Latest news with #Montoya
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Family remembers Uber driver who was shot, killed
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The family of the Uber driver who was shot and killed by a woman who died before she could face trial for murder said they want to remind the community that he was the victim and they miss him terribly. That's the message from family members of Daniel Piedra during a news conference called on Thursday, May 29 by the El Paso District Attorney's Office. Piedra was shot and killed while giving a ride to Phoebe Copas in June 2023. Copas said she believed she was being kidnapped and taken to Mexico. While awaiting trial, she died in March of this year of a 'medical episode' that has been ruled natural causes, DA James Montoya said. El Paso district attorney to discuss Phoebe Copas case Her untimely death made it so the family of Piedra and the defendant would not be able to present their sides during a trial and be vindicated, Montoya said. Montoya said that he had no choice but to dismiss the case, but that left a big hole for the family of the victim. Montoya said he was confident that if they had gone to trial, prosecutors could have proven that Copas' actions were 'not reasonable' and 'unnecessary,' and were therefore not self-defense. Because there will be no trial, Montoya said he wanted to give Piedra's family a chance to speak since there would be no post-trial victim impact statements. Didi Lopez, Piedra's niece, said 'it was not fair' how her uncle was 'taken from us.' 'We miss him so much,' she said. 'He was the victim. He was not a criminal. He was just a hard-working man.' Her uncle's death has left a huge hole in the family's lives, Lopez said. 'He wasn't kidnapping her,' she said. 'Uber has already said he was taking her the right way (to go to Speaking Rock). He wasn't abusing drugs. He was just a very funny, hard-working man.' Piedra had no criminal record, 'not even a ticket,' his niece said. Lopez also said that he had a huge impact on people he met and is greatly missed by all. No questions were taken from the media after the family issued some brief statements, one in English and the other in Spanish. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
10 EVs that aren't Tesla and still turn heads
Drivers can choose from many EVs that aren't Tesla – Photo courtesy of piranka / E+ The rise of the electric vehicle, or EV, has been a long time coming. While it may seem like a 21st century innovation, the first basic electrified vehicle dates back to the late 1820s. Over the past two centuries, car manufacturers have iterated and innovated upon the original concept. Today, EVs continue to make strides in popularity and market share. While one company has driven much of the widespread adoption, many electric cars that aren't Tesla are turning heads. 'There's been a big increase in the variety of models and brands to choose from, including several different body styles,' says Edmunds' senior consumer advice editor Ronald Montoya. Also, as the number of public car-charging stations grows, EVs have become more practical. "Several models allow you to either charge less in the week or pay fewer visits to charge stations on a road trip,' Montoya adds. Variety aside, 'Electric vehicles can be less expensive to own and operate because electricity costs less than gasoline most of the time, and because they have fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance,' says Sean Tucker, lead editor of Kelley Blue Book. 'They can also be more fun to drive than gas-powered cars, as a gasoline engine spools up power gradually over a few seconds, whereas an EV instantly has 100% of its power available.' Advertisement To help you pick the right EV, we asked Montoya and Tucker for their take on the best electric cars beyond Tesla. Whether you're looking for a sports EV, one for family, commuting, or just a cool one, these recommendations have you covered. Chevrolet Equinox EV Chevrolet Equinox EV is a perfect crossover for commuters – Photo courtesy of Chevrolet MSRP: Starting at $33,600 Fuel economy: Up to 117 MPGe Advertisement The Chevrolet Equinox EV is a fantastic crossover option for city commuters. Tucker notes that this compact, affordable car is excellent for urban drivers and gives access to Chevrolet's massive nationwide repair network should anything go wrong. The roomy interior and quiet drive make for a pleasant experience, whether a passenger or behind the wheel. Kia EV9 Kia EV9 is a best EV pick for families – Photo courtesy of Kia MSRP: Starting at $54,900 Fuel economy: Up to 89 MPGe Advertisement Large families may want to check out the Kia EV9, which has plenty of practical space and a distinctive, futuristic look. Whether in the first or third row of this electric vehicle, you'll feel like you can stretch out, and we always appreciate a quiet, smooth ride. Plus, the EV9 charges quickly, making charging stops relatively short. Rivian R1T Rivian R1T is an excellent EV choice that isn't a Tesla – Photo courtesy of Rivian MSRP: Starting at $69,900 Fuel economy: Up to 93 MPGe Advertisement The midsize Rivian R1T proves you can drive a pickup truck without an internal combustion engine. With excellent off-road capabilities and a spacious storage bed, you get several traditional benefits of a truck with much more attractive mileage. You get from 0 to 60 mph in about 3 seconds, depending on your engine configuration. Fiat 500e The Fiat 500e is a zippy little EV for city drivers – Photo courtesy of Fiat MSRP: Starting at $32,500 Fuel economy: Up to 121 MPGe Advertisement If affordability is at the top of your list of concerns, the Fiat 500e is a great pick. Not only are there great lease deals, but the brand also offers an Employee Pricing PLUS Program. This compact car is a charming city option with fast-charging and efficient performance. The retro design makes the Fiat stand out. Ford Mustang Mach-E Mustang Mach E is one of the coolest EVs out there – Photo courtesy of Ford MSRP: Starting at $37,995 Fuel economy: Up to 111 MPGe Advertisement As Ford's first fully electric vehicle, the Mach-E is a cool car. It doesn't read like a Ford. (You'll only see the distinctive oval logo at the top of the windscreen.) Instead, it looks more like the car of the future. You can tailor the appearance of the Mach-E with paint colors like Molten Magenta and enjoy comfortable, spacious interiors and a sporty drive feel. MINI Countryman SE ALL4 Electric SUV MINI Countryman SE ALL4 Electric is a fun EV option for SUV drivers – Photo courtesy of MINI MSRP: Starting at $45,200 Fuel economy: Up to 99 MPGe Advertisement It feels like fun is at the heart of all Minis, which is certainly the case with the Countryman SE Electric SUV. While this crossover is undoubtedly cute, it's also speedy, making this an excellent option for folks needing speed. Steering is generally well-regarded in this vehicle, making it ideal for navigating traffic. GMC Hummer EV GMC Hummer EV is beast for off-roading – Photo courtesy of GMC MSRP: Starting at $96,550 Fuel economy: Up to 59 MPGe Advertisement For an off-roading EV, you'll want to go with a Hummer. While the GMC Hummer EV isn't necessarily as fuel-efficient as others on this list, it's competent when handling rough terrain. And thanks to its large size, it's also an incredibly comfortable ride, even when traversing bumps and dips. Hyundai Ioniq 6 The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the best-rated EVs – Photo courtesy of Hyundai MSRP: Starting at $37,850 Fuel economy: Up to 151 MPGe The undeniably cool design of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 makes this EV a conversation piece. But it's not just looks — the impressive range and performance at a relatively affordable price point have made this Hyundai a favorite among critics and drivers alike. The sporty design also means this car has a low center of gravity, making for easier handling. Advertisement Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition The Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition is an EV with style – Photo courtesy of Stellantis MSRP: Starting at $72,790 Fuel economy: Up to 104 MPGe The latest Jeep Wagoneer S Launch may be the Jeep of the future. It's the only full EV from the brand, and certainly doesn't compromise on that must-have Jeep four-wheel drive and power (packing 600 horsepower thanks to twin engines). The car reads luxury with a McIntosh audio system and massaging seats, and gets up to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. BMW i5 The BMW i5 is a luxury EV pick for serious car lovers – Photo courtesy of BMW MSRP: Starting at $67,100 Advertisement
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
F1 teams 'not ready to handle' radical change to Monaco Grand Prix for 2025
Exclusive: Every driver will have to make at least two pit stops during the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix after a major rule change with the intention of making the event a more exciting race A former Formula 1 star predicts some teams will be caught out by the unusual rule that will be in force at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. For 2025, the race is a guaranteed two-stopper – at least – with every driver required to use all three types of slick tyre during Sunday's race. At every other race, the rule is that, in the dry weather, every car has to use at least two of the three different compounds – soft, medium and hard rubber. But that rule has been altered in a bid to spice things up in Monte Carlo. While still one of the staple events of the global motorsport calendar, the Monaco F1 race has become a little stale in recent years. The tight, twisty track remains an enormous challenge for drivers but the bigger, bulkier cars of today make overtaking virtually impossible. It makes qualifying spectacular every year, with ever driver pushing to the absolute limit and not leaving a spare inch of room in search of the best lap time. But the race can often be a procession – something F1 bosses are trying to change. The idea is that extra pit stops will lead to more strategy errors being made and provide more opportunities for the running order to change. And Juan Pablo Montoya believes some drivers and teams may be caught out by the different rules this weekend. "Yes, I think it's great," he said, when asked by Mirror Sport about the special new rules. "You're gonna have a bunch of scenarios coming up. "If you're towards the back of the grid, you might want to start on the soft tyres and do a lap because if you stop at the end of the first lap, by the time the race still strings out, you've got to be in the back of the line pretty soon. "You're gonna save one of the pits straight away, whereas the leaders need to find when to pit. So you're gonna have guys up front leading and waiting and you get a safety car, all of a sudden everything becomes upside down. That might become more like an IndyCar race where more people can win the race. "I don't think teams in F1 are ready to handle it as it needs to be handled. I think somebody's gonna get it right. But I think a lot of people are gonna get it wrong because they're so used to running races certain ways and the whole strategy is built for that." Montoya spoke exclusively to Mirror Sport via Vision4Sport, where you can enquire about exclusive packages to the world's best sporting events.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Charges dismissed against woman accused of receiving stolen sculpture
Prosecutors have dismissed a felony charge against a Santa Fe woman who was accused earlier this year of having a large ceramic sculpture at her home that a gallery owner alleged was stolen years beforehand. A charge of receiving stolen property against Yvonne Montoya, 56, was dropped April 23, according to a notice of dismissal filed by prosecutors. The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled or sent to a grand jury. Montoya said in an interview the case boiled down to 'bad luck for me.' She had picked up the sculpture from someone on the south side of Santa Fe while picking up cabinets with a friend, she said, and she didn't know anything about the history of the piece. Montoya provided an affidavit she submitted in which she wrote she had acquired the sculpture in the spring of 2022 for free when her friend took her to pick up some cabinets from a woman in a neighborhood near Jaguar Drive. 'There was no reason to believe that the statue was stolen,' she wrote. 'I started calling galleries and emailing some of them, as well as landscaping [companies] and cold-calling people and businesses months before I listed it on [Facebook] Marketplace.' The owner of Hat Ranch Gallery told Santa Fe County sheriff's deputies the two-piece sculpture had been taken from the property in early 2022, and she inquired about the sculpture with Montoya upon seeing it listed on a Facebook page called 'Santa Fe Pickers.' Sheriff's deputies went to Montoya's house in Santa Fe in September and found the sculpture sitting in the front yard, an investigator wrote in an affidavit. The deputy alleged Montoya was 'irate and uncooperative' with officers, and deputies removed the sculpture and returned it to the gallery owner. 'They went over and grabbed it for her,' Montoya said. 'If I stole something, I'm not going to put it in my front yard.' Deputies noted in their affidavit Montoya told officers she didn't know it was stolen and had received the sculpture from an unknown source on the south side, adding she 'stated she wanted to return the sculpture.' Investigators alleged in the affidavit that after chatting with the gallery owner, Montoya deleted the Facebook post as well as her profile 'in appearance to conceal,' and deputies filed a felony charge of receiving stolen property. Montoya maintained she had no knowledge of the sculpture being stolen throughout the interaction, and deputies acknowledged the gallery owner made a 'delayed report' of the stolen artwork. She said she was glad to see the case dismissed. 'But that doesn't fix my reputation,' she said. 'My family types my name in and sees that I'm a thief — that's embarrassing.'
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"It's a testament to why I'm still in the game": Montoya drives Hockey's rise in Texas
Al Montoya the former NHL Player (Credit: Getty Image) As the Dallas Stars chase playoff glory, Al Montoya has a mission rooted beyond the scoreboard. As vice president of cultural growth and strategy, his work focuses on something bigger than wins: building a lasting love for hockey in Texas . Montoya's title speaks to his purpose. With every game the Stars play, his mind is also on who's watching. Who's showing up. Who sees themselves in the sport. From First Cuban-American NHLer to Strategic Leader Dallas Stars Executive Álvaro "Al" Montoya making a difference by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Verstopfung: Wenn Ihr Stuhl so aussieht, sollten Sie dies sehen' Nutraluvia Mehr erfahren Undo Montoya's journey in hockey is unlike most. As the league's first Cuban-American player, his roots in the sport are personal and historic. After nearly a decade in the NHL, he's brought that perspective into the boardroom. He calls this work his purpose, and it shows. His focus now is on those who haven't yet discovered the game. He understands how much representation matters, especially in sports that lack visible diversity. Texas has become a pipeline for national-level players. Some, like Blake Fiddler and Cullen Potter, began in local programs backed by the Stars. They now compete on the global stage. Montoya's leadership is reshaping Al Montoya the former NHL Player (Credit: Getty Image) The leadership is reshaping not just who plays the game, but who feels welcome watching it. His presence at events, his conversations with Spanish-speaking fans, and his efforts in underrepresented communities speak volumes. His role is more than symbolic. It's practical and rooted in long-term change. Hockey's future, especially in non-traditional markets like Texas, depends on this kind of outreach. Montoya believes that the most talented hockey player might not have picked up a stick yet. He's making sure that, when they do, there's a space ready for them, regardless of their background. Read more: After losing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, Meredith Gaudreau builds quiet strength through motherhood Al Montoya's work isn't measured in goals or assists. It's seen in new fans, diverse players, and growing access. By investing in people and places long overlooked by hockey, he's ensuring the game grows broader, deeper, and more connected to the communities it now calls home. That's why he's still in the game. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings. Catch Lovlina's story unfold on Game On. Watch here!
