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US questions Tesla move to allow hands-free driving longer with Autopilot

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

DETROIT (AP) — Tesla is allowing some drivers to use its Autopilot driver-assist system for extended periods without making them put their hands on the steering wheel, a development that has drawn concern from U.S. safety regulators.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has ordered Tesla to tell the agency how many vehicles have received a software update making that possible and it's seeking more information on what the electric vehicle maker's plans are for wider distribution.“NHTSA is concerned that this feature was introduced to consumer vehicles, and now that the existence of this feature is known to the public, more drivers may attempt to activate it,” John Donaldson, the agency's acting chief counsel, wrote in a July 26 letter to Tesla that was posted on the agency's website. “The resulting relaxation of controls designed to ensure that the driver remain engaged in the dynamic driving task could lead to greater driver inattention and failure of the driv...

Dean fires up the grill for Labor Day

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

WGN's Dean Richards shares some recipes involving the grill — just in time for Labor Day!Pasta salad with grilled vegetables  Ingredients:1 lb. uncooked orzo1/3 cup basil pesto2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil2 tsp. grated lemon zest plus 2 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon)1 (15-oz.) can white beans, drained and rinsed1 pt. cherry tomatoes, halved1 green zucchini,  sliced lengthwise1 yellow zucchini,  sliced lengthwise ½ pound asparagus1 tsp. kosher salt4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup), divided1/2 cup chopped roasted salted pistachiosDirections:Cook orzo according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until pasta feels cool to the touch.Cut the zucchini into medallions. Cut the asparagus into 2 inch pieces.   Sprinkle with olive oil,  salt and pepper.Seal into a foil packet. Grill over medium/high heat for 10 minutes; ...

Person gets sick, dies from amebic infection after swimming in Lake Lyndon B. Johnson

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Travis County resident got sick and died after developing an illness caused by an amebic meningitis infection after swimming in Lake Lyndon B. Johnson earlier this month. Austin Public Health reported the death of the resident and urged people to take precautions when swimming in natural bodies of water amid the ongoing, intense heat Texas is experiencing. Toxic algae confirmed in several Austin waterways, including Barton Springs According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, amebic meningitis, or primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is a rare brain infection that is caused by Naegleria fowleri and is usually fatal. Naegleria fowleri is a free-living ameba that lives in warm fresh water and soil around the world and infects people when the ameba enters the body through the nose. "Although these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that there are microbes present in natural bodies ...

Austin Restaurant Weeks returns Friday with donations going to Central Texas Food Bank

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – More than 100 Austin-area restaurants, bars and breweries will take part in an annual program starting on Friday designed to help a local food bank.They will offer prix-fixe menus, specialty menu items and drink specials with a portion of sales donated to the Central Texas Food Bank until Sept. 17, according to organizers of Austin Restaurant Weeks (ARW).“Austin Restaurant Weeks is an exciting time for our city,” said Sari Vatske, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “September is Hunger Action Month, so Austin Restaurant Weeks is an easy and fun way to take action and help end hunger while enjoying some of the best food and drink Austin has to offer. When you eat during Austin Restaurant Weeks, you’re helping others eat as well.”According to organizers, participants will be offering one or more of the following options during ARW:A two-to-three-course lunch priced at $20A three-to-four-course dinner priced at either $40 or $60Specialty menu it...

Travis County approves voting locations for 2023 election

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Travis County Commissioners Tuesday approved a list of 32 early voting locations and 145 Election Day locations for the Nov. 7, 2023 election, according to the County Clerk's office.Although the announcement did not name every site on the list, it did note several changes.Among them, a new polling location at Cepeda Branch Library, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd. The Clerk's office said library is near Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, which was no longer able to be utilized as a polling site due to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliance issues and the March 2022 agreement between the US Department of Justice and Travis County. The office said the library is is located in the same voting precinct as Parque, and provides adequate accessibility for all voters, including voters with disabilities.According to the Clerk's office, Huston-Tillotson University will host both an early voting site and an Election Day site. St. Edward’s University will host an Election Day ...

Vikings to sign running back Myles Gaskin, waive receiver Jalen Reagor

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

It didn’t take long for the Vikings to make some tweaks to their initial 53-man roster.A source confirmed to the Pioneer Press on Wednesday morning that the Vikings plan to sign veteran running back Myles Gaskin after he was released by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday afternoon.In a corresponding move, the Vikings will waive receiver Jalen Reagor, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.The move to bring in Gaskin, 26, will provide the Vikings with with some much needed depth in the backfield.Though it will still be Alexander Mattison serving as starter — the coaching staff is very high on him this season — Gaskin figures to compete with Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu for playing time as the primary backup.In a total of 38 games in the NFL, Gaskin has 361 carries for 1,355 and 7 touchdowns, as well as 101 receptions for 701 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also has a relationship with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores dating back to their time together with the Dolp...

Opening day at the Columbia County Fair

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

CHATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- It's opening day at the Columbia County Fair! The 182nd fair is set for August 30 through Labor Day, September 4. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! For opening day, admission is only $5 for those 19 years and older. It's also Youth Day, so those 18 years and under are free. Admission every other day is $13 with children 12 years and under being free every day.Active military with ID or uniform are free every day. Parking is also free. Daily ride passes are $20 or $25 depending on the day. You can view the full daily schedule of events on the Columbia County Fair website. What to know for opening day of the Schaghticoke Fair Competitions and exhibits4-H ProgramsAmateur Craft Beer, Wine, and CiderAntique Tractor PullBeef Cattle ShowColumbia County’s Got TalentDairy Cattle ShowDomestic Arts and CraftsDuct Tape Fashion ShowFruits, Giant...

Ranger chases down, rescues injured bald eagle

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

WESTPORT, N.Y. (NEWS10) - This month, New York State Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) helped out an avian in distress on the property of a family home in Essex County. What started in one yard became a three-property chase to rescue an injured bald eagle. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! On Thursday, Aug. 17, Property owners in Westport reported a downed bald eagle on their property, and were met by an ECO to investigate. The officer began working to catch the injured bird, but the eagle managed to avoid the attempts long enough to lead a chase across three properties along Lake Champlain.The eagle was eventually captured safely in a cluster of cedar trees by Lake Champlain. It was determined that the bird had suffered a severe injury to its right wing. The eagle was transported to an animal hospital and rehabilitation center to receive treatment.

Three bit by rabid fox in Rensselaer County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

VALLEY FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Two children and an elderly woman were bit by a rabid fox on August 9 in a mobile home community in Valley Falls. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) say they received a call regarding the same fox in the community later that afternoon. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The DEC says the fox couldn't be located when ECOs responded to the scene initially. After returning for the second call, an officer went back to the location and saw the fox coming out of a wooded area.The fox reportedly charged at the officer and growled loudly. The fox was dispatched before it could cause any further injuries. Cairo-Durham CSD middle and high schools eliminating recess for study hall The fox later tested positive for rabies at the DEC Pathology Lab in Albany County. The three bite victims were treated at Albany Medical Center, one requiring eight st...

ECOs respond to injured owl in Columbia County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:05:05 GMT

CRARYVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) responded to an injured owl in Craryville on Friday, August 4. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says the owl was entangled in a soccer net. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Image via Department of Environmental ConservationAn ECO carefully cut the net and released the owl. The DEC says the owl was carefully observed several minutes after it was set free. It was determined the owl was suffering and needed further evaluation. The owl was brought to Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Hunter and was treated for dehydration and an injured wing. It was later released back into the wild after making a full recovery.