Honda Recalls Accords, Odysseys Over Seat Belt Problem

Honda is recalling a half-million vehicles in the US and Canada because the front seat belts may not latch properly.

The recall covers some of the the automaker’s top-selling models including the 2017 through 2020 CR-V, the 2018 and 2019 Accord, the 2018 through 2020 Odyssey and the 2019 Insight. Also included is the Acura RDX from the 2019 and 2020 model years.

Honda says that the surface coating on the channel for the buckle can deteriorate over time. The release button can shrink against the channel at lower temperatures, increasing friction and stopping the buckle from latching.

If the buckle doesn’t latch, a driver or passenger may not be restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Yankees Shut Out Twins, Cole Shines

Gerrit Cole’s command of his pitches has him in total command of his opponents.

The Yankees ace continued his domination this season, firing a shutout with 10 strikeouts on the way to a 2-0 win over the Twins in The Bronx.

Cole allowed just three base runners all day — on two harmless singles and a walk — and recorded 27 outs on 109 pitches for his fourth career complete-game shutout.

“It’s just old school,” Cole said. “But we had our work cut out for us today. We were facing a great team and a great pitcher, so just more satisfied with the win.”

Cole shut down a Twins lineup that had exploded for 11 runs just three days earlier, allowing the Yankees (10-6) to earn a series split. He did so with a sharp fastball, spotting it just about wherever he wanted to and using it for seven of his strikeouts while mixing in a quality curveball, slider and changeup.

“When he’s able to do that, throw the fastball in all locations, it definitely opens up a lot of stuff,” catcher Jose Trevino said.

Councilman Fights To Save Coney Island’s Wooden Boardwalk

An incoming City Council member who’ll soon be representing Coney Island says he’ll fight the plan to run a plastic boardwalk through the heart of the neighborhood’s fabled amusement district.

Ari Kagan, a Brooklyn Democrat replacing term-limited Mark Treyger, said he fully supports the city’s desire to renovate the long-rickety 2.7-mile Riegelmann Boardwalk running from Coney Island to Brighton Beach.

But while the city wants to replace the boardwalk’s existing hardwood with plastic planks and concrete, Kagan said he believes hardwood should be spared along a famous, roughly five block stretch of the walkway running by Luna Park, the landmark Cyclone roller coaster and other rides and attractions.

“We need to do everything possible to maintain the historical nature of the boardwalk,” said Kagan.