News on this topic
Devastation from Hurricane Helene could bring semiconductor chipmaking to a halt: The devastation in North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene could have ...
cnn.com/2024/10/02/tech/semiconductor-supply-chain-north-carolina-helene/

North Carolina town that produces quartz needed for tech products is devastated by Helene
apnews.com/article/north-carolina-quartz-hurricane-57153eaba12ba9dcb87bf618d72364ec
A tiny town just got slammed by Helene. It could massively disrupt the tech industry
npr.org/2024/09/30/nx-s1-5133462/hurricane-helene-quartz-microchips-solar-panels-spruce-pine

More articles on this subject
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Hundreds missing as Helene death toll rises to 135: Catastrophic flooding decimated towns, destroyed roads and cut off power in the US's south-east.
bbc.com/news/articles/cn4ywwxv34po

North Carolina floods threaten mines key to global electronics industry: The facilities in Spruce Pine, now isolated and imperiled by Helene’s floods ...
washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/10/01/flooding-north-carolina-sand-quartz-electronics-supply-chain/

Helene takes ultrapure quartz mines offline, threatens tech supply chains: Downpours at Spruce Pine, North Carolina, have taken the biggest known deposit of ...
wired.com/story/hurricane-helene-shockwaves-semiconductor-industry-microchips-spruce-pine-north-carolina-sand-high-quality-quartz/

Your phones and computers rely on this remote mine in North Carolina. Helene just drowned it.
vox.com/climate/375404/helene-spruce-pine-quartz-chips

Hurricane Helene devastates quartz mines critical for worldwide semiconductor manufacturing
tomshardware.com/tech-industry/hurricane-helene-devastates-quartz-mine-critical-for-worldwide-semiconductor-manufacturing-spruce-pine-houses-the-worlds-only-ultra-pure-quartz-site

Helene wrecked this tiny N.C. mining town crucial to the semiconductor industry: Closures from storm damage could lead to supply-chain bottlenecks — and price ...
marketwatch.com/story/this-tiny-north-carolina-mining-town-is-crucial-to-the-semiconductor-industry-helene-just-wrecked-it-0ecd5f72
Hurricane Helene barreled through a crucial chip mining area in North Carolina: Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic damage and flooding to Spruce Pine ...
theverge.com/2024/9/30/24258333/hurricane-helene-quartz-chip-mining-north-carolina-spruce-pine
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25650792/2174061530.jpg)
Mine vital for making computer chips was in Hurricane Helene's path: The town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, is home to two mines that are major sources of ...
businessinsider.com/quartz-mine-computer-chips-hurricane-helene-spruce-pine-semiconductor-2024-9
Helene shuts down Spruce Pine, NC mine that is pivotal to world’s semiconductor supply
charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article293265924.html

‘We’re still living with the aftermath’: Floridians brace for fresh hurricane season
theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/08/florida-hurricane-season

FEMA 'not ready' for hurricane season, internal review finds: As the Federal Emergency Management Agency prepares for the approaching hurricane season ...
abcnews.go.com/Politics/fema-ready-hurricane-season-internal-review-finds/story

FEMA cuts emergency training under Trump as hurricane season looms: The cuts could leave communities less prepared to handle the often devastating aftermath of ...
reuters.com/business/environment/fema-cuts-emergency-training-hurricane-season-looms-2025-05-11/
Would federal aid reach Alabama if disaster strikes during 2025 hurricane season?
al.com/news/2025/05/would-federal-aid-reach-alabama-if-disaster-strikes-during-2025-hurricane-season.html
On cusp of storm season, NOAA funding cuts put hurricane forecasting at risk: Tropical cyclone track forecasts are 75 percent more accurate than they were in ...
theconversation.com/hurricane-forecasts-are-more-accurate-than-ever-noaa-funding-cuts-could-change-that-with-a-busy-storm-season-coming-255369

Family gets closure after body of man missing during Hurricane Helene recovered months later in Tennessee
cnn.com/2025/05/06/us/hurricane-helene-tennessee-missing-death

Lawmakers want answers after reporting reveals crippling vacancies at hurricane-prone National Weather Service office
cnn.com/2025/05/06/weather/national-weather-service-staffing-hurricane-houston

CenterPoint Energy rate hike approved to cover May derecho costs: CenterPoint Energy will increase household rates by $1 per month to recover more than $400 ...
houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/centerpoint-rate-increase-derecho-costs-20294445.php

Here's When Six Flags America is Closing: Six Flags America in Maryland is closing permanently. The Hurricane Harbor water park will also shut down.
newsweek.com/six-flags-america-closing-maryland-hurricane-harbor-2067087

FEMA losing roughly 20% of permanent staff, including longtime leaders, ahead of hurricane season
cnn.com/2025/04/23/politics/fema-staff-cuts-hurricane-season/

FEMA Isn’t Ready for Disaster Season, Workers Say: Instability, cuts, and a looming sense of dread have FEMA employees unsure the agency is ready for hurricanes ...
wired.com/story/fema-isnt-ready-for-disaster-season-workers-say-hurricanes-fires-floods/
Trump denies extra FEMA funding to people who voted for him in North Carolina | Opinion
usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2025/04/17/trump-denies-north-carolina-fema-aid-helene/83104965007/
DOGE Cuts Pull AmeriCorps Volunteers Off of Disaster Relief Jobs: Workers for the National Civilian Community Corps were sent home due to “new operational ...
wired.com/story/doge-cuts-americorps-volunteers-disaster-relief-jobs/
'It was a storm... now it's a hurricane': Has the cost of living crisis been forgotten?
news.sky.com/story/it-was-a-storm-now-its-a-hurricane-has-the-cost-of-living-crisis-been-forgotten-13345917

Trump's FEMA ends grants that help prepare for hurricanes. Louisiana hoped to get $721M.
theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/hurricane/trumps-fema-cancels-grants-for-hurricane-preparedness/article_6e50f486-7101-5579-b2a5-157783f26f68.html

Trump Denies FEMA Aid Extension in State He Won Three Times: In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, President Donald Trump voiced sharp criticism of FEMA's ...
newsweek.com/trump-denies-fema-aid-extension-state-he-won-three-times-2058906

Donald Trump's 'Russiagate' Documents: Read in Full: The recently declassified materials into the FBI's 2016 election probe have been obtained by conservative ...
newsweek.com/donald-trump-russiagate-documents-crossfire-hurricane-binder-2058427

As many as 6 hurricanes forecast to strike US this season: A new AccuWeather forecast predicts the U.S. could be bracing for a 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on ...
thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5218392-hurricanes-forecast-2026-us-season/

4 ways forecasts are about to get worse: When a powerful thunderstorm spawns a tornado, people have what feels like only moments to gather their family and get ...
cnn.com/2025/04/04/weather/forecasts-worse-trump-cuts/

HUD Undermines Two Texas Housing Discrimination Cases: The government spent years probing allegations that a Dallas HOA created rules to kick poor Black people ...
propublica.org/article/trump-hud-texas-housing-discrimination-cases-dallas-houston

Early look at hurricane season predicts over a dozen named storms. But El Niño could change things
cnn.com/2025/04/03/weather/hurricane-season-forecast-climate/

After 6 months, 5 people still missing in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene
abcnews.go.com/US/after-6-months-5-people-missing-north-carolina/story

How hurricanes Otis and John exposed Acapulco’s big divide and left residents ‘scared for our lives’
theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/30/acapulco-mexico-climate-crisis-extreme-weather-damage-hurricanes-otis-john-floods-landslides

Musk Targeted FEMA. Disaster-Stricken Communities Are Paying a Price.: A FEMA funding freeze illustrates the extraordinary power of Elon Musk and DOGE ...
nytimes.com/2025/03/27/us/politics/musk-fema-immigrations-doge-freeze-aid.html

Asheville Rising: How to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene: "GMA" returns to Asheville, North Carolina, six months after the devastation of ...
goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/asheville-rising-how-to-help-120191806

Climate and environment updates: Plummeting satellites could alter Earth’s atmosphere
abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/climate-environment-updates/

Hurricane Center Warns Potential Storm Emerging Off Florida Coast: A disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean east of Florida has a small chance of developing into a ...
newsweek.com/florida-faces-potential-storm-march-2046322

Insurers warn that US weather agency mass firings will hit climate risk data: Reinsurance trade group appeals to US commerce secretary Lutnick to preserve data ...
ft.com/content/33a4d1f6-848f-4b63-86c6-9330fe6f6d89

'Completely misinformed': Rantanen's agent claps back at Hurricanes' Brind'Amour
sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/completely-misinformed-rantanens-agent-claps-back-at-hurricanes-brindamour/

Fired hurricane hunter says Americans could see ‘more damage and more loss of life’ with NOAA layoffs
independent.co.uk/news/science/hurricane-watch-noaa-layoff-doge-b2715281.html

HUD rejects Asheville’s Helene recovery efforts because of its DEI targets: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rejected Hurricane Helene ...
trib.al/7SqPvyy

Tampa Bay Rays withdraw from planned $1.3 billion ballpark, citing storms and delays
nbcnews.app.link/uHpS5WDHIRb

Cuts to U.S. weather agency will be felt in Canada — especially in hurricane season
thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/cuts-to-u-s-weather-agency-will-be-felt-in-canada-especially-in-hurricane-season/article_00ae00a8-a843-513b-ab35-2ea70015ab11.html

Trump officials fire 800 employees at weather forecasting and oceans agency: The Trump administration has its government-shrinking sights set on the National ...
cnn.com/2025/02/27/politics/noaa-federal-workers-firings/

FEMA fires three more people connected to directive to skip homes with Trump signs
thehill.com/homenews/administration/5183424-fema-fires-three-more-people-connected-to-directive-to-skip-homes-with-trump-signs/

Tuqiri slams Super Rugby's Drua travel fiasco: "You'd think the organisers would have it sorted, given how old the competition is. It's not like a new ...
1news.co.nz/2025/03/07/tuqiri-slams-super-rugbys-drua-transport-fiasco/

Fired NOAA workers say cuts could hinder weather forecasts and programs to keep people safe
nbcnews.com/science/science-news/noaa-workers-fired-weather-forecasts-programs-safety-rcna194568

‘Bad things could happen’: Meteorologist jobs cut after historic hurricane season
tampabay.com/news/weather/2025/02/28/national-weather-service-noaa-federal-employee-cuts/
NOAA firings raise concerns over agency's ability to forecast hurricanes and more
npr.org/2025/03/03/nx-s1-5313071/noaa-firings-raise-concerns-over-agencys-ability-to-forecast-hurricanes-and-more

Senior Leaders Are Leaving FEMA: Along with about 1,000 rank-and-file workers, FEMA is losing some of the managers most experienced in handling emergency efforts ...
nytimes.com/2025/02/27/climate/fema-trump-resignations-firings.html

Trump administration layoffs hit NOAA, agency that forecasts weather, hurricanes: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration houses key groups like the ...
npr.org/2025/02/27/nx-s1-5298738/trump-administration-layoffs-hit-noaa-the-agency-that-forecasts-weather-and-hurricanes

Hurricane season is 3 months away. Will it be as active as last year?: The 2025 hurricane season could be different from 2024 because of changing climate ...
washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/02/27/hurricane-season-2025-forecast-atlantic-ocean/

FEMA Is Ending Door-to-Door Canvassing in Disaster Areas: As it shifts responsibility for recovery efforts to local authorities, FEMA workers will stop knocking ...
wired.com/story/fema-ending-door-to-door-canvassing-disaster-areas/
Takeaways: Sharp-angle goals end Ovechkin, Capitals' season early: It was Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal who opened the scoring for Carolina ...
sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/takeaways-sharp-angle-goals-end-ovechkin-capitals-season-early/
Image from the original article. Source: Leader of FEMA Is Dismissed as Trump Administration Takes Aim at the Agency: The ouster of Cameron Hamilton, less than a month before the start of the hurricane ...
nytimes.com/2025/05/08/us/politics/fema-cameron-hamilton.html

Key FactsFEMA Chief Issues Stark Warning to Staff
May 09 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cbsnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cbsnews.com
- Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson warned staff in his initial meeting that he alone speaks for the agency and will not tolerate any obstruction.
- He emphasized the importance of fulfilling the president's directives and announced a review of all internal preparations for 2025.
- Richardson instructed staff to read two recent memos outlining assessments of FEMA's readiness and organizational structure.
- He plans to hold a town hall in the near future to address staff questions but stressed the need for them to first read the memos.
I have never read a book on leadership, but I’m fine operating in chaos and a very ambiguous environment.— David Richardson, the acting FEMA Administrator, during his first address to FEMA employees.
Will hurricane season start early this year? Recent trends suggest yes: Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 ...
cnn.com/2025/05/07/weather/hurricane-season-early-start

US weather forecasting is more crippled than previously known as hurricane season nears
cnn.com/2025/05/02/weather/nws-forecasting-layoffs-trump

Warning systems for floods, hurricanes, and famine are suffering from Donald Trump’s data purge
theverge.com/tech/656714/trump-disaster-hurricane-flood-famine-data-purge-usaid

After supporting Hamas: The band Kneecap is disinvited from the Hurricane | and Southside Festivals
berliner-zeitung.de/kultur-vergnuegen/musik/nach-unterstuetzung-fuer-hamas-und-hisbollah-kneecap-von-hurricane-und-southside-festival-ausgeladen-li.2319496

Kneecap part ways with booking agency IAG: Northern Irish hip-hop group Kneecap have parted ways with the booking agency Independent Artist Group.
rte.ie/entertainment/2025/0425/1509502-kneecap/

Scientists say NOAA cuts by Trump undermine improvements in hurricane forecasts: The Trump administration is targeting top climate and weather labs for cuts ...
npr.org/2025/04/25/nx-s1-5361474/noaa-cuts-hurricane-forecast-improvements-trump

FEMA hiring overhaul drives fears of agency dismantling as hurricane season nears
cbsnews.com/news/fema-hiring-overhaul-fear-agency-gutting-hurricane-season-trump/

Job cuts at NOAA drive concerns about extreme weather forecasts, as climate change worsens natural disasters
cbsnews.com/news/noaa-national-weather-service-job-cuts-forecast-climate-change-natural-disasters/

Image from the original article. Source: The American Weather Forecast Is in Trouble: Layoffs at NOAA will only make weather reports less reliable.
theatlantic.com/science/archive/2025/02/noaa-cuts-nws/681875/

Key FactsNOAA Layoffs Threaten Weather Forecast Accuracy
Mar 01 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theatlantic.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theatlantic.com
- Layoffs at NOAA, affecting numerous employees, jeopardize the reliability of weather forecasts.
- The National Weather Service is already struggling with staff shortages, leading to a reduction in weather data and warnings.
- The dismissal of employees with years of experience undermines the agency's future workforce planning.
- The ability to make accurate weather predictions is becoming increasingly important as extreme weather events rise and public risks grow.
Trump fires hundreds working on weather forecasts, satellite data and radar systems | The terminations come days before a potential severe weather outbreak in ...
washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/02/27/noaa-nws-mass-firings-trump-administration/

Image from the original article. Source: 'This is my home': NOAA layoffs impact people and projects across South Carolina: NOAA is tasked with everything from weather monitoring to researching climate ...
postandcourier.com/rising-waters/noaa-layoffs-impact-weather-projects-south-carolina/article_9e682e92-f5fb-11ef-a701-577e1049e109.html

Key FactsNOAA Layoffs Threaten Weather Projects in South Carolina
Mar 09 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: postandcourier.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: postandcourier.com
- NOAA layoffs have impacted many employees in South Carolina, including Stephanie Robinson, who oversaw local projects.
- The cuts, affecting approximately 800 out of 12,000 NOAA staff, could severely compromise weather forecasting and essential research initiatives in the region.
- Experts warn that the loss of experienced personnel may lead to decreased efficiency and innovation.
- While the government views layoffs as necessary, those affected emphasize their commitment to public service and the adverse effects on their communities.
Hurricane names listed for 2025 Atlantic season: The list of storm names is created by the World Meteorological Organization well in advance of the hurricane ...
usatoday.com/story/news/weather/2025/03/11/hurricane-names-list-for-2025-atlantic-season/81924597007/

La Niña may end soon. What that may mean for global temperatures and hurricane season
washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/03/06/la-nina-global-warmth-coastal-el-nino/

Surfer's Paradise: Ex-cyclone Alfred erodes Australia's Gold Coast beach
bbc.com/news/videos/ce8v6lzrn73o

PS6 Development Milestone Teased by AMD: AMD has once again teased its collaboration with Sony on PS6 development, stating that its release of FSR 4 is “just the ...
yahoo.com/tech/ps6-development-milestone-teased-amd-113159874.html
Ex-Cyclone Alfred: Body found in floodwaters and troops injured in Australia storm
bbc.com/news/articles/c625ldpy7yxo

Tropical Storm Alfred:'Very rare' cyclone bears down on Australia as thousands ordered to evacuate
news.sky.com/story/tropical-storm-alfred-very-rare-cyclone-bears-down-on-australia-as-thousands-ordered-to-evacuate-13323480

Mikko Rantanen OK's Stars deal, secures eight-year contract - ESPN: The Stars acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday ...
espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44150663/source-stars-agree-rantanen-trade-contingent-new-deal

How Americans will feel the impact of Trump’s weather forecasting layoffs: Scientists and politicians are sounding the alarm about potential consequences of the ...
cnn.com/2025/03/01/weather/noaa-weather-forecast-layoffs/

Mass job cuts hit NOAA, agency that oversees hurricane center and weather service
usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/02/27/mass-job-cuts-hit-noaa-parent-agency-of-nws/80173611007/

Suzuki’s growth as captain helps Canadiens keep Hurricanes in spiral
sportsnet.ca/article/suzukis-growth-as-captain-helps-canadiens-keep-hurricanes-in-spiral/

Trump calls for ‘termination’ of FEMA, says states should own disaster relief: Repeating false claims about the relief effort for Hurricane Helene in North ...
nydailynews.com/2025/02/11/trump-termination-fema-disaster-relief-states/

Image from the original article. Source: National Hurricane Center Changes Storm Map to Gulf of America: The National Hurricane Center recently changed the Gulf of Mexico on its storm tracking map to ...
newsweek.com/national-hurricane-center-changes-map-gulf-mexico-donald-trump-2031486

Key FactsTrump Excludes AP Over Gulf Name Dispute
Feb 15 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theage.com.au
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theage.com.au
- President Trump has barred the Associated Press (AP) from the White House and Air Force One for refusing to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.
- This action has been labeled as censorship and a violation of the First Amendment rights related to free speech and press.
- The AP described the ban as discriminatory and punitive for its reporting, while the administration insisted on adherence to the new geographic designations.
- The AP will continue to cover White House events, but access restrictions highlight the escalating tensions between the government and the media.
Hurricane, Dog Who Protected Obama White House From Intruder, Dies at 15: The jet-black Belgian Malinois drew widespread attention a decade ago when he wrestled ...
nytimes.com/2025/02/18/us/k9-hurricane-dog-dead.html

Trump Team Plans Cuts at HUD Office That Funds Disaster Recovery: Staff at the office, a branch of the U.S. housing department that Congress uses to address the ...
nyti.ms/3EPOkgA
Hurricane, the most decorated K-9 in White House history, dies at 15: The Belgian Malinois was lauded for protecting President Barack Obama and his family after ...
wapo.st/417o9cx

Hurricanes to hit Atlantic harder and more often, study says: Hurricanes are likely to become more frequent and more intense in both the Atlantic and eastern ...
phys.org/news/2025-02-hurricanes-atlantic-harder.html

Mules that provided aid after Hurricane Helene struck down on road: Among the idyllic landscapes of Mount Ulla, North Carolina, there is a sadness wafting ...
cnn.com/2025/02/16/us/hurricane-helene-mules-struck-down-on-road/

From boom to correction: 5 reasons Florida’s housing market has weakened: Condo prices are declining in 92% of Florida's housing markets, while single-family ...
fastcompany.com/91272894/housing-market-5-reasons-florida-housing-market-has-weakened

FEMA employee violated Hatch Act with directive to skip homes with Trump signs, OSC says
trib.al/ztAGJer

NOAA to use "Gulf of America" in weather forecasts: The move could complicate forecasts for countries that don't recognize the new name, like Mexico.
axios.com/2025/02/13/noaa-renames-gulf-of-mexico-weather-forecasts

Hidden gem of whitewater rafting faces uncertain future after Hurricane Helene: Whitewater outfitters on the Nolichucky River are facing an uncertain future ...
abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/hidden-gem-whitewater-rafting-faces-uncertain-future-after-118597979

Image from the original article. Source: Trump to sign executive order to fundamentally change or get rid of FEMA: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said he would sign an executive order to begin ...
reuters.com/world/us/trump-will-sign-executive-order-fundamentally-change-or-get-rid-fema-2025-01-24/

Key FactsDenmark in Turmoil After Trump's Greenland Threat
Jan 24 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newrepublic.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newrepublic.com
- Trump reportedly threatened to seize Greenland during a phone call with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, alarming the Danish government.
- The call was described as aggressive and confrontational, highlighting the seriousness of Trump's intentions.
- Danish officials expressed that the government is now in crisis mode, with citizens feeling anxious.
- Trump's interest in Greenland may relate to its geopolitical significance and the presence of a US military base.
Life-saving weather warnings are on the line as Trump and DOGE target America’s forecasting agency
cnn.com/2025/02/05/weather/national-weather-service-job-cuts-hurricane-season/

Image from the original article. Source: Trump Taps ‘Sharpiegate’ Scientist to Lead US Weather Agency: (Bloomberg) -- The Trump administration has tapped Neil Jacobs, a scientist cited for misconduct ...
yahoo.com/news/trump-taps-sharpiegate-scientist-lead-153109045.html
Key FactsTrump Appoints 'Sharpiegate' Scientist to NOAA Leadership
Feb 05 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: abcnews.go.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: abcnews.go.com
- Donald Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), marking his second term if confirmed.
- Jacobs gained notoriety for the 'Sharpiegate' incident, where Trump altered a weather map to falsely claim Alabama's risk from Hurricane Dorian.
- Currently, Jacobs serves as chief science advisor for the Unified Forecast System (UFS) and advocates for open innovation in research.
- He was recognized as a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society and holds degrees in mathematics, physics, and atmospheric science.
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