: Dustin Kaleiopu, Kaleiopu, Sylvia Luke, Thomas Smith, Richard Bissen, Richard Olsten, Kamehameha III's, flyovers, Julius Limbaga, Limbaga, Ed Sniffen, Rich McKay, Brendan O'Brien, Frank McGurty, Angus MacSwan, Alex Richardson, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Hawaiian Kingdom, NBC, National Weather Service, London School of Economics, Political, Reuters Graphics Reuters Graphics Maui, Air Maui Helicopters, REUTERS, Honolulu Star, U.S . Civil Air Patrol, Maui Fire Department, Coast Guard, U.S . Coast Guard, Hawaii Department of Transportation, Kahului, Thomson Locations: Maui, Europe, Canada, Hawaii, Lahaina, Hawaiian, U.S, Lahaina ., Kula, South Maui, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Hurricane Dora, Oahu, West Maui, Atlanta, Chicago

☆ Florida's DeSantis replaces elected Democratic prosecutor
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Republican presidential candidate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, delivers remarks at the annual Christians United for Israel Summit (CUFI), at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., July 17, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Wurm/File PhotoAug 9 (Reuters) - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday suspended a county prosecutor after accusing her of being soft on crime, making her the second elected Democratic law-enforcement official to be removed by the Republican presidential hopeful. "Worrell’s practices and policies have too often allowed violent criminals to escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct," DeSantis said in a statement. Worrell is not the first Florida prosecutor whom DeSantis has dismissed. DeSantis' office sent a letter in April to Worrell's office demanding that she hand over the criminal and judicial record of a suspect accused of killing three people, including a 9-year-old.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Kevin Wurm, DeSantis, Monique Worrell, Andrew Bain, Worrell, Miriam Krinsky, Andrew Warren, Donald Trump, Brendan O'Brien, Andy Sullivan Organizations: Florida, United, Israel Summit, Crystal Gateway Marriott, REUTERS, Democratic, Republican, Thomson Locations: Arlington , Virginia, U.S, Florida, Orange, Osceola, Hillsborough County, Chicago

☆ Winning Mega Millions ticket worth $1.58 bln sold in Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Aug 9 (Reuters) - One lucky winner was in possession of a Mega Millions ticket worth a cool $1.58 billion, the largest prize in the game's history, on Wednesday after purchasing it in Florida and hitting all six numbers in the lottery drawing. They then beat the 1 in 302.6 million odds of winning the multistate game by matching all of the lottery numbers drawn on Tuesday of 13, 19, 20, 32, 33, and the Megaplier was 14. [1/5]The display in a store shows the Mega Millions lottery jackpot at $1.55-billion in New York City, U.S., August 8, 2023. The last Mega Millions jackpot was won by a player in New York in April, at $20 million. A $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in November 2022 ranks as the record highest lottery prize, according to media reports.

Persons: Shannon Stapleton, Shivani Tanna, Brendan O'Brien, Stephen Coates, Doina Organizations: Jacksonville , Treasure Coast Newspapers, Mega, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Florida, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville ,, New York City, U.S, New York, Bengaluru, Chicago

The American Red Cross opened an evacuation center in Maui High School, the county said. Six people had been confirmed killed by the fires, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said at a press conference. Despite the high winds, they went on a tour to a different part of the island. Hawaii County encompasses the Big Island, which lies south of Maui. Gale warnings remained in effect for all of the Hawaiian islands, with high winds of 45 mph with gusts of 60 mph possible.

Persons: Richard Bissen, Dustin Johnson, Jolie Campbell, Conner Campbell, Alan Dickar, what's, Sylvia Luke, Mahina Martin, Hurricane Dora, Gale, Ian Martin, Marco Garcia, Rich McKay, Brendan O'Brien, Julia Harte, Aurora Ellis Organizations: U.S . Coast Guard, Cross, Maui High School, Lahaina, Reuters, Kahului, Honolulu Star, Reuters Graphics Reuters, National Weather Service, University of Hawaii, National Hurricane Center, NWS, Thomson Locations: KAHULUI, Hawaii, Maui County, Maui, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Europe, San Diego, West, Lahaina, Cincinnati, Dickar, Maui Counties, Kula, Lahaina . West Maui, South Maui, Hurricane, Honolulu

☆ Los Angeles city workers walk out for one-day strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/6] Los Angeles city workers hold a rally outside the city hall during a one-day walkout strike in protest over labor negotiations, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 8, 2023. Hundreds of city workers, including mechanics, lifeguards and traffic officers marched in picket lines at city hall and the Los Angeles International Airport, saying city management has engaged in unfair labor practices during negotiations over recruitment, retention and hiring issues. Some city services will be unavailable during the one-day strike, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. Passengers departing from Los Angeles Airport should arrive an hour earlier than usual in case of delays, Bass said. In July, thousands of hotel workers in Los Angeles staged a three-day strike over wages, benefits and working conditions.

Persons: Mike Blake, Raymond Mesa, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Bass, Brendan O'Brien, Jonathan Oatis, Sharon Singleton Organizations: REUTERS, Los Angeles International Airport, Service Employees International Union, SEIU, KTLA, Los Angeles Mayor, Los Angeles, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles, Los Angeles , California, U.S, Angeles, Los, Hollywood, Chicago

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