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'Literally like Matrix': Passengers, crew injured by severe turbulence on Allegiant flight

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) - Two passengers and two flight attendants were injured by turbulence on a flight that landed Wednesday at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida, according to officials. The Allegiant flight, coming from Asheville, North Carolina, was carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, according to the airline.Paul Harris was on the flight and said he's never experienced anything like it. "There was a sudden burst of turbulence and then major, major turbulence," Harris said. "The plane felt like it dropped pretty considerably. Several people, including a lady in my row, hit the ceiling." Is El Niño making airplane turbulence worse? He said multiple people were placed on stretchers before being taken off the plane.Another passenger, Lisa Spriggs, called the experience "petrifying.""She was literally like Matrix," Spriggs said, describing the moment she saw a passenger tossed from her seat. "Watched her go up in the air, and just land straight d...

Video: Frontier plane forced to divert to Denver after 2 women fight, disrupt flight

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) —  A planeful of Las Vegas-bound passengers ended up being diverted to Denver International Airport Tuesday night after an apparent fight broke out involving some passengers.Frontier Airlines flight 2143 left Philadephia around 10:30 p.m. ET Tuesday and was scheduled to arrive in Las Vegas around 8:40 p.m. PT. The flight ended up being about an hour late because the plane had to reroute to Denver where two passengers traveling together were deplaned and met at the gate by police, said Michael Konopasek, Frontier Airlines corporate communications manager.A Las Vegas resident on that plane, who was returning from a vacation, captured some of the exchange between the two passengers on video. The woman, who asked not to be identified, said two women began loudly arguing with each other and a flight attendant approached them three times to stop the argument and did end up moving one woman to a different seat. Son detained at airport after ‘skip lagging’ flight ha...

Green tea may have the power to get rid of fibroids, researchers find

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

For Wednesday, July 12, WGN’s Dina Bair has the latest on new medical information, including: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch AI companion robots could decrease health risks of loneliness Duke and Cornell University researchers teamed up to test an AI-powered robot companion. They say it helps socially isolated people feel better mentally and physically. Scientists believe the feeling of connectedness can have dramatic health benefits. Loneliness increases the risk of mental illness, obesity, dementia, and early death. Their study showed that friendly androids help reduce stress and even promote skin healing.  The robots can engage in spontaneous conversation and even mimic the voices of old friends and loved ones. Researchers develop new therapy to treat prostate cancer A new way to approach prostate cancer treatment, a top killer of men in the United States. The disease is deadly because it does not respond to one of the most powerful chemotherapy medications.  Now researcher...

Washington tackles potential risks of AI

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Vice President Kamala Harris convened civil rights leaders and consumer advocates at the White House Wednesday to ensure AI tools don't deepen inequality."This is technology that is rapidly developing," she said.Harris said it is important to establish protections "knowing that certain people will be targeted based on their socioeconomic status, based on their race, based on their disability."According to Harris, there is an urgent need to tackle AI's risks.Senators from both sides stressed the same thing following a classified AI briefing Tuesday."We have to look into open AI versus competitive AI," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "We have to look into how you protect intellectual property. We have to look into how our political system doesn't get poisoned."Schumer, the Senate majority leader, said to get ahead of adversaries like China, Congress must act in a matter of months."It's probably one of the hardest tasks Congress has faced but probably one of the ...

Hottest day of the year so far with little relief in sight

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin's high temperature soared to 107° on Wednesday, our 21st 100° day of the year and the hottest temperature recorded so far in 2023. As an unusually strong heat dome continues to control our weather, there is no relief in sight for at least the next week.The Heat Advisory that was in effect has been upgraded to a more serious Excessive Heat Warning, in effect through 9 p.m. Thursday. Heat index values may reach 114°, presenting a serious risk to the health of those without access to air conditioning.Heat alerts remain in place through 9 p.m. ThursdayThe heat dome baking much of the southern U.S. today will intensify and continue to dominate our weather through next week. Even in traditionally hot places like Las Vegas, NV and Phoenix, AZ, all-time heat records may fall.Heat dome remains in control NEW BLOG: How this summer’s heat compares to last year in Austin Summer Fan DriveOur Summer Fan Drive is underway! Please click here to find out how you can make an...

Minnesota’s budget commissioner is leaving, deputy to lead agency

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

The leader of the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget is leaving and his deputy will step in as the agency’s new commissioner.Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that Jim Schowalter will depart his post on Aug. 14. His latest tenure at the agency dates to September 2020 and he also led Minnesota Management and Budget under Gov. Mark Dayton.Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Jim Schowalter discusses the state’s budget and economic forecast Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 at the Department of Revenue building in St. Paul. The forecast shows the state continues to have higher than expected tax collections and projects a $17.5 billion budget surplus. (Christopher Magan / Pioneer Press)Erin Campbell, currently deputy commissioner, will begin leading the agency Aug. 15. The department is responsible for overseeing the state’s finances and supports more than 100 government agencies with more than 56,000 workers.“There is critical work ahead to retain and hir...

St. Paul’s Rice Park unveils last part of redesign: a high-tech lighting display

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

Rice Park unveiled on Wednesday the last part of its redesign.Undated courtesy photo, circa July 2023, of artist Jeff Bartlett, who created LightWave, an animated LED light installation now in place in Rice Park in downtown St. Paul.  (Courtesy of St. Paul Parks Conservancy)A new light display will include color changing LED light strings attached to metal plates around the inside and outside of the bench on the fountain in the middle of the park.Minneapolis-based lighting designer Jeff Bartlett has previously developed similar experiences around the Twin Cities including the Landmark Center and has worked as a lighting designer and production designer for various theaters.“I first imagined animating the Rice Park Fountain with light, especially during months when it has no water,” Bartlett said in a statement. “The metalwork design incorporates images from water and plant life, central components of the Rice Park landscape, and draws upon historical influences not...

McGrath named to lead Xcel Energy Center

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

In downtown St. Paul, the Xcel Energy Center has a new general manager and executive director.Minnesota Sports and Entertainment announced July 12, 2023 that marketing director Kelly McGrath had been promoted as the new general manager and executive director of the Xcel Energy Center. The city’s premier concert venue doubles as the home of the Minnesota Wild. McGrath, who grew up in White Bear Lake, joined the organization in 2000 as the director of sales for the Wild. She lives in Stillwater with her husband Wayne Petersen, who serves as director of community relations and hockey partnerships for the Wild. (Courtesy of Minnesota Sports and Entertainment)Minnesota Sports and Entertainment announced Wednesday that marketing director Kelly McGrath had been promoted to manage the X, the city’s premier concert venue, which doubles as the home of the Minnesota Wild.McGrath, who grew up in White Bear Lake, joined the organization in 2000 as the director of sales for the Wild. ...

NYS changes age limit for state police application

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- The state has expanded eligibility for those interested in applying for the New York State police. The maximum age was previously 29 years-old, but that has changed to 34 years-old. New poll shows more New Yorkers worried about being crime victims "So again, just to widen the pool and give more people the opportunity," said Rhania Traore, tech sergeant in recruitment for state police. She said raising the age for applicants will welcome a diverse and experienced group of people, such as military personnel or those who are looking to change career paths. She said the state has faced some hurdles with recruitment  "You can see that these days there are many other opportunities to work from home … computer-based jobs, so many positions in tech, again facilitating being able to work from home, so that could be a challenge. However, Traore said working as a state police is extremely rewarding, "You have the ability to serve your community and make...

Trains resume service after flooding 

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:00 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Amtrak service into New York City had been canceled since Monday because of recent flooding across the region. Wednesday morning Gov. Kathy Hochul announced business is resuming as usual on railroad tracks. “Thank you for your patience,” said Hochul. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Metro North railroad tracks for the Hudson line, that are used by Amtrak, were the most impacted. Amtrak passengers who were facing cancellations said they just had to go with the flow, with closures putting buses and rental cars in high demand.The Hey family, from Long Island, rented a car to drive to Albany to catch their train on Wednesday after dealing with two cancellations while vacationing in Burlington. Damian Hey praised his family for being flexible. Saratoga Springs residents warned of potential traffic delays His wife was thinking out of the box to make sure they got home safely. “We spent a lo...