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Biden visits Maui as natural disaster’s ravage America’s west

Published

3 months ago

August 22, 2023

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President Joe Biden is visiting Maui as authorities race against time to locate and recover nearly 850 people who remain missing after catastrophic wildfires ravaged the island.

These fires, which have been over 80% contained as of Sunday, have already claimed more than 110 lives and caused extensive property damage. This disaster marks the worst in Hawaii’s state history and the deadliest wildfires in the United States in over a century.

Upon his arrival, President Biden, accompanied by the first lady, will conduct an aerial survey of the destruction in Lahaina via helicopter. Subsequently, they will visit the wildfire-affected areas in person, receiving briefings from officials during their tour.

While in Hawaii, President Biden will also announce the appointment of Bob Fenton, a FEMA regional administrator, to oversee the long-term federal efforts to support Maui’s recovery. Fenton has been actively engaged in the disaster response since the wildfires began.

Recover and rebuild

“I will do everything in my power to help Maui recover and rebuild from this tragedy,” President Biden said in a statement on Sunday before his trip. “Throughout our efforts, we are focused on respecting sacred lands, cultures, and traditions.”

President Biden has maintained regular contact with Hawaii Governor Josh Green and has received updates from Federal Emergency Management Administrator Deanne Criswell throughout the crisis.

Search and recovery teams have combed through about 85% of the disaster site in Lahaina thus far, according to county officials. The FBI and the Maui Police Department have successfully located over 1,200 survivors.

Biden declared a major disaster in Hawaii on Aug. 10, just hours after the governor’s request, which unlocked crucial federal assistance for Maui. Currently, more than 1,000 federal personnel, including over 450 search and rescue team members, are on the ground in Maui. FEMA reports that the White House has approved $8.2 million in assistance to more than 2,700 households, including $3.4 million in initial rental assistance.

The wildfires ignited abruptly and spread rapidly around Aug. 8, fueled by Hurricane Dora’s winds and exacerbated by drought conditions on Maui. While the cause of the fires is under investigation, several lawsuits have already been filed against Hawaiian Electric, alleging that downed power lines sparked the blazes.

Disaster review

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has initiated a review of the disaster response by state and local officials. Notably, the Maui Emergency Management Agency did not activate sirens during the wildfires, leaving residents with little warning of the rapidly spreading fires.

Maui’s emergency management administrator, Herman Andaya, resigned abruptly last week after initially defending his decision not to activate the sirens. Governor Green has clarified that the review of the local emergency response is not a criminal investigation.

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The Game Awards 2023: Industry celebrates huge year

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2023

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The gaming community is abuzz with anticipation as The Game Awards 2023 approach, scheduled for this Friday, December 7th. This annual event has become a significant highlight for gamers worldwide, celebrating the best titles released throughout the year. With an array of outstanding games in contention, fans are eagerly speculating about the potential winner of the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) award.

Nominated Titles

The competition is fierce, with some stellar titles vying for the top spot. The nominees include:

Alan Wake 2
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Resident Evil 4
Spider-Man 2
Baldur’s Gate 3
Super Mario Bros Wonder

Each game brings a unique experience to the table, making the decision for the ultimate winner even more challenging. Fans and critics alike are engaging in heated discussions about their personal favorites and predictions.

Watch the Live Announcement Video Here

Resident Evil 4 Remake in VR: A Terrifying Experience Awaits

Capcom is set to thrill fans with a groundbreaking update for Resident Evil 4 Remake. Starting December 8th, owners of PSVR2 and the Remake will have access to a free add-on VR Mode. The immersive experience includes the entire main story with 3D audio, a shooting range for weapon interactions, and a terrifying yet thrilling encounter with the iconic game in virtual reality.

The addition of VR mode is a significant leap for the PSVR2 lineup of games, offering players a chance to dive into the horror classic in an entirely new dimension.

Experience the Chills with the RE Remake VR Mode Trailer

PlayStation 5 Slim Hits Australia

Exciting news for Australian gamers as the sleek PlayStation 5 Slim is set to hit shelves this week. Available for pre-order from major retailers, the slim version will be available on Wednesday, December 6th, just in time for the holiday season.

Options include both disc and digital consoles, with prices at $799 for the disc version and $769 for the digital version bundled with two controllers via Amazon AU. Additional accessories, such as the disc drive and vertical stand, can be purchased separately.

Get a Closer Look at the New PlayStation 5 Slim

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – A New Frontier in Gaming

In the midst of the gaming frenzy, Ubisoft is set to release Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on Friday, December 7th. This action-adventure game, set in the expansive open world of the Western Frontier of Pandora, offers a first-person perspective and promises a visually stunning experience.

Fans of the Avatar movies are in for a treat, with the game available on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. The captivating graphics seen in early footage have heightened the anticipation for this exciting addition to the gaming landscape.

Embark on a New Adventure with the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Trailer

As the gaming community gears up for The Game Awards and the release of highly anticipated titles and updates, December promises to be a thrilling month for gamers worldwide. Stay tuned for the big reveals and immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of gaming.

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EV integration and recent tax reimbursement raises questions

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2023

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The Victorian Government’s decision to reimburse Electric Vehicle (EV) owners over an alleged unconstitutional tax has sparked discussions about the global evolution of EV integration.

Automotive journalist Mike Costello emphasises the broader implications for environmental policies and the potential precedent this sets for other regions.

The incident underscores the importance of transparent processes in identifying and compensating affected EV owners and may prompt a reevaluation of tax structures globally.

How governments handle this situation can impact the perception of their support for green initiatives and influence the trust of EV owners.

In summary, this reimbursement marks a pivotal moment, shaping future policies and fostering a more supportive environment for electric vehicles on a global scale.