Category Archives: WPTF News

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

Lakhin leads No. 23 Clemson to 85-65 win over North Carolina

Lakhin leads No. 23 Clemson to 85-65 win over North Carolina

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Viktor Lakhin scored 22 points, including a season-best four 3-pointers, and No. 23 Clemson rolled past North Carolina 85-65. Chase Hunter added 19 points with four 3s for the Tigers, who followed up their 77-71 win over then-No. 2 Duke on Saturday night with a dominant showing against the Tar Heels. It’s the first time Clemson has beaten Duke and North Carolina in the same year since the 2019-20 season. While the Duke game was tight throughout, Clemson took control of this one early. All but two of Lakhin’s points came in the first half, and the 6-foot-11 Cincinnati transfer also finished with five of Clemson’s eight blocks. R.J. Davis led UNC with 18 points.… Continue Reading

New North Carolina governor sues over more laws meant to weaken him

New North Carolina governor sues over more laws meant to weaken him

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — New North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is suing again over more recent laws from state Republicans that erode gubernatorial powers. The Democratic governor filed a lawsuit against House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger late last week. One provision forces him to fill Supreme Court and Court of Appeals vacancies from lists offered by the political party with which a departing judge or justice was affiliated. The other would give one of three Utilities Commission appointments earmarked for the governor to the state treasurer. Stein and predecessor Gov. Roy Cooper already filed lawsuits against other power-shifting provisions approved in December.… Continue Reading

Judge finds Trump administration hasn’t fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending

Judge finds Trump administration hasn’t fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has found the Trump administration hasn’t fully followed his order to unfreeze federal spending and has ordered the White House to release all money. U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell on Monday found there’s evidence that some federal grants and loans are still not going out to the recipients and ordered that the cash be released. McConnell earlier ordered a halt to Trump administration plans for a sweeping freeze federal funding. The Republican administration has said the pause was necessary to ensure federal spending fits with the president’s agenda. The order comes in a lawsuit filed by nearly two dozen states.… Continue Reading

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin. Trump wrote in a post Sunday night on his Truth Social site: “For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!” He added: “I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies.” The move by Trump is the latest in what has been a rapid-fire effort by his new administration to enact sweeping change through executive order and proclamation.… Continue Reading

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