Latest news with #VanessaCountryman
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Fire forces Delta flight from Atlanta to make emergency landing. Here's what caused the issue
A Delta Air Lines flight departing from Atlanta was forced to make an emergency landing Monday morning after a lithium battery reportedly caught fire in a passenger's backpack, prompting safety concerns mid-flight. Here is what we know about the incident. Delta flight makes emergency landing on Monday Flight 2135, going to Fort Lauderdale, was diverted to Fort Myers after the fire was detected onboard around 8:30 a.m. Crew members quickly responded, extinguishing the flames and securing the bag in a containment device designed for lithium battery fires. 'Ok, so the backpack has been contained. We think it was a lithium battery that caused the smoke and the fire. It's in a containment bag. No smoke in the cabin at this point. No active fire. It's in the lavatory. We're planning on taxiing clear of the runway,' the pilot told the Air Traffic Control Tower. The aircraft safely landed at Southwest Florida International Airport, and evaluated. No injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that it has opened an investigation into the incident Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Delta plane makes emergency stop in Florida after battery ignites Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Boat explosions in Georgia: What to check on your boat to ensure safety before hitting lake
Several devastating boat explosions in Georgia recently have sparked new questions about how and why boats can explode, and what every boater must know to prevent it. Though shocking, boating experts say these kinds of explosions are often avoidable, and more common than many people realize. Here is a recap of recent boat explosions. Boat explosions in Georgia On July 4, 2025, two separate boat explosions on North Georgia lakes left at least ten people injured. The first explosion happened on Lake Lanier near the Margaritaville resorts in Hall County. A boat carrying seven people, including children as young as five, erupted into flames while being towed. Fortunately, everyone was rescued. Later that same day, another explosion occurred on Lake Nottely in Union County, severely injuring three teenage brothers during a family tubing trip. The blast happened shortly after the family had stopped to refuel their boat. All three boys sustained burns, with one 17-year-old suffering burns over 80% of his body. Both incidents are still under investigation. On July 4th, 2025, a boat exploded on Lake Lanier in Hall, injuring another seven people. Those victims ranged in age from 5 to 45. What causes boat explosions? According to BoatUS, gasoline fumes are the number one cause of boat explosions. The typical chain of events goes like this: a fuel leak releases gasoline vapors into the bilge or engine compartment, where they can accumulate. If those vapors come into contact with a spark from the engine, battery, or electrical equipment, it can trigger a powerful explosion. Fuel leaks often happen due to old, brittle hoses, corroded fittings, or faulty fuel shutoffs. Ethanol in gasoline can also degrade hoses faster than expected. Even something as routine as stepping on a fuel line during engine maintenance can cause damage that leads to a leak. How to ensure boat safety Here are key tips from BoatUS and marine safety experts to help prevent boat explosions: Inspect fuel lines and hoses regularly (if they're over 10 years old, they may need to be replaced). Use only USCG-approved A1-15 hose Run the bilge blower for at least 4 to 5 minutes after fueling to clear out any fumes. Smell for fuel before starting the engine. If you smell gas, don't start the boat. Shut off all engines and electrical systems during fueling, and make sure you're using the correct fuel fill port. Ensure all engine parts and pumps are 'ignition protected' to prevent sparks in fuel areas. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Boat explosions in Georgia: How to keep your family safe on the lake Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Is recreational use of marijuana legal in Georgia? 24 states allow it
As more states across the U.S. move to legalize recreational marijuana, Georgia remains on the sidelines. While 24 states have adopted laws allowing adults to purchase and consume cannabis for non-medical use, Georgia continues to prohibit it. But what does the Peach State allow medically? Here is everything to know. Has Georgia legalized recreational marijuana? No, Georgia does not allow adult-use of cannabis. According to NORML, possession for personal use, even under an ounce, is punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail or up to a $1,000 fine. Possessing more than an ounce is a felony, carrying penalties of 1 to 10 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Does Georgia allow marijuana medically? Georgia allows marijuana for medical purposes only, and exclusively in the form of low-THC oil (5% THC or less). Registered patients can possess up to 20 fluid ounces. What states have legalized recreational marijuana? According to U.S. News and World Report, here are the 24 states to legalize marijuana: Washington (as of 2012) Alaska (as of 2014) Oregon (as of 2014) California (as of 2016) Montana (as of 2020) Colorado (as of 2012) Nevada (as of 2016) Arizona (as of 2020) New Mexico (as of 2021) Minnesota (as of 2023) Missouri (as of 2022) Illinois (as of 2019) Michigan (as of 2018) Ohio (as of 2023) Virginia (as of 2021) Maryland (as of 2023) Maine (as of 2016) Delaware (as of 2023) New Jersey (as of 2020) New York (as of 2021) Vermont (as of 2018) Massachusetts (as of 2016) Rhode Island (as of 2022) Connecticut (as of 2021) For more information, visit Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Is recreational use of marijuana legal in Georgia? 24 states allow it Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Could a tropical system bring rain to Georgia? See what the National Hurricane Center says
A weak weather system developing off Florida's Atlantic coast may bring heavy rainfall to parts of Georgia later this week, according to the latest outlook from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The system, described as a "trough of low pressure," is currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms near northern Florida, the northwestern Bahamas, and nearby Atlantic waters, according to NHC. While the system's chances of developing into a tropical depression remain low, just 10% over the next 48 hours and 30% over the next week, forecasters warn that its impacts could still be felt inland. Will it impact Georgia? Regardless of development, the system is expected to bring periods of heavy rainfall to parts of Florida and the north-central Gulf Coast through the middle to latter part of the week. Localized flash flooding is possible in affected areas. At this time, no direct impacts to Georgia have been forecast, but residents are encouraged to stay updated as the system progresses. "This is still not anything to panic about or cancel plans for," according to Chris Holcomb 11Alive Facebook post. "Just something we are monitoring." The National Hurricane Center will continue to monitor the disturbance and issue updates as needed. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Is a tropical disturbance heading toward Georgia?
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Do you have to legally open the door for a police officer? What to know in Georgia
Many Georgians might get a knock at the door, and it's the police. But do you have to legally open the door? According to Georgia's Expungement Lawyers, the law gives residents strong protections inside their homes, including the right not to open the door to law enforcement under most circumstances. Police can legally conduct what's known as a 'knock-and-talk,' which means they are allowed to approach your home, knock on the door, and request to speak with you. However, you are not required to engage with them or let them inside unless they have the legal authority to enter. "If they do not have a warrant, then they do not have any right to come in," the legal group said. The first right every person has is the right to remain silent. If officers insist they are coming in, you're encouraged to ask to see a warrant. If they don't have one, they cannot legally enter, unless there are emergency circumstances such as someone being in immediate danger, or if illegal activity is clearly visible from outside. Home searches in Georgia typically occur under three scenarios: Warranted Search – When police obtain a search warrant from a magistrate judge based on probable cause. Exigent Circumstances – When urgent conditions, like danger to life or destruction of evidence, justify entry without a warrant. Consent Searches – When a resident voluntarily allows officers to enter and search the home. Attorneys warn that if you do give consent, even verbally, that search becomes legally valid, and any evidence found could be used in court. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Do you have to legally open the door for a police officer in Georgia?
