After fire kills 3, NYC officials say retailers, delivery apps must do more to ensure e-bike safety

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

After fire kills 3, NYC officials say retailers, delivery apps must do more to ensure e-bike safety NEW YORK (AP) — New York City officials say retailers and food delivery companies must do more to halt the proliferation of unsafe e-bike and e-scooter batteries, after a fire blamed on an electric scooter’s lithium ion battery killed three people over the weekend.“There is blood on the hands of this private industry,” Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said at a news conference Monday in front of the charred remains of the Brooklyn row house where the early Sunday blaze killed Albertha West, 81, her son Michael West, 58, and her grandson Jamiyl West, 33.Fire officials said the fire broke out on the ground floor of the building. “It’s extensively damaged,” Kavanagh said, adding that the battery that sparked the fire was for a “scooter of some kind.”The city has seen hundreds of fires linked to the lithium ion batteries that power electric bikes and scooters in the last few years. City officials have blamed off-market batteries and chargers that don’t meet safety standards ...

The man accused of attacking Nancy Pelosi's husband says he wanted to end corruption

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

The man accused of attacking Nancy Pelosi's husband says he wanted to end corruption SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The man accused of attacking former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer last year told jurors at his federal trial Tuesday how he went to the Pelosis' San Francisco home as part of a bigger plan to end corruption in the United States.David DePape spoke for more than an hour in which he tearfully recounted about how his political leanings went from leftist to right-wing after reading a comment on a YouTube video about former President Donald Trump. He did not deny bludgeoning Paul Pelosi, saying he reacted after realizing his larger plan might be unraveling.DePape has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official with intent to retaliate against the official for performance of their duties. His attorneys argue that he was not seeking to go after Nancy Pelosi because of her official duties as a member of Congress and so the charges do not fit. The attack happene...

Florida dad stumped by toddler's mystery impersonation

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

Florida dad stumped by toddler's mystery impersonation (NEXSTAR) — It's well-documented that kids say the darndest things — but what happens when your kid keeps saying something that you just can't place? It's the mystery one Florida dad is currently trying to solve.Chris, who gave Nexstar permission to use his name and that of his 2 year-old Jack, reached out to Nexstar with the conundrum, pointing us to a much-upvoted and answered Reddit thread where Chris was also seeking answers. The top-trending pet names in America, according to a new study He explains that every night, Jack dumps out the bath toys from their bucket, "places the bucket on his head and says, "I'm [blank] [blank]." The last part of the sentence is still unclear."In the past, I've thought he says 'I'm Hank Evil,' or 'Hey Evil,' or 'I'm very evil' — but I can't figure out the character. I do think the second word is evil," Chris wrote on Reddit. Per the clip above, you might also hear "Henry Evil."Chris also jokes: "My wife is a speech language pathologist for kids...

At least three dead, multiple hurt in fiery I-70 crash involving bus and semi

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

At least three dead, multiple hurt in fiery I-70 crash involving bus and semi ETNA, Ohio (WCMH) – At least three people died and 15 were injured Tuesday morning when a semi crashed into the rear of a charter bus carrying high school students.The crash caused the semi to catch fire and smoke to pour out of the bus, which was carrying students from Tuscarawas Valley High School in northeast Ohio to an event in Columbus. The accident took place on Interstate 70 east of the exit for State Route 310 and led to I-70 being closed in both directions for several hours. Click here for current traffic conditions Courtesy Photo/NBC4 ViewerCourtesy Photo/NBC4 ViewerA fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (Courtesy photo/Adam Layton)Emergency crews respond to a fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (Courtesy/Ohio Department of Transportation)Emergency crews respond to a fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (NBC4)Emergency crews respond to a fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (...

Fourth day of deliberations in APD officer's murder trial, jurors at odds

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

Fourth day of deliberations in APD officer's murder trial, jurors at odds AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For the fourth day Tuesday, a Travis County jury continued to deliberate in the trial of Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor. He is being tried for murder in the 2020 shooting death of Michael Ramos. Tuesday afternoon, Judge Dayna Blazey said the jury was confused about whether they had to be unanimous about specific elements of the charge Taylor is facing to move forward to the next. While the jury has to come to an ultimate decision unanimously, they do not need to agree on every element of the charge before discussing others. The jurors also asked the court to refresh their memories on some testimony presented in the trial, but Blazey didn't indicate which testimony the jury had asked for. That testimony was not provided to the jurors until late in the work day Tuesday. Monday, Blazey issued what is referred to as an "Allen charge," asking the jurors who were holding out to consider the majority's side. Blazey said jurors announced earlier in the day th...

Report: 2023 SXSW generated nearly $381M for Austin economy

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

Report: 2023 SXSW generated nearly $381M for Austin economy AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 2023 South by Southwest Conference and Festivals and SXSW EDU generated nearly $381 million in spending for the Austin economy, according to a SXSW economic impact report released Tuesday. That spending activity encompasses money spent by attendees, SXSW and its partners at local hotels, venues, bars and restaurants, theaters, caterers and production equipment rentals, among others. When broken down, that almost $381 million in economic impact comprised $234.1 million via festival attendance, $88.7 million courtesy operational services and $58 million spent by SXSW partners, per the report. Those partners include SXSW exhibitors, sponsors and official parties involved in the festival, the report added.More than 52,600 hotel room nights were booked in relation to the festival, per the report. In total, there were more than 11,400 hotel reservations made, as well as an average daily retail spending amount of $225. TRENDING NOW: Where does Austin rank among worst ...

ABJ: Constitutionality of state law that allows developers to deannex land challenged in court

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

ABJ: Constitutionality of state law that allows developers to deannex land challenged in court AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- As disagreements between cities and landowners over a new state law wage on, one Texas city is taking its complaints to court, and an Austin-area municipality is joining the fight.This marks the latest pushback of Senate Bill 2038, which was passed earlier this year by the Texas Legislature and went into effect on Sept. 1 after Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law. The law essentially allows landowners on the fringes of major cities to petition to be removed from an extraterritorial jurisdiction, freeing them up to develop with fewer regulations.Many in the business community have said SB 2038 makes development easier in rapidly growing areas near big cities and helps to keep up with housing demand, although most agree deannexation should be a last resort. Opponents said the law is too friendly to developers and limits cities' power to effectively regulate land they might one day annex. Court and lawyer fees are starting to pile up as more landowne...

Where to find a seat at the Thanksgiving table around Glens Falls, North Country

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

Where to find a seat at the Thanksgiving table around Glens Falls, North Country GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Thanksgiving is just a couple weeks away, and some restaurants and community centers around the greater Glens Falls area are tipping their tricorne hats to the occasion. From a community dinner open to everyone to a series of unique menus, and from the dinner table to the place to run off the turkey weight, here's who's holding a special Thanksgiving event. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Community dinnerHometown Thanksgiving at Christ ChurchNoon - 2 p.m.Christ United Methodist Church, 54 Bay St., Glens FallsA free community Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings at Christ United Methodist ChurchMeal delivery can be coordinated at (518) 232-8896 or [email protected] Winter Arts Festival returning to Glens Falls RestaurantsThe Sagamore1-6 p.m.110 Sagamore Road, Bolton LandingFull buffet for resort guests$80 for adults, $40 for kids ages 6-12, $10 for kids 10 and underGarnet Hill Lodg...

Heavy metal band Judas Priest to perform at MVP Arena

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

Heavy metal band Judas Priest to perform at MVP Arena ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Heavy metal band Judas Priest is coming to the MVP Arena in Albany. The band is set to perform on May 21 at 7:30 p.m. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! This stop is part of Judas Priest's "Invincible Shield Tour." The tour will also feature special guest Sabaton.Judas Priest was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. The band is best known for the songs, “Breaking the Law,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” and “Painkiller.” LEGO Fan Expo coming to Empire State Plaza in April Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 17 at 10 a.m. You can buy tickets on the Ticketmaster website.

Illinois teacher's 'beautifully lived life' impresses on Drew Barrymore

Published Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:34:49 GMT

Illinois teacher's 'beautifully lived life' impresses on Drew Barrymore EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- A local teacher is being recognized as one of the best in the US. Briana Morales made a recent appearance on the Drew Barrymore Show with a former student and her foster child. Her story and her impact on the community are gaining national recognition.Morales works at the Gordon Bush Alternative School in East St. Louis School District 189. She was recently named the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education. Selected from almost 500 applicants, Morales was recognized for her positive impact on students.Gun violence is a problem in the school district where she teaches. The English teacher helps students process trauma through poetry, a concept she learned from her 7th-grade teacher."I was struggling a lot in the seventh grade and I experienced a lot of trauma. It was almost too much to bear and I attempted suicide. When I came back to school after psychiatric rehabilitation, I had the coolest English teacher that I could eve...