In other news: Seat belt saved passenger’s life during Boeing 737 jet blowout; Best Buy recalls over 287,000 air fryers

Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 16, 2024

By The Associated Press

Seat belt saved passenger’s life on Boeing 737 jet that suffered a blowout, new lawsuit says

More passengers aboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 jet when part of its fuselage blew out in January are suing — including one who says his life was saved by a seat belt. The lawsuit, representing seven passengers, was filed in Washington’s King County Superior Court on Thursday against Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Spirit AeroSystems and 10 people listed as John Does. The lawsuit seeks damages for alleged negligence, product construction/manufacturing defect liability, and failing in its duty to protect passengers from harm. Boeing responded to an email seeking comment saying officials “have nothing to add.” Alaska Airlines and Spirit AeroSystems didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment. Another lawsuit was filed last month on behalf of 22 passengers.

Best Buy recalls over 287,000 air fryers due to overheating issue that can melt or shatter parts

Best Buy is recalling more than 287,000 air fryers and air fryer ovens due to an overheating issue that can cause the products’ parts to melt or shatter, posing fire and laceration risks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Insignia-branded air fryer ovens can overheat — and their glass doors can shatter as a result. The air fryers’ handles can also melt or break when overheated. There have been 24 reports of melting or glass shattering, the CPSC said, including six reports of the fryers catching on fire. Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled air fryers and ovens immediately and visit Best Buy’s recall page to receive a refund, in the form of a check or store credit.

Yeezy shoe sales lead Adidas to plan to donate $150 million to anti-hate groups

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Adidas says it’s donated or is planning to give away more than $150 million to groups fighting antisemitism and other forms of hate from the sales of Yeezy shoes last year. The German sportswear brand reported the amount Wednesday after severing ties in 2022 with Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, over his antisemitic and other offensive comments. Adidas has sold some of the remaining shoes in two releases last year and another late last month. Of roughly $328 million in profits earned from the sales of Yeezy shoes last year, Adidas says it had given away or planned to donate about $152 million to anti-hate groups like the Anti-Defamation League.