Government shutdown averted with little time to spare as Biden signs funding before midnight

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

Government shutdown averted with little time to spare as Biden signs funding before midnight WASHINGTON (AP) — The threat of a federal government shutdown suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open with little time to spare after Congress rushed to approve the bipartisan deal.The package drops aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases federal disaster assistance by $16 billion, meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.After chaotic days of turmoil in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy abruptly abandoned demands for steep spending cuts from his right flank and instead relied on Democrats to pass the bill, at risk to his own job. The Senate followed with final passage closing a whirlwind day at the Capitol.“This is good news for the American people,” Biden said in a statement. He also said the United States “cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted" and expected McCarthy "will keep his c...

One dies in Aurora crash on Parker Road

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

One dies in Aurora crash on Parker Road DENVER (KDVR) -- Police in Aurora investigated a crash with serious injuries Saturday afternoon in the area of East Quincy Avenue and Parker Road.As a result of the crash, all northbound traffic on Parker Road at Quincy Avenue was closed as of 1:37 p.m., and expected to remain closed for several hours. All lanes were reopened shortly after 5 p.m. US 285 closed near Lowell Blvd. due to 5-vehicle crash According to the Aurora Police Department, multiple people were taken to hospitals with varying injuries, and one person died in the crash.Police said initial reports show that the sole occupant driving a BMW lost control while going south on Parker Rd., crossing the median and colliding with a Jeep in the northbound lane. The driver of the BMW died, and the three occupants of the Jeep were expected to recover, APD said.

Unwelcome guest: Crocodile roams Pompano Beach neighborhood

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

Unwelcome guest: Crocodile roams Pompano Beach neighborhood A surprising visitor has made itself at home in a Pompano Beach neighborhood, and residents are concerned about its proximity to their homes. A crocodile has been spotted lurking in a canal near Northeast 19th Street and Northeast 28th Terrace, venturing out during high tide, possibly in search of food.Gina, who first noticed the creature earlier in the week, couldn’t believe her eyes. “The whole crocodile came out from underneath the dock during high tide and the mullet went running so he was maybe looking for some fish,” said Gina. Concerned for her neighbors’ safety, she called 7News to alert the community. “He’s come up a few times there — was sunning himself, floating in the water,” Gina added. This recent crocodile sighting follows another incident just last week when a crocodile was seen in the Atlantic near the Pompano Pier, leading to the temporary closure of the beach. While it’s uncertain whether this is the same croco...

New Habitat for Humanity homeowners get keys from Rita Case in Pompano Beach

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

New Habitat for Humanity homeowners get keys from Rita Case in Pompano Beach Saturday marked a life-changing moment for one deserving family as they received the keys to their new home, a place they can proudly call their own. Evelyn and Lance Miller, along with their son Lance Jr., received the keys to their new home, marking a new chapter in their lives. The dedication ceremony, sponsored by Rita Case, President and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, took place at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach. “We now have a place we can proudly call our own where we can create lasting memories with our loved ones,” said Evelyn.Case, a prominent figure in the automotive industry, played a significant role in making this dream come true. The ceremony, which included four “Women Build” sponsored homes, was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. “I know that I am giving the ‘American Dream,” said Case at the event. “I’m not just giving it to them — it’s a hand u...

BSO holds CrossFit fundraiser for Battalion Chief Jackson’s family

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

BSO holds CrossFit fundraiser for Battalion Chief Jackson’s family BOCA RATON, Fla. (WSVN) – Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) employees came together in Boca Raton for a special CrossFit event, sweating it out to raise funds for the family of Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson. Chief Jackson tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash just last month. “In the first responder community, CrossFit is a huge part of what we do with our physical demand and anytime a hero dies in the line of duty a workout is created and all the members come together and they perform the workout to honor that member. So it’s a big part of the healing process for a lot of people,” said a BSO Fire Rescue Captain Thomas Noland. The helicopter crash that claimed Chief Jackson’s life also took the life of Lurean Wheaton when it crashed into her apartment in North Lauderdale. The 65-year-old was asleep in her bedroom at the time.In light of this tragedy, Wheaton’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Broward SheriffR...

Single-engine plane crashes into Lake Winnipesaukee near Gilford, NH

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

Single-engine plane crashes into Lake Winnipesaukee near Gilford, NH A single-engine Cessna 150 crashed into Lake Winnipesaukee near Gilford, New Hampshire late Saturday night with only the pilot on board, the FAA said.The crash occurred at 9:15 p.m. and the condition of the pilot was not immediately available.The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

Government shutdown averted in last hour after Biden signs bill: recap

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

Government shutdown averted in last hour after Biden signs bill: recap With less than three hours before a government shutdown would start, the Senate passed a stopgap funding measure first approved by the House, with more Democratic support than Republican. President Biden signed it into law shortly before the midnight deadline.The bill keeps the government funded until Nov. 17. It keeps the FAA funded through year's end.The "clean" continuing resolution notably lacks any funding for Ukraine, spending cuts or border policy changes.Follow along with live updates below.

A populist, pro-Russia ex-premier claims victory in Slovakia’s parliamentary elections

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

A populist, pro-Russia ex-premier claims victory in Slovakia’s parliamentary elections BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A populist former prime minister and his leftist party won early parliamentary elections in Slovakia, staging a political comeback after campaigning on a pro-Russian and anti-American message, according to almost complete results.With results 99.2% from some 6,000 polling stations counted by the Slovak Statistics Office early Sunday, former Prime Minister Robert Fico and the leftist Smer, or Direction, party led with 23.3% of the votes.The election was a test for the small eastern European country’s support for neighboring Ukraine in its war with Russia, and the win by Fico could strain a fragile unity in the European Union and NATO.Fico, 59, vowed to withdraw Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine in Russia’s war if his attempt to return to power succeeded.The country of 5.5 million people created in 1993 following the breakup of Czechoslovakia has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia invaded last February, donating arms and opening the bord...

Two killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized: Parks Canada

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

Two killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized: Parks Canada A bear attack in Alberta’s Banff National Park has left two people dead, Parks Canada announced late Saturday.Natalie Fay, external relations manager for Parks Canada’s Banff field unit, said the agency received an alert from a GPS device originating from the Red Deer River Valley at approximately 8 p.m. on Friday, indicating a bear attack.In a statement, Fay said a team specially trained in wildlife attacks was immediately mobilized, but weather hindered their response time.“Weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use, and the response team travelled through the night to the location by the ground,” she said.“The response team arrived on-site at 1 a.m. and discovered two deceased individuals.”While in the area, the response team encountered a grizzly bear displaying aggressive behaviour, Fay said, leading Parks Canada staff to euthanize it on-site for public safety.RCMP arrived at 5 a.m. to transport the victims to Sundre, Alt...

Indonesia is set to launch Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, largely funded by China

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:57:10 GMT

Indonesia is set to launch Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, largely funded by China JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia is launching Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, a key project under China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative that will cut travel time between the capital and another major city from the current three hours to about 40 minutes.The project has been beset with delays and increasing costs, and some observers doubt its commercial benefit, but President Joko Widodo has championed it and will be inaugurating the 142.3-kilometer (88.4-mile) railway as it begins commercial operations Monday. The Chinese-made bullet train, called “Whoosh,” will connect Jakarta with Bandung, the heavily populated capital of West Java province. Widodo, along with other high-ranking officials, is expected to ride the Whoosh from its first station, Halim KCBJ in eastern Jakarta to Bandung’s Tegalluar station, the last of the line’s four stations.The $7.3 billion project, largely funded by China, was constructed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, known as ...