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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has asked President Trump for a federal disaster declaration in his state due to “extensive fire damage” and other destruction in the unrest that followed George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody on Memorial Day. “We need to come together to ensure Minnesotans who were victims of this destruction have access to critical infrastructure they need so they can go to the grocery store, pick up their medication, and live their lives,” Walz said in a statement Thursday. “Together, we will rebuild.” He also appealed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for financial assistance to...

CNN)A flash flood emergency has been issued for portions of the Baltimore, Maryland, area, with the National Weather Service citing "severe" flooding and warning people to get to higher ground. "Move to higher ground now. This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation," the weather service said in a warning issued at 10:40 p.m ET. "Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order."

This weekend's Dickens on The Strand is Galveston's first major event since Hurricane Ike struck in September, and could indicate how quickly this island city can revive its vital tourism industry. The 35th year of the festival, which recreates the 19th century with period costumes, also is an attempt by Galveston businesses to let the outside world know that most of its restaurants and hotels and many of its attractions are up and running. ...The Galveston Tourism and Convention Bureau has predicted that tourism will return to pre-Ike levels by spring break, but that is of little consolation to shop...

Houston Chronicle Exclusive: Superdome Refugees Coming To Astrodome No Text. Just Headline off Chronicle Website.

<p>Late Tuesday, Gov. Blanco spokeswoman Denise Bottcher described a disturbing scene unfolding in uptown New Orleans, where looters were trying to break into Children's Hospital.</p> <p>Bottcher said the director of the hospital fears for the safety of the staff and the 100 kids inside the hospital. The director said the hospital is locked, but that the looters were trying to break in and had gathered outside the facility.</p>

Aug. 30, 2005 — Inmates at a prison in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans have rioted, attempted to escape and are now holding hostages, a prison commissioner told ABC News affiliate WBRZ in Baton Rouge, La. Orleans Parish Prison Commissioner Oliver Thomas reported the incident to WBRZ. A deputy at Orleans Parish Prison, his wife and their four children have been taken hostage by rioting prisoners after riding out Hurricane Katrina inside the jail building, according to WBRZ. Officials are expected to hold a press conference regarding the riots at 9 p.m. ET. A woman interviewed by WBRZ said her son, a...

An uprising at Orleans Parish Prison and widespread looting contributed to a deteriorating situation in Louisiana's largest city Tuesday in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina Tuesday, according to witnesses and second-hand accounts from evacuees. SNIP Thomas said he confirmed with New Orleans police that an uprising - and possible “hostage situation” - took place at the parish prison sometime late Monday or early Tuesday. Details were sketchy, but Thomas believes the uprising took place when prisoners were being evacuated in the storm's aftermath. It's not clear how many prisoners were involved, or how many hostages were taken, as Thomas said...

Perry declares 29 counties disaster areas 07/03/2002 By KIMBERLY DURNAN / Dallas Web Staff Gov. Rick Perry signed a disaster declaration for 29 Texas counties Wednesday after a five-day rainstorm pounded Central and South Texas. The governor asked President Bush for a federal disaster declaration. Heavy rains and severe flooding have hit South and Central Texas extremely hard, especially in San Antonio, Gov. Perry said. It is important we move as quickly as possible to secure all emergency assistance available to help Texans whose homes and businesses have been damaged. The rainstorm has killed three people and forecasters warn...