UPI Reports Some Crazy Happenings

Readers of my column knows that I love to keep up with the news and with the weird news. UPI has reported some pretty interesting stories of late. Here are a few you might find interesting.
The UPI reported that Waymo cars have caused some issues in Atlanta. Imagine that? A car with no driver causing problems. No way, Jose tell me it ain’t so.
A Waymo is a fully autonomous, self-driving vehicle for those of you who may have never heard of them.
According to UPI in story released on May 15, residents of an Atlanta neighborhood said Waymo cars have been flooding into their cul-de-sacs by the dozens.
According to UPI, some residents reported they began to notice robtaxis cirdling the dead-end roads a couple of months ago. However, they also reorted that over the past couple of weeks the cars are arriving more frequently and one per said he saw about 50 cars come through in about an hour between 6 and 7 a.m.
According to the story, residents said they tried using signs to ward the cars away, but it caused them to get stuck trying to turn around. They also stated they were concerned for the safety of young child and small pets.
According to the story, Waymo released the following statement addressing the issue.
“At Waymo, we are committed to being good neighbors. We take community feedback seriously and have already addressed this routing behavior,” the company said. “With over 500,000 weekly trips across the country, our service is proven to significantly reduce traffic injuries and improve road safety. We value our relationship with Atlanta residents and remain focused on providing a seamless, respectful, and safe experience for riders and residents alike.”
The UPI story also stated, that Waymo cars have caused traffic problems in Atlanta in the past — in April, three Waymo taxis completely blocked an intersection at a blinking red light.
Proves again that humans are not a necessity this day and age. We should just turn the world over to AIs, robots and computers don’t you think?
Since local students are saying goodbye to high school and receiving diplomas this next story might be of real interest to them. Our schools only have one Valedictorian but in New York there was a school with 21.
I’ve always wondered about the Big Apple. Just look at the craziness that goes on in Times Square.
According to a UPI story released on May 18, a New York high school’s graduating class boasts a record-breaking 21 valedictorians among its approximately 300 students.
Jericho High School in Nassau County, Long Island, bases valedictory status on unweighted letter grades, rather than percentages, meaning each valedictorian has gotten straight A+ report cards through their academic career, but may not have achieved 100% in every course.
“It gives all of the students some equity and opportunity,” district superintendent Robert Kravitz told WPIX-TV of the system. “So if you have that student who’s not taking advanced placement classes, they can also become a scholar.”
Co-Principal Brian Cummings said each A+ represents a score of at least 97%.
Officials said the 21 valedictorians represent a new record for the school, with the second-largest being a previous class with 15 valedictorians.
Cummings said the academic achievements led to one problem — not all 21 valedictorians will be able to give speeches at graduation.
Probably a good thing. Ever heard a New Yorker speak?
Last but truly not least is a bandit who stole food and got away it because police let him go.
On May 15 UPI reported the following story.
Police in Alberta (British Columbia) responded to “a report of a theft involving BBQ goods” and arrived to find a red fox with a mouth full of hot dogs.
The Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said on social media that officers responded to the location in search of a suspect described as having red hair, being short in stature, and wearing a thick coat.
After a brief investigation, the suspect was located attempting to conceal the evidence nearby, the post said.
The RCMP shared a photo of the thieving fox with its mouth filled with hot dogs.
“The suspect was released without conditions and a full belly,” officials wrote.
The cops did a great job, eh? Give them a “Bloody Caesar” or a Bloody Mary as we call it.