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Firefighter killed in explosion while battling fire near Palmdale

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

Firefighter killed in explosion while battling fire near Palmdale

An explosion killed a Los Angeles County firefighter and injured another while they were battling a fire near Palmdale Friday.

The incident happened at a quarry near the 6500 block of East Avenue in Littlerock at around 2.p.m., fire officials said.

Sky5 videos of the scene showed a large tractor, described as an articulated front loader, with flames still visible near the engine and heavy smoke billowing from the vehicle.

Officials confirm the firefighter killed was a 19-year veteran who was assigned to a four-person engine and worked in the Palmdale area. His identity was not yet released.

A body located on a dirt mound near the smoking vehicle was seen covered by an American flag.

A second firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Antelope Valley Medical Center. He will be released later Friday night. It’s unknown what initially caused the fire.

Fire crews responded to the scene. By 6: 30 p.m., they were still dowsing the smoking vehicle and working to extinguish the flames.

“He was a wonderful man,” said Anthony Marrone, L.A. County Fire Department Chief, of the victim. “He was married, he’s a father and it’s just such a tragedy.”

The incident will be investigated by the LASD’s Homicide Bureau and the Arson Unit.

“We grieve in solidarity with our brothers and sisters with the Los Angeles County Fire Department,” said LASD Commander Mark Reyes.

“My heart is heavy to learn that one of our firefighters lost his life when responding to a call in Palmdale,” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “My deepest condolences to his family and the other firefighters at Station 93. It’s a sobering reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day. We owe them our steadfast support as they grapple with this loss. I’m committed to ensuring our Fire personnel are connected with needed mental health support as they grieve.”

A press conference where officials provided an update can be viewed in the video player above.

This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Video: What the Texas Primary Battle Means for the Midterms

Published

6 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Video: What the Texas Primary Battle Means for the Midterms

new video loaded: What the Texas Primary Battle Means for the Midterms

The first battle of the midterm elections will be the U.S. Senate primary in Texas. Our Texas bureau chief, David Goodman, explains why Democrats and Republicans across the U.S. are watching closely to see what happens in the state.

By J. David Goodman, Alexandra Ostasiewicz, June Kim and Luke Piotrowski

March 1, 2026

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Mass shooting at Austin, Texas bar leaves at least 3 dead, 14 wounded, authorities say

Published

9 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Mass shooting at Austin, Texas bar leaves at least 3 dead, 14 wounded, authorities say

Gunfire rang out at a bar in Austin, Texas, early Sunday and at least three people were killed, the city’s police chief said.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters the shooter was killed by officers at the scene.

Fourteen others were hospitalized and three were in critical condition, Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said.

“We received a call at 1:39 a.m. and within 57 seconds, the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients,” Luckritz said.

There was no initial word on the shooter’s identity or motive.

An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas.

Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP

Davis noted how fortunate it was that there was a heavy police presence in Austin’s entertainment district at the time, enabling officers to respond quickly as bars were closing.

“Officers immediately transitioned … and were faced with the individual with a gun,” Davis said. “Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect.”

She called the shooting a “tragic, tragic” incident.

Texas Bar Shooting — Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provides a briefing after a shooting on Sunday, March 1, 2026, near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin, Texas.

Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said his heart goes out to the victims, and he praised the swift response of first responders.

“They definitely saved lives,” he said.

Davis said federal law enforcement is aiding the investigation.

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A long-buried recording and the Supreme Court of old (CT+) : Consider This from NPR

Published

21 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

A long-buried recording and the Supreme Court of old (CT+) : Consider This from NPR

Recently, movie critic Bob Mondello brought us a story about how he found a 63-year-old recording of his father arguing a case before the Supreme Court. The next day, he bumped into Nina Totenberg, NPR’s legal affairs correspondent, in the newsroom. They were talking so animatedly that we ushered them into a studio to continue the conversation.To unlock this and other bonus content — and listen to every episode sponsor-free — sign up for NPR+ at plus.npr.org. Regular episodes haven’t changed and remain available every weekday.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.