Governor Kathy Hochul proposed changes to New York’s 2019 climate law, seeking to delay key emissions reduction deadlines and extend regulatory timelines to 2030. Her plan would allow homes and businesses to burn more gas longer, while linking future rules to an unspecified 2040 emissions target, though the original 2030 goal remains unchanged. Hochul cited federal opposition to renewable energy as justification, arguing stricter enforcement … Continue reading Hochul says NY can’t meet its own climate targets, so she wants to change them

Mary Fong Lau, 80, was sentenced to two years of probation and a suspended driver’s license for a car crash in San Francisco that killed a family of four, with no jail time or home confinement. Lau must also complete 200 hours of community service after pleading no contest to the charges. The March 2024 crash occurred when she drove at speeds up to 70 … Continue reading Woman, 80, receives probation and no jail time over San Francisco crash that killed four

Hawaii experienced its worst flooding in over 20 years as heavy rains hit already saturated soil, prompting evacuation orders for 5,500 people on Oahu’s North Shore. Muddy waters damaged homes, cars, and infrastructure, with the cost of the storm estimated to exceed $1 billion, including airports, schools, and a Maui hospital. No deaths were reported, though 10 people were hospitalized with hypothermia, and 72 children … Continue reading Hawaii suffers its worst flooding in 20 years and forecasters warn more rain is coming

A Utah woman, Kouri Richins, was convicted of aggravated murder for poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a lethal dose of fentanyl in March 2022, while also self-publishing a children’s book about grief. Prosecutors said she was $4.5 million in debt and sought to inherit her husband’s $4 million estate while planning a future with another man. She was also found guilty of attempted murder, … Continue reading Utah woman who wrote a book on grief after husband’s death found guilty of murdering him

Historic wildfires in Nebraska have burned nearly 800,000 acres, causing at least one death, and are considered the largest in state history, Gov. Jim Pillen said. The most severe blaze, the Morrill Fire, has consumed over 572,000 acres and remains only 18% contained, while three other fires — Cottonwood, Road 203, and Anderson Bridge — are also burning across the western part of the state. … Continue reading At least 1 dead as Nebraska wildfires scorch nearly 800,000 acres

Authorities in Florida are cracking down on spring break gatherings after social media-promoted “takeover” events in Volusia County led to over 100 arrests and multiple medical emergencies. Thousands flocked to popular beaches like Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, prompting the sheriff’s office to issue cease-and-desist letters to online event organizers. Law enforcement also seized six guns and handled incidents involving minors under the influence. … Continue reading Florida sheriff blames spring break ‘promoters’ as arrests climb

The FBI has resumed purchasing Americans’ data and location histories from commercial data brokers to support federal investigations, Director Kash Patel testified. This marks the first public confirmation since 2023 that the agency is actively buying such data, which is often collected from consumer apps and games. Senator Ron Wyden criticized the practice as a circumvention of Fourth Amendment protections, since no warrant is required … Continue reading FBI buying data that can track people, Patel says

The FBI and IRS are launching a joint initiative to investigate nonprofits suspected of links to domestic terrorism, particularly targeting antifa and other extremist groups. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s December memo directed federal agencies to prioritize investigations of individuals and groups using or threatening violence to advance political agendas. The initiative will use IRS expertise in financial investigations and is centered at an FBI “mission … Continue reading FBI, IRS to investigate nonprofits for ‘domestic terror’ links