March 3, 2021 4:14 am
HOLTVILLE, Calif. (AP) – The Border Patrol says 13 people killed in a Southern California crash were among more than 40 migrants who entered the U.S. through a hole cut into the border fence with Mexico. Authorities say surveillance video showed a Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban drive through the opening Tuesday. It’s believed they were part of a migrant smuggling operation. The Suburban carried 19 people, and it caught fire after entering the U.S. All escaped the vehicle and were taken into custody. The Expedition crammed with 25 people slammed into a tractor-trailer a short time later. Thirteen were killed, and others were injured.
March 3, 2021 4:13 am
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – A somber New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is apologizing following sexual harassment allegations against him. He said Wednesday he “learned an important lesson” about his own behavior around women, but he said he intended to remain in office. Cuomo said he will “fully cooperate” with the state attorney general’s investigation into sexual harassment allegations. Attorney General Letitia James is in the process of selecting an outside law firm to conduct an investigation into the allegations and produce a report that will be made publicly. Cuomo had avoided public appearances for days as some fellow Democrats call for him to resign.
March 3, 2021 4:12 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – Capitol Police say they have intelligence showing there is a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. The new threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that former President Donald Trump will rise again to power on March 4, the presidential inauguration day until 1933. On Wednesday, federal agents were seeking to determine whether there was an increase in the number of hotel rooms being rented in Washington, as well as monitoring flights to the area, car rental reservations and bus charters, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.
March 3, 2021 4:11 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House is warning that the U.S. may consider a military response to the rocket attack that hit an air base in western Iraq where American and coalition troops are housed. A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets slammed into the base early Wednesday. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby says the contractor “suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering” and died shortly afterward. It was the first such attack since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman. That strike stoked fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks. No one claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack.
March 3, 2021 4:09 am
GREENSBURG, Pa. — (WPXI)- Multiple medical helicopters were called to the scene of a crash along Route 119 and Route 22 in Westmoreland County. A woman driving an SUV and a man driving a tractor trailer were flown to area hospitals after their vehicles collided shortly before 6:30 p.m. in Salem Township. Crash investigators said the incident occured when the woman tried to turn onto Route 119 and the truck was heading east. Forbes Road Volunteer Fire Chief Bob Rosatti said the impact spun the SUV around. The truck then crossed through the other lane of traffic, smashed through a guardrail and crashed down a 100 foot embankment. No other details have been released at this time.
March 2, 2021 3:28 pm
DOVER, Del. (AP) – The Boy Scouts of America has submitted a bankruptcy reorganization plan that envisions continued operations of its local troops and national adventure camps but leaves many unanswered questions about resolving tens of thousands of sexual abuse claims by former Boy Scouts. The plan was filed Monday, even though the BSA remains in intense negotiations with insurers over sexual abuse claims and with the official committee representing abuse victims. The BSA says the plan demonstrates progress as it works to compensate abuse victims and address finances so it can continue operating. An attorney for hundreds of former Scouts calls the plan woefully inadequate.
March 2, 2021 6:23 am
Volvo says it will make only electric vehicles by 2030. But if you want one, you’ll have to buy it online. The Swedish automaker said Tuesday that it is phasing out the production of all cars with internal combustion engines – including hybrids. Volvo’s announcement follows General Motors’ pledge earlier this year to make only battery-powered vehicles by 2035. As part of the announcement Tuesday, Volvo will unveil its second fully electric car, a follow-up to last year’s XC40 Recharge. Automakers around the world are ramping up production of electric vehicles as charging technology improves and governments impose stricter pollution regulations.
March 2, 2021 4:15 am
UNITED NATIONS (AP) – Saudi Arabia’s U.N. ambassador is disputing the U.S. intelligence report which concluded that the Saudi crown prince approved an operation to kill or capture dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said in a tweet Monday: “Let us all move forward to tackle the serious business of world issues!!” The Saudi envoy said the newly declassified report “is based on could’ve, should’ve and would’ve and does not rise to anywhere close to proving the accusation beyond reasonable doubt.” Al-Mouallimi said in a series of tweets, “the Prince courageously accepted moral responsibility … and pledged to reform the intelligence organizations. Case closed!”
March 2, 2021 4:14 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – Drugmaker Merck & Co. will help produce rival Johnson & Johnson’s newly approved coronavirus vaccine in an effort to expand supply more quickly. That’s according to the White House, which said President Joe Biden would address the partnership in a speech Tuesday afternoon. Officials have said J&J faced unexpected production issues with its vaccine and produced only 3.9 million doses ahead of its receiving emergency use authorization on Saturday. The company is on pace to deliver 100 million doses by the end of June. The assistance from Merck was expected to help J&J meet its production commitments and expand supply even further.
March 2, 2021 4:12 am
NEW YORK (AP) – Calls for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign are intensifying now that a third woman has accused him of offensive behavior. Anna Ruch told The New York Times on Monday that Cuomo touched her back and face and asked if he could kiss her moments after they met at a wedding in 2019. Her account prompted tweets of support from two former Cuomo aides who say he sexually harassed them. The governor has denied wrongdoing and said his actions were misinterpreted. The state’s attorney general is hiring a law firm to investigate his conduct.
