Latest news with #safety
Auto Blog
30 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Hundreds of Thousands of Acura and Honda Vehicles Have a Brake Problem
Some Of Honda's Most Popular Cars Are Faulty The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a new recall for some 259,033 vehicles that may have a dangerous flaw. According to the NHTSA recall documents, a pivot pin on the brake pedal of certain vehicles under both the Honda and Acura brands may not have been secured properly, which may cause the pedal to move out of position. As you can imagine, the worst-case scenario might see a driver press the brake only to find that the pedal may simultaneously engage the accelerator pedal (none of the affected cars come with a clutch pedal) or be otherwise prevented from being fully depressed. The recall affects the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX three-row mid-size SUVs, along with the TLX sedan. Numerous Model Years Face The Recall The recall impacts TLX model years 2021-2025, while owners of either SUV only need to worry if theirs is a 2023-2025 model. As a physical flaw, this won't be solved with a software update, and dealers will have to inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary. As a manufacturer flaw, this won't cost owners anything but time. Speaking of which, drivers will need to be cautious for a little while, as notification letters are only expected to be mailed on July 28. In the meantime, it can't hurt to physically inspect the pedals before each drive to ensure that neither foot pedal is interfering with the other. Recalls Are Only One Concern For Honda Source: James Riswick/Autoblog Every year, millions of cars are recalled over defects, but Honda has managed to maintain a reputation for reliability. Still, there are challenges it must face that are beyond its control. Honda says tariffs will erase some $4 billion from its profit margins, and it's going to spend a not-inconsiderable amount moving production of the popular Civic to avoid those tariffs. Hopefully, this major change and other cost-cutting measures do not negatively impact quality. Fortunately, the TLX won't be badly impacted as it's built in Marysville, Ohio. The MDX and Pilot benefit from being made in Lincoln, Alabama, too. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
SBS Australia
44 minutes ago
- Science
- SBS Australia
The Australian push to rewrite the rules of nuclear launches
Rising tension in the Middle East and South Asia has heightened fears of a war between nuclear-armed nations, something that threatens human existence, an Australian academic says. A rise in nuclear posturing and rhetoric in recent years has also prompted renewed calls for international safeguards to prevent accidental or unauthorised nuclear launches. A new study conducted by professor Emily Crawford from the University of Sydney Law School warns urgent action is needed to address the growing risks posed by nuclear weapons. "Increasing political tensions in declared and non-declared nuclear states have brought back into sharp focus the need to better regulate nuclear weapons," she said. The study highlights a combination of ageing nuclear infrastructure, emerging AI capabilities, and a lack of global cooperation as key factors creating what it describes as an "unstable and dangerous landscape". So how do nuclear systems operate — and is an accidental launch actually possible? Countries possessing nuclear weapons use NC3 systems, which stand for nuclear command, control and communications, Crawford explained. She said the NC3 systems are the central nervous system of a state's nuclear weapons program, which includes the people, policies, and technologies responsible for nuclear decision-making. "It's the framework that governs the process that, as its ultimate end product, results in the launch of a nuclear weapon — so it's a phrase that encompasses the entire chain from when a decision is made to launch a nuclear weapon to the actual launch of such a weapon," she said. NC3 also includes the maintenance of nuclear systems, ensuring that planning and execution are conducted according to stated doctrine and policy. Different countries have varying approaches to their NC3 systems, meaning the threshold for when a nuclear weapon could be launched is not universal. In many countries, the NC3 infrastructure is ageing, which can pose a security risk to the entire world. "There is currently no binding international legal standard that governs how nuclear-armed states design or operate their NC3 systems," Crawford said. "This gap in governance poses a real risk to global security — and it's only growing." NC3 frameworks are designed to prevent accidental or unlawful launches, but Crawford warned they are increasingly under strain. In many countries, the NC3 infrastructure is outdated, with some hardware dating back several decades. She said these legacy systems are often poorly suited to handle modern threats, especially those involving cyberattacks or AI. "In a world where AI tools can mimic official communications and cyber incursions can scramble critical infrastructure, the possibility of a false alarm triggering an escalation is no longer far-fetched," Crawford said. In such a high-stakes environment, even a single NC3 failure could lead to catastrophic consequences. Crawford said in 2025, there have been growing concerns around disinformation and hacking campaigns targeting early warning systems. Crawford's study calls for an international code of conduct that countries could adopt to establish a universal approach to nuclear systems. "A commitment to ensuring that there is an accountable chain of command involved in any nuclear weapons launch decisions, a commitment to the concept that the decision to launch a weapon should never lie with just one person, to keep AI out of nuclear launch decisions, and a commitment to 'no first strike'— that nuclear weapons would never be used offensively by a party who were not themselves subject to a nuclear attack," she said. This could be modelled off a similar framework, like the Missile Technology Control Regime — an initiative of the G7 member states from the 1980s to limit the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Crawford believes such a framework could be successful, as many states have already adopted most of the rules she outlined in her study. "Because of the potentially devastating impacts of an accidental or unauthorised launch, most states have been very pragmatic about embracing guidelines that ensure that lines of communication remain open [such as nuclear hotlines] and that measures should exist to prevent unnecessary escalation of hostilities where nuclear weapons are in the mix," she said. "The US, UK and China have stated their commitment to not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states or nuclear-weapons free zones; China adopts a 'no first use' policy, as does India; France adopts the two-person rule." But she acknowledged not all countries would support universal guidelines, as political differences may lead some to reject certain rules.
Fox News
an hour ago
- General
- Fox News
Plane was flying too low during descent in crash that killed rock musician and music exec, NTSB finds
A preliminary investigation into a May plane crash which claimed the lives of six people, including The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams, provided more insight into the cause of the fatal collision. The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report indicated that not only were faulty runway lights an issue, but weather may have affected the pilot's ability to land safely at the airport near San Diego, Calif. "The controller informed the pilot that the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at MYF (Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport) was out of service and the pilot acknowledged that he was aware of that," the report stated. The runway lights had not been working since March 28, 2022. MYF is a tower-controlled airport between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., according to the report, and operates as an uncontrolled airport during the remaining hours of the day. The pilot, who was approved to fly the Cessna S550 single-pilot aircraft on Dec. 15, 2024, discussed "alternate airport weather conditions with the controller in the event he had to perform a missed approach," according to the report. Weather conditions at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar (NKS), roughly four miles north of the airport, were described as calm wind, with ½ mile visibility and an indefinite 200-foot ceiling. The pilot allegedly stated he would notify Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control of his selection for an alternate airport, but did not do so during the remainder of the flight. "When the airplane was about 10 mi northeast of NESTY, the controller asked the pilot if he was going to 'make your descent' and asked if he would like vectors to the south. The pilot replied, 'I think we'll be alright,'" the report stated. "The controller informed the pilot that he was 5 miles from NESTY and instructed them to cross NESTY at or above 3,800 ft msl, and that he was cleared the RNAV approach to runway 28R at MYF, which the pilot acknowledged." The pilot then made a position call that he was at three miles on the approach, followed by "the sound of the microphone button being keyed seven times, consistent with an attempt to activate the pilot-controlled runway lighting." Roughly 2.9 nautical miles from the airport, the Cessna was flying too low for the runway at an altitude of about 1,190 feet msl over PALOS. The minimum crossing altitude was listed at or above 1,380 feet msl. The first identified point of contact was roughly 1.8 nm from the runway when the aircraft damaged power transmission lines which were 90-95 feet above the ground, the NTSB stated. Portions of the plane were located about 200 feet downrange of the lines, with a debris field reaching more than one mile away on a residential street. The airplane impacted one residential structure and 20 vehicles, which were damaged or destroyed by impact or post-impact fire. The airplane was not equipped with a flight data recorder. A cockpit voice recorder was recovered from the wreckage, the NTSB said. "The repairs of the affected RAI lighting components and replacement of the light system have been delayed awaiting completion of an environmental study. All other runway lighting was operable at the time of the accident," NTSB said in the report. Dave Shapiro, a music industry executive in the heavy metal and hard rock scene, and drummer Daniel Williams were among those killed in the crash. Eight people reported minor injuries on the ground. Shapiro had a pilot's license and was listed as the owner of the plane that crashed, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. He was among the six people killed in the crash, along with two employees, the music agency Sound Talent Group confirmed at the time. "We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today's tragedy," the music agency he co-founded, Sound Talent Group, wrote in a statement.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Police seek missing 12-year-old boy last seen in Etobicoke
Social Sharing Toronto police say they are are looking for a missing 12-year-old boy last seen in Etobicoke. Robert was last seen on Wednesday in the area of The Westway and Kipling Avenue at about 2 p.m. In a news release on Thursday, police described Robert as five feet tall, 120 lbs., with a medium build and short black hair. He was wearing a maroon t-shirt, black pants and black shoes when he disappeared. Police said they are concerned for Robert's safety. They are appealing to the public for help in finding him. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2300, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Latest Naperville ‘teen takeover' results in multiple arrests
Good afternoon, Chicago. After Naperville police allegedly found a 14-year-old carrying a loaded, semiautomatic pistol at a downtown 'teen takeover' event last weekend, authorities are urging safety and, again, stressed they have zero tolerance for illicit behavior. 'While we encourage everyone to exercise their first amendment right and we encourage everyone to enjoy what the downtown provides, we need everyone to do that lawfully,' Naperville police Cmdr. Rick Krakow said. 'There's going to be zero tolerance for any sort of criminal behavior, from trespassing to disorderly conduct to fighting.' Since May 1, there have been seven planned teen takeover events in Naperville, each with varying degrees of participation, Krakow said. The latest, held Saturday, resulted in five arrests, including that of the 14-year-old, who was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, authorities said. Charges in other arrests included disorderly conduct and battery. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration never undertook a formalized national search for a new CTA president despite the mayor saying last month that his office had in fact done so, according to responses to public records requests made by the Tribune. Read more here. More top news stories: Aurora shares data on testing for 'unregulated contaminants' in water system Deerfield considering referendum for two new school buildings, renovations South Naperville townhouse/rowhouse proposal gains planning commission approval After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego? Chicago is set to host the third annual street race July 5-6 on a pop-up course in and around Grant Park, completing an inaugural three-year agreement with NASCAR. The deal, struck during former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, includes a two-year renewal option. Read more here. More top business stories: Honda recalls more than 259,000 cars across the US due to brake pedal issue New train station is a first for NWI, state, seen as gateway to Michigan City's future Will County Board refuses to drop 143rd Street widening from transporation plan, but stalls passage The Chicago Sky lead the league in turnovers per game (18.7) and opponent points off turnovers (20.5). A staggering 23.4% of the Sky's offensive possessions result in a turnover. This weakness ballooned into a full-on crisis against the Mystics as the Sky hemorrhaged points, giving up 40 on 22 turnovers — 1.8 points per. Read more here. More top sports stories: Column: 11 observations to kick off a Chicago sports summer, including updating the 'Maddux' to the 'PCA' Chicago baseball report: Cubs bullpen is on a stellar streak — and White Sox call up a Fox Lake product Thunder know an NBA title is just 1 win away. They're trying to keep their minds on the Pacers. Watching MJ Lenderman at the Salt Shed yesterday was to be reminded of the curious power of exhaustion. It's a beautiful, humid, rickety sound. You can hear in it why the sighs of Neil Young became inextricable from Watergate-era malaise, and how Lenderman, 50 years later, sounds like both a throwback to strung-out singer-songwriters of the '70s and very much of his own time. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: 'Winging It' exhibit at Newberry Library shows humanity's relationship to birds — dead and alive Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken alfredo fettucine sold at Kroger and Walmart Nezza's national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team's immigrant support Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans for generations, but became more widely observed after former President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday in 2021. It is recognized at least as an observance in every state, and nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C., have designated it as a permanent paid or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: President Donald Trump delays the TikTok ban once again Erick makes landfall in western Mexico state as a Category 3 storm
