Texas battles deadly Smokehouse Creek wildfire, largest in state history
The Smokehouse Creek wildfire, now recognized as the largest in Texas history, has claimed at least two lives and crossed into Oklahoma. The Texas A&M Forest Service reports the fire is only 3% contained and has expanded to nearly 1,700 square miles after combining with another fire.
Two fatalities have been confirmed amidst the wildfires. Joyce Blankenship, an 83-year-old former substitute teacher, was found deceased in her home, according to her family. Cindy Owens, in her 40s from Amarillo, died Thursday after the fire overtook her in Canadian, two days after she exited her truck, officials reported.
Authorities are cautioning that strong winds and warm temperatures have dried out grasses across many parts of Texas, increasing fire risks.
Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Wes Moorehead stated, “As firefighters continue to suppress active fires, we urge Texans to be cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.”
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner has noted a significant impact on livestock, with thousands of cattle dead and concerns that the numbers could rise.
During his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, President Joe Biden announced he has directed federal officials to do “everything possible” to assist communities affected by the fires. This includes sending more firefighters and equipment.
The state is currently battling at least five active wildfires. The Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County ranks as the second-largest, covering an estimated 142,000 acres and 55% contained. Additional fires include the Grape Vine Creek Fire in Gray County and the Magenta Fire in Oldham County.
The cause of the wildfires remains unknown.
Biden, Trump make separate visits to southern border: March 1, 2024
In competing visits, President Biden and former President Trump address the crisis at the southern border. And, at least two people are dead in the largest fire in Texas history. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, March 1, 2024.
Biden, Trump make separates stops at Southern border to address immigration
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump made competing visits to the southern border on Thursday, Feb. 29, each addressing the migrant crisis, a pivotal issue for voters as the two frontrunners for their parties gear up for a potential presidential face-off in November.
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Positioned 300 miles apart, both surveyed the U.S.-Mexico border and discussed the record number of migrants illegally crossing into the United States. During his visit to Brownsville, Biden called on Trump to support the Senate’s bipartisan border security bill, which Trump has opposed.
“Here’s what I would say to Mr. Trump,” Biden said. “Instead of playing politics with this issue, instead of telling members of Congress to block this legislation, join me, or I’ll join you, in telling the Congress to pass this bipartisan security bill. We can do it together. You know, and I know is the toughest, most efficient, most effective border security bill this country has ever seen.”
Meanwhile, in Eagle Pass, Trump, accompanied by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, blamed Biden for the crisis.
“Now the United States is being overrun by the Biden migrant crime,” Trump said. “It’s a new form of a vicious violation to our country. It’s migrant crime. We call it Biden migrant crime but that’s a little bit long, so we’ll just leave it. But every time you hear the term migrant crime, you know where that comes from.”
A recent Gallup poll indicates immigration has surged to the forefront of American concerns, followed by the government and the economy. The poll found a record high 55 percent of adults view the influx of immigrants entering the U.S. illegally as a critical threat to the nation.
Airman accused of leaking defense info expected to plead guilty
Teixeira faced a potential maximum sentence of 60 years for charges related to the improper handling and public disclosure of national defense secrets. The classified documents he leaked included sensitive information about Ukraine’s air defenses and a foreign plot targeting U.S. troops overseas.
Prosecutors said there was no evidence of espionage, rather, Teixeira wanted to impress people on the site with his insider information. The 22-year-old, who was stationed at an air base in Cape Cod, has been in custody since his arrest last spring at his mother’s home in Massachusetts.
Congress passes stop-gap spending bill to avert government shutdown
Congress passed a short-term funding deal Feb. 29, to prevent a partial government shutdown that was set to begin Friday, March 1. The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature.
The Senate approved the stop-gap measure with a vote of 77 to 13, setting new funding deadlines for government agencies to March 8th and March 22nd. Earlier in the day, the House passed the measure by a vote of 320 to 99.
Investigations are underway to determine if a gas leak or a stove ignited the fire on the first floor of a restaurant, leading to rapid spread throughout the building.
Dozens of firefighters fought for over two hours to bring the blaze under control. Some survivors made their escape by heading to the building’s roof.
Officials warn that the death toll may increase as emergency services have taken around 20 people with critical injuries to local hospitals.
Following this incident, the government has formed a panel to investigate the cause and to develop strategies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Texas battles Smokehouse Creek Fire, largest in state history
Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Wes Moorehead stated, “As firefighters continue to suppress active fires, we urge Texans to be cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.”
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner has noted a significant impact on livestock, with thousands of cattle dead and concerns that the numbers could rise.
During his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, President Joe Biden announced he has directed federal officials to do “everything possible” to assist communities affected by the fires. This includes sending more firefighters and equipment.
The cause of the wildfires remains unknown.
Phillies end dollar dog nights after unruly fan behavior
For baseball enthusiasts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an era is coming to an end, but not for reasons like player retirements or stadium demolitions. Rather, it’s about hot dogs.
After 27 years, Philadelphia Phillies fans will no longer enjoy their cherished Dollar Dog Nights, a tradition where hot dogs were sold for just one dollar a few times during the baseball season. The decision to end this beloved promotion comes in the wake of unruly behavior from fans last season, which included throwing hot dogs and led to several ejections from the stands.
Moving forward, the Phillies will replace Dollar Dog Nights with a buy one, get one deal. However, fans looking for budget-friendly hot dog nights can still find them with another Pennsylvania team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, who continue to offer Dollar Dog Nights.
President Biden and former President Trump win in Michigan as a group of Democratic voters use the primary to send a message. And wildfires in the Texas Panhandle result in the shutdown of a nuclear weapons facility. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.
Biden dominated the Democratic primary, capturing 81 percent of the votes. However, a notable 13 percent of Democratic voters opted for the “uncommitted” choice, signaling dissent primarily over the president’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The “Listen to Michigan” movement, advocating for a cease-fire in the war, has highlighted this dissent. Michigan’s significant Arab-American community, the largest in the United States, played a pivotal role in this protest vote.
On the Republican side, Trump continued his winning streak in the early state primaries, claiming 68 percent of Michigan’s GOP votes. Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador, finished in second place with 26 percent of the vote. Despite not securing a primary win thus far, Haley has announced her intention to stay in the race at least through the upcoming Super Tuesday.
Michigan’s Republican Party allocated only 16 of its 55 delegates based on Tuesday’s primary results. The remaining delegates will be determined at a GOP convention set for Saturday, adding another layer of anticipation to the state’s political landscape.
Biden hosts Congressional leaders to discuss government shutdown, Ukraine
Following a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday, congressional leaders expressed optimism about averting a looming government shutdown.
The gathering included House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
After the meeting, Schumer spoke to reporters, emphasizing the productive nature of the discussions. “Productive meeting on the government shutdown. We are making good progress. The speaker said unequivocally he wants to avoid a government shutdown. We made it clear that that means not letting any of the government appropriations bills lapse,” Schumer stated.
In addition to strategies for preventing the shutdown by Friday’s deadline, the leaders also delved into the stalled additional aid to Ukraine. Schumer described these talks as “intense,” noting that leaders from both parties urged Speaker Johnson to pass the Senate’s bipartisan funding bill for Ukraine.
Johnson told reporters that the House is actively exploring all options for the bill but emphasized that securing the nation’s border is the top priority.
U.S. announces $53 million in additional aid for Gaza
The United States has announced an additional $53 million in humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza and the West Bank amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The bulk of the aid will support food assistance, addressing the critical situation in Gaza where two million people are at “imminent risk” of famine, according to the US Agency for International Development.
Concerns have been raised by US officials over the reduced number of trucks entering Gaza. Last week, only 85 trucks a day made it through the Rafah crossing, a significant decrease from the 500 trucks per day before the conflict began.
White House officials stated that this new aid package increases the total U.S. assistance to Gaza during the conflict to $180 million.
Wildfires sweeping through the Texas Panhandle have prompted evacuations and power outages for thousands, impacting residences and prompting a temporary shutdown of a nuclear weapons facility. Officials announced this morning that the facility would reopen as usual.
The fires, fueled by strong winds, have caused damage to an unspecified number of homes. Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties in response to the crisis.
The Texas A&M Forest Service reported responding to 13 wildfires on Monday, noting that Tuesday’s conditions were prime for increased wildfire activity.
Since Monday, over 40 houses in Fritch, a city spanning Hutchinson and Moore counties, have sustained damage, according to city officials. Evacuations have been ordered for parts of the city.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the wildfires.
Starbucks and Workers United Union agree on ‘path forward’
The coffee chain and the union have committed to initiating discussions on a “foundational framework” that guarantees a fair organizing process for workers. Both parties describe this agreement as a “constructive path forward.”
“As a sign of good faith, Starbucks has agreed to provide partners represented by Workers United with the May 2022 benefits, including credit card tipping,” the company stated.
Starbucks is aiming to conclude contract negotiations by the end of the year.
Apple cancels plans for self-driving electric car
Apple is putting plans for a self-driving electric car, moving Project Titan in the rear-view mirror.
As Bloomberg first reported, Apple is discontinuing its secretive, decade-long initiative aimed at competing with Tesla, known as Project Titan. Employees from the company’s Special Projects Group will be reassigned to other departments, including the Artificial Intelligence division.
According to Bloomberg, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams and Kevin Lynch, a vice president overseeing the project, have notified employees about the discontinuation of the project. The report also mentions potential layoffs, although the exact number of employees affected remains unclear.
Despite reportedly investing billions of dollars in research to develop the car, Apple never officially confirmed its existence. The company has yet to comment on these recent reports.
More than 100 killed, hundreds missing in wildfires in Chile
At least 112 people are dead and hundreds remain missing after wildfires broke out in coastal cities in central Chile popular with tourists. The wildfires are believed to be the deadliest in the country’s history.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric says the death toll could rise as rescuers work to locate survivors in collapsed homes. Some people living in Vina del Mar were trapped inside their homes.
The fires started on Friday, Feb. 2, but high winds and high temperatures are making it difficult to get the flames under control. Drone video taken by Reuters in the Vina del Mar area showed neighborhoods scorched.
US launches strikes against Iranian-backed targets 3 days in a row: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 5, 2024
The United States launches strikes against Iranian-backed targets in the Middle East three days in a row. And more than 100 people are dead after devastating wildfires tear through Chile. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.
U.S. launches strikes against Iran-linked groups in Middle East
Beginning this past Friday, Feb. 2, the U.S. launched a series of strikes against Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East for three days in a row. U.S. and Britain forces targeted Houthi Rebels in Yemen on Saturday, Feb. 3, striking facilities, missile systems and air defense systems as the U.S. continues to send a message for the group’s attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthis vowed to respond to the U.S.-led strikes in Yemen. Shortly after their statement was released, the U.S. launched another attack, destroying a cruise missile on Sunday, Feb. 4, that was said to be posing “an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships.”
The strikes against the Houthis came hours after the U.S. carried out airstrikes against Iranian-backed forces in Syria and Iraq, including those responsible for the deadly attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. troops.
The strikes were aimed at more than 85 targets including command and control operations and other facilities.
“This was the beginning of a response. There will be more steps. Some of those steps will be seen, some may not be seen. But there will be more action taken to respond to the tragic death of the three brave service members,” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told ABC News’ “This Week.” “And we cannot rule out there will be further attacks from Iranian-backed militia in Iraq and Syria or from the Houthis.”
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Senators reveal $118 billion bill for border security, Ukraine aid
A bipartisan group of senators unveiled a $118 billion package on Sunday, Feb. 5, that includes changes to America’s border policies while providing additional aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. The 370-page bill includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $10 billion in humanitarian aid — including for people in Gaza and the West Bank.
As for immigration reform, the bill includes approximately $20 billion for border security.
The bill calls for a mandated border shutdown should the daily average of migrant crossings reach 5,000. The bill also ends the practice known as “catch and release,” where migrants caught crossing the border illegally are released into the U.S. while they wait for their asylum application to be processed.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate would begin the process of moving forward with the legislation this week, but the bill is already facing opposition.
Just hours after the release of the bill’s text, House Speaker Mike Johnson said bill is “worse than expected,” adding if the bill reaches the House, it will be “dead on arrival.”
At least 112 killed in wildfires in Chile
At least 112 people are dead and hundreds remain missing after wildfires broke out in coastal cities in central Chile popular with tourists. The wildfires are believed to be the deadliest in the country’s history.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric says the death toll could rise as rescuers work to locate survivors in damaged homes.
The fires started on Friday, Feb. 2, but high winds along with high temperatures are making it difficult to get the flames under control.
Local officials are investigating whether the fires were intentionally set.
Boric declared two days of national mourning.
“All of Chile is suffering,” Boric said. “But we will stand up once again.”
California bracing for heavy rain, dangerous flooding & mudslides
California is bracing for what could be days of heavy rains and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides as a severe storm system moved in Sunday, Feb. 4.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino.
Nearly one million people in the state were without power at one point on Sunday. Classes at several universities are canceled.
In Northern California, snow is expected to bring whiteout conditions. The heavy rain is expected to continue in Southern California through Tuesday, Feb. 6.
New Jersey to host 2026 World Cup final
With more than two years to go, FIFA made it official — the 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA released the tournament’s schedule on Sunday, Feb. 4.
The U.S. will be hosting its first men’s World Cup since 1994. It will be sharing the hosting duties this time around with Mexico and Canada.
The 104-game tournament will feature 48 teams playing across 16 host cities. The opening match will take place on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. The final in East Rutherford, New Jersey is set for July 19, 2026.
Taylor Swift makes music history at the Grammys
Taylor Swift has made music history once again. This time she did it at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night.
Swift won Album of the Year for “Midnights.” It was the fourth time the “Anti-Hero” singer won the category, which is the most of any artist in Grammy history.
Swift also won Best Pop Vocal Album earlier in the night, when she announced during her acceptance speech a new album would be released in April.
After deadly fire, Maui housing crisis compounded by short-term rental market
The deadly Lahaina and Kula fires devastated large areas of Maui and heavily impacted the island’s economy — especially the housing market. The Maui Tenants Association is calling on Hawaii Gov. Josh Green to continue a county-wide freeze on rent and evictions.
The government’s official response came hours before the previous emergency proclamation was slated to end, with Green releasing an eighth proclamation extending the rent and eviction freeze.
Hawaii Sen. Angus McKelvey, D, represents the district containing what remains of Lahaina. McKelvey also lost his home in the fires and has been advocating for support and permanent housing for survivors.
You just gotta scream and shout and shout and shout until they finally hear you out
Sen. Angus McKelvey
“You just gotta scream and shout and shout and shout until they finally hear you out,” McKelvey said.
The Valley Isle caters to tourists, forming 40% of the economy, but the number of visitors has slowed. Tourist numbers and spending for September were down by over 50% compared to the same time last year.
Some are pushing for the rebuilt Lahaina to be rezoned to include cheaper, more affordable housing. However, McKelvey says it’s a balance between retaining the character and history of the town and ensuring locals can afford to live there.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity to preserve and protect lands for that affordable housing and also plan together so you can create something where everybody benefits and there’s a communal sense of community there,” McKelvey said.
Others are calling to force short-term rentals into long-term rentals, prioritizing locals over visitors.
“Those properties alone can easily house everybody that has been displaced by the fires,” a Maui Tenants Association spokesperson said. “Pull those permits. Do away with short-term rentals now!”
McKelvey voiced his support, saying, “I absolutely agree, And again, because of the emergency situation, we require the government to do that, to take these kinds of steps. There should be no short-term rentals in the area and there should be long-term rentals only.”
McKelvey also applauded a recent mortgage moratorium from the Federal Housing Administration, which lasts until May 2024.
“So, that is good news. But more needs to be done. But it’s an important development in getting that bar on FHA notes,” McKelvey said.
While a small town, Lahaina was culturally and economically significant. Lahaina’s 700 businesses made up 16% of all establishments on the island. Most have been destroyed, damaged or made inaccessible due to the hazardous waste caused by the fire.
“When you have lights in the darkness, it’s imperative upon us to shine the bright lights on them so people can see it,” McKelvey said. “When we do have a victory, even like the HUD mortgage forbearance, it’s a start, but it’s worthy shining a light on.”
Fueling home insurance crisis: Natural disasters rack up billions in damage
Ida. Ian. Idalia. Extreme storms are increasingly battering the U.S. at alarming rates and causing billions in damage.
“You want to live on the water, you got to put up with it, you know,” 77-year-old retiree John “Sparky” Abrandt said as he picked up debris around his Horseshoe Beach, Florida, home following Hurricane Idalia.
It’s not just on the water that homeowners are paying the price. The West is facing deadly heat waves and drought, wildfires are stretching far beyond their normal boundaries and tornadoes are leveling towns across the Midwest and South.
“Make sure that you’re assessing the risk of where you live,” Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) spokesperson Scott Holeman said. “The ocean views are great. The mountain views are great. But if there are risks in some of those areas, know that costs are probably going only up.”
Triple-I data shows natural catastrophes in the U.S. caused $100 billion in insured property loss in 2022. These costly natural disasters are becoming way more frequent.
Adjusted for inflation, there are more billion-dollar disaster events in the past 13 years than in the 30 years before it, according to NOAA.
“As we see conditions changing and more people living in those risky areas, there are more people exposed,” Holeman said. “You’re seeing some companies that are saying, ‘We’re not going to do any more of this kind of business in these areas.’”
The insurance pinch is squeezing out people around New Orleans, where nearly every home faces a high flood risk. According to real estate company Redfin, 15,000 more people moved out than in the past two years as insurance premiums price people out of what used to be an affordable place to live.
But migration out of New Orleans is a rare exception, as most population shifts are moving into harm’s way.
“There are people that continue to move to places where there are a lot of wildfires, or we’re certainly not seeing people really leave Florida,” Holeman said.
A Redfin analysis shows over the past four years, people are increasingly moving into the U.S. counties with the highest flood, fire and heat risks.
The pandemic prompted a lot of these moves to warmer areas with lower costs of living. Redfin’s chief economist says it’s human nature to focus on current benefits and discount risks that are tougher to measure, like climate.
It explains why Phoenix, Arizona, drew in 76,000 more people in the past two years amid scorching heat and a lack of water; while Lee County, Florida, welcomed 60,000 more people, though Hurricane Ian ravaged the coast last September.
“I guess all you do is put everything back together and try again,” Fort Myers, Florida, resident Luis Damone said while trudging through knee-deep water in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
Why more insurers are refusing to provide homeowners’ insurance
It’s not anecdotal: Extreme natural disasters are happening more often and causing way more damage. Insurance is supposed to be there to safeguard homeowners in case the worst happens to their property. However, in disaster-prone areas, some insurers are declaring that it’s too risky to keep doing business there.
“The last few years, insurers have lost money,” said Scott Holeman, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, known as Triple-I.
“If the combined ratio is under 100, insurance companies can make money,” Holeman explained. “If that combined ratio is over 100, that means they’re paying out more money than they’re taking in. And that’s not sustainable for any business to pay out more than what you’re collecting.”
For four out of the past five years, national data shows homeowners’ insurers have earned less in premiums than they’ve paid out in losses and expenses. Taking a closer look at markets like Florida and California, it’s no wonder insurers are jumping ship.
From 2016-2019, for every $100 in premiums Florida home insurers received, they paid out $117.50 in losses and expenses. On a national level, it was basically break-even over that time at $100.70.
Insurers are going to have to raise rates to stay in business or leave the market.
Scott Holeman, Insurance Information Institute spokesperson
Meanwhile, California insurers are still catching up from the fateful fire seasons of 2017 and 2018. Triple-I said that in the last decade, California insurers made healthy profits in the homeowners’ insurance business for eight out of 10 years. However, the combined ratio is still 108.1% over that time. That’s because for every $100 in premiums received, California’s home insurers paid out $241.90 in 2017 and $213.40 in 2018.
This year the state’s largest insurer, State Farm, said it would stop selling new home policies in the state. Allstate had quietly stopped selling them last year and announced the move after State Farm. Others have followed suit. Farmers has also significantly pulled back in Florida and California.
“Florida and California are seeing a lot of issues but it’s not just there — we’re seeing places like Arkansas and Mississippi were hit by tornadoes earlier this year,” Holeman said. “Insurers are going to have to raise rates to stay in business or leave the market.”
Some Lahaina residents return to homes destroyed by wildfire
For the first time since the deadly wildfire that destroyed the Hawaii town of Lahaina, some residents are returning to what they used to call home. On Monday, Sept. 25, authorities opened part of the area the wildfire destroyed, allowing some residents their first look at the aftermath.
The Aug. 8 wildfire killed at least 97 people and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings, most of which were homes. Since the fire, the area has been closed to everyone except authorized workers.
Monday, Sept. 25, marked the first time some residents were given the chance to see what was left of their homes. Darryl Oliveira, the interim administrator for the Maui Emergency Management Agency, said he wanted to give residents an opportunity to reflect.
“I think initially, you know, people who haven’t been in here since the fire are taken aback by the amount and extent of the destruction,” Oliveira said. “Talking to one property owner, he’s like, ‘Darryl, there’s no wood, nothing is here from our home.’”
While residents were allowed to see what may have survived the flames, officials urged them not to sift through the ruins, fearing it might stir up toxic dusts. The first zone to open for supervised reentry included about two dozen plots of land in northern Lahaina.
The damage from the wildfire as a whole was so extensive that officials said it will take at least a decade to rebuild.
2nd Republican primary debate field set: The Morning Rundown, Sept. 26, 2023
The second Republican primary debate nears as the field of eligible candidates grows smaller. And some residents in Hawaii are returning home more than a month after the deadly wildfires. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023.
7 presidential hopefuls set to take stage for 2nd GOP primary debate
The field is set for the second GOP presidential primary debate as seven candidates are expected to take the stage, down one from the first debate. The debate is hosted by Fox Business Network and Univision and will take place tomorrow night at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson did not reach the polling threshold required to qualify.
Here is who has qualified:
Doug Burgum, North Dakota governor
Chris Christie, former New Jersey governor
Ron DeSantis, Florida governor
Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor/former UN ambassador
Mike Pence, former Vice President
Vivek Ramaswamy, tech entrepreneur
Tim Scott, South Carolina senator
While former President Donald Trump is still the party’s leading nominee, he will once again skip out on debate night, holding another counterprogramming event. This time he plans on speaking with current and former union workers in Detroit as the United Auto Workers strike nears the two-week mark.
The debate begins at 9 p.m. ET.
President Biden to join autoworkers in Michigan; Ford halts plant construction
President Joe Biden will be in Michigan on Tuesday, Sept. 26 to stand with striking autoworkers. As the UAW begins its second week of a workers’ strike against Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, Ford is announcing a pause on construction of a new $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan until it is confident the factory can be run competitively.
The new facility was first announced in February and is expected to employ an extra 2,500 workers. UAW union president Shawn Fain said Ford’s announced pause on construction is a threat by the company to cut jobs.
Among the issues between the two sides, workers are asking for a 36% raise over four years.
Lahaina residents return home more than one month after wildfires
Some residents in Maui can finally return to their properties in Lahaina after the town was destroyed in the deadly wildfires last month. Authorities opened part of the area on Monday, Sept. 25, nearly seven weeks since Hawaiian residents had to evacuate as the fast-moving flames tore through their communities.
With the unknown reality of the condition of their homes sinking in, Darryl Oliveira the interim administrator for the Maui Emergency Management Agency, said he wanted to make sure residents had space and privacy to reflect.
“I think initially, you know, people are who haven’t been in here since the fire are taken aback by the amount and extent of the destruction. Talking to one property owner, he’s like ‘Darryl, there’s no wood. nothing is here from our home,’” Oliveira said.
At least 97 people died in the wildfires and more than 2,000 homes were destroyed. Officials predict it will take at least a decade to rebuild.
Cuba describes embassy attack as act of terrorism
A man allegedly threw two Molotov cocktails at Cuba’s embassy in Washington, D.C. on Sunday. Both Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez have denounced the attack as terrorism. U.S. officials have not announced a motive, but did condemn the attack.
Cuba’s president was in attendance at last week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. Cubans held protests outside the building over his presence in the U.S.
According to a law enforcement source who spoke with CBS News, the two devices thrown at the embassy likely did not explode at all.
8 injured as JetBlue flight experiences ‘sudden severe turbulence’
Seven passengers and one crew member aboard a JetBlue flight had to be taken to the hospital after the plane experienced what the airline called sudden severe turbulence on Monday.
Officials say the flight from Ecuador to Fort Lauderdale suffered turbulence as it neared Florida. After landing safely, the eight people were taken to a hospital to be treated and evaluated.
The severity of their injuries and their conditions have not been released. The National Transportation Safety Board says it has opened an investigation. The airline has taken the plane out of service for inspection.
This incident follows several others this year where passengers were injured during turbulent flights with the latest occurring last month when eleven people on a Delta flight were taken to the hospital.
Creator of nutrition facts label dies at 76
Graphic designer Burkey Belser died on Monday at the age of 76. While you may not be familiar with his name — you see his work every day in your grocery store, pantries, and refrigerators.
Belser was the creator of the nutrition facts label seen on the packaging of nearly every food we purchase. The label was created in 1994 after the passage of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act.
The Food and Drug Administration reached out to Belser after seeing his other famous work: the black and yellow “Energy Guide Label” found on appliances. Belser was once described by The Washing Post as “the Steve Jobs of information design.”
