logo
Oprah says she opened private road in Maui 'as soon as' tsunami warnings were issued

Oprah says she opened private road in Maui 'as soon as' tsunami warnings were issued

USA Today30-07-2025
Oprah Winfrey is pushing back against claims about her efforts to assist as tsunami waves reached Hawaiian shores following one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history.
Winfrey, who owns a home on the Hawaiian island of Maui and is a part-time resident, denied reported claims from locals that the media mogul failed to open her private road for evacuations after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck July 29 off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
"As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false," a spokesperson for Winfrey told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday, July 30.
Shortly after the initial tsunami warning sirens went off at around 3 p.m. local time in Hawaii, the streets of Honolulu, including the tourist hub Waikiki, were congested as people quickly tried to move to higher ground and away from coastal evacuation zones. Evacuations were ordered shortly after.
"Local law enforcement are currently on site helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone's safety. The road will remain open as long as necessary," Winfrey's rep continued in the statement.
A video posted by several users, including one reshared more than 1,000 times, on social media shows cars in line on a main road as an alarm blares. The X videos include the same caption: "Oprah won't open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground." Reader context provided to the videos assert the claim is false.
Tsunami waves began arriving in Hawaii after 7 p.m. local time July 29. In less than four hours, however, the risk to the state was downgraded from a tsunami warning to an advisory and an evacuation order was lifted for "coastal inundation zones." There were no reports of severe damage.
Winfrey previously opened her private road for evacuations after a 2019 brush fire and provided assistance during the island's 2023 wildfires.
Contributing: Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY staff
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Residential cruise ship fails CDC health inspection during 3-year sailing
Residential cruise ship fails CDC health inspection during 3-year sailing

USA Today

time6 hours ago

  • USA Today

Residential cruise ship fails CDC health inspection during 3-year sailing

Residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey failed a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sanitation inspection. The vessel received a score of 81 following its July 9 inspection, according to a report on the health agency's website. Cruise ships need at least an 86 to pass. The report notes violations in a range of areas, from potable water to food safety and housekeeping. For example, the inspection found a waffle iron that was 'soiled with grease and black debris' had been stored with clean equipment in a galley on Deck 3, and water pooled beneath a refrigerator in a wine cellar. 'The source of the water could not be determined,' the report said. There were three dead fruit flies in a light cover near a refrigerator in a pantry on Deck 5, as well. "Both swimming pools did not have safety signs, prominent depth markers in feet and meters, nor did the safety rings have an attached rope that was at least 2/3rds of the pool width," the report also noted, among other infractions. 'It's important to emphasize that the majority of the noted deficiencies were not related to food safety, but rather to structural and design elements reflective of the ship's age and original construction – long before current U.S. public health standards were in place,' Villa Vie Residences founder Mikael Petterson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 'Unlike modern vessels designed specifically for regular U.S. operations, the Odyssey was not originally built for this market, making direct comparisons somewhat unfair.' The Odyssey previously sailed as Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' MS Braemar before Villa Vie purchased it in 2023. Petterson noted the ship had not been to the U.S. in more than 23 years, and said it has passed other health inspections since it departed from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October. 'That said, we've taken the inspection feedback seriously, made the necessary adjustments, and are confident that a follow-up inspection would result in a passing score,' he added. Odyssey was scheduled to begin a 3 ½ -year cruise in May 2024, but faced numerous setbacks before setting sail. Petterson told USA TODAY last summer that the company had been 'quite humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a four-year layup. After the lapse of all certifications of class we are now considered (a) new ship where all machinery and equipment must work as if new.'

Allegiant Again Tops USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards for Best Airline Credit Card and Best Frequent Flyer Program
Allegiant Again Tops USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards for Best Airline Credit Card and Best Frequent Flyer Program

Yahoo

time9 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Allegiant Again Tops USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards for Best Airline Credit Card and Best Frequent Flyer Program

Allegiant's Allways Rewards Visa® and Allways Rewards Program Ranks No. 1 for Second Consecutive Year LAS VEGAS, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) has once again claimed top honors in USA TODAY's 10Best 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, earning the No. 1 spot in both Best Airline Credit Card and Best Frequent Flyer Program categories. This marks the second consecutive year Allegiant has led both categories, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional value and rewarding loyalty among leisure travelers. The Allways Rewards Visa® card continues its winning streak, now recognized as the best airline credit card for the seventh year in a row. With generous travel rewards, no blackout dates, and exclusive access to memorable experiences, the card remains a favorite among travel enthusiasts. "We're honored to be recognized again by USA TODAY readers for our credit card and frequent flyer programs," said Drew Wells, Allegiant's chief commercial officer. "These awards reflect the voice of our customers, and we're proud to offer loyalty programs that are transparent, inclusive, and designed to meet the needs of both occasional and frequent travelers." The Allways Rewards frequent flyer program continues to stand out for its simplicity and flexibility. As the first airline loyalty program designed specifically for leisure travelers, it allows members to earn and redeem points based on dollars spent rather than miles flown. "When we built the program, our goal was to ensure customers could use their points easily and receive immediate benefits," added Wells. "We intentionally moved away from traditional miles-based loyalty models, which primarily serve high-mileage business travelers." Also, unlike most travel reward programs, points are awarded to the buyer rather than to an individual traveler. This means Allways members receive full credit for booking travel for others, such as family members. USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards celebrate excellence across travel, food, entertainment, and more. Nominees are selected by a panel of experts and editors, and winners are determined by public vote. Allegiant's continued recognition underscores its dedication to customer satisfaction, value, and innovation in travel rewards. For more information about the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards and to view the full list of winners, click here. Allegiant – Together We Fly™ Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Media information, including photos, is available at Media Contact Phone: 702-800-2020Email: mediarelations@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen.

Habit Burger & Grill Brings a Fresh, Bold Experience to Greater Phoenix
Habit Burger & Grill Brings a Fresh, Bold Experience to Greater Phoenix

Yahoo

time13 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Habit Burger & Grill Brings a Fresh, Bold Experience to Greater Phoenix

Celebration begins August 13 with giveaways, sweepstakes, and community giving Habit Burger & Grill Brings a Fresh, Bold Experience to Greater Phoenix IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Habit Burger & Grill, recently ranked the #1 Fast Casual Restaurant by USA TODAY's 10Best, is celebrating a refreshed experience across all Phoenix locations. The California-born brand, known for its award-winning Charburgers, flame-grilled chicken, and craveable sides, is inviting the community to discover what makes it #1. At the heart of every visit is Habit's signature Charburger, chargrilled and fresh-from-the-flame with a juicy patty, caramelized onions, and melty cheese, all layered on a perfectly toasted bun. That signature char is what sets Habit apart. No flat tops, just an open flame that gives every burger its signature smoky flavor and crispy edges. And because every meal is made-to-order the moment you place it, the flavor always comes through. From bold menu favorites to faster service and a warmer, more personalized atmosphere, the Habit experience just got better. The update includes: Guest Experience Host focused on standout hospitality, greeting guests, and making every visit memorable Modernized interiors with city-specific murals and surf-inspired décor Mobile Pickup Lanes are replacing all traditional drive-thrus. Order ahead on the Habit app, and pick up, for convenient, on-the-go service 'It's not just about great food, it's about how you feel when you're here,' said Jason Triail, Director of Culinary Innovation. 'At Habit, we bring bold flavors and genuine hospitality together to create something memorable. Whether you're dining in or grabbing a meal on the go, we want it to feel like your new favorite habit.' Here's how Greater Phoenix can celebrate on August 13: Exclusive Local Swag Giveaway: First 100 guests (in-store or Mobile Pickup) receive a free local swag pack with purchase Flavor Passport: Guests can pick up a passport for free fan favorites on future visits, including the Double Char, Chicken Club, and Tempura Green Beans (redeem one per visit) Giving Back: Habit will donate 20% of all Phoenix-area profits to Backpacks 4 Kids Arizona on Wednesday August 13, supporting local students with essential school supplies and care kits. CharClub Sweepstakes: Guests enter to win a Year of Free #1-Voted Double Chars between August 13-17. Enter in-restaurant. 500 winners will receive one free burger weekly for 52 weeks (must be a CharClub member)** To find the Greater Phoenix locations near you, visit: Habit Locations - Charburgers - Salads - Sandwiches - Habit Burger & Grill Near Me Connect with Habit Burger & Grill on social media at: FB: IG: TikTok: LinkedIn: About Habit Burger & Grill Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers—it's a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, with its Double Char being ranked #1 by USA Today 10Best1, its Tempura Green Beans also reaching a #1 rank in USA Today 10Best2, the brand being named Best Fast Casual Restaurant3, and its Chicken Club recognized as the best grilled chicken sandwich by The Daily Meal4. The brand was also featured in Newsweek's 'America's Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023' and included in Thrillist's roundup of 'Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!' Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally—continuing to serve up bold fresh flavors, made-to-order. Learn more at Sources: Sources: USA Today 10Best, USA Today 10Best, The Daily Meal, Newsweek, The Daily Meal, Thrillist1Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 & 2025 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024 & 2025).2Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 & 2025 Awards for Best Fast Food Sides. (Published July 2024 & 2025).3 Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Casual Restaurant. (Published July 2025).4 Based on Daily Meal's survey of consumer reviews from Reddit, Yelp! and TripAdvisor (Published Dec. 2023).**See Official Sweepstakes Rules at NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of Phoenix, AZ, ages 16+. Begins 8/13/25 at 12:00:00 AM PST & ends at 11:59:59 PM PST on 8/17/25. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: The Habit Restaurants, LLC, 1 Glen Bell Way, Irvine, CA 92618 Habit Burger & Grill Press Contact: HBGMedia@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store