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FBI confirms explosion at Canada-U.S. Rainbow Bridge border crossing in New York

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

WASHINGTON — Four of the busiest border crossing points between Canada and the United States were abruptly closed Wednesday after a vehicle exploded at a U.S. checkpoint in Niagara Falls. The FBI confirmed it is investigating the explosion, which took place on the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge crossing in upstate New York.Videos posted to social media show smoke and flames and the wreckage of at least one vehicle at the checkpoint complex on the U.S. side of the Niagara River. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons that Canada was working closely with the U.S. and taking the matter “extremely seriously” before he excused himself to attend a briefing.  Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc called it a “violent circumstance” and a source of concern for both countries, but warned against speculation in the absence of more details.  New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement that she had been fully briefed and was monitoring the situation ...

2 reported dead after vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, FBI investigating

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

Two people who were in a vehicle that exploded at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls are dead, according to multiple media reports.The explosion, which one eyewitness said occurred after a speeding vehicle crashed into a fence on the U.S. side of the border, prompted the closure of all four international bridges between Canada and Western New York.In a social media post, the FBI Buffalo Field Office confirmed it is investigating a “vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge” on Wednesday morning.“The FBI is coordinating with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very fluid, that’s all we can say at this time.”Witness Mike Guenther told WGRZ-TV that he saw a vehicle racing toward the crossing from the U.S. side. The vehicle swerved to avoid another car before crashing into a fence, flying into the air, and exploding in dramatic fashion, he said.“All of a sudden he went up in...

Ed Burke trial: Cross examination of Burger King owner continues

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

CHICAGO — A Texas-based fast food restaurant magnate who owns a Burger King in the ward of Ed Burke is once again on the witness stand Wednesday in Burke's federal trial.The franchise owner, Shoulkat Dhanani, spent most of Tuesday answering questions from prosecutors — telling them he felt pressure to hire Ed Burke so that a construction project at his Burger King would go smoothly.Burke is charged with 14 counts of racketeering, bribery and extortion. They're tied to four alleged schemes involving the following: the aforementioned Burger King, Binny's Beverage Depot, the Old Main Post Office development and the Field Museum.In the Burger King episode, Burke is accused of trying to pressure Dhanani into using his private law firm to do Dhanani's property tax appeals for all 150 Burger King locations he owns in the area. Previous: Ed Burke trial shifts to alleged Burger King scheme Burke is heard of a wiretapped phone call telling a Texas political contact that he'd like to g...

Indiana man charged in Delphi murders evidence leak

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. — A friend and former co-worker of attorney Andrew Baldwin, who was one-half of accused Delphi murderer Richard Allen's original defense team, is being charged after he admitted to taking photos of sensitive crime scene evidence related to the Delphi murders and leaking the photos online. Mitchell Westerman, 41, of Westfield is charged with one count of conversion, a Class A misdemeanor. Judge calls Richard Allen's original defense team “grossly negligent” According to court documents, Westerman once was employed at Baldwin's law firm and the two have been friends for several years. Westerman no longer works with Baldwin but said he frequently stopped by the office to visit with Baldwin and the staff. Booking photo of Mitchell WestermanOn Oct. 5, law enforcement were notified of a leak in evidence related to the slayings of Libby German and Abby Williams in Delphi in February of 2017. The evidence, including sensitive crime scenes photos, had been spread onli...

Binance CEO pleads guilty, crypto firm to pay $4 billion fine

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -The Justice Department is celebrating a historic crackdown on the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.Binance has agreed to pay a roughly $4 billion settlement, and its founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao, has pleaded guilty to a felony and resigned.Attorney General Merrick Garland says that's the standard companies must meet if they want to do business in the U.S. and he says the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange failed to do it. "Binance prioritized its profits over the safety of the American people," he said.Garland and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said a sprawling investigation found Binance allowed nearly 2 million transactions that violated U.S. sanctions, including ones involving Hamas and ISIS.These officials say the transactions helped catapult Binance to the top of the crypto industry."Now, Binance is paying one of the largest corporate penalties in U.S. history," Garland said.The Justice Department has now successfully prosecuted the CE...

Turkey talking: Butterball help line is back in action

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

CLEVELAND (WJW) — The holidays are most likely the only time of year you attempt to cook an entire turkey at your house. But that's easier said than done. Whether you want to know about the perfect size bird for you, or exactly how to cook it with stuffing inside, Butterball is here for you — for the 42nd year and counting. What grocery stores are open for Thanksgiving 2023? The poultry company's famous talk line, which is 1-800-BUTTERBALL for callers or 844-877-3456 for texters, reopened the day after Halloween and is on hand through Christmas Eve.(AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)Butterball also offers up a helpful calculators and conversions list for those looking for quick answers. Unfortunately, if you waited until Thanksgiving Day to let your turkey thaw, you may be too late. Butterball may not be able to help you with that.

Don't pour fats, oils or grease into your sink during Thanksgiving meal prep. Here's why

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

(KTXL) — As Thanksgiving approaches, utility officials are reminding people some meals will produce substances that shouldn’t be poured down the kitchen sink.Sacramento's Department of Utilities said large amounts of fats, oils and grease can be produced while preparing turkeys and hams. As preparations are being done for Thanksgiving dinner, they warn that fats, oils and grease shouldn’t be poured down the drain, as they could cause a clogged sink.“There are a lot of myths and urban legends that disposing of fats, oils or grease down the drain is alright, but the fact is they should never be poured down the sink,” Jessica McCabe with the city’s Department of Utilities said on the city’s blog. “They can cause costly drain clogs in your sink and in city sewer systems.”  ‘CanTree’ built from thousands of donated cans of food in Sacramento To avoid a clogged sink, McCabe says to follow these steps: •Pour fat, oil and grease into a disposable container once it has cooled•Sea...

Two reported dead after vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge between U.S. and Canada

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) – All four international border crossings between the United States and Canada in Western New York were closed Wednesday due to a “vehicle explosion” at the Rainbow Bridge.CBS News reports two people were killed in the incident. Citing a senior U.S. official, CBS added a car traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into a pylon at the bridge crossing, which was followed by the explosion. CNN also reported two people inside the vehicle had died.The City of Niagara Falls said the incident involved a vehicle attempting to enter the U.S. The FBI Buffalo Field Office termed the incident an explosion."The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls," the FBI's Buffalo office wrote in a statement shared to social media. "The FBI is coordinating with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very...

STAR Flight responding to crash involving motorcycle in west Austin

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — STAR Flight is responding to the scene of a crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle in west Austin Wednesday afternoon.Medics from Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the crash around 1:20 p.m. on W. U.S. Highway 290 at Circle Drive. That's west of the Y at Oak Hill.One adult was taken to Dell Seton with potentially serious injuries, ATCEMS said.ATCEMS says to expect road closures in the area.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Ascension Seton nurses plan 1-day strike to protest work conditions

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:48:25 GMT

Editor's Note: The video at the top of this story shows KXAN’s morning headlines for Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center (ASMCA) in Austin plan to hold a one-day strike on Dec. 6 in protest of alleged "unsafe work conditions," according to a release from National Nurses United. Ascension Seton Medical Center nurses on strike The release from the union said around 2,000 nurses in Austin and at two hospitals in Kansas will strike to call attention to staffing and equipment issues."At ASMCA, there is a lack of functional IV pumps, hospital gowns, blankets, and thermometers, as well as persistent problems with hospital-issued phones that nurses use during their shift for communication," the release claims.KXAN reached out to Ascension Seton Medical Center for a response to the release. This story will be updated when we hear back.As part of a nationwide movement, Ascension Seton nurses in Austin previously held a one-day strike this summe...