Latest news with #Panetta
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bipartisan proposal would make looting a felony during disasters
A new bipartisan bill aims to crack down on looting during natural disasters by making theft a felony in areas under federal disaster declaration. The Law On Offender Transgressions during Emergencies and Recovery (LOOTER) Act — drafted by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) — would make petty larceny during a natural disaster punishable by up to one year in prison, while grand larceny would be punishable by up to five years. The bill, details of which were shared first with The Hill, seeks to 'safeguard residents from criminal exploitation,' which has become increasingly common in the aftermaths of disasters across the country, according to Panetta's office. 'As a former prosecutor, I've seen firsthand how looting during emergencies only deepens the suffering of disaster victims,' Panetta said in a statement, noting his district has experienced devastation related to wildfires and floods. 'The LOOTER Act would ensure that those who prey on communities during times of crisis face serious consequences under federal law.' 'Our bipartisan legislation is critical to better protecting disaster-stricken communities, supporting our local law enforcement partners, and sending a clear message that if you loot during a disaster, you will be held accountable,' he added. Panetta is leading the effort with Reps. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas). Nehls, a former county sheriff, said in a statement that his district is 'prone to natural disasters' and has seen its fair share of devastation. 'When Hurricane Harvey hit, I served as Sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, and know all too well how natural disasters leave people and their property vulnerable, especially to crime,' Nehls said. 'This bill ensures accountability for those who take advantage of disaster and ensures justice for those who might fall victim to these low-life crimes,' he added. The bill's introduction comes ahead of what federal forecasters recently predicted will be an unusually heavy hurricane season. Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, and forecasters expect 3-5 major hurricanes this season. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Bipartisan proposal would make looting a felony during disasters
A new bipartisan bill aims to crack down on looting during natural disasters by making theft a felony in areas under federal disaster declaration. The Law On Offender Transgressions during Emergencies and Recovery (LOOTER) Act — drafted by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) — would make petty larceny during a natural disaster punishable by up to one year in prison, while grand larceny would be punishable by up to five years. The bill, details of which were shared first with The Hill, seeks to 'safeguard residents from criminal exploitation,' which has become increasingly common in the aftermaths of disasters across the country, according to Panetta's office. 'As a former prosecutor, I've seen firsthand how looting during emergencies only deepens the suffering of disaster victims,' Panetta said in a statement, noting his district has experienced devastation related to wildfires and floods. 'The LOOTER Act would ensure that those who prey on communities during times of crisis face serious consequences under federal law.' 'Our bipartisan legislation is critical to better protecting disaster-stricken communities, supporting our local law enforcement partners, and sending a clear message that if you loot during a disaster, you will be held accountable,' he added. Panetta is leading the effort with Reps. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas). Nehls, a former county sheriff, said in a statement that his district is 'prone to natural disasters' and has seen its fair share of devastation. 'When Hurricane Harvey hit, I served as Sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, and know all too well how natural disasters leave people and their property vulnerable, especially to crime,' Nehls said. 'This bill ensures accountability for those who take advantage of disaster and ensures justice for those who might fall victim to these low-life crimes,' he added. The bill's introduction comes ahead of what federal forecasters recently predicted will be an unusually heavy hurricane season. Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, and forecasters expect three to five major hurricanes this season.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmaker introduces aggressive new bill to block future development along iconic US coastline: 'Prevent new drilling before it starts'
A politician has introduced a bill that they hope will protect a crucial part of California's ecosystem from future fossil fuel drilling projects. On April 22, HR 2882, or the Central Coast of California Conservation Act of 2025, was introduced with the hope of protecting the state's vital shoreline. According to the bill, the "Secretary of the Interior may not issue a lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in any area of the Central California Planning Area." The CCPA is comprised of 11 Central California counties that boast diverse landscapes and thriving agricultural industries. U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, who authored and introduced the bill, explained the reading behind the legislation. "The Central Coast of California Conservation Act would prevent new drilling before it starts, protecting the biodiversity of our waters and the businesses and communities that rely on them," Panetta said in a news release. "On Earth Day, and every day, we must take action to ensure we are living up to the legacy of our home to protect the incredible beauty and bounty that our ocean provides for the next generation." According to the release, U.S. coastal counties support 54.6 million jobs and $10 trillion in goods and services and pay $4 trillion in wages. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reports that the state's agriculture industry exported $23.6 billion worth of goods in 2022. In 2018, the first Trump administration unveiled a plan to open up offshore drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In one of President Donald Trump's first executive orders during his second term, he sought to "unleash" American energy. This included energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters. Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard explained that the oil production from offshore drilling projects could have devastating effects on communities. "Californians experienced too many times the heartbreaking impacts of these spills and know that thriving coastal communities and their economies depend on a healthy, vibrant ocean," Packard said. Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mom says giant wave at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon left her injured and she wants $2m
A mom from New York is suing Disney for $2 million after claiming she was injured by a wave at the park's Typhoon Lagoon waterpark. Kimberly Panetta alleges she was waiting for her 4-year-old daughter to come down a small waterslide in the children's portion of the Florida park in April 2022 when she was "violently struck by a sudden and forceful wave," according to the lawsuit. Panetta claims a "mammoth wave" knocked her to the ground and dragged her along the concrete, causing her serious and permanent injuries, the lawsuit says, according to ClickOrlando. 'It pummeled her, and her body skidded across the cement or gunite, causing serious 'road rash' or scrapes that were severe and deep,' Panetta's lawsuit says, noting that her injuries have made her self-conscious about her appearance since the incident. The lawsuit says that "prior to this accident or incident, [Panetta] would be able to wear clothing that exposed her legs, now keeps her legs covered and must tolerate being hot and uncomfortable as a result thereof." The lawsuit says Disney should have installed barriers to protect people from being knocked around by waves. There are no naturally occurring waves at Typhoon Lagoon. The park does have an attraction called the Surf Pool, which Disney says is the largest wave pool in North America. The pool is reportedly capable of generating up to six-foot swells that surfers can ride. Panetta is accusing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts of negligence and is asking for $2 million, according to court records. 'As a result of this incident, (Panetta's) vacation was ruined, and she was stuck limping around applying bandages, salves and creams, and was forced to avoid swimming and enjoying planned visits to the parks,' the lawsuit says. Disney was also sued over the waterpark in 2023 by a woman accusing the company of negligence after she suffered a "painful wedgie" while riding the Humunga Kowabunga, the park's fastest and steepest waterslide. She said the incident left her suffering from internal injuries. Another woman sued over Typhoon Lagoon in 2024. She reportedly suffered brain damage after taking a water tube down the same slide. In her lawsuit, she says she was knocked unconscious during the ride and that she nearly drowned in the pool at the bottom of the slide.
Toronto Sun
28-04-2025
- Toronto Sun
Woman sues Disney for $2M, claims ‘mammoth wave' scarred her for life
Wooden mast that reads "Welcome!" and "Typhoon Lagoon." Instagram A New York woman is suing Disney Parks for $2 million after she was allegedly struck and left permanently scarred by a 'mammoth wave' at Typhoon Lagoon in Florida. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Kimberly Panetta, 45, of Dix Hills, N.Y., claimed her annual family trip to the 'Place Where Dreams Come True' turned into a nightmare while she was standing in the kids' area waiting for her toddler daughter to descend down a slide. That's when a 'mammoth wave' from another area of the pool 'violently struck' her with so much force that 'it pummelled her,' according to her lawsuit filed in Brooklyn Federal Court earlier this month. 'It was so powerful it was actually dragging us under the water for several feet,' Panetta told the New York Post of the April 2022 incident at the Disney-owned water park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 'I just thank God I had the sense to push [my daughter] above as I was getting dragged,' she continued. 'I knew if she was the one getting dragged she would have been cut all over.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Panetta 'skidded across the cement or gunite, causing serious 'road rash' or scrapes that were severe and deep,' according to court papers. 'I felt pain immediately and I looked down and there was blood,' she recalled to the outlet. She also recounted how her two children, ages three and seven at the time, were 'mortified' after they saw their mom's wounds. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Panetta's husband, Frank, said their young daughter would have 'taken the brunt of the injury,' if his wife hadn't held the girl up, detailing how Kimberly skidded across about '15 or 20 feet' of concrete. Kimberly Panetta's complaint claimed that their family vacation was 'ruined' because 'she was stuck limping around applying bandages, salves and creams, and was forced to avoid swimming and enjoying planned visits to the parks.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She accused Disney of negligence,' claiming the park 'should not have let the wave pool or 'typhoon' power waves enter the kiddie area and pummel the parents that [were] unwittingly waiting for their young children to descend.' Disney officials did not respond to The Toronto Sun's request for comment. Read More Panetta is seeking $2 million in damages for continued 'medical care and treatment' and 'mental anguish,' according to the complaint. Her husband told the Post that Disney only offered their family a $250 credit after the incident. World Federal Elections Celebrity Canada News
