Hawaii is dealing with a mounting crisis.

Maui

The Story

Hawaii is dealing with a mounting crisis.

What’s the latest?

At least 96 people have died in the Maui wildfires, making them the deadliest in more than 100 years. Only 3% of the search areas have been cleared and more than 1,000 people are still missing. Most of the town of Lahaina is destroyed, including hundreds of residential buildings. Now, residents are relying on each other to get through the disaster.

What’s the government doing?

Responding — although some might say too slowly. For starters, the island’s 80 emergency sirens weren't activated when the fires broke out. Government aid hasn’t reportedly reached many survivors, hundreds of whom are in shelters across the island. More than 2,000 structures, mostly homes, were burned to a crisp. The damage is estimated to cost more than $5.5 billion. Gov. Josh Green (D) said his admin will work to “do some reviews so we can make things safer going forward.” Other residents said the destruction was so quick because “the fire went from zero to 100.”

theSkimm

Lahaina’s history stretches back decades and was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Now, most of it was wiped away by devastating wildfires as the community tries to put the pieces back together.

Whose case is getting a closer look…

Hunter Biden’s. Over the weekend, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed US Attorney David Weiss as special counsel in the probe. The AG said elevating Weiss — who has been investigating the president’s son for five years — to special counsel “reinforces” the department’s commitment to “both independence and accountability.” Shortly after the announcement, the Justice Dept’s lawyers asked a Delaware court to allow them to drop the case against Hunter Biden so charges could be refiled in DC and California. It comes after a federal judge refused to sign off on an agreement Biden reached with the DOJ to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges that would allow him to avoid a felony gun possession count. Now, the DOJ says a plea deal reached an impasse and Biden’s case is on its way to a trial.

What’s not giving queen behavior…

The Miss Universe Organization. Over the weekend, the group said it is cutting ties with its Indonesian franchise amid sexual harassment allegations. Several contestants accused local organizers of asking the contestants to strip to their underwear for “body checks” of scars and cellulite. Some organizers also allegedly took topless photos of the women. Six contestants filed a complaint with the police. Now, Miss Universe said it will also be canceling an upcoming pageant in Malaysia, which is run by the same local organizers. The group said the Indonesian organizers have “not lived up to our brand standards, ethics, or expectations.”

Where there are new rules…

Illinois. Over the weekend, Gov. JB Pritzker (D) signed a new law that bans advertising guns deemed as a public safety threat. The news makes Illinois the eighth state to pull back some types of ads for gun manufacturers or distributors. It comes as the US has had more than 400 mass shootings in 2023. Some expect the law to be challenged in court. Gun rights advocates say it violates federal law and their right to free speech.

Who’s seeing green across the pond…

Lilia Vu.

While SZA’s “Snooze” teaser woke up the internet…

Nicki Minaj channeled her inner NPC.

Who stole the spotlight…

Lauryn Hill.