Buffalo and Western New York Brace for a Potentially Dangerous Storm
BUFFALO, NY (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in parts of western New York ahead of a potentially dangerous streak of lake-effect snow. The National Weather Service forecast up to 4 feet of snow could fall through Sunday, which “could cripple” the hardest-hit communities, including Buffalo, with periods of near-zero visibility. Hochul’s state of emergency covers 11 counties, with commercial truck traffic prohibited on a stretch of Interstate 90 southwest of Buffalo after 4 p.m. Thursday. The snowfall was expected to be heaviest between 7 p.m. Thursday and 7 p.m. Friday. The weather service also warned of accumulations of 2 feet (0.6 meters) or more of lake-effect snow in parts of northern Michigan through Sunday.
Driver Arrested in Crash Against Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Recruits
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities arrested a 22-year-old driver on suspicion of attempted murder for allegedly crashing his vehicle into Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy recruits in a training race, injuring more than two dozen of people. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement Thursday that Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez was arrested Wednesday in an investigation into the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. Authorities have said a man driving an SUV early Wednesday veered onto the wrong side of the road in suburban Whittier and plowed into recruits on a morning run. Five of them were seriously injured. Authorities said a field sobriety test performed on the driver was negative. It was not immediately known if Gutierrez has an attorney who can speak for him.
Starbucks workers strike at more than 100 US stores.
Starbucks workers at more than 100 US stores will go on strike on Thursday. It’s the largest labor action since a campaign to unionize Starbucks stores began late last year. The strikes are timed to coincide with Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day, when the company hands out free reusable cups to customers who order a holiday drink. Workers say it is often one of the busiest days of the year. They say they are looking for better wages, more consistent hours and better staffing. Starbucks opposes the unionization effort. The Seattle coffee giant has more than 9,000 owned stores in the US.
Foot found in Yellowstone hot pool identified as that of Los Angeles man
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming (AP) — Yellowstone National Park officials say a foot found floating in a hot pool last summer belonged to a 70-year-old Los Angeles man. Park officials said in a statement Thursday that it is unclear how the man, Il Hun Ro, ended up in the spring, but investigators do not suspect a crime. Park staff found Ro’s partial foot inside a shoe in Abyss Pool in the park’s West Thumb Geyser Basin in August. Investigators concluded that what happened to Ro happened on the morning of July 31, but that no one saw it. Authorities say investigators identified Ro through DNA analysis and notified his family.
Man accused of organizing the murder of rapper Young Dolph
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A man accused of organizing the murder of Young Dolph has pleaded not guilty, a year after the rapper and record label owner was ambushed and shot to death while buying cookies at a bakery. in his hometown of Memphis. , Tennessee. Hernandez Govan made a brief appearance in a Memphis court on Thursday. He was arrested last week after being indicted on charges including first degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Govan is the third man charged in the Nov. 17, 2021 murder of 36-year-old Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr. Prosecutors have said they cannot discuss a suspicious motive. Young Dolph had three albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200.
Wimbledon relaxes all-white clothing rule for women
LONDON (AP) — Wimbledon has relaxed its all-white dress requirement to allow players to wear colored briefs to make them more comfortable during their periods. Wimbledon’s strict policy on all-white clothing for players is one of the best-known features of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, but the All England Club said it decided to update the rules after discussions “with the WTA, the makers of clothes and doctors. teams on how best to support the women and girls competing in the championships.” The new rules state that women can now “wear solid medium/dark colored underpants, as long as they are no longer than the shorts or skirt.”
USDA program keeps extra COVID-era money for fruits and vegetables
US agriculture officials have proposed changes to the federal program that helps pay grocery bills for pregnant women, infants and young children. The update announced Thursday maintains an increase in payments for fresh fruits and vegetables allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes to the program known as WIC would also allow more whole grains, canned fish, canned beans and non-dairy milk substitutes. Officials said it would give shoppers more flexibility at the supermarket. About 6.2 million people participate in the program at a cost to the federal government of about $5 billion a year.
Blizzard and NetEase gaming partnership in China will end
HONG KONG (AP) — American game developer Blizzard Entertainment announced it will suspend most of its gaming services in mainland China after current licensing agreements with Chinese game company NetEase end. The news sent NetEase shares tumbling on Thursday. Blizzard partnered with NetEase in 2008 to bring popular games like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo to mainland China. Blizzard says that the two companies did not reach a proper agreement to renew the agreements, which are set to expire in January. NetEase shares plunged as much as 15% in Hong Kong. NetEase says the expiration of the licenses “will not have a material impact” on its financial results.
The AP Interview: Pence Says Voters Want New Leadership
NEW YORK (AP) — In an interview with the Associated Press, former Vice President Mike Pence declined to say whether he thinks Donald Trump is fit to run for president again. But he also says that the American people are “looking for new leadership” as they position themselves as a possible alternative. Pence sat down for his interview with the AP on Wednesday, just hours after Trump announced another run for the White House. Will Pence himself run? He said he and his family will give that “prayerful consideration.” Whatever his final answer, he said: “I think we’ll have better options in 2024.” Pence’s comments came the day after the release of his new memoir, “Help Me God,” as he seems increasingly likely to launch his campaign.
Get rid of it? Parents come up short for Taylor Swift tickets
NEW YORK (AP) — They were supposed to be birthday presents. They were supposed to be Christmas presents. They were supposed to be the most special gifts for young Taylor Swift fans. Instead, for many parents, the hours-long Ticketmaster debacle they endured Tuesday trying to get concert seats left them empty-handed and frustrated. And their disappointed children. A presale for Swift’s US tour the next year resulted in crash after crash on Ticketmaster. Some fans spent hours online. The wait was worth it for many.
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