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Toyota debuts hydrogen-fueled Corolla race car as auto racing begins shift away from gas guzzlers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

OYAMA, Japan (AP) — In a sprawling circuit near Mount Fuji, a humble Corolla running on liquid hydrogen has made its racing debut, part of a move to bring the futuristic technology into the racing world and to demonstrate Toyota’s resolve to develop green vehicles.Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, resplendent in a fire-resistant racing uniform, was all smiles as he prepared to buzz around the circuit in the hydrogen-fueled Corolla.“This is a world first for a liquid hydrogen car to race. We hope it will offer another option in the fight against global warming. To bring everyone smiles, I want to go one lap, even one second, more,” said Toyoda, a former CEO of Toyota, grandson of the automaker’s founder and a licensed race driver himself.The hydrogen Corolla race car won’t be turning up at your dealer anytime soon. The Super Taikyu 24-hour race at Fuji Speedway was just a test for the technology, Toyota officials said.Unlike electric vehicles, it has a combustion engine, but it burns liqu...

Japan’s southern Okinawa Islands prepare as tropical storm approaches

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

NAHA, Japan (AP) — A weakened Tropical Storm Mawar headed toward Japan’s southern archipelago of Okinawa on Thursday, leading businesses and the airport to close and fishermen to batten down their boats in preparation.Many residents in the prefectural capital of Naha on the main Okinawan island, where about 20,000 U.S. forces are based, appeared unworried even as they took precautions.Mawar, formerly a typhoon but now packing winds of up to 108 kilometers (66 miles) per hour, was around Miyako, one of Okinawa’s remote islands, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The storm could approach Okinawa’s main island on Friday and bring powerful rainstorms to the region, it said.A 76-year-old fisherman, Tatsunori Yamashiro, said he wasn’t too worried by the weakening storm. “All I can do now is to wait,” he said, sitting in his fishing boat, which he’d securely tied to a port facility. He said Mawar could have caused damage if it hit Okinawa when it was a typhoon. “...

British public figures urge Pakistan to release brother of pro-Imran Khan rights lawyer

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Several prominent public figures in Britain have urged Pakistan to release the brother of a human rights lawyer who served as an adviser to ousted former Prime Minister Imran Khan.The appeal from former U.K. Cabinet ministers, senior law officers, renowned journalists and legal rights organizations was made on Wednesday evening. It comes after this week’s arrest of Murad Akbar, the brother of attorney Shahzad Akbar.The lawyer, who is currently not in Pakistan, days ago tweeted that his brother was taken by security forces who raided his house. Pakistani authorities have neither confirmed nor denied that Murad Akbar was in their custody.“We call on Pakistani authorities to immediately release Murad Akbar, who we believe is arbitrarily detained and at risk of torture, disappearance and death,” said the joint statement from Britain.They said Murad Akbar has not been charged with any crime and “is a very vulnerable individual, who was under his family’s care after...

Judge agrees to seal court documents in Ralph Yarl shooting; suspect to be in court

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City man accused of shooting a Black teenager who mistakenly came to his door last month is scheduled to be back in court Thursday, days after a judge ruled that court documents in the case will be sealed and kept from the public. The hearing for 84-year-old Andrew Lester is to set new dates for future hearings in the case and is expected to be brief.Lester has pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of Ralph Yarl, who knocked on Lester’s door on April 13 while trying to pick up his young brothers, who were at a home a block away. Yarl, who has celebrated his 17th birthday since the shooting, suffered gunshot wounds to his head and wrist and continues to recover at home. Lester remains free after posting $20,000 — 10% of his $200,000 bond.The shooting drew international attention amid claims that Lester, who is white, received preferential treatment from investigators in the hours after he shot Yarl. Pre...

Dillon Mitchell withdraws from NBA Draft, will return to Texas for sophomore season

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Wednesday was the deadline for college players to withdraw their names from NBA Draft consideration in order to retain eligibility for the 2023-24 season, and Texas forward Dillon Mitchell waited until the waning moments to make a decision.Mitchell is returning to the 40 Acres for his sophomore season despite being projected by some outlets to be a potential first-round draft pick.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersThe University of Texas athletic department confirmed the news via a release on TexasSports.com Wednesday night.While he started all 38 games in his freshman year for the Longhorns, he averaged 17.5 minutes per game with 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He's a tremendous athlete who can play above the rim with anybody in the country as evidenced by his high-flying, electric alley-oop and putback dunks during the season. Texas forward Dill...

Security guard shot to death at illegal casino in North Hollywood

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

A security guard was shot and killed during an attempted robbery of an illegal casino in North Hollywood on Wednesday.The victim was identified as Anthony Rivas, a man in his early 30s, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The two suspects remain at large.At around 3:40 a.m., officers responded to reports of a “man down” at a nightclub on the 3300 block of Cahuenga Boulevard near Universal Studios.When police arrived, they found the security guard suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Officers discovered there was an illegal gambling establishment inside the building at the time. Security guard shot to death at illegal casino in the Hollywood Hills on May 31, 2023. (KeyNews.TV)Security guard shot to death at illegal casino in the Hollywood Hills on May 31, 2023. (KeyNews.TV)Security guard shot to death at illegal casino in the Hollywood Hills on May 31, 2023. (KeyNews.TV)Patrons being questioned after a security guard was shot to deat...

U-Haul truck with one-of-a-kind anime merchandise stolen in San Jose

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) – A business in San Jose’s Japantown is out thousands of dollars after their U-Haul truck was stolen. The owners want your help in finding their one-of-a-kind merchandise.The owner says she had been packing her U-Haul all week with cute anime-inspired products when she woke up the next morning and the truck was gone. DA Price dismisses 2 murder charges against accused triple-murderer Elda, the owner of San Jose’s anime shop Thousand Skies, took a video Wednesday, praying nothing happens to her packed U-Haul. But surveillance video from just hours later shows thieves breaking in and driving off with the U-Haul.“I mean, I was... I just feel like crying,” she said. “Like I was ready to cry.”She says thieves stole her merchandise just before her biggest event of the year: the San Jose Fanimecon convention.“Like ten thousands of dollars. Like, to be honest with you, it was like it’s our biggest show and we sell a lot of plushies. We have like 400 skus-like item ...

SF business owners concerned about homeless near store

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – Concerned about their clients' safety, two San Francisco business owners are not sure what to do. They say several homeless people are leaving needles and feces on their front door, even threatening people as they walk in. Now, they are not sure if they can stay open.The group has set up camp outside of The Grateful Dog, a dog daycare center on Lombard Street in the Marina District. While the owners say police come and move them, the group returns.Now, the owners have reached a breaking point after finding used needles, trash, and human waste. They are also getting negative feedback from clients. DA Price dismisses 2 murder charges against accused triple-murderer “They feel scared to get out of their car to bring dogs into our business they don't feel safe,” said co-owner Ernie Cervantes. The Grateful Dog opened at the same location in 2009. Its owners say the area has become increasingly unsafe for their business. During a break-in last year, thie...

Documentary on boxing legend, Oakland native Andre Ward set to premiere this week

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) -- Throughout his illustrious Hall of Fame career, Oakland native Andre Ward was nicknamed "Son of God." Nearly six years after his final professional fight, a new documentary is being released this week to chronicle the 39-year-old's life and career."S.O.G.: The Book of Ward" will premiere Friday, June 2 at 8 p.m. on Showtime. The 103-minute film documents Ward's life -- from growing up on the streets of Oakland to being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The premiere was held Wednesday at the Grand Lake Theater in Ward's hometown of Oakland. KRON4's Erin Wilson spoke with Ward in a one-on-one interview during the event (watch in video player above). The documentary features interviews, including one with Michael Jordan. EXCLUSIVE: Andre Ward’s journey from Bay Area to Boxing Hall of Fame Ward won a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics, making him the last American male boxer to win gold in the Olympics. He finished his career in 2017 u...

Walker hits 100th homer, Diamondbacks beat Rockies 6-0 for 4th straight win

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:45 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — As the calendar turns to June, the Arizona Diamondbacks look as if they’re easily one of the most improved clubs in the big leagues.If guys like second-year lefty Tommy Henry keep turning in performances like he did Wednesday night, the good times might just keep rolling for the remainder of the season.Henry threw seven strong innings, Christian Walker hit his 100th career home run and the D-backs won their fourth straight game, beating the Colorado Rockies 6-0. Arizona has won 13 of 18 games and is just a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the top of the NL West.“We’re in a good spot,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “We’re a good baseball team with a lot to prove. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in this position.”Arizona improved to 33-23 on Wednesday, the first time it has been 10 games over .500 since 2018. To illustrate how far they’ve come, the D-backs didn’t win their 33rd game until June 26 last season and didn’t hit th...