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Newsom Wins Presidential Backing for Orange County Hazmat Response
2 days ago•Source: California State Portal | CA.gov
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5.41 min•3 days ago
Newsom seeks presidential emergency declaration to bolster Orange County hazmat response
Governor Gavin Newsom has asked President Trump for a Presidential Emergency Declaration to support ongoing hazmat response efforts in Orange County, enabling federal cost-sharing, public assistance, and direct FEMA help as California preps resources and evacuations; the move aims to accelerate protective actions ahead of a potential major disaster, with Cal OES coordinating with FEMA while urging residents to follow evacuation orders and stay informed.
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Three killed as driver slams into East Oakland sidewalk, injuring several
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Deadly Crash and Fire at Portland Club Sparks Explosive Device Probe
A vehicle crashed into the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland's Goose Hollow neighborhood, igniting a fire and leaving one person dead. Portland Police Bureau's Explosive Disposal Unit is assisting after evidence of an explosive device was found in the vehicle. SW 18th and SW 20th Avenues are closed during the investigation; tips welcome as more information becomes available.
Thermos Recalls 8.2 Million Jars and Bottles Over Stopper Ejection Hazard
Thermos is recalling about 8.2 million Stainless King Food Jars and Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles (5.8 million SK3000/SK3020 jars and 2.3 million SK3010 bottles) because their center stoppers lack pressure relief and can eject when opened, posing serious injury risks including eye injuries. Consumers should stop using the products and contact Thermos for a free replacement pressure-relief stopper or bottle. For SK3000/SK3020 jars, discard the old stopper and send Thermos a photo of the disposed stopper; for SK3010 bottles, return the bottle using a prepaid label. The recall covers products sold from 2008 through 2024 at Target, Walmart, Amazon and others. Thermos L.L.C. is the importer; recall announced April 30, 2026, with 27 reported injuries (three permanent vision losses).
CHP Kicks Off 24-Hour Statewide Speed Enforcement
California's CHP launches a 24-hour Maximum Enforcement Period from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 5:59 a.m. Wednesday to crack down on speeding across the state, with officers enforcing speed limits and unsafe speeds for conditions; speeding is a leading cause of serious crashes, and in 2025 CHP issued over 491,000 speed-related citations, with more than 110,000 crashes and hundreds of deaths and injuries; a pilot program called FAST sends speeding citations to the DMV for potential license suspension when a driver exceeds 100 mph.
Two Die as WV Chemical Spill Triggers Shelter-In-Place Near Institute
Two people died and 21 were treated after a nitric-acid/chemical spill at Catalyst Refiners in the Institute area, prompting a shelter-in-place and Route 25 closure; seven of the treated were EMS workers, with at least one in critical condition. Hazmat crews and state officials are on scene, and Gov. Morrisey says resources are on the ground. The shelter order has been lifted in most areas, but remains in effect from the refinery to West Virginia State University while investigators process the scene.
Montclair CVS Smash-and-Grab Foiled; Detectives Review Surveillance
On April 17, 2026, Montclair Police responded to a smash-and-grab attempt at CVS Pharmacy (565 Valley Rd), where suspects struck the front doors about 21 times but failed to gain entry. A similar incident occurred at a Stop & Shop in Clifton shortly before. Montclair detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the CVS and nearby businesses; anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Joe Juliano at 973-509-4724.
Michigan Responds to Severe Weather With Dam Inspections, Evacuations, and Alerts
The State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating Michigan’s response to severe weather, including dam safety inspections of critical dams after Buck’s Pond Dam failed upstream, evacuations and road closures in Cheboygan County due to river flooding and levee breaches, and activation of the MSP/EMHSD Joint Information Center to disseminate updates and safety guidance. Residents are urged to follow local alerts, avoid floodwaters, and stay informed via MiDrive, MIReady, and state social channels.
New Castle County Downgraded to Level 1 Driving Warning as Kent and Sussex Remain at Level 3
Delaware's emergency management agency downgraded New Castle County to a Level 1 Driving Warning at 11:00 a.m., while Kent and Sussex Counties stay at Level 3; shelters are listed, National Guard assets have been reassigned to assist, and state officials urge caution as the situation continues to be monitored.
Massachusetts Declares Immediate Travel Ban for South Coast Amid Blizzard
Governor Healey signed an executive order banning non-essential motor vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties due to dangerous snow and road conditions, with the Mass Pike speed reduced to 40 mph; exemptions cover essential workers and critical services, and the ban will be lifted when MassDOT determines conditions are safe, as the department redeploys snow removal resources and statewide highway service is expected to remain limited for an extended period.
Delaware Keeps Kent and Sussex at Level 3 Driving Ban; New Castle County Remains at Level 2
Delaware’s winter storm driving restrictions remain in force: Kent and Sussex Counties stay under Level 3 driving bans, while New Castle County remains at Level 2 driving restrictions, as emergency responders continue operations and travel is limited for safety.
Sussex County Remains Under Level 3 Driving Ban Amid Winter Storm
Sussex County, Delaware, remains under a Level 3 Driving Ban as a winter storm leaves roads impassable. The ban restricts driving to first responders, essential personnel, and certain utilities/snow-removal operators, with shelter-in-place advised for others. This update accompanies concurrent driving restrictions in Kent (Level 3) and New Castle (Level 2) counties and ongoing emergency management coordination.