Category Archives: WPTF News

Arctic air sweeping south over Plains shatters record temperatures in North Dakota

Arctic air sweeping south over Plains shatters record temperatures in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Arctic air gripping the Plains has broken cold-weather records in North Dakota. The capital city of Bismarck dropped to minus 39 on Tuesday, breaking the record of minus 37 set in 1910 for the same date. And late on Monday, Bismarck sank to minus 35, shattering a 150-year-old record low of minus 35 for Feb. 17. A gradual warmup is expected in coming days. Parts of southwestern and south-central North Dakota are forecasted to hit the 50s on Monday. More than 95 million people are in the deep freeze due to a polar vortex.… Continue Reading

As egg prices soar, Trump administration plans new strategy to fight bird flu

As egg prices soar, Trump administration plans new strategy to fight bird flu

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — With egg prices soaring, the Trump administration is planning a new strategy for fighting bird flu that stresses vaccinations and tighter biosecurity instead of killing off millions of chickens when the disease strikes a flock. The director of the National Economic Council said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that officials are moving away from the standard practice of destroying all the birds on a farm when an infection is detected. The culling of millions of chickens per month has caused egg prices to skyrocket. Some retailers are rationing sales. The official, Kevin Hassett, says the administration plans to announce further details this week.… Continue Reading

Gov Stein declares State of Emergency in advance of winter storm

Gov Stein declares State of Emergency in advance of winter storm

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency as a major winter storm approaches, expected to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the state starting Wednesday. State agencies, power companies, and local authorities are gearing up for potential power outages and hazardous road conditions. “We are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of North Carolinians,” Stein said. He noted that additional power crews are arriving from other states to support Duke Energy, municipal power systems, and cooperatives already preparing for the storm.… Continue Reading

Delta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway and all 80 aboard survive

Delta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway and all 80 aboard survive

TORONTO (AP) — A Delta Air Lines plane has flipped upon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson Airport and ended up on its roof, injuring 18 people. The airport’s chief executive says all 80 people on board survived and those hurt had relatively minor injuries. The flight from Minneapolis attempted to land on a dry runway at around 2:15 p.m. Monday in Toronto. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph were blowing snow at the time. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Video from the scene shows the Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR upside down on the snowy tarmac as emergency workers hosed it down. The plane was somewhat obscured by snow from a winter storm that hit Toronto over the weekend.… Continue Reading

Mexico awaits new response from Google on dispute over Gulf of Mexico name before filing lawsuit

Mexico awaits new response from Google on dispute over Gulf of Mexico name before filing lawsuit

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico says it’s awaiting a new response from Google to its request that the tech company fully restore the name Gulf of Mexico to its Google Maps service before filing a lawsuit. President Claudia Sheinbaum shared a letter addressed to her government from Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy. It says that Google will not change the policy it outlined after U.S. President Donald Trump declared the body of water the Gulf of America. Sheinbaum said Monday at a press briefing: “We will wait for Google’s response and if not, we will proceed to court.”… Continue Reading

Trump begins firings of FAA staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash

Trump begins firings of FAA staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has begun firing several hundred Federal Aviation Administration employees, upending staff on a busy air travel weekend and just weeks after a fatal midair collision near Washington. Probationary workers were targeted in late-night emails Friday notifying them they had been fired. That’s according to David Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union. One air traffic controller told The Associated Press the fired workers include personnel hired for FAA radar, landing and navigational aid maintenance. A Transportation Department official tells the AP that no air traffic controllers were affected by the cuts, and that the agency has “retained employees who perform critical safety functions.”… Continue Reading

What is a polar vortex? US gets a taste of the Arctic this week

What is a polar vortex? US gets a taste of the Arctic this week

The term “polar vortex” usually refers to the gigantic circular upper air weather pattern in the Arctic region, enveloping the North Pole. It is a normal pattern that is stronger in the winter and keeps some of the coldest weather bottled up near the North Pole. But at times some of the vortex can break off or move south, bringing unusually cold weather south and permitting warmer weather to creep up north. This week, parts of the U.S. are experiencing the 10th and coldest polar vortex event this season. Weather forces in the Arctic are combining to push the chilly air that usually stays near the North Pole into the U.S. and Europe.… Continue Reading

NASCAR files appeal against 23XI and Front Row just 1 hour before Daytona 500 qualifying begins

NASCAR files appeal against 23XI and Front Row just 1 hour before Daytona 500 qualifying begins

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — NASCAR has filed a 68-page appeal roughly one hour before the start of Daytona 500 qualifying that argues a federal judge erred in recognizing 23XI Motorsports and Front Row Motorsports as chartered teams for 2025 as the two organizations sue over antitrust claims. 23XI Racing is co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, while Front Row Motorsports is owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins. A judge has already rejected NASCAR’s motion to dismiss the suit, and also denied NASCAR’s request that the two organizations post a bond to cover any monies they are paid as chartered teams that would have to be returned should 23XI and Front Row lose the lawsuit.… Continue Reading

Monty the giant schnauzer wins Westminster dog show

Monty the giant schnauzer wins Westminster dog show

NEW YORK (AP) — A giant schnauzer named Monty has won the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Monty bested six other finalists to take best in show Tuesday night at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The award is considered the most prestigious prize in the U.S. dog show world. Each dog is judged according to how closely it matches the ideal for its breed. Winners get a trophy, ribbons and bragging rights, but no cash prize.… Continue Reading

Tar Heels GM Lombardi working to implement NFL-style approach under Belichick

Tar Heels GM Lombardi working to implement NFL-style approach under Belichick

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi says everything the Tar Heels do under new coach Bill Belichick “is predicated on building a pro team.” Lombardi held a news conference Tuesday to discuss the Tar Heels’ most recent batch of signees and the work so far in Belichick’s brief tenure. The school hired Belichick in December for his first college-coaching job. Belichick led the NFL’s New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles as a head coach. Lombardi said the recruiting pitch to players includes having “the greatest coach in the history of football” to go with “a great university.”… Continue Reading

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