Latest news with #Drought

Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
Wildfires burn thousands of acres on tribal lands in North Dakota
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Crews have been fighting at least 16 wildfires throughout North Dakota in the last several days, including several large fires still burning Tuesday across wooded areas and grasslands on the Turtle Mountain Reservation near the Canadian border. Dry and breezy conditions before the spring green-up haven't helped the situation. Much of the state is in some level of drought, including a swath of western North Dakota in severe or extreme drought, according to a recent map by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Numerous agencies including the North Dakota Forest Service and fire departments have responded to the fires. National Guard Black Hawk helicopters have dropped water, saving homes. Officials requested fire engines from as far as Montana and South Dakota. Tribal members with buckets and hoses sprang into action to fight the flames. 'It's inspiring that our people can rise up and help each other out like that,' Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribal Chair Jamie Azure said Tuesday. Three distinct fires that have been joining and separating have burned about 4,200 acres (1,700 hectares) in the Turtle Mountain area, according to the state Department of Emergency Services. Most of the fires have been north of Belcourt, in the northern part of the Turtle Mountain Reservation, said Jenna Parisien, recruitment and retention coordinator and spokesperson for the Belcourt Rural Fire Department. 'We have several locations where areas have burned, so places were lit up all at once, and with the unfavorable weather conditions that we have had, areas keep relighting, embers are causing spread to surrounding areas as well,' Parisien said. The fires steadily kicked off on Friday, she said. It wasn't clear how much of the fires were contained. Three firefighters were treated for exhaustion, dehydration and smoke inhalation, but were doing well, Azure said. One vacant mobile home was believed to be lost, but there were no other injuries or homes lost despite fires in people's yards, he said. About 10 families evacuated from their homes, he said. Crews were battling high winds with the fires on Monday, but rain overnight, moderate winds and firefighters' great efforts have improved the situation, Azure said Tuesday. Seventy-five to 100 firefighters responded on Sunday, the busiest day, Parisien said. Local businesses and tribal members have helped, Azure said. Causes of the fires are thought to be accidental, potentially sparks escaping from residents' trash-burning barrels, Parisien said. But some people have been taken into custody in connection with intentionally starting a fire, she said. She declined to elaborate. The Associated Press emailed the Bureau of Indian Affairs for comment. Nearly all of the 16 fires around the state are 100% contained. A fire in Rolla on Sunday led to evacuations. Fires on the Fort Berthold Reservation burned at least 2,000 acres (810 hectares). An 1,800-acre (728 hectares) fire on the reservation is 40% contained. No structures are believed lost to it, state Department of Emergency Services spokesperson Alison Vetter said.


The Independent
06-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Wildfires burn thousands of acres on tribal lands in North Dakota
Crews have been fighting at least 16 wildfires throughout North Dakota in the last several days, including several large fires still burning Tuesday across wooded areas and grasslands on the Turtle Mountain Reservation near the Canadian border. Dry and breezy conditions before the spring green-up haven't helped the situation. Much of the state is in some level of drought, including a swath of western North Dakota in severe or extreme drought, according to a recent map by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Numerous agencies including the North Dakota Forest Service and fire departments have responded to the fires. National Guard Black Hawk helicopters have dropped water, saving homes. Officials requested fire engines from as far as Montana and South Dakota. Tribal members with buckets and hoses sprang into action to fight the flames. 'It's inspiring that our people can rise up and help each other out like that,' Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribal Chair Jamie Azure said Tuesday. Three distinct fires that have been joining and separating have burned about 4,200 acres (1,700 hectares) in the Turtle Mountain area, according to the state Department of Emergency Services. Most of the fires have been north of Belcourt, in the northern part of the Turtle Mountain Reservation, said Jenna Parisien, recruitment and retention coordinator and spokesperson for the Belcourt Rural Fire Department. 'We have several locations where areas have burned, so places were lit up all at once, and with the unfavorable weather conditions that we have had, areas keep relighting, embers are causing spread to surrounding areas as well,' Parisien said. The fires steadily kicked off on Friday, she said. It wasn't clear how much of the fires were contained. Three firefighters were treated for exhaustion, dehydration and smoke inhalation, but were doing well, Azure said. One vacant mobile home was believed to be lost, but there were no other injuries or homes lost despite fires in people's yards, he said. About 10 families evacuated from their homes, he said. Crews were battling high winds with the fires on Monday, but rain overnight, moderate winds and firefighters' great efforts have improved the situation, Azure said Tuesday. Seventy-five to 100 firefighters responded on Sunday, the busiest day, Parisien said. Local businesses and tribal members have helped, Azure said. Causes of the fires are thought to be accidental, potentially sparks escaping from residents' trash-burning barrels, Parisien said. But some people have been taken into custody in connection with intentionally starting a fire, she said. She declined to elaborate. The Associated Press emailed the Bureau of Indian Affairs for comment. Nearly all of the 16 fires around the state are 100% contained. A fire in Rolla on Sunday led to evacuations. Fires on the Fort Berthold Reservation burned at least 2,000 acres (810 hectares). An 1,800-acre (728 hectares) fire on the reservation is 40% contained. No structures are believed lost to it, state Department of Emergency Services spokesperson Alison Vetter said.


Black America Web
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Lil Wayne Is Your Favorite Rapper's Favorite Rapper—And We've Got Receipts
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Prince Williams / Getty Rappers don't just admire Lil Wayne—they worship him. From Chance the Rapper to 2 Chainz, hip-hop heavyweights have gone on record naming Weezy as their #1. As Tha Carter VI approaches, we've rounded up the moments where your favorite MCs crowned Lil Wayne as the undisputed GOAT. No one's had a bigger impact on this generation of rap stars than Lil Wayne. His flow, punchlines, and relentless work ethic shaped an era. You can hear his influence in the voices of today's biggest names—because they've said it themselves. Chance the Rapper called Wayne the 'best rapper alive.' 2 Chainz said Wayne was his favorite and honored him with a collab album. G Herbo, Ice Cube, and even dancehall legend Vybz Kartel all named him their top rapper. And this isn't hearsay—we've got the clips to prove it. Wayne didn't just break records. He built blueprints. Whether it was mixtape culture, auto-tune flows, or lyrical dexterity, he set the tone. And rappers across the map still give him his flowers. Scroll down to watch the moments these stars gave Wayne his due. Then tell us: Who's your GOAT—and what's your favorite Lil Wayne bar of all time? RELATED Lil Wayne Announces 'Tha Carter VI' Release Date Lil Wayne Seemingly Responds To Kendrick Lamar's Line About Him On 'GNX' Lil Wayne Appreciation Post: Da Best Bars From Da Drought 3 Lil Wayne's 16 Craziest Lines Lil Wayne Is Your Favorite Rapper's Favorite Rapper—And We've Got Receipts was originally published on GloRilla stopped to give praise to Lil Wayne on a recent red carpet. Chance the Rapper didn't hesitate when asked who's the best rapper alive—he pointed straight to Lil Wayne. During his interview with Ari Melber, Chance said it plainly: 'Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive.' On The Wendy Williams Show , 2 Chainz referred to Lil Wayne as his 'favorite rapper,' emphasizing Wayne's significant influence on the culture and expressing his desire to honor him through their collaborative project, ColleGrove . During a 2022 appearance on The Breakfast Club , G Herbo called Lil Wayne his 'favorite rapper of all time' and expressed a strong desire to collaborate with him, stating that working with Wayne would signify a major milestone in his career. In a 2022 episode of the On The Guest List podcast, Ice Cube praised Lil Wayne, stating, 'It's hard to beat Lil Wayne,' and highlighting his exceptional metaphors and lyrical prowess. Despite a complex relationship, Young Thug has consistently expressed admiration for Lil Wayne, calling him 'the greatest' and 'the best rapper in the f*ck*ng world' in a 2015 GQ interview. After performing at Lil Weezyana Fest in 2016, Chris Brown took to Instagram to call Lil Wayne his 'favorite rapper,' crediting him for paving the way for many artists in the industry. DJ Khaled calls Lil Wayne 'the greatest rapper of all time,' crediting him as one of the most incredible artists he's ever worked with. Khaled says Wayne's consistency, creativity, and impact on the culture are unmatched. During a 2016 freestyle session on Sway in the Morning , Joey Purp listed Lil Wayne among his top five favorite rappers, alongside André 3000, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Big L. In 2020, dancehall artist Vybz Kartel declared Lil Wayne as his favorite living rapper, distinguishing him from Tupac, whom he considers his all-time favorite. 'Wayne is everything… he hard to beat.' In a 2023 episode of Complex's 'GOAT Talk,' MGK named Lil Wayne as his greatest of all time, citing his star power and punchlines. 'Lil Wayne is the greatest. Not only because of his music but also because of the culture he put behind it.' Kendrick praised Wayne's influence in a 2016 interview with The Coveteur , highlighting his impact on both music and culture. 'I saw the whole process of him… just seeing the whole development of Wayne and where he's at right now.' In a 2023 appearance on The Breakfast Club , Juvenile declared Lil Wayne the greatest rapper ever, reflecting on their time together in the Hot Boys. 'Lil Wayne, I mean, he's the GOAT… you haven't seen greatness like that.' At the 2023 City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala, Master P honored fellow Louisiana native Lil Wayne, praising his lyrical talent and cultural impact.