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California lawmakers block bill allowing people to sue oil companies over health problems

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers blocked two big environmental bills Thursday, one that would have ramped up the state’s emissions targets and another that would have made oil companies liable for the health problems of people who live close to oil wells. They are among the hundreds of bills that did not survive the Legislature’s suspense file, a mysterious process where lawmakers decide — with no explanation — which bills will get a chance to become law later this year and which ones should not move forward.Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that bans drilling new oil wells within 3,200 feet of sensitive areas like homes and schools. But the law hasn’t taken effect because the oil industry qualified a referendum on the 2024 ballot asking voters to overturn it.That referendum angered environmental and health advocates. They decided if the oil industry wanted to block that law, then they would try to pass another law to let people who got sick from living t...

Accounting error means Pentagon can send an additional $3 billion in weapons to Ukraine

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon has overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by at least $3 billion — an accounting error that could be a boon for the war effort because it will allow the Defense Department to send more weapons now without asking Congress for more money. The acknowledgment Thursday comes at a time when Pentagon is under increased pressure by Congress to show accountability for the billions of dollars it has sent in weapons, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine and as some lawmakers question whether that level of support should continue. It also could free up more money for critical weapons as Ukraine is on the verge of a much anticipated counteroffensive — which will require as much military aid as they can get. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said the offensive was delayed because they did not yet have everything they needed. The error was caused when officials overvalued some of the systems sent to Ukraine, using the value...

Judge not inclined to shut down pipeline, pleads with Wisconsin tribe to work with oil company

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge said Thursday he is unlikely to force an energy company to shut down an oil pipeline in northern Wisconsin, despite arguments from a Native American tribe that the line is at immediate risk of being exposed by erosion and rupturing on reservation land.U.S. District Judge William Conley said the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa didn’t prove that an emergency exists along a stretch of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline where large sections of nearby riverbank have been washed away in recent weeks. Conley also expressed frustration with the tribe for not allowing Enbridge to reinforce the land around the pipeline.“The band has not helped itself by refusing to take any steps to prevent a catastrophic failure at the meander,” Conley said. “You haven’t even allowed simple steps that would have prevented some of this erosion.”The tribe says less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) of land now stands between the Bad River and Line 5 along a meander on the ...

'This is what I love doing:' A painter spreads joy - and helps family - through sports art

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

WGN News Now featured retired teacher and local artist Cathy Weadley's sports-based art and how it helps a family member, which you can watch in the video above.CHICAGO — With her trusty brushes, a toolbox, along with a tub full of paint, she arrives at a condo with one thing - and really one team - on her mind for the morning."You can only make one good first impression," said Cathy Weadley as she prepares to continue work on a condo just outside of Wrigley Field on a sunny day in Lakeview.On this day, the Chicago resident, retired teacher & coach is doing some touch-up work on her project to turn this living space into a Cubs' wonderland. It's complete with the iconic bricks & ivy that have defined the "Friendly Confines" for most of its existence, along with the famed centerfield scoreboard near the kitchen.That, of course, features the line scores from the Cubs' 2016 World Series victory over Cleveland.Around the condo are a few photos and works from local artists that W...

Monkeypox cases rising in Chicago ahead of summer, IDPH reports

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

CHICAGO — Health officials say cases of monkeypox are on the rise again in Chicago. The Illinois Department of Public Health on Thrusday confirmed at least 24 monkeypox cases, with two additional cases probable, since March 24. According to health officials, all cases were among symptomatic men, a majority of whom had received two doses of the monkeypox vaccine.Health officials say monkeypox is transmitted primarily through close sustained physical contact.  “We are seeing an increase in mpox cases over the past month – a reminder that the threat of mpox is not over,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We saw during last year’s outbreak that we have the tools to prevent mpox. We are asking Illinoisans at-risk for mpox to take precautions to reduce their exposure and get vaccinated – either for the first time or to complete the two-dose course. Mpox vaccine remains an important tool in stopping the spread of mpox and may help prevent serious illness.”IDPH urged those at risk ...

Target recalls nearly 5 million Threshold candles due to burn hazard

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

(NEXSTAR) — Target is recalling almost 5 million Threshold brand candles over concerns the jars they come in may crack or break during use — posing potential burn, fire and laceration hazards. Target says it has already received 137 reports of incident, including six injuries.The affected items are all candles sold in stores nationwide and at Target.com from August 2019 through March 2023. The candles came in a variety of scents, styles and sizes and cost between $3 and $20, Target says. 2.5 million vehicles with ‘urgent recalls’ remain unrepaired in US Customers should immediately stop using them and return them to any Target store. The company says customers will receive full refunds. ProductSizeItem numberThreshold™ Apple Blossom and Breeze candle (glass jar)5.5 oz054-09-1488Threshold™ Berry Lemonade and Melon candle (glass jar)5.5 oz054-09-6393Threshold™ Coconut Sorbet candle (glass jar)5.5 oz054-09-9509Threshold™ Red Mandarin and Guava candle (glass jar)5.5 oz054-09-9789Thres...

Haley Pullos from 'General Hospital' faces DUI charge after wrong-way crash

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) - "General Hospital" actress Haley Pullos faces a DUI charge after authorities said she was involved in a violent wrong-way crash in Pasadena late last month.The accident occurred on April 29 when, according to a California Highway Patrol report, Pullos drove the wrong direction on the 134 Freeway and collided head-on with another vehicle near the Orange Grove exit.Both Pullos, 24, and the other driver were hospitalized with serious injuries.Authorities say Haley Pullos was driving in the wrong direction on the 134 Freeway in Pasadena when she collided with another vehicle. April 19, 2023. (Pasadena Fire Department)Pullos was arrested at the hospital on suspicion of driving under the influence. CHP said she was also involved in a hit-and-run collision shortly before the freeway crash.According to Soap Opera Digest, "General Hospital" has recast her character, at least temporarily.

Abbott confirms first bus of migrants has arrived in Colorado

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

(The Hill) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) confirmed on Thursday that the first bus of migrants has arrived in Colorado. "Texas' overwhelmed and overrun border communities should not have to shoulder the flood of illegal immigration due to President Biden's reckless open border policies, like his mass catch and release without court dates or any way to track them," Abbott said in a news release, noting that the migrants were dropped off near the Civic Center Park in Denver, Colo. Abbott had recently bussed more migrants to Washington, D.C. on Sunday, with the group arriving at Vice President Harris’ residence. "Until the President and his Administration step up and fulfill their constitutional duty to secure the border, the State of Texas will continue busing migrants to self-declared sanctuary cities like Denver to provide much-needed relief to our small border towns."  ‘Now or never’: Migrants rush to U.S. border ahead of Title 42 expiration The announcement comes as Abbo...

Victims in deadly Brownsville migrant center crash identified

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Brownsville police have identified the victims in a crash near a migrant center that killed eight and injured nearly a dozen.At 8:30 a.m. May 7, an SUV crashed into a group of 18 people in front of the Ozanam Center near Minnesota Road. On Tuesday, police released the identities of those killed and injured in the crash.Those killed in the crash include:Jose Javier Carrio Moreno (18)Cristian Jesus Sangranis Rodriguez (19)Brayan Garcia (24)Hector David Medina Medero (24)Enyerbeth Cabarcas Meza (23)Luis Jeffrhey Matute Vasquez (31)Jorge Luis Flores Colina (48)Richard Alejandro Bustamante Perez (27)Those injured in the crash include:Manuel Rafael Chacon Martinez (42)Raul Antonio Ramos Vivas (28)Gabriel Jose Gallardo Contreras (26)Joan Jose Quiroz Subero (40)Jose Luis Duran Gonzalez (29)Andreivy Moises Contreras Marquez (26)Juan Carlos Paredes Morales (45)Monra Alberto Quevedo Silva (32)Ender Augusto Mata Garcia (23)Yender Palacios Alvarado (21)Euglis...

Good Samaritans in Texas assist rescue of driver from burning vehicle

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:28 GMT

FREESTONE COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) — Freestone County residents helped the Sheriff's Office and rescue crews save a person trapped in a burning vehicle.Sheriff Jeremy Shipley says that a Freestone County deputy, along with Fairfield Fire and Fairfield EMS, responded at approximately 4:56 p.m. May 11 to the scene of a single-vehicle accident with entrapment on S. Highway 75, just south of Fairfield. The vehicle was found with a lot of smoke coming out of it, and a fire was starting in the engine area. The driver of the vehicle was found pinned in the vehicle in the floorboard of the car - between the front dash and the driver seat. The deputy was the first person on the scene and immediately started attempting to get the driver out of the vehicle - as well as attempting to hold back the flames from coming into the vehicle with a fire extinguisher. Sheriff Shipley also said there were a couple of good samaritans on the scene to assist. Fairfield EMS soon arrived, and paramedics started ...