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Vote on Biden’s pick to run FAA delayed amid GOP opposition

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

A vote on President Joe Biden’s choice to run the Federal Aviation Administration was delayed indefinitely Wednesday in the face of an opposition blitz by Republicans, who say the nominee lacks enough experience in aviation to lead the agency, which is under pressure to stem a surge in dangerous close calls between planes.The Senate Commerce Committee was scheduled to vote on Denver International Airport CEO Phillip Washington, whose nomination has languished since Biden announced his choice last July.Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said the vote would be delayed to gather information requested by senators. She did not detail the information or name the committee members who sought the delay. The FAA has not had a Senate-confirmed administrator since March 2022, when Stephen Dickson stepped down midway through his term. The agency is being led by an acting administrator, Billy Nolen.The FAA administrator is not a cabinet-level job, but Republicans have turned the nomi...

Israeli foreign minister visits Poland to ‘restore’ ties

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The Israeli and Polish foreign ministers met Wednesday in a step that they hailed as a breakthrough in restoring a relationship that has been badly damaged due to bickering over Holocaust memory over the past five years.The ministers signed an agreement that they say will allow for the resumption of Israeli youth trips to Poland, one of several points of contention that have led to bitter feelings between the two countries.The visit by Foreign Minister Eli Cohen is the first at that level since 2018, and Poland’s Foreign Ministry says it will be followed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog attending observances next month for the 80th anniversary of the World War II Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. “I came here to restore the relationship between our countries, and I found in you, my distinguished colleague, a trusted partner,” Cohen said at a news conference alongside Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, whom he referred to more than once as his friend.“This is an...

Supreme Court chews on Jack Daniel’s dog toy dispute

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is hearing a spirited dispute Wednesday between whiskey maker Jack Daniel’s and the manufacturer of a squeaking dog toy that parodies the liquor’s bottle and label. The question for the court has to do with whether the toy’s maker infringed on Jack Daniel’s trademarks.Arizona-based VIP Products produces the Bad Spaniels toy. While the original bottle has the words “Old No. 7 brand” and “Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey,” the parody proclaims: “The Old No. 2 on Your Tennessee Carpet.” The original bottle notes it is 40% alcohol by volume. The parody features a dog’s face and says it’s “43% Poo by Vol.” and “100% Smelly.”The packaging of the toy, which retails for around $20, notes in small font: “This product is not affiliated with Jack Daniel Distillery.”Jack Daniel’s, based in Lynchburg, Tennesseem isn’t amused.“Jack Daniel’s loves dogs and appreciates a good joke as much as anyone. But Jack Daniel’s likes its...

Cambodian court charges activists with insulting king online

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Two anti-government activists in Cambodia were charged in court Wednesday with insulting the king and incitement to commit a felony for comments they made on social media about Prime Minister Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni.Yim Sinorn and Hun Kosal, both associated with the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, which was dissolved by court order in 2017, could face up to seven years in prison if convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.The two men were arrested after Hun Sen, who has held power for 38 years, claimed to be offended by their online observations about watching a Tuesday television broadcast of him and the king attending a torch-lighting ceremony for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, which Cambodia will host in May.Hun Sen claimed their comments about how he interacted with the king implied he was showing disrespect and usurping the king’s status. He accused the two of trying to drive a wedge between him and the monarch, who is the he...

2 adult faculty members shot at Denver East High

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — Two adult faculty members were shot at Denver East High School on Wednesday morning, Denver Public Schools said. Denver Police said the two victims were transported to local hospitals.There is a large police presence at East High School while police investigate the shooting.Denver Police believe that the suspect is no longer on scene and are working to develop information. The Denver Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is on scene assisting. Denver Public Schools said East High has been placed on lockdown and students are being held in their third-period class while police investigate. The district said the school will do a controlled release once police allow. Parents can pick up their students at 17th and Esplanade. Students who drove to school will be escorted to their cars. Students who rode the bus will be held until their bus arrives. Colfax has been shut down near the school. Police are asking everyone to avoid the area.

UM basketball teams gear up for Sweet 16 showdown

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

The University of Miami (UM) is abuzz with excitement as the men’s and women’s basketball teams prepare to hit the road for the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA March Madness tournament. Both teams have their sights set on the Elite Eight, and with a final practice underway before departure, the anticipation is palpable.Miami is only one of four schools in the nation to make it to the Sweet 16 in both men’s and women’s basketball this year, alongside Tennessee, UCLA, and Yukon. The women’s team, in particular, has reason to celebrate, as they haven’t made it to the Sweet 16 since 1992. On Friday, they’ll face off against the No. 4 seed Villanova Wildcats in Greenville, South Carolina.Meanwhile, the men’s team will be taking on the No. 1 seed Houston in a bid to replicate their Elite Eight success from last year. Despite being underdogs in their respective match-ups, the players are all eager to prove themselves and take their teams one step ...

South Florida prepares for Ultra Musical Festival’s 23rd year

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

There are only a few days left until the biggest music festival in the world returns to South Florida. The Ultra Music Festival is back and ready to take over downtown Miami and preparations are now underway. Crews were seen working Wednesday as they put up barricades for the festival’s 23rd year. Over the next three days, over 165,000 people will be in the Miami area.Seven stages will have performances, and a Miami Heat basketball game will also happen over the weekend.To prevent any incidents, Miami’s chief of police said that a vast majority of the department would be out, working with other police partners to keep everyone safe.“In our command center, we will have all the jurisdiction, so we work very closely with our federal, state and local partners,” said Miami Police chief Manuel Morales. “So we’ll have folks from Miami-Dade, we’ll have folks from FDLE, we’ll have some federal folks inside our command post to share information...

2 adult victims injured in shooting at Denver high school

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

 (CNN) — Denver Police said in a Twitter post that they are responding to a shooting at East High School in Denver, Colorado.“At this time, two adult victims have been located and transported to area hospitals. It is believed the suspect is no longer on scene, and investigators are working to develop additional info,” according to a follow-up Denver Police tweet.This is a developing story and will be updated.

Matt Damon, Casey Affleck spotted filming movie in Boston

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck were spotted filming a movie in Boston on Wednesday, drawing a crowd to an area on Cambridge Street. The two are in town filming a movie entitled “The Instigators.” The film follows two crooks who go on the run with their therapist when a robbery goes wrong. At the Engine 4, Ladder 24 Boston Fire Department fire station Wednesday morning, a scene for the film involved Affleck and Damon walking toward a firetruck. Affleck could be seen wearing a Dartmouth sweatshirt.. Snow was also brought in for the wintertime scene. Nurses from nearby Mass General Hospital were outside among the crowd gathered to get a look at Hollywood stars in Boston.An area teacher was also on scene with his students. “This is wild,” Patrick Tracey told 7NEWS. Fire station operations were getting back to normal around noon after movie activities Wednesday morning. Elsewhere, though, Damon, Affleck and their film crew are expected to be at Bova’s Bakery in the Nort...

FAA issues industrywide call to action following runway close calls

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:22:25 GMT

 (CNN) — The Federal Aviation Administration told airlines Wednesday to step up vigilance at airports after a series of close calls on or near runways.The agency published an “aviation safety call to action,” urging carriers to “reinforce adherence to published processes and procedures.”“Operators should evaluate information collected through their safety management processes, identify hazards, increase and improve safety communications with employees and enact mitigations,” the safety alert says.While flying remains an incredibly safe way to travel, the bulletin recommends “areas of focus” highlighted by recent events, including: using internal communication processes to “highlight … existing issues;” reinforcing rules, such as checklists and Air Traffic Control instructions; ensuring pilots and flight attendants understand what a “sterile flight deck” means, including the r...