March 30 top stories
It is March 30. Here are today’s top stories.
9 soldiers killed in helicopter crash
At least nine soldiers who were in two Army Blackhawk helicopters on a training exercise died when the helicopters crashed. This happened on Wednesday night in Kentucky near the border with Tennessee. The two helicopters collided.
A military spokesperson said personnel in the helicopters were using night vision goggles and were doing a medical evacuation exercise.
Kentucky Gov. Beshear said today is a tough and tragic day for Kentucky.
Train carrying ethanol derails in Minnesota
A train that was carrying ethanol and corn syrup derailed and burst into flames in Minnesota at about 1 a.m. today. This happened in the town of Raymond, which is about 100 miles west of Minneapolis. The entire town of Raymond and its 800 residents had to evacuate because it is less than a mile from the site.
The train was a BNSF freight train. The company said 22 cars derailed and that there are no injuries. It is not known the cause of the derailment.
Officials from the EPA were on the site this morning and monitored the air for toxic chemicals. As of this afternoon, residents were told they can return home.
American journalist detained in Russia
Law enforcement in Russia said they detained an American journalist who worked for the Wall Street Journal and charged him with espionage (spying).
His name is Evan Gershkovich. He could face up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted of espionage. He has pleaded not guilty in a court in Moscow.
A Russian official said they caught Gershkovich “red-handed” trying to gather information on activities related to the Russian military.
The Wall Street Journal said they deny the allegations and seeks the immediate release of their reporter.
The Biden administration said the arrest is unacceptable and that they are in touch with the Russian government to try and get access to the reporter.
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Dad stabbed to death outside Starbucks
In Vancouver, Canada, a 37-year-old father was stabbed to death at a Starbucks by a man who was allegedly angry after he asked him not to vape in front of his 3-year-old daughter. The victim’s name is Paul Stanley Schmidt and this happened on Sunday afternoon.
Schmidt was with his daughter outside of the Starbucks while his fiancee was inside getting drinks. There is a video circulating on social media that shows Schmidt bleeding and collapsing on the floor. There were other people around but they didn’t immediately rush to help him. Schmidt’s family said people shouldn’t share the video because it is very traumatizing.
The suspected attacker was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. His name is Inderdeep Singh Gosal. Vancouver police said they are investigating and said what happened is “awful.”
Disney took power away from Gov. DeSantis’ new board
The new board appointed by Florida Gov. DeSantis, that is supposed to oversee a special district in Florida where the Walt Disney World is located, said they were surprised to find out that the former board did several deals with Disney that took away the new board’s powers.
The Florida governor had a public feud with Disney last year because Disney spoke out in opposition to a new law, known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, that barred teaching on LGBTQ+-related topics from kindergarten through the third grade.
In February, the governor and Florida legislators finalized procedures to dissolve the special district, take away Disney’s powers, and appointed five new supervisors to oversee the area.
Now the new board found out that it cannot use the name “Disney” or any symbols associated with the park without permission from Disney. The previous board also entered into agreements with Disney that give them control over future construction in the district.
Now the new board is almost powerless, only having the power to maintain roads and basic infrastructure. The new board said they have hired attorneys and may take Disney to court.
That is all the top stories for today. See you tomorrow and stay with the light.
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/30/kentucky-military-helicopters-crash
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/30/wsj-evan-gershkovich-russia-detained
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/business/disney-world-ron-desantis.html