South

Desperate residents are looting businesses and robbing people at gunpoint, Maui locals say

Published

9 months ago

August 14, 2023

Desperate survivors in Lahaina are robbing people at gunpoint as they wait for food and shelter in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, Hawaiian locals said.

“There’s some police presence. There’s some small military presence, but at night people are being robbed at gunpoint,” co-owner of a Lāhainā bar called The Dirty Monkey, Matt Robb, told Business Insider.

Robb added: “People are raped and pillaged. I mean, they’re going through houses — and then by day it’s hunky-dory. So where is the support? I don’t think our government and our leaders, at this point, know how to handle this or what to do.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the County of Maui for information about the alleged looting but did not hear back by time of publication.

HAWAII WILDFIRE BECOMES DEADLIEST US BLAZE IN MORE THAN A CENTURY AS DEATH TOLL REACHES 93, EXPECTED TO GROW

People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina, Maui on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Alan Dickar via AP) (Alan Dickar via AP)

Residents spoke to local news outlets as they await rescue crews to deliver food, water, diapers, and other necessities, many who lost everything are growing desperate.

Owner of restaurant Coconut Caboose Jeremy Aganos, one of the businesses that survived the fires, told KITV it is “utter chaos” for those seeking aid. His business was attacked by looters, he said.

Aganos set up a GoFundMe for the restaurant’s losses.

Another Lahaina resident, Barrett Procell, told the news station he and his wife are now homeless and wearing donated clothes. He said he understands the desperate measures some Lahaina survivors are taking.

“When your children are here starving after almost burning to death and the police won’t let people drive in to give you necessities, you may turn to desperate measures. It is unfortunate people are turning to looting right now, but it’s about helping them and not villainizing them,” he said.

HISTORIC MAUI CATHOLIC CHURCH STILL STANDING AMID FATAL FIRES RIPPING ACROSS HAWAII: ‘MIRACLE’

This photo provided by County of Maui shows fire and smoke filling the sky from wildfires on the intersection at Hokiokio Place and Lahaina Bypass in Maui, Hawaii on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Zeke Kalua/County of Maui via AP) (Zeke Kalua/County of Maui via AP)

An Oregon resident who flew in to provide aid to residents was robbed at gunpoint soon after his arrival, KITV reported.

One user of X, formerly Twitter, wrote Sunday: “Looting happening in Lahaina town. The only thing left from my uncles house was a fireproof safe. Family went to check on the property yesterday only to find the safe has been pried open the last of their possessions gone.”

Another user wrote Friday that “looting is out of control.”

After the wildfire ravaged Lahaina last week, the aftermath revealed a landscape of destruction.

Thousands of structures were lost, forcing residents to evacuate. Only 3% of the search zone has been combed through by cadaver dogs and crews amidst the ruins, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier.

HAWAIIAN COUPLE SUES POWER COMPANIES OVER LAHAINA DESTRUCTION AMID HISTORIC MAUI WILDFIRES

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. Richard Olsten/Air Maui Helicopters/via REUTERS (Richard Olsten/Air Maui Helicopters/via Reuters)

On Saturday, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green visited the damage and told reporters that around 2,200 buildings were harmed or destroyed in West Maui. Out of these, 86% were people’s homes.

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According to the county, as of Monday, several wildfires are affecting Maui County. The most prominent among these fires include the Lahaina fire, which has scorched 2,710 acres and is now 85 percent under control.

The Kula fire, just southeast of West Maui, burned 678 acres and is 60 percent contained. At least 96 people have been confirmed dead while 24 people have sustained injuries. Officials expect casualties to increase.

Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.

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Maryland

Maryland high school lacrosse state playoff brackets

Published

5 seconds ago

May 14, 2024

Press Room

Maryland high school lacrosse state playoff brackets

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association released its high school boys and girls lacrosse state playoff brackets on Tuesday. State quarterfinal action is set for Wednesday, with the semifinals on Friday and Saturday and finals next week.

Here are the state playoff brackets in each class.

Girls lacrosse

Boys lacrosse

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Mississippi

Why is Red Lobster closing? See how many locations are affected in Mississippi

Published

15 mins ago

May 14, 2024

Press Room

Why is Red Lobster closing? See how many locations are affected in Mississippi

Red Lobster has closed its Jackson location as part of closures announced of 48 restaurants across 27 states, although the restaurant never reopened following being closed for renovations in July 2023.The Red Lobster at 6357 Interstate 55 North Frontage Road is officially no longer taking orders from patrons. The other closest location is in Meridian at 201 South Frontage Road.

Along with the closures, the equipment from more than 50 locations will go on auction this week. No equipment from the Jackson location will be auctioned. Winners of the auction will receive all the equipment from the individual locations.

More: Is Red Lobster filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy? How it could affect Mississippi restaurants

Here is what we know about the closures.

Why is Red Lobster closing so many stores?

According to a report from Bloomberg, the seafood restaurant considered filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.

The company had been getting advice from law firm King & Spalding as it looked to shed some long-term contracts and renegotiate leases, Bloomberg reported, noting that Red Lobster’s cash flows had been weighed down by leases and labor costs, among other issues.

Red Lobster ultimately suffered its biggest losses with its “Ultimate Endless Shrimp” promotion. What started as a $20 promotional item became a $25 permanent menu item. The promotion ended up becoming an $11 million loss for the restaurant in the third quarter of 2023.

When was Red Lobster started?

Red Lobster started in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida, by Bill Darden and Charley Woodsby. After going through several changes in ownership, it is now owned by Thai Union Group. In November, the parent company said the chain was headed toward a $20 million loss for 2023.

How many Red Lobster locations are in Mississippi?

Locations in D’Ilberville and Hattiesburg are listed as “temporarily closed.” That leaves the only open locations in the state in Meridian, Southaven and Tupelo.

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North Carolina

Flags will be flying at half-staff in North Carolina May 15: Here’s why

Published

50 mins ago

May 14, 2024

Press Room

Flags will be flying at half-staff in North Carolina May 15: Here’s why

United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities will be flying at half-staff May 15 in North Carolina in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Yearly on May 15, the day recognizes men and women in law enforcement who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty.

Gov. Roy Cooper made a statement on the lowering of flags in an May 14 news release.

“Today, we honor the memories and sacrifices of brave law enforcement officers in North Carolina,” Cooper said. “We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who risk their own safety to protect our communities.”

More: Charlotte, North Carolina shootout leaves 4 officers dead, 4 officers injured; What we know

Why are the flags at half-staff in North Carolina?

Cooper ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in observance of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The holiday, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, is intended to be a celebration of members of law enforcement who are slain or injured on the job. President Joe Biden commented on the holiday in a May 10 news release.

“We recognize the incredible courage of our Nation’s police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay,” Biden said.

How long will flags be at half-staff?

U.S. and N.C. flags will be flown at half-staff beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, May 15, in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day and ending at sunset the same day.

More: Vance Monument removal resumes in Asheville

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

Usa.gov states that the American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is mourning. The president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.

An American flag flying at half-staff generally indicates one of these three things:

The death of a government official, military member or emergency first responder.
A national tragedy.
Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance.

Where will flags be flown at half-staff?

Cooper ordered all state facilities in N.C. to fly flags at half-staff.

While only state facilities are ordered to lower flags, the news release encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions to fly flags at half-staff for the day to celebrate fallen and injured law enforcement officers.

More: Aurora borealis was dazzling. Will northern lights be visible in Asheville, NC again soon?

Is it half-mast or half-staff?

Previous reporting from Memphis Commercial Appeal explained that flags are flown at half-mast on ships and at naval stations ashore, and at half-staff elsewhere.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

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