Disasters

Minnesotans in Florida brace for arrival of Hurricane Milton; Minnesota National Guard ready to provide help
Gov. Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance in Florida as the state braces for Hurricane Milton, which is likely to make landfall within the week.
Fact checking falsehoods about FEMA funding and Hurricane Helene
Rumors, misinformation and lies about the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helene have run rampant since the storm made landfall, especially around FEMA funding.
Biden says small business disaster loan program will soon run out of money
President Joe Biden says Congress needs to shore up a small business disaster loans fund, and fast. Meanwhile, the response to Hurricane Helene has become a presidential election issue.
Minnesota first responders, volunteers head south to aid in Hurricane Helene cleanup
Gov. Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide aid in response to an emergency request from North Carolina officials. Minnesota utility companies, law enforcement agencies and fire departments are sending additional help.
A downed power line is officially blamed for last year’s Maui wildfire
The report from the the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said that the fire that killed more than 100 people and destroyed the town of Lahaina called the fire “accidental.”
Campfire ban now in place for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Deepening drought conditions have led officials to ban campfires in northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Meanwhile, authorities reported an increase in activity in recent days at a smoldering wildfire in the BWCAW.