August 11 top stories
It is August 11. Here are today’s top stories.
Maui wildfires death toll at least 55
Tragically, the death toll in the wildfires impacting Maui, Hawaii has risen to at least 55 people.
Officials warned that the death toll is only those who were found outside of buildings. They said FEMA would provide cadaver dogs to help and search for more victims that may be inside buildings.
There are three major wildfires on Maui with the most deadly one in Lahaina, in western Maui. That fire is 80% contained. There are two other wildfires in Maui.
Before-and-after aerial images of the Lahaina area show what used to be green space and vibrant buildings turning into a gray area of devastation. It is difficult for other people in Hawaii to access western Maui because of blocked roads. Many of those who were impacted by the fires have lost communication and power and are cut off from the world.
The wildfires in Maui appear to be one of the deadliest in U.S. history. CNN said the deadliest fire is the Camp fire in California in November 2018, which killed 85 people. The Maui fires are already the second-deadliest.
Special counsel wants Jan 2. start for Trump election fraud trial
Special counsel Jack Smith wants the trial on former President Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election through fraud to begin on January 2, 2024.
Smith said he needs about four to six weeks to present his case, call witnesses, and present evidence of Trump’s alleged conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and deprive Americans’ right to vote and have their votes counted.
Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, said it is crazy to ask for a trial date only one day after the New Year. Trump’s defense team will propose their preferred trial date in the near future after the special counsel’s request.
Nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2022
The CDC said 49,449 Americans died by suicide in 2022. The number is about 2.6% higher than 2021.
The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Murthy said, “mental health has become the defining public health and societal challenge of our time.” He said too many people and their families are suffering and feeling alone.
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Supreme Court blocks OxyContin maker’s bankruptcy deal shielding Sacklers
AP News said the Supreme Court temporarily blocked a nationwide settlement with the company that makes OxyContin and its wealthy owners the Sackler family that would have shielded the family from civil lawsuits related to the opioid addiction crisis. The settlement was worth at least $6 billion.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments later this year on whether the settlement can proceed.
A key issue here is whether the Sackler family can be released from legal liability, on whether they can be shielded from future lawsuits.
Biden requests $20B for Ukraine
President Biden has requested Congress to provide $20 billion in funding for Ukraine to support their military in its defense against Russian invasion. The money would also be used to boost Ukraine’s economy and humanitarian needs.
The U.S. has given over $43 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since last February.
Conservative members of Congress have voiced disagreement on giving more money to Ukraine.
Axios said according to a Biden administration official, existing funding for Ukraine will help its military through September. If the $20B package is approved, then Ukraine will have enough to defend itself until the beginning of 2024.
Robotaxis can operate 24/7 in San Francisco
In San Francisco, two companies have been authorized to start providing 24/7, fully autonomous driverless cars to be used as taxis.
The California Public Utilities Commission granted permits to the companies, Cruise and Waymo, after several hours of public testimony on Thursday.
Not everyone is happy about this because there are complaints that the vehicles disrupt traffic, interfere with bus routes and emergency services, and sometimes end up stalled on the road.
Waymo currently operates 250 vehicles and Cruise operates 300 at night and 100 during the day.
Customers use an app to book a ride. The vehicles have advanced technology on them to be able to navigate city streets. Would you want to ride in a driverless taxi?
That is all the top stories for this week. Have a nice weekend and stay with the light.
https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/hawaii-maui-wildfires-08-11-23/index.html
https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/trump-trial-date-2020-election-fraud
https://www.axios.com/2023/08/11/waymo-cruise-robotaxi-san-francisco-approved
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nearly-50000-americans-died-by-suicide-2022-cdc-report/
https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/biden-emergency-supplemental-ukraine