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☆ America's cars and trucks are getting bigger, and so are their front blind zones. Children are paying the price.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Headshot_Small.Png | Adiel Kaplan | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +13 min

Front cameras could help prevent these deaths, safety experts say. On Monday, he announced legislation that would make front blind zone safety features mandatory for motor vehicles. After Congress passed a law to improve rear blind zone safety nearly 15 years ago, it took a decade — rulemaking, regulatory delays and a multiyear rollout — before it fully went into effect. Blumenthal’s bill directs regulators to determine what technology, such as cameras or sensors, to require to make front blind zones safer, much like the rear blind zone law did. But she believes the best way to prevent future tragedies is widespread use of blind zone cameras.

WASHINGTON — The White House sharply rebutted Russia’s accusations Sunday that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory and then blame Moscow. In a statement, a spokesperson for the National Security Council called Russia’s allegations of a possible false flag operation by Ukraine “transparently false” and accused Moscow of making the claim to lay the groundwork for its own escalation of the war. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu has made the claim of Ukraine’s possibly using a dirty bomb in phone calls with several Western defense ministers, including U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. “Secretary Austin rejected any pretext for Russian escalation and reaffirmed the value of continued communication amid Russia’s unlawful and unjustified war against Ukraine,” the Defense Department's press secretary, Air Force Brig. “We reject reports of Minister Shoygu’s transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory,” Watson said in a statement.

☆ Comic actor Leslie Jordan, 67, killed in Hollywood car accident
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jordan apparently suffered an unspecified "medical issue" at the wheel of his car, and the vehicle struck the side of a building on his way to the Warner Bros studio set of the Fox television series "Call Me Kat," according to his agent, Don LeClair. He became famous to a younger generation of fans with a series of video Instagram posts that went viral during the pandemic. "The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan," his agent said in a statement. What he lacked in height he made up for in generosity and greatness as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner and human being." Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting in Los Angeles by Steve Gorman; Editing by Will DunhamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Eric McCormack, Sean Hayes, RuPaul and other celebrities react to Leslie Jordan's death
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The unexpected passing of television star and social media darling Leslie Jordan has spurred a flood of heartfelt tributes. The actor died on Monday, his talent agent Sarabeth Schedeen told CNN in a statement. Jordan’s most recognizable credit was his time on “Will & Grace” as Beverley Leslie, a role he reprised throughout the show’s run, including its recent reboot. Co-star Eric McCormack posted two tributes to Jordan on his Instagram, with one showing showing the pair performing for the cameras on the show. “Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest and flirtiest southern gent I’ve ever known,” McCormack wrote in the caption.

☆ 'Anger on their minds': NBC News poll finds sky-high interest and polarization ahead of midterms
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Mark-Murray-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Mark Murray | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

And two-thirds of reliable Democratic and Republican voters say they’d still support their party’s political candidate, even if that person had a moral failing that wasn’t consistent with their own values. In the Oct. 2010 NBC News/WSJ poll, Barack Obama’s approval rating was 45% (when Democrats lost 63 House seats in that midterm election). Seventy-one percent of voters say the country is headed in the wrong direction, compared with 20% who say it’s on the right track. A divided electorateThe NBC News poll shows just how polarized the electorate is before the midterm elections. And 60% of all voters say that President Biden won legitimately in 2020, compared with 33% (and 65% of Republicans) who say he didn’t win legitimately.

☆ Migrant border crossings in fiscal year 2022 topped 2.76 million, breaking previous record
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-22 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Julia-Ainsley-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Julia Ainsley | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

The number of undocumented immigrant crossings at the southwest border for fiscal year 2022 topped 2.76 million, breaking the previous annual record by more than 1 million, according to Customs and Border Protection data. For the 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2022, CBP stopped migrants more than 2,766,582 times, compared to 1.72 million times for fiscal 2021, the previous yearly high. The 2022 numbers were driven in part by sharp increases in the number of Venezuelans, Cubans and Nicaraguans making the trek north, according to CBP. In September, there were 227,547 encounters along the border, up 12 percent compared to August. CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus said that in October, the number of Venezuelans trying to cross the border has fallen sharply due to increased cooperation with Mexico.

☆ DeSantis' popularity among Latinos is boosting his chances of being the first Republican in 20 years to win Miami-Dade
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Carmen.Jpg | Carmen Sesin | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

Ron DeSantis’ popularity among Latinos, saying they are boosting his chances of becoming the first Republican governor in 20 years to win traditionally blue Miami-Dade County and therefore propelling his chances of a successful presidential run in 2024. The last time a Republican governor won Miami-Dade County was Jeb Bush in 2002. “DeSantis overperforms here in a way that you don’t tend to see Republican candidates perform elsewhere with Hispanics,” he said. Faced with this, Florida Democrats have expressed frustration and anger over their limited resources and money from national donor groups. Hillary Clinton won Miami-Dade County by almost 30 points in 2016, but Biden won the county by only 7 points.

Turkey Point sits on porous rock and underneath it is the Biscayne Aquifer – a primary source of drinking water. Nuclear plants have up to 60 years after they shut down to dispose of their nuclear waste. “FPL and the NRC regularly evaluate nuclear power plant operating conditions and physical infrastructure to ensure ongoing safe operations,” the company said. Electrical cables from Turkey Point Nuclear Power plant that power 1 million homes in South Florida. Alfonso Duran for NBC NewsNew homes under constructed near Turkey Point nuclear power plant in Miami in September.

☆ Iran sent troops to Ukraine to help Russia use Iranian-made drones, Biden admin officials say
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Dan De Luce | Dan De Luce Is A Reporter For The Nbc News Investigative Unit. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

The U.S. has evidence that Iran sent troops to Ukraine to help Russia launch drone attacks on targets across the country, Biden administration officials said Thursday. “We assess that Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted Russia in these operations,” Kirby said. The U.S. has “credible information that Russian officials prior to the presence of Iranian trainers in Crimea have received training in Iran,” Price said. The New York Times first reported that Iranian personnel had been sent to Ukraine to guide Russian forces in the use of newly acquired Iranian-made drones. The Biden administration earlier this year accused Iran of preparing to send drones to Russia.

☆ With GOP Ukraine skeptics poised to gain in Congress, lawmakers look to lock in billions in military aid
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Dan De Luce | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Julie-Tsirkin-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

Congress last month approved $12 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine, but the package being contemplated would be dramatically larger, the sources said. The amount would be enough “to make sure [Ukraine] can get through the year,” a Republican senator with knowledge of the matter told NBC News. Congress has allocated a total of $65 billion in funding to Ukraine since Russia attacked the country in February. “They don’t want to deal with it next year,” said Vajdich, a former Republican congressional staffer. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a staunch supporter of military aid to Ukraine, said last month that he had discussed the issue with McCarthy and that he agreed other countries need to do more to assist Ukraine.

☆ U.S. makes unusual disclosure of ballistic missile submarine's presence in Persian Gulf
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Courtney-Kube-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Courtney Kube | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: 1 min

The U.S. military made an unusual disclosure Wednesday, revealing the presence of one of its submerged nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine in the Persian Gulf in a move likely to make waves across the region. The U.S. Central Command released photos showing CENTCOM Commander General Michael “Erik” Kurilla onboard the submarine, in a rare decision to reveal the vessel’s location. It is extremely rare for the U.S. military to acknowledge where their ballistic missile subs are operating, particularly when they are stationed near an adversary's shores. In a statement Kurilla praised the submarine and its crew, calling submarines like it “the crown jewel of the nuclear triad.”“The West Virginia demonstrates the flexibility, survivability, readiness, and capability of USCENTCOM and USSTRATCOM forces at sea,” he said.

☆ Microsoft, Apple, Meta, other big U.S. firms run ads urging Congress to protect 'Dreamers' as DACA fades
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Julia-Ainsley-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Julia Ainsley | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

“Collectively, we represent the backbone of an American economy facing tremendous workforce challenges as a result of the pandemic. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that DACA was illegal but allowed more than 600,000 current DACA recipients to keep their status while a lower court reviewed a new DACA rule the Biden administration put forward. He is predicted to rule against the new DACA rule ultimately, because he found its previous iteration illegal. “Tragically, the 5th Circuit and courts have made it clear that not only did they rule the current DACA rule is illegal, but the new DACA rule will be illegal, too,” said Todd Schulte, the president and executive director of FWD.US, a group that has advocated for DACA to continue. “Now, no one trusts Democrats of the Biden administration to actually enforce the law and crack down on illegal immigration.

☆ Russians schemed to send U.S. military technology to Russian defense sector, Justice Department says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Tom_Winter_Nbc_News.Jpg | Tom Winter | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Two Russian nationals were arrested in a scheme to obtain sensitive U.S. military electronics and technology to provide it to the Russian defense sector, prosecutors said Wednesday, noting that some of the items were found on the battlefield in Ukraine. The men sent the items to sanctioned Russian companies that serve the defense sector, according to federal prosecutors. "This network schemed to procure sophisticated technology in direct support of a floundering Russian Federation military industrial complex," Assistant FBI Director Michael Driscoll said in a statement. When Orekhov and Kuzurgasheva sought to buy the sensitive U.S. military and "dual-use technology," they falsely claimed it was going to the Russian space agency Roscosmos. In an exchange with Soto, Orekhov used colorful language to allay his concerns about dealing with Russian companies.

The U.S. Air Force dispatched two F-16 fighter jets to intercept a pair of Russian bombers that flew close to Alaska on Monday, the North American Aerospace Defense Command said in a statement. Air Defense Identification Zones are areas of airspace that require all aircraft to be identified, located and have their flight plan controlled "in the interest of national security," according to the Federal Aviation Administration. NORAD, a combined air defense organization of the United States and Canada, said the Russian activity was "not seen as a threat nor is the activity seen as provocative." The appearance of Russian bombers and their interception by U.S. fighter jets does come at a fraught time in the relationship between the two countries, however. He noted that his deputy, Pyotr Tolstoy, had previously proposed holding a referendum in Alaska, RBC reported.

By comparison, $184 million has been spent in Georgia's Senate race so far, while $176 million has been spent in Pennsylvania's Senate race, including primary and general election ad spending. The two main groups spending money on the airwaves in the California race are on opposite sides of the issue — one in support of the proposition and one opposed. The payments to the state from sports betting would go into the California Online Sports Betting Trust Fund, which would be used first to pay for state regulatory costs. Currently, the biggest backers of Prop 27 are existing online sports betting sites, like FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM, all of whom have donated millions. Instead, each tribe would negotiate a compact with the state, which could include required payments to local and state governments.

☆ Biden admin officials consider discouraging U.S. companies from expanding business ties with Saudi Arabia
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Carol-Lee-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Carol E. Lee | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials are considering trying to discourage American companies from expanding business ties with Saudi Arabia as part of a U.S. response to a recent Saudi-led push by oil-producing countries to cut global production, said three current and former U.S. officials familiar with the discussions. The Trump administration sent the treasury secretary to the conference, whereas last year the Biden administration sent Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves. “That’s going to be a key test, that OPEC meeting,” the senior administration official said. Early last year Riyadh announced that starting in 2024 only international companies with regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia could do business with the Saudi government. Before the OPEC+ decision this month, U.S. and Saudi officials spent hours discussing the future of oil prices, according to administration officials.

In one ledger obtained by the Oversight Committee and published in the report, the Secret Service was charged $1,160 for a room at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. for agents protecting Eric Trump on March 8, 2017. On Nov. 8, 2017, another ledger shows that the Secret Service was charged $1,185 to lodge agents protecting Donald Trump Jr. The Trump Organization and the Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump Organization properties overall charged the Secret Service more than $1.4 million for agents’ accommodations when traveling to protect former President Trump, according to figures first reported by The Washington Post. “The Secret Service received authorization for additional flexibility for expenses during protective missions, including per diem expenses above the government rate,” Maloney said in her letter to the Secret Service.

☆ ‘SNL’ takes on the January 6 Committee and Trump
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-16 | by ( Frank Pallotta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Kenan Thompson, who played Rep. Bennie Thompson, opened the NBC variety show by introducing the crowd to the committee’s ninth and final hearing. 'SNL' opened its show this week with a recap of a January 6 committee hearing. NBCAfter this introduction, Rep, Liz Cheney, played by Heidi Gardner, took the floor. “I’ll go to jail, but I’ll be happy.”Thompson’s Bennie Thompson then asked Gardner’s Cheney for any final thoughts. “Alright, I can already see that this is a complete zero,” Thompson’s Bennie Thompson said.

☆ Congress asks Secret Service for account of contacts with Oath Keepers up to and on Jan. 6, 2021
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Julia-Ainsley-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Julia Ainsley | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

The House Committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection has asked the Secret Service for records of all communications between the far-right Oath Keepers group and Secret Service agents prior to and on the day of the attack, after a preliminary accounting by the agency indicated multiple contacts in 2020, according to a Secret Service spokesman. “Following the (Oath Keepers) trial, the committee reached out to the Secret Service and a verbal briefing as provided to staff, which was specific to the comments made at trial,” said Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. The Washington Post first reported an agent from the protective intelligence division was in communication with the Oath Keepers prior to Jan. 6, 2021. Two Secret Service officials told NBC News once the Oath Keepers had the phone number of the member of the agency’s protective intelligence detail, they made numerous calls directly to that agent. But regular contact with a militia type group like Oath Keepers, especially if treating them as a legitimate security partner, raises lots of concerns.”

☆ Musk and SpaceX ask the Pentagon to take over funding Starlink satellite network that has helped Ukraine fight Russia
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Courtney-Kube-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Courtney Kube | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

Elon Musk and SpaceX have asked the U.S. Defense Department to take over funding his Starlink satellite network, which has provided battlefield communications for the Ukrainian military during the war with Russia, a U.S. official said. The official confirmed that the Pentagon received a communication from SpaceX about Starlink, but said the Pentagon was still weighing how to proceed and had not made any decisions. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, after initially declining to confirm that the Defense Department had received a letter or to otherwise characterize the communication, said it had "received correspondence from SpaceX about the funding of Starlink." "We remain in communication with SpaceX about this and other topics," Singh added in a statement. Musk’s Starlink is a low-orbit satellite constellation that provides internet service and has been crucial in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February.

☆ Latino meteorologist helps create better weather terms in Spanish.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Albinson Linares | Noticias Telemundo | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

For meteorologist Joseph Trujillo, the right translation is more than a language issue, especially when it comes to weather-related warnings. A NOAA assessment revealed a lack of weather-related resources in the Spanish language that could have helped communities take action to save lives. But those linguistic differences can bring great challenges when translating emergency information, such as weather alerts, for all Hispanic people. They designed a new list of categories that better reflect the risk of climate emergencies in simpler terms: minimum, low, moderate, high and extreme. That first experience led him to pursue meteorology and his investigative work, which he presented to the National Weather Service.

WASHINGTON — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol plans to vote to subpoena former President Donald Trump, sources familiar with the committee's plans told NBC News Thursday. On his way to the hearing, Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told reporters the panel had not yet ruled out a subpoena for Trump. He said at the start of the hearing that the committee would take a vote "based on new evidence." Thursday's hearing would once again place Trump at the center of plans to overturn the election, ultimately leading to the violence on Jan. 6, committee Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said in her opening statement. Several sitting and former presidents and vice presidents have also testified before congressional committees, including Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson and Gerald R. Ford.

Over nearly a decade, Thergood had repeated interactions with Connecticut’s foster care system. Since 2011, Connecticut has also reduced the number of foster care youth in congregate care settings from 30% to just 6% today. Of the 3,000 or so kids currently in foster care, nearly 43% are living with kin or extended family. The total population of kids in state foster care fell 9.5 percent from 2011 to 2019 under Dorantes’ predecessor, from 4,770 to 4,311. The children were removed from his care in 2017 and spent time in foster care.

There has been evidence that the omicron variant tends not to burrow deeply into the lungs as much as previous variants. How quickly do omicron symptoms appear? What is the duration of omicron symptoms? Although much about the omicron variant remains unknown, some experts say it could lead to long Covid, even with mild cases. The BA.5 omicron subvariant accounted for nearly 80% of new Covid cases as of Oct. 8, according to the CDC.

The Jan. 6 committee's ninth and likely final investigative hearing Thursday will feature new testimony and evidence, including Secret Service records and surveillance video. ET, will not include any live witnesses, a committee aide said. All nine committee members are expected to lead segments of the hearing. That’s a departure from this summer when each of the eight hearings featured only a few panel members at a time. Part of the committee's charge is to issue legislative recommendations to prevent another Jan. 6 attack, and some panel members Thursday will present on the ongoing threats to democracy that remain.

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