National

Mayor Eric Adams (D) urged the Biden administration on Wednesday to declare a state of emergency over the southern border to help officials respond to large numbers of asylum seekers arriving in New York City.

Thought bubble via Axios' Stef Kight: It's the latest cry for help from Democratic-run cities struggling to care for a surge in newly arrived asylum seekers who initially crossed the U.S.-Mexico border — putting even more political pressure on an administration that's struggled to get control of the border from day 1.

Driving the news: Adams said at a New York City Hall news conference Wednesday that NYC residents faced a potential $12 billion bill to pay for the asylum seekers over the next three fiscal years "without policy changes and further support" from state and federal governments.

"Over the last year, nearly 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived in our city looking for a new life. New York City has managed the problem largely by ourselves," Adams said in a statement.

"This is a national crisis that's begged for a national response since day one," he added. "Despite our tireless effort, we're running out of resources."

A screenshot of a tweet by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, saying: "Cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, El Paso, Houston, and Los Angeles can't and shouldn’t be left to shoulder a national crisis alone. We need the federal government to take immediate action.   Thank you to all the New Yorkers working to help those seeking asylum navigate the process."

By the numbers: Adams said the city estimates spending $4.7 billion this year if it does not receive "proper support."

City figures show it spends $383 per night on each household and is now caring for 57,000 people, adding up to $9.8 million per day.

The big picture: Adams has for months criticized the Biden administration over the humanitarian crisis at the border and appealed for more help after Republican governors bussed thousands of migrants to Democratic-run cities like NYC, which guarantees services to migrants that many other cities do not.

Democratic governors including Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have in recent months asked for more help from the federal government or changes in policies to respond to the humanitarian crisis.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) critized the Biden administration while declaring a state of emergency on Tuesday over "rapidly rising" numbers of migrants arriving in the state and overwhelming its shelters.

For the record: In June, illegal border crossing numbers fell to the lowest level in over two years in June.

The White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Mayor says migrant crisis will cost NYC $12B without state, federal aid

"Cities like New York ... shouldn’t be left to shoulder a national crisis alone. We need the federal government to take immediate action."

New York Mayor Eric Adams attends a press conference on gun violence prevention and public safety on July 31, 2023 in New York City. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams during a July press conference in NYC. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

New York City

Immigration

Mayor Eric Adams (D) urged the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="147833ce-424e-428b-94c6-63ff619b7189" data-vars-headline="Mayor says migrant crisis will cost NYC $12B without state, federal aid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">Biden</a> administration on Wednesday to declare a state of emergency over the southern border to help officials respond to large numbers of asylum seekers arriving in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/03/new-york-city-central-park-migrants" data-vars-content-id="147833ce-424e-428b-94c6-63ff619b7189" data-vars-headline="Mayor says migrant crisis will cost NYC $12B without state, federal aid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/03/new-york-city-central-park-migrants" target="_self">New York City</a>.Thought bubble via <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Stef Kight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/authors/stefwkight" data-vars-content-id="147833ce-424e-428b-94c6-63ff619b7189" data-vars-headline="Mayor says migrant crisis will cost NYC $12B without state, federal aid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/authors/stefwkight" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Stef Kight</a>: It&#x27;s the latest cry for help from Democratic-run cities struggling to care for a surge in newly arrived asylum seekers who initially crossed the U.S.-Mexico border — putting even more political pressure on an administration that&#x27;s struggled to get control of the border from day 1.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

China is becoming the most formidable rival America has faced, and the risk of confrontation with Russia, North Korea or Iran still looms. Authoritarians are rising, the chaotic Afghanistan exit revealed the limits of U.S. power, and the pandemic, climate change and other critical challenges continue to pose grave threats.

World

The number of people missing a month after the historic Hawai'i wildfires has dropped to 66, Democratic Gov. Josh Green announced Friday.  

The big picture: The fire in August razed most of the historic town of Lahaina on Maui and became one of the deadliest wildfires in modern U.S. history, with at least 115 people killed and thousands displaced.

The number of people missing has dropped from as many as 1,000 two weeks after the fires.

Since the fires, Hawaii officials "have been working constantly to shelter survivors, deliver supplies and medical care, and locate the missing and reunite them with their families," Green said. 

Catch up quick: The wildfires destroyed over 2,700 structures and caused damages estimated at $5.6 billion, Green previously.

Extreme winds augmented by Hurricane Dora, coupled with existing drought conditions across Hawai'i and flammable nonnative grasses, exacerbated the spread of the wildfires.

Researchers believe climate change was also likely a contributing factor.

What's next: Authorities will begin to schedule supervised visits for residents to return to and view their properties in the coming weeks, Green said, warning this must be done safely as the ash is toxic. 

Maui's message to tourists: Don't stay away after wildfires

What Maui wildfire survivors do and don't need from donors

Why Hawai'i's governor doesn't want developers buying burned land

Number of missing people after Maui wildfires drops to 66, one month later

It's been a month since the fire, which became one of the deadliest in modern U.S. history

Buildings still smolder on Aug. 11, 2023, days after a wildfire gutted downtown Lahaina. Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Wildfires

The number of people missing a month after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic Hawai&#x27;i wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-maui-wildfires-2023-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="217fbd04-62dd-41cf-9e16-acbaf068a92a" data-vars-headline="Number of missing people after Maui wildfires drops to 66, one month later" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-maui-wildfires-2023-what-to-know" target="_self">historic Hawai&#x27;i wildfires</a> has dropped to 66, Democratic Gov. Josh Green announced Friday. The big picture: The fire in August razed most of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic town of Lahaina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-wildfires-lahaina-before-after-photos" data-vars-content-id="217fbd04-62dd-41cf-9e16-acbaf068a92a" data-vars-headline="Number of missing people after Maui wildfires drops to 66, one month later" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-wildfires-lahaina-before-after-photos" target="_self">historic town of Lahaina</a> on Maui and became one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deadliest wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/13/maui-hawaii-fire-deaths" data-vars-content-id="217fbd04-62dd-41cf-9e16-acbaf068a92a" data-vars-headline="Number of missing people after Maui wildfires drops to 66, one month later" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/13/maui-hawaii-fire-deaths" target="_self">deadliest wildfires</a> in modern U.S. history, with at least 115 people killed and thousands displaced.

Campbell Soup announced on Monday that it has purchased Sovos Brands for about $2.7 billion.

Why it matters: Campbell will bolster its offerings considerably with this purchase — adding Rao's sauces, Michael Angelo's frozen foods, Noosa yogurts and other premium products to its range.

The big picture: Sovos has grown over the years, with an annual organic net sales growth rate of 28% from 2019 to 2022 fiscal years, Campbell noted in a statement Monday.

Rao's accounted for 69% of Sovos' adjusted net sales in 2022, increasing its organic net sales by 34.9% compared to the previous year.

Sovos said in its statement that the purchase would lead to wider distribution and more shelf space for its items.

What they're saying: "We have built a one-of-a-kind, high growth food company focused on taste-led products across a portfolio of premium brands, anchored by the Rao's brand," said Todd Lachman, the founder, president and CEO of Sovos in a statement.

What's next: The deal is set to close by the end of December, per the announcement. 

Campbell Soup buys Rao's parent company for $2.7 billion

The deal is set to close by the end of December.

Rao's sauces. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Food industry

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Campbell Soup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/03/05/campbell-ramps-production-coronavirus-demand" data-vars-content-id="2c1a2527-ae75-4eb7-b3f9-5e55bc201faf" data-vars-headline="Campbell Soup buys Rao&#x27;s parent company for $2.7 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/03/05/campbell-ramps-production-coronavirus-demand" target="_self">Campbell Soup</a> announced on Monday that it has purchased Sovos Brands for about $2.7 billion.Why it matters: Campbell will bolster its offerings considerably with this purchase — adding Rao&#x27;s sauces, Michael Angelo&#x27;s frozen foods, Noosa yogurts and other premium products to its range.

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

Maui County filed a lawsuit Thursday against Hawaiian Electric Company over the destructive wildfires that razed most of Lahaina earlier this month. 

The big picture: While the cause of the deadliest U.S. wildfires in over a century and Hawai'i's worst-ever natural disaster remains under investigation, at least three lawsuits allege the wildfires were ignited by strong winds knocking down the Hawaiian Electric power lines.

Over 1,000 people are still missing from the fires that erupted across Hawaiʻi on Aug. 8. Hawaiian Electric has said it's investigating the cause.

The county is also suing Hawaiʻi's largest utility provider, along with Maui Electric Company, Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company and Hawaiian Electric Industries for "civil damages caused to the County's public property and resources caused by recent Maui fires, including fires in Lahaina and in Kula," per a statement from Maui County Thursday.

Driving the news: Maui County alleges the companies "acted negligently by failing to power down their electrical equipment despite a National Weather Service 'fire weather watch on August 6 and a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning on August 7," according to a statement.

The lawsuit claims power lines caused fires by igniting dry fuel like grass and brush.

Representatives for the companies being sued did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Zoom out: Researchers say climate change was also a contributing factor to the wildfires, driven by extreme winds from Hurricane Dora as it passed hundreds of miles to the southwest.

Go deeper: The climate link to Hawaii's wildfire tragedy

The climate link to Hawaii's wildfire tragedy

Maui County sues utilities over catastrophic Hawai'i wildfires

Lawsuit claims utility's power lines contributed to wildfires.

A power pole on Aug. 17 stands over burned cars and homes in a neighborhood of Lahaina, Hawaii, which was destroyed by the state's worst-ever wildfires. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Hawaii

Maui County filed a lawsuit Thursday against Hawaiian Electric Company over the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="destructive wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-maui-wildfires-2023-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="405c9b76-6e55-46a7-af5e-2a8807a56388" data-vars-headline="Maui County sues utilities over catastrophic Hawai&#x27;i wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-maui-wildfires-2023-what-to-know" target="_self">destructive wildfires</a> that razed most of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lahaina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-wildfires-lahaina-before-after-photos" data-vars-content-id="405c9b76-6e55-46a7-af5e-2a8807a56388" data-vars-headline="Maui County sues utilities over catastrophic Hawai&#x27;i wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-wildfires-lahaina-before-after-photos" target="_self">Lahaina</a> earlier this month. The big picture: While the cause of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the deadliest U.S. wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/13/maui-hawaii-fire-deaths" data-vars-content-id="405c9b76-6e55-46a7-af5e-2a8807a56388" data-vars-headline="Maui County sues utilities over catastrophic Hawai&#x27;i wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/13/maui-hawaii-fire-deaths" target="_self">the deadliest U.S. wildfires</a> in over a century and Hawai&#x27;i&#x27;s worst-ever natural disaster remains under investigation, at least <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three lawsuits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/15/hawaiian-electric-lawsuits-maui-wildfires" data-vars-content-id="405c9b76-6e55-46a7-af5e-2a8807a56388" data-vars-headline="Maui County sues utilities over catastrophic Hawai&#x27;i wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/15/hawaiian-electric-lawsuits-maui-wildfires" target="_self">three lawsuits</a> allege the wildfires were ignited by strong winds knocking down the Hawaiian Electric power lines.

About half of the world's population "can expect to develop" at least one type of mental disorder by the time they are 75 years old, according to a new study published in the scientific journal The Lancet Psychiatry.

Why it matters: The number of Americans experiencing mental health challenges has risen in recent years, particularly during the pandemic. The study finds evidence that certain disorders — such as depression and addiction — are also on the rise at the global level.

Of the 13 disorders included in the survey, the most common among women were depression, a specific phobia — defined as "a disabling anxiety that interferes with daily life" — and post-traumatic stress disorder.

For men, the most common were alcohol abuse, depression and a specific phobia.

Driving the news: For the study, published this week, researchers at the University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School analyzed data from the World Health Organization's World Mental Health surveys.

That data set is the largest coordinated series of face-to-face surveys on this issue, with over 150,000 adults from 29 countries participating over two decades.

Survey participants took part in fully structured psychiatric diagnostic interviews to determine the age at which these illnesses first appeared, how prevalent they are, and the morbidity risk by age 75.

Mental disorders "typically first emerge in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood," according to the findings — more specifically, the median age at which disorders emerged was 19 for men and 20 for women.

What they found: 1 in 2 people were estimated to have at least one mental illness, according to the researchers' analysis of the WHO data, which was not previously known. It's a sharp increase from 1 in every 8 people worldwide in 2019.

"The most common were mood disorders such as major depression or anxiety," said study lead author John McGrath, a professor at UQ's Queensland Brain Institute, in a statement. "We also found the risk of certain mental disorders differed by sex."

What they're saying: "By understanding the age at which these disorders commonly arise, we can tailor public health interventions and allocate resources to ensure that appropriate and timely support is available to individuals at risk," McGrath said.

Brett Emmerson, a professor and chair at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Queensland branch, noted to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the new research indicated that mental illness affects more people than previously known.

"If half of the population will have a disorder, then you have to start looking at what treatments there are," he added. "Early intervention is better because if you leave it, you risk the disorder becoming chronic."

Our thought bubble, via Axios' Tina Reed: Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders, were already soaring but reached crisis levels as they were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At the same time, mental health has gained increasing societal acceptance, particularly in western nations like the U.S., further increasing the likelihood of seeking diagnoses and treatment — but straining the available mental health workforce.

Between the lines: An estimated 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness, and more people are seeking therapy. However, mental health providers are struggling to keep up with the demand.

What we're watching: The Biden administration proposed a rule earlier this month to require health insurers to cover behavioral health at the same level as physical health in an effort to address this.

Go deeper: Teen girls bear worst of mental health crisis

Teen girls bear worst of mental health crisis

Study: Half of all people likely get mental illness in their lifetime

The most common mental illnesses were mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

A man sits huddled on a chair with his hands in front of his face. Photo: Jonas Walzberg/picture alliance via Getty Images

Mental health

Public health

About half of the world&#x27;s population &quot;can expect to develop&quot; at least one type of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental disorder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/12/mental-health-crisis-cost" data-vars-content-id="a04df6e2-9de1-4723-aebe-299722132b3d" data-vars-headline="Study: Half of all people likely get mental illness in their lifetime" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/12/mental-health-crisis-cost" target="_self">mental disorder</a> by the time they are 75 years old, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2215036623001931?dgcid=author" data-vars-content-id="a04df6e2-9de1-4723-aebe-299722132b3d" data-vars-headline="Study: Half of all people likely get mental illness in their lifetime" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2215036623001931?dgcid=author" target="_blank">new study</a> published in the scientific journal The Lancet Psychiatry.Why it matters: The number of Americans experiencing mental health challenges has risen in recent years, particularly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="during the pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/30/mental-health-pandemic-shadow-epidemic" data-vars-content-id="a04df6e2-9de1-4723-aebe-299722132b3d" data-vars-headline="Study: Half of all people likely get mental illness in their lifetime" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/30/mental-health-pandemic-shadow-epidemic" target="_self">during the pandemic</a>. The study finds evidence that certain disorders — such as depression and addiction — are also on the rise at the global level.

The U.S. faces a range of health care flashpoints — unaffordable drugs, opioids, vaping — as we debate whether to adopt universal care. For now, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, but Republicans want to issue it a final death blow.

Sri Ravipati

Stories

Number of missing people after Maui wildfires drops to 66, one month later

Maui County sues utilities over catastrophic Hawai'i wildfires

Mayor says migrant crisis will cost NYC $12B without state, federal aid

Campbell Soup buys Rao's parent company for $2.7 billion

Study: Half of all people likely get mental illness in their lifetime