Winter storm packing snow and freezing rain is moving across the U.S. : NPR

A major winter storm with millions of Americans in its path brought a mix of rain, freezing rain and snow to the central U.S. as airlines canceled thousands of flights, officials urged residents to stay off roads and schools closed campuses.

The blast of frigid weather, which began arriving Tuesday night and continued Wednesday, put a long stretch of states from New Mexico and Colorado to Maine under winter storm warnings and watches. On Wednesday morning, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan saw freezing rain, sleet and snow.

By midday Wednesday, some places had already reported snow totals exceeding or nearing a foot, including the central Illinois town of Lewistown with 14.4 inches and the northeastern Missouri city of Hannibal with 11.5 inches.

Source: Winter storm packing snow and freezing rain is moving across the U.S. : NPR

19 people found frozen to death, sparking diplomatic row between Turkey and Greece – CNN

Istanbul, Turkey (CNN)The number of people found frozen to death in a small Turkish town near the border with Greece has risen to 19, officials said Thursday, a week after a rare winter storm blanketed both countries in snow.

A statement from the governor’s office in the Turkish city of Edirne said search and rescue activities were continuing in the region where the bodies were found.
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu on Wednesday said those who died were part of a group of 22 migrants.
Soylu said the 19 people froze to death in Ipsala, a border town often used by those seeking to enter the European Union.
Where the migrants came from and why they were stranded in frigid conditions remains unclear, but Greece and Turkey have blamed each other for the tragedy.
Soylu alleged on Twitter that the group was turned away by Greek border officials and stripped of their shoes and clothing. He tweeted blurred images that appeared to show the dead bodies of at least eight individuals, partially clothed and lying in the mud.
Soylu called the Greek border patrol units thugs, and said the European Union was “remediless, weak and void of humane feelings.”

Source: 19 people found frozen to death, sparking diplomatic row between Turkey and Greece – CNN

Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil reveals prediction

 

Don’t put away your cold-weather gear just yet – Punxsutawney Phil just predicted six more weeks of winter.

The famous prognosticating rodent “saw” his shadow early Wednesday during the annual Groundhog Day ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania, signaling that Old Man Winter isn’t clearing out anytime soon.

Phil’s loyal fans returned to the rural site after pandemic concerns forced organizers to livestream the annual event last year – during which he called for six more weeks of Old Man Winter.

The annual ritual in Pennsylvania dates back to 1887, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The tradition grew out of the Feb. 2 holiday of Candlemas in Europe, where Christians would take candles to a church to have them blessed.

Source: Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil reveals prediction

2 campus police officers shot and killed at Bridgewater College in Virginia – CBS News

A campus law enforcement officer and a campus safety officer at Virginia’s Bridgewater College were shot and killed on Tuesday, according to the school. The alleged shooter is in custody, Virginia State Police said.

A suspect has been taken into custody.

Source: 2 campus police officers shot and killed at Bridgewater College in Virginia – CBS News

Water pours out of Pittsburgh parking garage

PITTSBURGH —A large water pipe apparently burst in a Downtown Pittsburgh structure.It was around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday that the pipe burst, sending water into the Stanwix Street Garage on the 600 block of Stanwix Street.

A Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 photojournalist saw water pouring down to the bottom of the garage.

The owner of the Avis Car Rental Store in the adjacent building said his store ended up being flooded.

“It sounded like a part of the building collapsed just a little bit,” said Alan Corrado. “I didn’t know if it was the apartment above me. But apparently, it was just the sound from the water pipe breaking that happened one or two floors below me on the 11th or 12th floor.”

Corrado said he doesn’t know if he’ll be able to open his business today because of the flooding.

Source: Water pours out of Pittsburgh parking garage

1 student dead, another hurt after shooting near Richfield school | kare11.com

RICHFIELD, Minn. — One student is dead and another is in critical condition after a shooting outside a school in Richfield Tuesday.

At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne told reporters the two victims were shot on a sidewalk outside the District 287 South Education Center around 12:07 p.m., and the suspect or suspects fled in a vehicle immediately afterwards.

The two students were rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, where one was pronounced dead and the other is reportedly in critical condition.

Richfield police said Tuesday evening that two suspects were arrested in connection to the shooting. Officials said a gun was also recovered, however it’s unclear if it’s the gun that was used in Tuesday’s shooting. Police say they’re not currently looking for any other suspects.

Law enforcement has not identified the victims; however, Richfield High School football coach Kris Pulford confirmed the teen killed was teen Jahmari Rice, son of local activist Cortez Rice.

Squads from multiple departments were dispatched to the South Education Center just after noon on reports of a shooting with injuries.

Source: 1 student dead, another hurt after shooting near Richfield school | kare11.com

U.S. winter storm: Flights canceled, 91 million under weather alerts – Axios

The storm is set to hit the hardest in the South, where icy roads and power outages could lead to blackouts.

More than 91 million people are under winter precipitation alerts and nearly six million on cold temperature alerts as the U.S. faces its second winter storm in a week.

Driving the news: The “significant winter storm” that’s set to affect states from Colorado to Vermont began impacting much of the central U.S. overnight, per the National Weather Service. It’s due to hit the hardest in the South, where icy roads and power outages could lead to blackouts.

Details: Heavy snow will fall in the Rockies before traveling across the Midwest through Wednesday, the NWS said.

  • High temperatures for many locations across the Plains will be between 15 and 25 degrees below average.
  • By Friday morning, temperatures in the Texas Panhandle are forecast to be in the single digits. Heavy ice accumulation is expected from Arkansas through the Ohio River Valley.
  • The storm will then push into the Northeast, where people are still recovering from last week’s historic blizzard.

Source: U.S. winter storm: Flights canceled, 91 million under weather alerts – Axios

Whoopi Goldberg suspended from ‘The View’ following Holocaust remarks

ABC News president Kim Godwin released a statement announcing the “View” star would be placed on a two-week suspension.

“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg has been suspended following her controversial remarks about the Holocaust.

“Effective immediately, I am suspending Whoopi Goldberg for two weeks for her wrong and hurtful comments,” ABC News president Kim Godwin said in a statement Tuesday evening. “While Whoopi has apologized, I’ve asked her to take time to reflect and learn about the impact of her comments.”

“The entire ABC News organization stands in solidarity with our Jewish colleagues, friends and communities,” Godwin added.

ADL, JEWISH GROUPS CONDEMN WHOOPI GOLDBERG’S HOLOCAUST COMMENTS, ACCUSE HER OF MINIMIZING JEWISH SUFFERING

Goldberg went viral on Monday when she argued that the Holocaust “isn’t about race,” stunning her colleagues at the table.

“What is it about?” co-host Joy Behar asked.

“It’s about man’s inhumanity to man, that’s what it’s about,” Goldberg said.

WHOOPI GOLDBERG ISSUES APOLOGY FOR HOLOCAUST COMMENTS: ‘I STAND CORRECTED’

“But it’s about a White supremacist going after Jews and Gypsies,” guest co-host Ana Navarro said as Goldberg attempted to speak over her.

“But these are two White groups of people,” Goldberg said as her colleagues disagreed.

Jewish groups condemned the comments, accusing her of minimizing Jewish suffering.

Goldberg attempted to explain her remarks during her appearance on “The Late Show.”

‘THE VIEW’ HOST WHOOPI GOLDBERG CLAIMS HOLOCAUST WASN’T ABOUT RACE: ‘THESE ARE TWO WHITE GROUPS’

“It upset a lot of people which was never, ever, ever, ever my intention… I thought we were having a discussion,” Goldberg told Stephen Colbert. “I think of race as being something that I can see… “You couldn’t tell who was Jewish. They had to delve deeply to figure it out… My point is, they had to do the work.”

She also told Colbert, “I don’t want to fake apologize…I’m very upset that people misunderstood what I was saying.”

Source: Whoopi Goldberg suspended from ‘The View’ following Holocaust remarks

Want to be in a Tom Hanks movie? Extras are needed for filming in Pittsburgh area – WPXI

PITTSBURGH — If you want to be in a Tom Hanks movie, here’s your chance! Extras are needed for a project being filmed in the Pittsburgh area.

“A Man Called Otto” will be filmed in the greater Pittsburgh region and surrounding areas.

Kids, teens and adults are needed to portray town locals, army recruits, hospital staff, diner patrons, factory workers, train station employees, travelers and more.

Filming will take place from late February through early May.

Background actors will be paid.

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply.

Source: Want to be in a Tom Hanks movie? Extras are needed for filming in Pittsburgh area – WPXI

Bridgewater College shooting: Two officers shot and killed – CNN

CNN)Two campus officers were shot and killed Tuesday during an active shooter situation at Bridgewater College in Virginia, according to college spokesperson Logan Bogert.

“I can confirm that a campus police officer and a campus safety officer died from gunshot wounds today,” Bogert told CNN’s Josh Campbell.
A male suspect was taken into custody and an investigation is ongoing, according to Virginia State Police.
A news conference on the incident was planned for Tuesday evening.

Source: Bridgewater College shooting: Two officers shot and killed – CNN

82 million people under winter weather alerts from Colorado to Vermont

About 82 million Americans woke up Tuesday to winter weather alerts and the threat of rain, snow, sleet and ice wreaking havoc from Colorado to Vermont in coming days.

This latest winter storm system will be a slow-moving blast impacting a massive swath of America, east from the Rockies to the I-95 corridor and New England, from now through Friday.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday warned Texans about potential power losses and impassable roads this week due to winter weather. The Lone Star State suffered catastrophic power loses a year ago due to a winter storm.

Source: 82 million people under winter weather alerts from Colorado to Vermont

Georgetown shooting leaves man dead in upscale Washington, DC neighborhood, police say | Fox News

A shooting in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., prompted a massive investigation Monday evening after police found an unconscious man with a gunshot wound just a block away from the canal.

“This appears to be a targeted shooting,” the city’s Police Chief Robert Contee said during a news briefing.

Shortly after 6 p.m., police found a male victim unconscious and not breathing near the intersection of 33rd Street Northwest and M Street Northwest, according to FOX 5 DC. Contee said he later died in a hospital.

Source: Georgetown shooting leaves man dead in upscale Washington, DC neighborhood, police say | Fox News

NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY – January 31

 

National Hot Chocolate Day on January 31st is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter’s day. Make a cup and enjoy!

NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY

Each year on January 31st, National Hot Chocolate Day warms up people across the country by celebrating the timeless cold-weather beverage.

Hot chocolate is a warm beverage made with ground chocolate, heated milk or water, and sugar. In America, we often use the terms hot chocolate and hot cocoa interchangeably. However, the two beverages are different.

Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate 

We make hot cocoa with cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. We’re able to do this thanks to a process developed by father and son chemists. For the thicker, more flavorful beverage, we make hot chocolate from ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. It is also called drinking chocolate. Hot chocolate has also been around longer than hot cocoa. In the early 1800s, Casparus van Houten Sr. developed a process to separate the cocoa solids from the butter. His son, Coenraad Johannes made those fats more soluble in water. Together their processes made cocoa powder possible.

Source: NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY – January 31

Investigation underway after fire breaks out inside apartment building in Downtown Pittsburgh

According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, firefighters went floor-to-floor to evacuate residents.

Those residents were placed on Port Authority buses and inside a business on Sixth Street.

The Red Cross was notified in case some residents needed temporary assistance and the Salvation Army also was called to the scene.

Source: Investigation underway after fire breaks out inside apartment building in Downtown Pittsburgh

Howard Hesseman, Dr. Johnny Fever on ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ Dies at 81

The two-time Emmy nominee and improv veteran also played teacher Charlie Moore on ‘Head of the Class.’

Hesseman died Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles of complications from colon surgery he first had last summer, his wife, actress and acting teacher Caroline Ducrocq, told The Hollywood Reporter.

A member of the San Francisco improv group The Committee and a real-life DJ back in the 1960s, Hesseman also was known for his stint as out-of-work actor turned history teacher Charlie Moore on the ABC comedy Head of the Class. (He quit that show after four seasons to aim for a movie career.)

Source: Howard Hesseman, Dr. Johnny Fever on ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ Dies at 81

Two people shot outside of Greensburg bar

City of Greensburg Police say that two people were shot outside of The Rialto overnight Sunday.

The shooting happened just before 2 a.m.

Detectives ask that anyone with any information regarding the shooting contact City of Greensburg Police.

Source: Two people shot outside of Greensburg bar

Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild hiring for the 2022 season

 

 

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — Even in the dead of winter, hiring season for Pittsburgh’s favorite summer destinations is heating up. Kennywood, Sandcastle Waterpark and Idlewild & SoakZone are seeking more than 2,000 seasonal workers.

Kennywood will begin its multi-year 125th season celebration on April 23, and those who apply will be in the mix to operate the beloved classic attraction Kangaroo, as it makes a triumphant return this season. Ride operators, food and beverage attendants, park security officers and grounds and housekeeping roles are among the more than 1,000 positions available.

At Sandcastle Waterpark, aquatics staff and lifeguards are needed, including operators of the new Bombs Away drop slide coming this summer. Sandcastle is looking to hire approximately 300 people for seasonal roles within these departments, as well as food and beverage, park security, admissions and more.

Idlewild & SoakZone will hire roughly 700 individuals to welcome guests for its 145th season. The park has numerous exciting opportunities available, from character performers in Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Story Book Forest to ride operators, lifeguards and food service staff in Olde Idlewild and the SoakZone waterpark.

Source: Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild hiring for the 2022 season

9 dead after speeding car runs red light in North Las Vegas

By

A speeding driver killed 8 people and left 6 injured after they ran a red light and plowed into multiple vehicles, police in North Las Vegas said Sunday.

Young juveniles were among those killed in the crash which happened at around 3 p.m. local time (6 p.m. ET), Alexander Cuevas, a public information officer with the North Las Vegas Police Department told NBC News.

He added that the driver of the Dodge Challenger had also been killed in the crash

“Speed is a factor,” Cuevas said, adding that it was unknown whether the driver had been impaired.

“The driver ran the red light striking multiple vehicles,” he said.

Cuevas said two people had been transported to the University Medical Center hospital and one had died there.

Source: 9 dead after speeding car runs red light in North Las Vegas

Pittsburgh bridge that collapsed wasn’t on list for infrastructure law funding

The Pittsburgh bridge that collapsed Friday morning ahead of President Biden‘s arrival in the Iron City was not known to be compromised and was not scheduled for maintenance via the federal infrastructure bill, according to government records.

The disaster left three hospitalized and 10 others injured near Frick Park early Friday morning. While no fatalities have been reported and all victims are in stable condition, the massive collapse shook the city and surrounding area.

BIDEN VISITS PITTSBURGH BRIDGE COLLAPSE SITE, PROMISES US WILL ‘FIX THEM ALL’

The city’s 2021 Transportation Improvement program, which was commissioned to allocate federal funds for transportation infrastructure, did not account for the Frick Park bridge.

Source: Pittsburgh bridge that collapsed wasn’t on list for infrastructure law funding

Court throws Pennsylvania’s mail-in voting law into doubt – ABC News

A court says Pennsylvania’s expansive 2-year-old mail-in voting law violates the state constitution.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration swiftly appealed to the state Supreme Court, immediately putting the party-line decision by a panel of three Republican and two Democratic judges on hold and stopping it from overturning the law.

Source: Court throws Pennsylvania’s mail-in voting law into doubt – ABC News

Biden visits Pittsburgh bridge collapse, vows more U.S. investment | Reuters

President Joe Biden stopped to look at a Pittsburgh bridge that collapsed just hours before he arrived for a scheduled visit to the city on Friday, dramatically underscoring the urgency of his drive to rebuild the United States’ creaky infrastructure.

(Don’t Miss: Collapsed bridge is one of 44,000 in poor condition in U.S.)

“The idea that we have been so far behind on infrastructure, for so many years — it’s just mind-boggling,” the president told them.

One emergency worker described the scene after the collapse as loud as a jet engine. Biden praised the work of rescuers, noting a natural gas leak that was not stopped until some 30 minutes after first responders arrived at the scene.

Source: Biden visits Pittsburgh bridge collapse, vows more U.S. investment | Reuters

LIVE UPDATES: Bridge collapse sends cars, bus crashing into ravine in Pittsburgh

A local bridge has collapsed.

PITTSBURGH — A bridge collapsed Friday morning in Pittsburgh near Frick Park, causing several vehicles and a bus to crash down into a ravine, Channel 11 News has learned.

>>PHOTOS: Bridge collapse near Pittsburgh’s Frick Park

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE COVERAGE

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tweet the following about the bridge collapse:

UPDATE 8:25 a.m.: The Port Authority of Allegheny County is detouring near Frick Park.

UPDATE 8:20 a.m.: Some Pittsburgh Public Schools are moving to remote learning because of the bridge collapse. The district released the following statement:

“Due to  the impact of a bridge collapse in the East End and high call-offs among bus drivers, all K-5, K-8 and 6-8 and Special Schools will transition to remote learning. High schools and 6-12 schools will continue in-person learning. The District will still operate on a 2 hour delay schedule. Pittsburgh Public Schools transportation is canceled. There will be no Grab and Go meal service available today.”

UPDATE 8:15 a.m.: The Port Authority of Allegheny County said a driver and two passengers were on the bus that was on the bridge when it collapsed. All three people are OK.

ORIGINAL STORY: A bridge collapsed Friday morning in Pittsburgh near Frick Park, causing several vehicles and a bus to crash down into a ravine, Channel 11 News has learned.

>>PHOTOS: Bridge collapse near Pittsburgh’s Frick Park

The collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in the area of South Braddock and Forbes avenues happened shortly before 7 a.m. This is at the border of the city’s Point Breeze neighborhood.

Officials said a handful of people were on the bus and most have been rescued.

Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor said a handful of people were on the Port Authority of Allegheny County bus and most have been rescued.

No fatalities have been reported.

There was strong smell of natural gas in the area, Pittsburgh Public Safety officials said. The gas line was cut as a result.

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for updates.

Source: LIVE UPDATES: Bridge collapse sends cars, bus crashing into ravine in Pittsburgh

Police in standoff with suspect after 3 Houston officers shot – CNN

Houston (CNN)Houston Police were in a standoff Thursday evening with a suspect they say fled the scene after three officers were shot and wounded, an incident recorded on dramatic surveillance video.

The officers were taken to a hospital and are in stable condition, police said. Mayor Sylvester Turner said the injuries are non-life threatening.
The suspect crashed one car, the video shows, and police said the suspect fled the scene in another vehicle.
The person is barricaded in a home, Houston Police Officers’ Union President Douglas Griffith said. Authorities believe the person has multiple weapons, Griffith said.
Griffith said the officers were very fortunate. The officers had one gunshot wound each, according to Griffith. One was shot in the arm, another in the leg and another in the foot.

Source: Police in standoff with suspect after 3 Houston officers shot – CNN

Police searching for man suspected in Derry Township hit and run, woman remains hospitalized | TribLIVE.com

State troopers are urging a man to surrender after they charged him Tuesday in connection with a hit-and-run in Derry Township that left a Latrobe woman seriously injured.

Trooper Steve Limani said authorities had not been successful Wednesday in locating Bobby Paul Bryer, 30, who might be driving the same red Dodge pickup police believe was involved in Saturday’s hit-and-run outside Union Mission.

“He knows we’re looking for him; there’s no doubt about that … it’s just a matter of at what point in time do you realize that it’s in (his) best interest to turn (himself) in,” Limani said. “That’s where we’re at, and that’s what we’re hoping he does.”

Bryer has an address on Vernon Avenue listed on court papers, but Limani said the man is transient and has family across the country. The 2018 red Dodge pickup has registration plate ZNR-3449. The vehicle is believed to have sustained damage to the right front side.

Bryer is charged with aggravated assault by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury and several related offenses, including speeding.

Mary Bathurst, 42, was seriously injured when a truck hit her outside Union Mission, where she works as a facility attendant. She was walking along the berm of Harrison Avenue before 6 p.m. to take out the trash with two shelter residents. Police said the collision knocked her 40 feet away, where she slammed into a wooden fence. The driver stopped briefly at the scene just outside of Latrobe and then fled. Bathurst remains in a hospital, though she is expected to survive.

Source: Police searching for man suspected in Derry Township hit and run, woman remains hospitalized | TribLIVE.com

Bomb cyclone could bring powerful nor’easter to Northeast cities this weekend – CNN

A rapidly intensifying storm known as a bomb cyclone could bring crippling winter weather across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this weekend. Snow, ice, strong winds and flooding are all on the table, giving rise to potentially hazardous travel conditions in those regions.

Source: Bomb cyclone could bring powerful nor’easter to Northeast cities this weekend – CNN

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