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Southwest Airlines reaches $140 million settlement over holiday flight-canceling meltdown last year

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines will pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement to resolve a federal investigation into a debacle in December 2022 when the airline canceled thousands of flights and stranded more than 2 million travelers over the holidays.Most of the settlement will go toward compensating future passengers, which the U.S. Department of Transportation considers an incentive for Southwest to avoid repeating last winter's mess.The government said the assessment was the largest it has ever imposed on an airline for violating consumer protection laws.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the settlement demonstrates his agency's resolve to make airlines take care of their passengers.“This penalty should put all airlines on notice to take every step possible to ensure that a meltdown like this never happens again,” he said.Southwest said it was “grateful to have reached a consumer-friendly settlement" that gives the airline credit for compensation i...

Pope OKs blessings for same-sex couples — if the rituals don't resemble marriage

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it.The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office, released Monday, elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if they didn’t confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage. How much does a wedding cost in Colorado? The new document repeats that rationale and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman. And it stresses that blessings should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union, using set rituals or even with the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding.But it s...

First baby African elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 7 years, park says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

(CNN) — Saturday marked a momentous occasion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, where officials announced an African elephant calf was born at the park for the first time in seven years.The baby girl named Corra weighed 218 pounds at birth and is bonding backstage with her mother, Nadirah, said Scott Terrell, the director of animal and science Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide, in a blog post.Disney said the birth of Corra, who is Nadirah’s first calf, is “extra special” since Nadirah was also born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2005, making her the first second-generation calf at the park.Nadirah became pregnant in early 2022 through natural breeding and received care from Disney’s animal care team for her entire 22-month pregnancy, park officials said.Births of African elephants at Disney are planned through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a program to help “ensure the responsible breeding of endangered animals in mana...

Florida researchers explore robot’s human capabilities at IHMC

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WSVN) — The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHCM) Robotics Lab developed a robot to delve into the understanding of human abilities.Meet “Nadia,” a humanoid robot equipped with a high power-to-weight ratio and a wide range of motion. Nadia employs innovative mechanisms and composite materials.While Nadia’s capabilities extend beyond boxing, researchers believe that engaging in this physical activity against human opponents serves as a starting point for studying human capabilities. “Right now, though, our projects with Nadia aren’t really focused on boxing,” said Dr. Robert Griffin. “What we’re really looking towards is making robots who can start doing some of the dangerous tasks that we currently rely on people to do: things like bomb disposal, nuclear cleanup, disaster response”The ultimate goal is to create an alternative workforce for hazardous jobs, allowing robots like Nadia to step in and...

Investigation underway after shooting in Miami

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

At around 5:40 a.m. Monday, Miami Police responded to a report of a person shot in the vicinity of Northwest 22nd Avenue and about 11th Street. Upon their arrival, officers discovered an adult male with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Trauma Center for medical attention.An active investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding this shooting incident. Miami Police are working to gather information and piece together the details that led to this incident.Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Deputies save 5-year-old girl after accidental shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

DELTONA, Fla. (WSVN) — Volusia County Sheriff’s Deputies rescued a 5-year-old girl who accidentally shot herself in the leg on Saturday. Upon arrival, the deputies administered first aid, including the application of a tourniquet, to the injured child. https://twitter.com/SheriffChitwood/status/1736216885983613284?s=20The incident unfolded with urgency and care, as captured by the bodycam footage:Deputy 1: “Where is she, where is she? I got you. Let me see sweetie, let me see. Right there.”Deputy 2: “We got you, we got you. You’re alright sweetheart, don’t look at it. Don’t look at it, you’re OK. You’re alright, we’re right here with you. It’s OK, it’s OK. We’re right here, it’s OK. It’s gonna hurt, hold my hand, hold my hand and squeeze.”The child was rushed to the hospital and medical staff acknowledged that the deputies’ quick response and use of a tourniq...

EU leaders set for special summit on February 1

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

BRUSSELS — European leaders will reconvene for a special summit in Brussels on February 1, 2024 to discuss new financial aid to Ukraine, European Council President Charles Michel announced Monday.The decision on a €50 billion aid package for Kyiv had been postponed last week because of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s opposition. The aid package is set to be included in a revised EU budget, which means that it requires unanimous approval from the 27 leaders.Speaking at a press conference Monday, Michel said the next summit would focus on “convincing the 27th member state [Hungary] to agree so we can have a unanimous decision on this subject.”

More than 110,000 without power in MA as storm brings heavy wind, rain

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

Residents woke up to a stormy start of their weeks Monday, with heavy rains and strong winds blasting southern New England. Gusts of as fast as 60 to 70 miles per hour were forecast for Monday morning, with peak intensity expected from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. There is the potential for both inland flooding from the rain and minor coastal flooding from the wind, as well as possible power outages from downed trees and tree limbs.“Once the storm arrives if you are traveling please stay as far away from our crews as possible if you see them out so they have the space they need to safely do their work and make repairs,” said William Hinkle of Eversource Energy. “If you come across any downed lines, always stay as far away from those as possible as well and report them immediately to 911 and give us a call.”https://twitter.com/HanoverFire/status/1736759335378731160As of 9:40 a.m., there were more than 110,000 power outages reported statewide according to ...

US Steel, once the world’s largest corporation, agrees to sell itself to a Japanese company

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

New York (CNN) — US Steel has agreed to be bought by Nippon Steel, Japan’s largest steelmaker, in a $14.1 billion deal.The deal marks the latest step in a gradual decline for the iconic 122-year old company, which was once the largest company on the planet. It was one of the first major conglomerates and a symbol of American industrial might.But it is no longer even the largest US steelmaker, having been surpassed by Nucor Steel years ago.“We are confident that … this combination is truly best for all,” said US Steel CEO David Burritt. “Today’s announcement also benefits the United States — ensuring a competitive, domestic steel industry, while strengthening our presence globally.”“US Steel’s best days are ahead, together,” Burritt told investors at the conclusion of a conference call Monday.Under terms of the deal, US Steel’s operations will retain its name and will continue to have a headquarters in Pittsburgh. But the deal could still stir opposition.Earlier this summer the ...

Chicago Bears are running out of bounce-back opportunities. Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Week 15 meltdown.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:25:50 GMT

FINISH. Matt Eberflus has repeated the word so many times this year that his assistants have picked up on it, as have the players. When the 2023 season concludes — and three games are remaining for the Chicago Bears — it’s going to be the inability to finish that perhaps defines it.As we dive into the latest meltdown, a 20-17 loss Sunday to the Cleveland Browns, it’s important to use some perspective when framing the season. 10 thoughts on Sunday and beyond.1. Coming off 3-14 a year ago and in the early stages of rebuilding — or whatever you want to call it — expectations were for improved play this season.In many ways, the Bears have made measurable steps forward, inching closer to what will be a pivotal offseason as they hold the first-round pick belonging to the Carolina Panthers, which projects to be No. 1 overall even after the Panthers’ win over the Atlanta Falcons and will be armed with plenty of cap space.DJ Moore has brought a big-p...