Latest news with #Plano
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Toyota RAV4 goes all-hybrid: New models, more power and bold design
America's bestselling non-pickup will switch to an all-hybrid lineup when the 2026 Toyota RAV4 compact SUV goes on sale later this year. The dramatic move follows Toyota's change to all-hybrid last year with the Camry, America's No. 1 midsize sedan. Toyota is dramatically increasing sales of hybrid and electric vehicles at the same time the company says U.S. tariffs will raise prices and make it harder for people to afford a new vehicle. 'A 25% tariff is not sustainable long term without significant price increases,' Toyota North America Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Templin said at the company's sprawling headquarter complex in Plano, Texas. 'They put a new car out of reach of many consumers.' The new RAV4 lineup will include plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and performance GR-Sport models as the automaker looks to expand sales of its franchise vehicle. The PHEVs will produce 320 horsepower, up from 302 for the 2025 RAV4. The sporty GR-Sport will be a PHEV. More Toyota reviews: I took Toyota's 2025 Land Cruiser out for a second look ― and loved it more For the first time, hybrids will be available on front- and all-wheel models. An outdoorsy new Woodland model will be available as a hybrid or PHEV. AWD will be standard. Toyota will announce electric range, fuel economy and prices closer to when sales begin. Key features: DC fast charging port for PHEVs Nine-speaker JBL audio Head-up display Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Toyota's "hammerhead" grille and front lights are new, along with LED taillights. The interior features a 10.5- or 12.9-inch touch screen, depending on trim level. Digital climate controls are integrated into the bottom of the screen. A 12.3-inch digital instrument replaces 7-inch mechanical gauges. Upper trim levels will get a toggle-switch gear selector. The RAV4's dimensions don't change, but the body grew stiffer to reduce noise and improve ride and handling. Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 RAV4 lineup goes all-hybrid as Toyota warns of tariff price hikes
CBS News
14 hours ago
- Health
- CBS News
New details emerge in alleged teacher attack at Plano elementary school
New details have emerged about a frightening incident outside a Plano ISD elementary school last week, where a teacher was allegedly attacked. According to newly obtained arrest documents, Daniel Okungbowa approached a woman outside Boggess Elementary School last Thursday morning and began asking her questions about her job. Teacher fights off attacker CBS News Texas Police said that when the woman walked away, Okungbowa ran up behind her and grabbed her in a full-body hold. The two struggled on the ground as she fought to break free, eventually biting his hand. Authorities said the suspect let go and fled after the victim's school radio went off. He took her phone and the school radio with him. Police tracked the phone to Okungbowa nearby and arrested him on charges of robbery and theft. Self-defense expert weighs in "It is terrifying that that did happen," said Genevieve Petersen, a self-defense instructor at Chamberlain Studios of Self-Defense in Dallas. "It does show you that it can happen any time, so we need to be aware." Petersen emphasized the importance of situational awareness and demonstrated basic self-defense techniques. "The main thing would be dropping my weight down," she said. "If I'm trying to lift up, he's stronger than me and that's not going to work." Simple moves can save lives She also advised screaming and striking vulnerable areas. "If I'm on the ground, I have my hands up. It may seem strange that I'm going to bring him closer to me, but now I can reach his face," she said. "I can claw, I can grab on and get him away from me. The moves we teach in a basic self-defense class are all very simple." Petersen said having the knowledge and confidence to act is critical when every second counts. She teaches a women's beginner self-defense class on Tuesdays. More information is available at
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Well, That Was Surprising': Top Moments From the National Spelling Bee
After coming in as runner-up during last year's Scripps National Spelling Bee and bungling an earlier chance to win on Thursday night, Faizan Zaki was given a word that, if spelled correctly, would let him finally win it all: 'éclaircissement.' He smiled and, without hesitation, stated each letter easily, then collapsed on the floor amid a shower of confetti. The 13-year-old of Plano, Texas, didn't even need to ask for the word's meaning, 'a clearing up of something obscure.' The stunning win capped a surprising run that took down six finalists and momentarily left the bee's winner in doubt. Here are five takeaways from the competition. The nine finalists were unflappable. None of the nine finalists were eliminated in the first round as they easily tackled words like 'isopag,' 'ethology' and 'Politique.' The vocabulary round took out the first finalist, Akshaj Somisetty, 13, of Harrisburg, Pa., after he incorrectly defined 'imbroglio.' In the third round, Esha Marupudi, 13, of Phoenix, was eliminated after misspelling 'aromorphosis,' and Oliver Halkett, 13, of Los Angeles, was out after struggling with the word 'aurore.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
New York Times
2 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Faizan Zaki, Last Year's Runner-Up, Is a Favorite to Win This Year's Spelling Bee
For the past year, Faizan Zaki, 13, had a schedule that would rival that of professional athletes. He trained five to six hours a day on weekdays and seven to eight hours on weekends. His reps were words. Lots and lots of words. As last year's runner-up, he is a favorite to win this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee. And he has never studied harder, he said confidently hours before he was set to take the stage Thursday evening. The seasoned speller from Plano, Texas, was the only 2024 finalist who advanced to the 2025 finals. 'A lot of people are looking to me to beat what I got last year,' he said over the phone. He took a bit of a different approach in preparing this year, to increase his speed and improve his vocabulary. Once he got home from school, he would open the dictionary and look for words he hadn't seen before. He'd keep track of them in a document, focusing on the definition and spelling of each word. This year, Faizan also studied specifically for the spell-off, the final tiebreaking round that cost him a win last year. In the spell-off, finalists have 90 seconds to spell as many words from a shared list of 30 as possible. Bruhat Soma defeated Faizan last year, spelling 29 words correctly to Faizan's 20 words. The spell-off was required to end the contest last year. This year, the rules have been amended so that the spell-off is optional if judges deem the contest has gone on for too long. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Local Neurosurgeon Jeremy Denning Raises Awareness for National Scoliosis Month
PLANO, Texas, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month – an ideal time to explore causes and treatment methods for scoliosis, which affects approximately 7 million people in the United States, as reported by the National Scoliosis Foundation. 'Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often resembling an S or C shape when viewed from behind. This can lead to spinal or truncal imbalance and pain that may interfere with one's daily activities,' says Jeremy Denning, MD, a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and chief of the Neurosurgery Department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano. 'Thankfully, early detection and tailored treatment plans can significantly improve quality of life.' Common scoliosis symptoms include visible symptoms – such as a visible curvature of the spine, uneven shoulders or a tilted pelvis. Other symptoms might include back pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties and limited mobility. Dr. Denning recommends regular scoliosis screenings by a qualified healthcare professional for anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has high risk factors. 'Most patients are diagnosed during childhood growth spurts, so children around 10-14 years old are considered high risk. Adult cases are less common, but scoliosis can occur at any age, so if you're experiencing symptoms or have high risk factors, consult a healthcare provider,' explains Dr. Denning. 'The exact cause of scoliosis is frequently unknown, referred to as idiopathic scoliosis – but it can also arise from congenital spine defects, neuromuscular disorders or degenerative diseases.' A family history of scoliosis can increase risk, as can certain neuromuscular disorders. In addition, the National Scoliosis Foundation reports girls as being eight times more likely to develop more serious scoliosis cases, which are severe enough to require treatment. Not all cases require medical intervention, and treatment methods vary, depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment methods for mild and moderate cases include physical therapy and strengthening exercises and/or bracing. Bracing is used to prevent curve progression in growing children or adolescents. More severe cases may require surgery. 'We always explore nonsurgical treatments first. If those treatments are ineffective or the patient's condition worsens significantly, then we may recommend surgery,' notes Dr. Denning. 'Surgical options range from minimally invasive techniques to correct the curvature, such as vertebral tethering, to more extensive procedures like spinal fusion.' Dr. Denning adds that patients with mild to moderate scoliosis may find pain relief through at-home remedies such as strengthening and stretching exercises, posture awareness or heat therapy. A board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, Dr. Denning has more than 20 years of experience treating patients. Dr. Denning's specialties include head injuries, scoliosis treatment, degenerative spine disease, tumor removal and pathology, disc treatment, reconstructive surgery, arthritis treatment and cerebrovascular surgery. Dr. Denning graduated with honors from Howard Payne University with dual degrees in biology and broadcast journalism. He graduated first in his class from medical school, earning his MD from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Dr. Denning completed his internship in general surgery and a residency in neurosurgery through Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In addition, Dr. Denning completed a prestigious fellowship in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery at New York University Medical Center and a preceptorship in cerebrovascular surgery under Professor Juha Hernesniemi, one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject and the chairman of neurosurgery at Finland's Helsinki University Central Hospital, Töölö Hospital. Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine is the longest running, privately held neurosurgical group in North Texas, with more than 50 years of experience caring for patients. Located in Plano, Texas, the nationally renowned neurosurgical care center draws patients from all over the United States, treating approximately 6,000 patients per year. The practice's doctors are widely regarded for their exceptional skill, specialized training and patient-centered approach. For more information, visit Media Contact: Krista Simmons Bluebonnet Public Relations 682-225-9135 [email protected]
