Developer of unstable building in NYC says it was never in danger of collapse

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Lisa Rozner

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    New York (WCBS) — Construction crews have been working night and day to stabilize a building on 42nd Street that had two columns buckle and several floors begin to sag.

The former Pfizer headquarters, which is in the process of being converted from office to residential use, remains under close watch as engineers continue investigating what caused the failure.

The project involves adding more stories to an existing building.

Crews have been reinforcing the building since those two structural columns buckled.

Officials say significant progress has been made in stabilizing the building. Department of Buildings inspectors and engineers remain on site around the clock. There’s been no movement of the building in the last 24 hours, officials say.

Supports have been added to every floor from the ninth floor up to the roof. Large carts of pipe columns could be seen outside the building Wednesday.

Four other buildings remain evacuated as a precaution. Wednesday afternoon, 42nd Street between Second and Third avenues reopened to vehicular traffic.

Gus Manessis, owner of a nearby pizzera, said his business is suffering and is not even half of what it would typically be.

“Of course it is an inconvenience to me, but you live in New York City, you’re ready for anything,” area resident Elinor Ruskin said.

Guests who were evacuated from a hotel were allowed to retrieve their belongings Wednesday, but they still had to make last-minute arrangements to find somewhere to stay.

“A couple hundred dollars short that I wasn’t planning to spend,” hotel guest Toni Cordilla Higgins said.

Nathan Berman, the principal and founder of developer MetroLoft, spoke with CBS News New York’s Lisa Rozner extensively about what he thinks may have gone wrong.

He said the building was never at risk of collapsing, adding the worst he thinks would’ve happened is the sagging would have increased by “another four or five inches.”

The union blamed the two failing columns and sagging floors on the fact that most of the job was done by non-union workers.

Outside the building Wednesday, a moving billboard reading “Shame on MetroLoft” could be seen.

“OK, he’s trying to cut corners,” said Anthony Williamson of Construction and General Building Laborers’ Local 79.

“We’re not fully union, and we’re not fully non-union. But we do have union labor on site. That’s number one. Number two, it’s a little self-serving for the unions now to pile on and claim safety concerns when we’ve clearly identified the issue,” Berman said.

The shoring-up work should be completed by Wednesday night or Thursday morning, he said.

So what does Berman think caused the issue?

“It’s not a design issue. This issue is strictly structural, has nothing to do with the conversion aspect of it. It is very strictly structural. We put more load on the columns than they could support,” he said.

Berman pointed to possible human error.

“A certain section of a new addition in the building, in this massive building, having added a certain amount of load to the existing building and having reinforced most of the other columns, we may have missed the two columns that buckled,” he said. “We may have not reinforced them properly, or we may have missed them.”

“This building never was in any risk of any sort of collapse” Berman said the impacted area encompassed 18,000 square feet in a building that’s 950,000 square feet.

“It is a small section of the building that has a problem, and in terms of the overall building, it is less than three or four percent of the building. So in reality, this building never was in any risk of any sort of collapse or any portion of this building was at any risk of collapse,” he said.

Berman praised the city’s response to the situation.

“They did absolutely the right thing by blocking traffic to make sure they have time to secure the site and do their proper inspection, which they have,” he said.

“Being blown out of proportion” Berman said the project will still go forward and will be completed in a year, on schedule.

He said he thinks future renters in the building will understand “when something is being blown out of proportion.” He said that person will also understand the quality of construction of office buildings that are being converted to residential use is “far superior to anything you can afford to build today ground up.”

Berman said buildings constructed in the 1950s and 1960s “were built to different loads, to much higher loads than is required today for residential use” and are “sturdier than anything you could afford to build today.”

The buildings have taller ceilings and “will outlast” any recent new construction, according to Berman.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Honoring George Washington: Museum of Idaho’s ‘Declaration – 250 Years of US’ exhibit offers a time machine to the Revolutionary War

KIFI on July 9, 2026

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Museum of Idaho recognized George Washington Wednesday with a U.S. 250th anniversary commemorative event.

At a special showing of “Young Washington” at the Centre Twin Theater, Idaho Falls City Council President and award-winning U.S. history teacher Jim Francis explored the complexities of America’s first president.

He offered an insightful look at George Washington the man – as a general, Commander in Chief, slave owner, and monument in U.S. history.

“Who was he as a human being, as a leader who made mistakes sometimes, and who was he as this monument we’ve built up as our founding father?” Francis asked.

Francis cited five historical statements made about George Washington. 

“George Washington married one of the richest women in the colonies, making him one of the richest men in the colonies,” Francis related. “Her name, Martha Custis, a widow who owned thousands of acres of land around Williamsburg, 300 slaves, hundreds of head of cattle, hogs and sheep.”

He quoted John Adams, who described Washington’s characteristics in 1807, “Handsome face, tall, graceful, gift of silence, self-command, great fortune.”

Author Ron Chernow, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his biography “Washington: A Life,” wrote, “Two people seemed to coexist inside George Washington’s breast. One was the political militant who mouthed republican slogans; this Washington thought his troops would fight better if motivated by patriotic ideals. … This Washington was also the Virginia planter who felt little in common with the scruffy plebeians around him.”

“George Washington was a flirt and in love with Sally Fairfax, his best friend’s wife,” Francis said, quoting another statement.

Finally, “At the age of 21, George Washington single-handedly touched off the Fourth War that soon led to the Seven Years War, which we teach as the French and Indian War,” Francis shared.

The Museum of Idaho’s Film Series was paired with its fascinating historical exhibit “Declaration: 250 years of US” – which offers a look at artifacts, historical documents, and facsimiles at the heart of the Revolutionary War. 

“It explores America’s founding and the basic tenets of the Declaration,” said Museum of Idaho Marketing Director Camille Farac. “One thing that I really enjoy is a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence. So that’s an exact replica, and it’s hand-engraved [and printed] in 1833. Another cool one is the Declaration of Independence with edits – so Thomas Jefferson’s edits – scribbled onto it.”

The exhibit also contains artifacts from Independence Hall, a cannonball from the War of 1812, and Continental Army and British Army uniforms.

You can catch the “Declaration: 250 years of US” exhibit this summer through February 2027 – only at the Museum of Idaho.

“Washington crossing the Delaware” is featured in the Museum of Idaho’s “Declaration: 250 Years of US” exhibit this summer.

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Bend Born Author Pens Bed time story: ‘Mrs. Moon’

KTVZ on July 9, 2026

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-born author Michelle Kutz has released her new children’s book, “Mrs. Moon.”

The short story is a bedtime rhyme was inspired by Kutz’s granddaughter and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Designed to help children fall asleep, “Mrs. Moon” offers a soft yet memorable pattern. The book also incorporates a religious message, providing a comforting narrative for young readers. The backdrop of the story is Lake Sammamish in Washington.

Kutz described the moment the inspiration for her book, came to her on a walk with her granddaughter: “The Pacific Northwest being so beautiful. We would get outside as much as possible,” Kutz said. “And I wanted her to enjoy nature. And obviously, I’m trying to teach her things as we walk and talk when she’s little. So, we walked and I looked up at the moon and said, Mrs. Moon, Mrs. moon, how are you this afternoon? And she giggled and I thought, oh, this is fun. So let’s roll with it.”

“Mrs. Moon” is currently available for purchase through online retailers Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Kutz, the author, has contacted several bookstores located in Central Oregon and hopes these local establishments will choose to carry her new children’s book soon.

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The Quincy News Morning Brief | Thursday, July 9, 2026

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Tom LoBianco | Quincy News Correspondent

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    Washington (Quincy News) — Market Recap: President Trump’s declaration that the Iran ceasefire is “over” drove trading Wednesday, sending oil prices up 5% and rippling through the market – energy consumers like airlines dropped while energy producers jumped. The Dow fell 1.1% (577 points) and the S&P 500 slid 0.3% (21.14 points). But the Nasdaq edged up a bit with a late day rebound from chip stocks, ending up 0.2% (51.96 points).

Minutes from the Fed’s June meeting, also released Wednesday, showed policymakers remain divided on rates but leaning toward holding, or potentially hiking, if inflation stays elevated. Oil settled above $73 a barrel and Treasury yields ended higher.

Today’s Focus: Thursday’s initial jobless claims set for release in the morning will drive the day, the latest indicator of the jobs market. (Last week’s June employment report showed both a significant cooling and steadying in hiring since April.) The National Association of Realtors also releases existing home sales for June, expected to show modest growth in sales and inventory, but continued high mortgage rates tied to inflation and high Treasury yields. And all eyes remain on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

ON THE SCHEDULE

Thursday, 8:30 a.m. ET – Initial jobless claims Thursday, 1:00 p.m. ET – 30-year Treasury bond reopening

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

New nonprofit hopes to keep Central Oregon athletes closer to home with year-round ice facility

KTVZ on July 9, 2026

Lance Campbell

BEND, Ore. — Central Oregon is known for outdoor recreation, but for local ice sports athletes, access to year-round ice remains limited.

The Forge Community Iceplex, a proposed nonprofit indoor ice facility in northeast Bend, hopes to change that. The project would create Central Oregon’s first dedicated year-round indoor ice facility with two NHL-regulation ice sheets.

Rendering of the proposed Forge Community Iceplex, a planned year-round indoor ice facility in northeast Bend.Rendering courtesy: The Forge Community Iceplex

Organizers are raising $40 million to build a 70,000-square-foot complex featuring two NHL-regulation ice sheets, training space, a pro shop, event areas and a restaurant. Organizers hope to build the facility on a site near Northeast 18th Street and Cooley Road, across from Les Schwab headquarters in Bend, if fundraising goals are met.

Tyler Brower, vice president of The Forge and a founding board member, said the project is being funded entirely through private philanthropy rather than taxpayer-supported bonds or public debt.

“We want our community to feel not only that it’s for them, but it’s theirs,” Brower said. “We are building this as a place where our community can grow and shape and build a future together.”

The Forge operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Brower said the debt-free approach is designed to support long-term financial stability while giving the community ownership of the project.

If completed, the facility would become Central Oregon’s first dedicated year-round indoor ice complex with two NHL-regulation sheets. Bend’s existing public rink, The Pavilion, is a seasonal, open-air facility.

Site plan rendering of the proposed Forge Community Iceplex, showing the planned two-sheet indoor ice facility.Rendering courtesy: The Forge Community Iceplex

Brower said the project is intended to serve families throughout Central Oregon, including Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, La Pine, Sunriver and communities beyond.

He said weather and direct sunlight can delay or cancel games on outdoor ice, creating challenges for youth hockey, figure skating and visiting teams.

“Creating this indoor facility is going to solve a lot of troubling problems that our community has had to face and grind through,” Brower said.

According to The Forge, hosting regional and national tournaments could bring as many as 16,000 visitors to Central Oregon each year and generate an estimated $4.4 million in annual visitor spending.

But Brower said the project’s biggest purpose goes beyond tourism.

“Our local athletes are forced with the decision, and their families with the decision, of stay in Bend and give up the performance pursuit of the sport that they love … or leave Bend and have to relocate to another city and state to pursue the sport that they love,” Brower said.

Brower knows that decision firsthand.

He said he moved away in eighth grade to pursue competitive hockey before eventually playing at the collegiate and professional levels. Now, as a coach in Bend, he said he wants future generations of athletes to have opportunities without leaving home.

Graphic showing The Forge’s fundraising progress toward its $40 million capital campaign. Organizers say construction will begin once the remaining funding is secured.Graphic courtesy: The Forge Community Iceplex

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Firefighters quickly extinguish fire at encampment in Palm Springs, one person injured

KESQ on July 9, 2026

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was injured after a small fire at an encampment in Palm Springs Wednesday evening.

The fire was reported just before 6:15 p.m. along Tramway Road near Highway 111.

“Engine 3 arrived on scene at approximately 6:13 p.m. and located a small fire that had not extended into the surrounding vegetation. Engine 1 assisted with fire suppression, and crews quickly contained and extinguished the fire,” reads a post by the Palm Springs Fire Department.

A person sustained minor burns to the hands and arms. The patient was treated on scene by the department’s Paramedic Squad before being transported for further medical evaluation.

The fire was declared extinguished at approximately 6:25 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No additional injuries were reported, and no structures were threatened.

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Man accused of trying to set fire to occupied camper in Hartsburg

KMIZ on July 9, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man was charged with two felonies after he allegedly tried to set fire to an occupied camper on Monday night in Hartsburg.

Michael Briggs, 55, of Hartsburg, was charged in Boone County on Tuesday with knowingly burning or exploding and resisting arrest. He is being held at the Boone County Jail on a $10,000 bond. An initial court appearance was held on Wednesday.

The probable cause statement says Briggs used a woman’s phone to call True North of Columbia on Monday night and claimed he was going to kill the victim at the victim’s residence. Briggs allegedly reiterated to the woman that he was going to kill the victim.

Deputies were called around 9:50 p.m. to South First Street in Hartsburg and saw a fire near a camper in a backyard, the statement says. The deputy noted in the statement that he heard a male voice screaming. Briggs allegedly lit a cabinet outside the camper on fire, the statement says.

Briggs allegedly held a gas can and a lighter and continued to pour gas on the fire as the deputy told him to put the can down, court documents say.

Briggs allegedly emptied the can before approaching the deputy with his hands behind his back, the statement says. The deputy wrote that Briggs tried to get away while the deputy put handcuffs on him.

The victim told law enforcement that Briggs had “threatened to burn her stuff in the past,” court documents say.

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Wednesday marks two years since death of Matthew Tobben

KMIZ on July 9, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Wednesday marked two years since the death of Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben.

BCFPD honored Tobben on Wednesday by lowering its flags at half-staff.

“We honor his memory and remain committed to carrying forward the values he exemplified throughout his career,” BCFPD Fire Chief Doug Westhoff said in a press release. “We will never forget Assistant Chief Matt Tobben or the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.”

Tobben, 42, died during a water rescue on July 8, 2024, when his boat lost power and capsized near Bear Creek.

Columbia firefighter Derek Abbott and the two people rescued were thrown into the water and emerged, but Tobben never resurfaced. An autopsy determined Tobben drowned.

Tobben served with BCFPD, Missouri Task Force 1 and the Union Fire Protection District during his 19-year career.

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Paso del Norte Center of Hope raises awareness over human trafficking cases on the border

KVIA on July 9, 2026

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Paso del Norte Center of Hope, which was opened to assist and protect victims of human trafficking, leads anti-trafficking efforts in the borderland and is partnering with law enforcement and local nonprofits in the region.

The center has seen an average of 45 to 50 human trafficking cases monthly this year so far, compared to about 211 they reported last year.

“People are unaware that trafficking exists in our community,” said Nicole Schiff. “People often confuse Smuggling and Human Trafficking because of our proximity to the border but it’s important to note the majority of the cases we work involve U.S. Citizens being trafficked by U.S. Citizens,” said Executive Director Nicole Schiff.

Schiff has been the head of the center for nearly six years now and says the most important part of her job is to show the differences between smuggling and trafficking in El Paso.

These are some examples of human trafficking cases they have responded to:

Child exploitation

Online exploitation

“People aren’t aware that that’s happening in our community, so when I’m able to give them that information and help them become more aware, I think that’s the best part of my job,” said Schiff.

“Human trafficking is a crime committed against a person. This is important to note because it is involuntary, exploitation-based, and does not require a person to be moved across a border or state lines, although it can involve foreign nationals. Only a small percentage of the work we do involve victims coming into the country who are working excessive hours and they’re not getting paid, or their documents are being held against them, or promised that they’ll get help with the documents, and then they don’t get anything,” she added. 

Human trafficking could be involuntary, exploitation-based, no border crossing required, it can involve citizens or foreign nationals, lucrative, illicit and it also involves an organized crime network.

“There have been people for sure that have been smuggled into the country or come in and in the process were trafficked, so we have served individuals from Cuba, Venezuela, we’ve had both males and females and they end up being offered a job,” Schiff said.

“Smuggling, in contrast, is a crime against the state which generally involves transportation, importation, exportation, or concealment of goods, money, or people across a border in violation of the law, often avoiding customs duties, taxes, immigration controls, or other government regulations,” she added. 

The Center of Hope also refers people to legal services, but it does not offer them.

The average age of the Center’s clients is 14; therefore, they primarily serve young people.

Currently, they have three full-time case managers dedicated to young people, compared to just one for adults, and there has been a significant increase in online exploitation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We primarily see cases involving adults engaging with youth online, or grooming youth to be in romantic or sexual relationships. Some examples of this have been cases of local news coverage of 14-year-olds with a 35-year-old professional in the education system like a coach or teacher. We’ve also seen cases where Fort Bliss soldiers are with 13 or 14-year-old girls,” Schiff added.    

For more information on how the center can help you, you can click here.

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Missouri maternal mortality report shows rate for Black women 2.5 times that of white women

KMIZ on July 9, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Wednesday published its multi-year maternal mortality report.

The report included data from 2019-23 and determined there were 340 deaths in total. The mortality rate of Black women who went through pregnancy was 2.5 times higher the rate of white women’s, the report says.

The pregnancy-related mortality ratio in total was 31.2 deaths per 100,000 live births, the report says.

The Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board determined 79% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. IT also determined all deaths due to mental health conditions were preventable.

An average of 68 women in the state died while pregnant or within a year of pregnancy during the study period, with the highest total being 85 deaths in 2020, the report says.

“Analysis of data and related patient records indicates cardiovascular diseases and mental health conditions (including substance use disorders) were the leading underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths, followed closely by infections (pneumonia, COVID-19, etc.),” a press release from the DHSS says.

Recommendations to combat the mortality rate, according to the report, include:

Implementing community violence intervention programs with a focus on reducing homicides among pregnant and postpartum women.

Local housing authorities implementing policies that prioritize housing for pregnant and postpartum women

Investing in urban infrastructure.

2023annual-reportDownload

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