South
Two injured after cell phone battery sparks fire on Southwest flight in Denver
Passengers evacuate after small fire aboard plane
“Evacuate now! Leave your stuff!” Catherine Rios took this footage from inside a Southwest Airlines jet after a small fire broke out, apparently due to a faulty cell phone battery.
DENVER – More than 100 passengers were evacuated from a Southwest Airlines plane at Denver International Airport Friday after a cell phone battery sparked a fire in the cabin.
A Southwest spokesperson said the plane was still at the gate when the fire started before 7 a.m. as it prepared to take off for Houston.
Passengers in the back of the plane used the rear emergency slides while the crew extinguished the seat fire caused by the burning cell phone.
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One passenger reported a minor injury during evacuation, and the person whose phone caught fire was treated for burns.
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX en route to Denver on August 24, 2024 (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Southwest said it was working to find flights for the 108 passengers on board, and the fire remains under investigation.
FAA data shows this is not an isolated incident. According to the National Business Aviation Association, smoke, fire and extreme heat incidents involving lithium-ion batteries happen aboard airplanes more than once a week on average in the U.S.
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Citing FAA data, the NBAA reports there were 208 incidents involving lithium-ion battery packs, 111 involving e-cigarettes and vaping devices, 68 involving cell phones and 60 involving laptop computers.
Atlanta, GA
The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?
The show highlights a tongue-in-cheek social media “ban” on pajamas and Crocs at Tampa International Airport that sparked national debate over travel etiquette. The crew also covers the Atlanta Hawks’ bold “Magic City Monday” promotion featuring famous lemon pepper wings and halftime performances by T.I.. Additionally, the segment dives into Gen Z’s “loud breakup” trend on TikTok and ends with a nostalgic defense of the Burger King Whopper.
Augusta, GA
Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.
The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.
The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.
The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.
“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Washington, D.C
DC Public Health to begin daily testing of Potomac, Anacostia rivers for E. coli
WASHINGTON – Beginning on Monday, the D.C. Department of Health will be conducting daily tests for E. coli in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.
It comes more than five weeks after the Potomac interceptor collapse sent millions of gallons of sewage into the river.
The testing will also coincide with an important safety advisory being lifted.
Why it matters:
Director of the D.C. Department of Health, Dr. Ayanna Bennett, says they will begin daily testing for E. coli in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers on Monday, along with help from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Currently, D.C. is only testing weekly.
“We feel really secure that the initial sewage is not a threat to people, it’s passed through some time ago, but we do want to get more information about what the long term condition of the river is gonna be and how we should look at it going forward.”
Big picture view:
Monday is also an important day because it’s when the District is expected to lift its advisory that recommends against recreational activities on the Potomac — we’re talking boating, fishing, walking pets by the water.
It’s important to note, however, that D.C.’s advisory pertains to its portion of the Potomac, and it has no bearing on advisories issued by officials in Maryland or Virginia.
Still, this is being treated by many as a hopeful sign.
What they’re saying:
But significant concerns absolutely remain for residents.
“I’ve had tons of messages from people saying they’re not going to let their kids row crew, they’re not going to go to sailing schools. We catch three million tons of blue cats out of the Potomac River. That season starts next week, and they’re not gonna be able to bring those blue cats to market,” said Dean Naujoks with the Potomac Riverkeepers.
“You knew years ago that parts of this Potomac Interceptor were corroded and vulnerable, especially where it broke, in Cabin John, our neighborhood,” one resident said, speaking at a public meeting in Bethesda on Thursday.
“I know there are small business owners here. Who’s accounting for all of our losses that we’re getting due to your sewer blowing up?” another resident asked.
Officials with D.C. Water, which is a public utility, have been running daily tests and will continue to do so as well.
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