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5 takeaways from AP’s reporting on a historic fire that destroyed millions of veterans’ records

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

Fifty years ago, millions of veterans’ official files were destroyed in a huge fire at the Military Personnel Records Center in suburban St. Louis. The July 12, 1973, fire consumed an estimated 16 to 18 million personnel files, the vast majority covering the period just before World War I through 1963. It is believed to be the largest loss of records in U.S. history related to a single catastrophic event.The loss of records has forced veterans and their families to fight for benefits, medals and recognition they’d earned. Here are the key takeaways from the AP’s reporting, including interviews with several custodians who were there the day of the blaze:WHAT HAPPENED ON THE DAY OF THE FIRE?Shortly after midnight, a motorcyclist passing by noticed smoke coming from an upper story and alerted guards. The fire quickly spread through the sixth floor, with water and smoke damaging records on the floors below. It took firefighters from more than 40 departments about four days t...

BofA hit with $250 million in fines and customer refunds for ‘double-dipping’ fees, fake accounts

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Bank of America will reimburse customers more than $100 million and pay $150 million in fines for “double-dipping” on overdraft fees, withholding reward bonuses on credit cards and opening accounts without customer consent.Combined, it is one of the highest financial penalties in years against Bank of America, which has largely spent the last 15 years trying to clean up its reputation and market itself to the public as a bank focused on financial health and not on overdraft fee income and financial trickery. BofA must refund $100 million to customers, pay $90 million in penalties to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and $60 million to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. “Bank of America wrongfully withheld credit card rewards, double-dipped on fees, and opened accounts without consent,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, in a statement. “These practices are illegal and undermine customer trust.” Empowered by a broad mandate from the White House,...

Scientists now say a new epoch – the Anthropocene, marked by human impact on Earth – began in 1950s

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

Humanity has etched its way into Earth’s geology, atmosphere and biology with such strength and permanence, a special team of scientists figures we have shifted into a new geologic epoch, one of our own creation. It’s called the Anthropocene. A geologic task force is recommending to mark this new epoch’s start in the small but deep, pristine Crawford Lake outside Toronto, Canada with a ‘golden spike’. The start of the human epoch is sometime around 1950 to 1954. The specific date will be determined soon, probably by levels of plutonium in new measurements from the bottom of the special lake site.“It’s quite clear that the scale of change has intensified unbelievably and that has to be human impact,” said University of Leicester geologist Colin Waters, who chaired the Anthropocene Working Group that is making the recommendations. “It’s no longer just influencing Earth’s sphere, it’s actually controlling.”The burning of coal, oil and gas that’s changing Earth’s climate and...

UN ends aid to northwest Syria from Turkey after Security Council fails to renew approval

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council on Tuesday failed to renew authorization of the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria’s rebel-held northwest from neighboring Turkey, officially ending a U.N. operation that had been vital to helping a region of 4.1 million people.The council failed to adopt either of two rival resolutions to authorize further deliveries through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, where the latest six-month mandate expired on Monday.Russia vetoed a compromise resolution that would have extended the operation for nine months, and which was supported by 13 of the 15 council members, as well as by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and humanitarian organizations. A rival Russian resolution that would have extended the aid deliveries for six months but added new requirements failed to get the minimum nine “yes” votes for approval and was only supported by Russia and China.The delivery of aid to the Idlib area has increased significantly following the devastat...

In Ukraine, civilians train on survival skills to cope with dangers from Russia’s war

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a cramped municipal building in a residential area of the Ukrainian capital, a group of people take turns training to shoot using a replica of a machine gun with the help of a weapons training simulator relying on virtual reality.The nearly 20 participants — all of them civilians and most of them women — have never held a weapon before.With Russia’s war on Ukraine in its 17th month, the Kyiv City Administration has opened up training for civilians who want to learn survival skills, including how to shoot, provide first aid and recognize land mines. These and other skills could be used in a hostile environment provoked by missile strikes and other man-made disasters.In a dark room with tightly closed blinds, the unreal poof-poof sounds of the replica weapons are heard. People enthusiastically ask the instructors how to hold their weapons properly and ask to try one more time.“I am more than 45 years old, as soon as the opportunity arose, I decided that I neede...

Stewart has Liberty one win away from spot in Commissioner’s Cup title game

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart has already won one Commissioner’s Cup championship. She hopes to get New York to this year’s in-season tournament title game to have a chance at another one.The Aces have already clinched a spot in the final which will be played in Las Vegas on Aug. 15. The Aces won the Cup last year and are looking to defend their title.The Liberty need a victory over Indiana on Wednesday or a loss by Connecticut in Chicago to earn a trip to Las Vegas to play the Aces in the championship game. New York and Connecticut are tied with one game to play and hold the tiebreaker over the Sun.“We have to go and take care of business,” Stewart said after practice Monday. “Make sure we’re locked in and put ourselves a step further towards the Commissioner’s Cup.”The Commissioner’s Cup started in 2021 with Seattle winning the inaugural cup. Stewart has seen attention increase on it in its few years of existence.“It’s definitely starting to g...

Marshall Fire: Over 150 insurance companies sue Xcel Energy

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — More than 150 insurance companies have filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy over the Marshall Fire, which razed hundreds of homes in December 2021 and caused an estimated $2 billion in losses.Investigators announced last month that an Xcel power line likely caused a fire that merged with another to form the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history — a finding the utility company disputes. The findings have triggered multiple lawsuits against Xcel, including one that represents more than 20 victims and another filed this week on behalf of two more fire victims. Crocs sues Denver-based rival Joybees, claiming stolen trade secrets Now, dozens upon dozens of insurance companies are asking for a jury to decide whether Xcel should be held liable for the insurers' costs. The companies claim Xcel was negligent as a utility operator. They also claim Xcel is responsible for the victims' loss of their properties.Marshall Fire cause disputed by XcelThe Boulder County fire ...

Owner wanted after emaciated dog found near Denver trail

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — An emaciated dog was found along a trail in the Ruby Hill neighborhood, and now a reward is being offered for information on the pup's owner.Denver Animal Protection is asking for the public's help in locating the owner of an emaciated dog. On Thursday, the pit bull mix was found lying in the grass near a stream on the Sanderson Gulch Trail in Denver. Dog’s body dumped on Boulder road, suspect wanted DAP said the dog was found close to the intersection of West Gunnsion Place and South Zuni Street.The pup was described as a young female, gray and white pit bull mix. Photos provided by DAP show the condition she was left in.Denver Animal Protection needs help locating the owner of this emaciated dog that was left near the Sanderson Gulch Trail. (Metro Denver Crime Stoppers)Anyone who recognizes the dog or who may know the owner is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward of up ...

Denver neighbors concerned about sniper after 5 windows shot on 2 occasions

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- A Denver community is concerned that a sniper is targeting its condominium complex after bullets went through five different windows on two separate occasions.“Just piecing it all together has been tough," Lauren Shrensky said. “It’s been five windows out in our entire building.”Shrensky said the first shooting at the Beauvallon happened on June 14.“One went fairly close to a woman who was sitting at her desk. It was very unnerving to be around that,” Shrensky said.  20 casings found where motorcyclist was shot on I-70 Nerves heightened after another shooting on the Fourth of July.“July 4 was the bigger one which came from both sides of the building,” she said. “We had two people on the balcony and a shot comes like right over their head through the glass above and obviously super crazy.”A nearby person captured a video showing a person who appears to be aiming at the building on July 4, firing off a gun next to a light-colored Toyota Prius.“We didn't know if...

EU draws up plan for ‘sustained’ military aid to Ukraine

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:16:02 GMT

BRUSSELS — The EU wants to commit itself to defending Ukraine for the long haul. The European External Action Service has drafted a plan, obtained by POLITICO, that recommends the bloc make a full slate of “security commitments to Ukraine” for years to come as it fends off Russia’s onslaught.The suggestions run the gamut, including everything from ensuring a “sustained” flow of weapons to Kyiv, to continuing military education and training, to sharing intelligence and helping connect Ukrainian and EU defense companies.And down the road, the draft document by the EU’s diplomatic service adds, “Ukraine’s EU membership would be in itself a security commitment.” To help it get there, it argues, the EU must craft “long-term and predictable financial support” so Ukraine can rebuild.The recommendations are mostly a summary of the EU efforts already underway to support Ukraine. But taken together, they are notable in their breadth and suggested longevity, essentially outlining billions...