
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A high-speed passenger train collided with a fire truck at a crossing Saturday morning in Florida, injuring three firefighters and at least a dozen train passengers, authorities said. The crash happened at 10:45 a.m. in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed, about a block away from the Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel reported . The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue took 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Emmanuel Amaral rushed to the scene on his golf cart after hearing a loud crash and screeching train brakes from where he was having breakfast a couple of blocks away. He saw firefighters climbing out of the window of their damaged truck and pulling injured colleagues away from the tracks. One of their helmets came to rest several hundred feet away from the crash. “The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half. It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere,” Amaral said. Brightline officials did not immediately comment on the crash. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline’s high-speed trains that killed three people early this year at the same crossing along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 — giving the railroad the worst death rate in the nation. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline has not been found to be at fault in those previous deaths. Railroad safety has been a concern since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023, spilling toxic chemicals that caught fire. Regulators urged the industry to improve safety and members of Congress proposed a package of reforms, but railroads have not made many major changes to their operations and the bill has stalled. Earlier this month the two operators of a Union Pacific train were killed after it collided with a semitrailer truck that was blocking a crossing in the small West Texas town of Pecos. Three other people were injured, and the local Chamber of Commerce building was damaged. Associated Press writers Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, Chevel Johnson in New Orleans and Julie Walker in New York contributed.
In a new exhibit at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Halina Zimm, a Holocaust survivor and Richmond resident, tells her story like never before. “Dimensions in Testimony“ is a new permanent exhibition that uses AI technology to tell the stories of Holocaust survivors, developed by the USC Shoah Foundation, a nonprofit organization based at the University of Southern California. Holocaust survivor and Richmond resident Halina Zimm attends the opening of a new exhibit at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. The exhibit, "Dimensions in Testimony," uses AI technology to tell the story of Holocaust survivors. The USC Shoah Foundation launched in 1994 as a way to record, preserve and share the testimonies of Holocaust survivors. The foundation makes audio-visual interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust for research and education. Currently, there are only four museums nationwide with “Dimensions in Testimony” exhibits. “This is one of the diamonds in the crown of the city of Richmond, and it will bring many, many visitors throughout the state and from outside of the state to the city to see this amazing exhibit, and learn from the survivors and from people who saw it firsthand. So it’s a great teaching mechanism,” said Samuel Asher, executive director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum. “Dimensions in Testimony” allows visitors to hear personal stories from Holocaust survivors, which were prerecorded, then engage in Q&A style conversations with them. In 2023, Zimm was videotaped for 15 hours over five days as she answered thousands of questions about her experiences during the Holocaust. The Virginia Holocaust Museum’s new exhibit, “Dimensions in Testimony,” uses AI technology developed by the Shoah Foundation at the University of Southern California to tell the stories of Holocaust survivors. “It wasn’t easy in the beginning, because really I didn’t know how to start,” said Zimm, who is 96. For the project, Zimm revisited her life in Poland before the war, her time spent in Warsaw, how it felt to conceal her Jewish identity, Soviet liberation and how she found her way to the United States. Zimm considers it her obligation to share her story. “When I came into this country, I was 21 years old and I never stopped talking. Because I felt it’s so important, people must know,” Zimm said. “My family was wiped out. They couldn’t speak for themselves, so it was my obligation, my responsibility, speaking and telling people about the Holocaust, because people deny that. I’m so grateful I’m still here, that I can talk to you.” The exhibition is on the museum’s second floor in the new 46-seat Alan and Halina Zimm Theater of Remembrance that was built specifically for “Dimensions in Testimony.” Outside of the theater, black-and-white photos of Holocaust survivors that started a new life in Richmond hang along the wall. “It’s very important that we can teach even more kids, students and adults about what happened,” Asher said. “As Halina Zimm says, 'Love is important. Hate is not important. But there’s more hate out there, so we have to combat the hate.' And the way we do that is to have people talk to survivors through this mechanism. This mechanism will be here as a permanent exhibit for a long, long time, and we’ll add to it as the years go on.” The “Dimensions in Testimony” exhibit at the Virginia Holocaust Museum opened Nov. 1, and screenings will run hourly with the first showing at 11 a.m. and the final showing of the day at 3 p.m. Reservations for the exhibit must be made online in advance due to limited seating in the theater. To view a schedule of the interactive biographies showing in the theater and to make reservations, visit vaholocaust.org . The museum is located at 2000 E. Cary St. in Richmond. Chelsea Jackson (804) 649-6965 cjackson@timesdispatch.com With a weekly newsletter looking back at local history.Russian state news agencies say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad is in Moscow and given asylum DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russian state news agencies are reporting that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and has been given asylum. The agencies cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Pres was not immediately able to verify the reports but has contacted the Kremlin for comment. Assad reportedly left Syria early Sunday. Syrians have been pouring into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. The fall of Bashar Assad after 13 years of war in Syria brings to an end a decades-long dynasty BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian President Bashar Assad has fled the country. Assad’s departure on Sunday brings to a dramatic close his nearly 14-year struggle to hold onto power in a brutal civil war that became a proxy battlefield for regional and international powers. Assad’s exit stood in stark contrast to his first months as Syria’s unlikely president in 2000, when many hoped he would be a young reformer after three decades of his father’s iron grip. But faced with protests of his rule that erupted in March 2011, Assad turned to his father's brutal tactics to crush dissent. A long stalemate was quickly broken when opposition groups in northwest Syria launched a surprise offensive late last month. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” Trump calls for immediate cease-fire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate cease-fire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of a backpack found in Central Park that they believe was carried by the killer. South Korean prosecutors detain ex-defense chief over martial law imposition SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean prosecutors have detained a former defense minister who allegedly recommended last week’s brief but stunning martial law imposition to President Yoon Suk Yeol. Local media say that ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun voluntarily appeared on Sunday at a Seoul prosecutors’ office, where he had his mobile phone confiscated and was detained. A law enforcement official says Kim was later sent to a Seoul detention facility. Kim's detention came a day after Yoon avoided an opposition-led bid to impeach him, with most ruling party lawmakers boycotting a floor vote to prevent a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. Trump's return may be a boon for Netanyahu, but challenges abound in a changed Middle East TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant about President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump's first term policies skewed heavily in favor of Israel, and he has picked stalwart Israel supporters for key positions in his administration. But much has transpired since Trump left office in early 2021. The turmoil in the Middle East, the lofty ambitions of Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition and Netanyahu’s own personal relationship with the president-elect could dampen that enthusiasm and complicate what on the surface looks like a seamless alliance. A farming project in South Africa is helping deaf people build skills and find jobs JOHANNESBURG (AP) — In South Africa, where the general unemployment rate is over 32%, deaf people face even steeper hurdles. Unlike their counterparts who can hear and speak, they must struggle to communicate in sign language while trying to gain opportunities for jobs and skills development. Now a deaf entrepreneur who quit her job at one of the biggest banks in the country has created an organization where the deaf can be trained in agriculture, develop their skills and earn a sustainable living. The farming sector is emerging as a solace for those with disabilities who also face the dire levels of unemployment in Africa’s most developed economy. First 12-team College Football Playoff set, Oregon seeded No. 1 and SMU edges Alabama for last spot SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs (11-2), losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama (9-3) of the SEC but one fewer loss. The first-of-its-kind 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.
Paypal is launching a new feature that will make it easier for groups of friends or family to split payments this Christmas. PayPal is an online payment system that makes paying for things online, including sending and receiving money, safe and secure. The global firm is launching a new money pooling feature to its online and app accounts which aims to "simplify" group payments for things like group gifts, travel, and special events. The new feature will be free to create in the Paypal app or online account and will give customers the ability to set up a pool and invite friends and family to contribute whether they have a PayPal account or not, the financial service has said. We’re introducing a new P2P experience that gives customers a simple way to pool money with friends and family in the PayPal app for things like group gifts, travel, special events and other shared expenses in advance. Learn more: https://t.co/oHktpKURYf pic.twitter.com/Ue7UC2voV9 "Everyday life is all about connections, whether it's chipping in for a group gift or planning a trip with friends and family. PayPal understands this and aims to make those moments easier," said John Anderson, general manager and senior vice president of consumer at PayPal. Recommended reading: DWP to pay £434 to anyone with one of these 48 conditions Should dogs be banned from pubs at Christmas? No chance Jeremy Clarkson on Richard Hammond and James May farm visit "We're excited to introduce this simple solution for collecting and pooling money, helping us all navigate both the social and financial aspects of our lives with ease." Customers can track contributions, and the organiser can transfer the money to their PayPal balance to spend or withdraw to their bank account. PayPal is not the only payment provider to offer a service like this, either, with Monzo doing the same.
Vikings’ Brian Flores: Rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner can ‘get to wherever he wants to’ based on his talentHeavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights
MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country's highest court confirmed ruling Frelimo party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections killed at least 21 people, including two police officers, authorities said Tuesday. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court's announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. “From the preliminary survey, in the last 24 hours, 236 acts of violence were recorded throughout the national territory that resulted in 21 deaths, of which two members of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique also died," Ronda said. He said 13 civilians and 12 police were injured. Ronda said 25 vehicles were set on fire, including two police vehicles. He added that 11 police subunits and a penitentiary were attacked and vandalized and 86 inmates were freed. Tensions were high in the country ahead of the The Constitutional Council ruling on Monday and violent protests started immediately after the announcement was made. Footage circulating on various social media platforms showed protesters burning and looting shops in the capital Maputo and the city of Beira, where some city officials were reported to have fled the city. Mondlane has called for a “shutdown” starting Friday but violence in the country has already escalated and the situation remained tense in the capital on Tuesday night following a day of violence and looting by protesters. The country of 34 million people has been on edge since the Oct. 9 general elections . Mondlane’s supporters, mostly hundreds of thousands of young people, have since taken to the streets, and have been met by gunfire from security forces. This brings to more than 150 the number of people who have died from post-election violence since the initial results were announced by the country's electoral body.Inside ‘assassin’ Luigi Mangione’s life behind bars & why he may become a ‘zombie’ in hellhole jail he shares with Diddy
Nov. 29 sports tv skedWaterville's McCracken honored as a TDOE RISE Award recipient
Keen NBL observers might have noticed that the usually boisterous Justin Tatum was quieter than usual, pacing the sidelines during the Illawarra Hawks win over the Perth Wildcats in Wollongong. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading The Hawks head coach joked afterwards he was on his best behaviour as his parents and daughter were courtside watching Sunday's game at WIN Entertainment Centre. They had arrived in the country to spend the Christmas holidays with Tatum. Not that the Hawks coach will have much time off, considering his team plays the Sydney Kings on Christmas Day. Two days later, they head to Brisbane to take on the Bullets before returning to Wollongong for a New Year's Eve showdown against the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Despite the gruelling schedule, Tatum was happy to have his family with him during the festive period. "They got here Saturday. I was very excited for them to be there, and my daughter gave me a high-five. She pays attention to the game as much as she can," he said. "It's good to have family here, go home, and be able to talk to somebody. "I was on my best behaviour. Mom and Dad were in town, so I behaved best. "I might have little pictures of them on the seats, so they remind me to be good when they leave. "It was good to have them there." He was also happy they saw him enjoying success as a coach. Tatum originally joined the Hawks at the start of the NBL24 season as an assistant to then-coach Jacob Jackomas. He became interim head coach after Jackomas was sacked after struggling to a 2-7 win/loss record. Tatum guided Illawarra to one win short of a grand final appearance after the Hawks were beaten by Melbourne United 2-1 in a seesawing semifinal series. The Hawks then locked in Tatum as permanent head coach on a three-year deal. The move has paid immediate dividends, with the ladder-leading Hawks considered NBL25 championship favourites. Tatum said he was happy his family saw how good the Hawks were. "It's cool, mostly for my 10-year-old daughter, to show her that you can achieve anything you want, as long as you put your mind to do it," he said. "Her coming across the world and seeing her dad having some impact on the team, the city, and the country in general means a lot to me. "My mom and dad are just proud of me no matter what, but it's just building confidence in her to let her know, 'Hey, whatever you want to achieve, whatever you want to do, believe in that because dad is doing his best to give you that confidence'." Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure. Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure. More from Basketball Newsletters & Alerts DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Find out what's happening in local business. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!