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Tag: nationwide

  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

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    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

    [ad_1]

    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

    [ad_1]

    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • The First African American Astronaut

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    Guion Bluford, the first African American to travel into space, became one of the space community’s most influential figures.

    What You Need To Know

    • Guy Bluford was the first African American to fly in space

    • He started his career as a pilot in the Air Force

    • He became an astronaut for NASA in 1979


    Bluford developed a fascination with flight at a young age, and by high school he knew he wanted to become an aeronautical engineer.

    Early life

    After earning his college degree, Bluford joined the U.S. Air Force and received his pilot wings in Jan. 1966 at the early age of 24.

    He soon became an instructor pilot and later entered the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, where he earned a master’s degree in 1974 and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in 1978.

    After his 1974 graduation, he served at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory, initially as a deputy and eventually as branch chief of the Aerodynamics and Airframe Branch.These achievements led to his selection for the NASA astronaut program in 1978.

    It’s safe to say he never lost sight of his childhood dreams.

    Becoming a legend

    The crew of Space Shuttle 8 shown in front of launch pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida on August 5, 1983, with the tip of the orbiter Challenger showing in the background. Ready for a August 30 launch are left to right: Mission Specialists Dale Gardner, Guion Bluford, Dr. Bill Thornton, pilot Dan Brandenstein and commander Richard Truly. The crew was going through STS-8 countdown test on Thursday, and are wearing blue suits with pilot Brandenstein wearing a red tee shirt underneath. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

    After a year of training, Bluford became an official astronaut in Aug. 1979.

    Four years later, on Aug. 30, 1983, he flew his first mission aboard STS-8. That inaugural flight was brief but notable, pioneering techniques for nighttime operations and deploying the Indian National Satellite.

    After 145 hours in space, the crew returned to Edwards Air Force Base on Sept. 5.

    Over the next 10 years, Bluford became the second, third and fourth African American in space, logging over 688 hours.

    After NASA

    In 1993, Bluford left NASA and retired from the Air Force to become the Vice President and General Manager of the Engineering Services Division of NYMA Inc., in Greenbelt, Maryland.

    After several more high-end jobs, he went on to become the President of Aerospace Technology in Cleveland, Ohio, a job that he still holds today.

    Bluford never stopped learning or pursuing the next level of his career. A brilliant figure in the space and engineering communities, he became a leader and role model for many African Americans.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

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  • Report: Plane lacked qualified co-pilot before crash that killed 7

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    Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was not flying his own jet when it crashed last month, killing him and six others, according to a Friday report from federal safety officials who also concluded that while an experienced pilot was at the controls, no one else on board was qualified to be the required copilot.

    What You Need To Know

    • Federal safety officials have found that retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was not flying his jet when it crashed last month, killing him and six others

    • The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report Friday

    • It states that while an experienced pilot was at the controls, no one on board was qualified to serve as copilot, which was required

    • An aviation safety consultant who used to investigate crashes for the NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration says the lack of an experienced copilot may have been a key factor in the crash

    The preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board said that Biffle and the retired airline pilot at the controls, Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack, who were all licensed pilots, noticed problems with gauges malfunctioning on the Cessna C550 before it crashed while trying to return to the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.

    First responders tend to the scene of a plane crash at a regional airport in Statesville, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP File Photo/Matt Kelley)

    The plane erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground about a third of a mile from the airport’s runway.

    The NTSB made clear that Jack Dutton was sitting in the copilot seat. Neither Jack Dutton nor Biffle had the right endorsement on their pilot’s licenses to serve as a copilot on that plane. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti, who used to investigate crashes for both the NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration, said he believes the lack of an experienced copilot may have been a key factor in the crash.

    “This airplane requires two trained pilots, and if things go wrong and you don’t have a trained pilot, then bad things can happen,” Guzzetti said. “The airplane might have been able to be landed safely if there were two qualified pilots up front.”

    The report said that a thrust reverser indicator light wasn’t working before takeoff, but after the plane got into the air, the pilot’s altimeter and some other instruments weren’t working.

    The nature of the problems with the plane isn’t clear at this stage in the investigation, partly because the cockpit voice recorder cut out at times and NTSB experts have only just begun to dig into what caused the crash. Over the radio, Jack Dutton announced, “we’re having some problems here” and the cockpit recorder captured part of the conversation between the three pilots about the issues with the plane.

    But the report indicates that the pilots were able to resolve the problems with the gauges before they tried to land back at the airport. It’s not clear why the plane came in so low and slow.

    Biffle’s wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, were killed in the crash along with his friend, Craig Wadsworth.

    Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

    In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina.

    Hundreds of people in the NASCAR community gathered at an arena in Charlotte earlier this month to honor Biffle at a public memorial service.

    The jet had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, about 10 minutes before it crashed while trying to return and land. Every indication is that the plane needed to land quickly because of the problems, so it wouldn’t have been a good option to fly to Charlotte.

    The plane’s speed and altitude fluctuated significantly during the brief flight. At one point, the plane quickly soared from 1,800 feet up to 4,000 feet before descending again. Just before the crash, it was only a couple of hundred feet off the ground.

    An unqualified copilot in that seat is a violation of FAA rules that could have led to suspended licenses for both the pilot in charge and the unqualified copilot if the agency had discovered it under normal circumstances. But the FAA might not have known about that unless someone reported it.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

    (National Transportation Safety Board)

    (National Transportation Safety Board)

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    Daniel Gray, Associated Press

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  • How weather caused the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger

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    January 28 marks the 40th anniversary of the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger and its crew of seven astronauts.

    The disaster rattled the country and was later blamed on the failure of O-rings in one of the solid rocket motors.

    Weather played a major role in the Challenger accident, but it was a factor long before that fateful morning in 1986.

    What You Need To Know

    • Multiple weather events played a role leading up to the disaster

    • Cold temperatures caused issues with the solid rocket motor O-rings

    • Strong winds aloft was the final weather event of the tragedy


    The flight of Mission STS-51L, NASA’s designation for the flight, was a special one. It was known as the “Teacher in Space Mission.” Christa McAuliffe, a schoolteacher from Concord, New Hampshire, would be on the spaceflight. The plan was for her to teach classes from the space shuttle as it orbited the Earth. NASA hoped to spark the interest in space and science with this mission.

    The ship

    The space shuttle selected for the STS-51L flight was the Challenger. At the time, it was the workhorse of the fleet. It had flown more missions than any of the other three shuttles – Columbia, Discovery and Atlantis.

    Bob Self/AP

    Challenger was the second “flight rated” shuttle after Columbia.

    The shuttle made history on multiple flights, including having the first female American astronaut to go into space, Sally Ride, as part of the STS-7 crew in June 1983. Guion Bluford became the first African-American astronaut to fly in space on the STS-8 mission in August 1983. That mission performed the first space shuttle night launch and landing.

    Space Shuttle Challenger, orbiting the Earth, as seen from a camera mounted on the first Shuttle Pallet Satellite. (NASA)

    On the STS-6 mission in April 1983, astronauts did the first spacewalk from a shuttle. The following year in February, the first untethered spacewalk was performed from Challenger, using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (basically a backpack using nitrogen jets for propulsion).

    On its previous flights, Challenger had made almost 1,000 orbits of the Earth and traveled almost 26 million miles during its 62 days in space.

    Associated Press

    This would be Challenger’s 10th mission.

    The crew

    Most of the crew on board were space veterans. Shuttle Commander Francis Scobee had flown on Challenger as a pilot in 1984. Mission Specialist Ronald McNair had also flown on Challenger in 1984. Mission Specialist Judith Resnik had been a crew member on the Space Shuttle Discovery’s first flight in 1984. Mission Specialist Ellison Onizuka had also flown on Discovery in 1985.

    Shuttle Pilot Michael Smith, Mission Specialist Gregory Jarvis and Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe were all on their first space flights.

    The primary crew for the flight was named a year before the launch on Jan. 27, 1985.

    Problems with the weather

    Before the launch on that cold January morning, there were several instances where weather played a role leading up to the accident.

    The first was when the previous mission, STS-61C, a Space Shuttle Columbia flight, had multiple landing delays while trying to end its mission earlier that January. The weather prevented the orbiter from returning to Earth three times. This led to launch reschedules for Challenger’s flight.

    The next launch reschedule was because of bad weather at the shuttle’s trans-Atlantic abort site at Dakar, Senegal. In the event of an emergency, there were designated runways around the world if the shuttle needed to make an emergency landing after launch.

    The next delay was for weather that never happened. The forecast for January 26 called for “no-go” conditions during the launch window, so NASA officials decided to cancel the planned launch for that day based on the forecast. However, the bad weather never developed and the shuttle could have launched that day.

    All looked “go” for launch on January 27. During orbiter closeout, technicians ran into problems with an exterior hatch handle. By the time they resolved the problem, winds had picked up at Kennedy Space Center and were too strong for an emergency return to launch site abort if necessary.

    Those strong winds were caused by a cold front that would bring freezing temperatures to the launch site the next morning.

    And with that, that stage was set for the events of January 28th.

    Jan. 28

    With the passage of the cold front on Jan. 27, arctic air dropped into Florida, setting record lows across the state. It was this forecast of very cold temperatures that caused concern among scientists and engineers with the space shuttle program.

    The night before the scheduled launch, engineers with Morton-Thiokol, the manufacturer of the shuttle’s solid rocket motors, expressed worries as to how the cold would affect the twin solid rockets attached to either side of the shuttle’s external fuel tank.

    These solid rockets were not one piece, but were segments stacked together to form the rocket. Where the segments came together, rubber O-rings were used to create a tight seal to prevent exhaust gases from leaking at these joints.

    The solid rockets were rated to be flown at temperatures of 39 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Temperatures at the launch pad were expected to drop in the upper teens by the morning of Jan. 28. At 7 a.m., a temperature of 24 degrees was reported at the shuttle’s launch pad.

    Due to the very cold weather, technicians turned on the launch pad fire suppression system at a low rate to prevent freezing during the night. This, in turn, covered the launch pad with ice. That became yet another concern, since ice could break free at launch and damage the shuttle. Especially vulnerable was the Challenger’s thermal heat shield that protected the shuttle during reentry.

    NASA officials saw the ice buildup on the pad and delayed the launch of Challenger to give the ice time to melt.

    Challenger’s liftoff occurred at 11:38 a.m. The temperature was 36 degrees.

    Just after the solid rocket motors ignited, a small puff of black smoke was seen near the right solid rocket booster (SRB). Hot gases from the rocket had slipped past the O-rings in two of the SRB segments.

    Aluminum oxides from used solid fuel in the rocket resealed the breach and the flight continued.

    All appeared normal as the Challenger climbed into the clear January sky.

    About 37 seconds after launch, the shuttle passed through strong wind shear. These high winds increased aerodynamic pressure on the Challenger. This was the highest wind shear ever encountered on a shuttle flight up to that time.

    The forces caused by the shear, along with other planned maneuvers as the ship flew toward orbit, broke the temporary aluminum oxide seal. Hot exhaust from the leak in the SRB joint then escaped through the hole in the rocket’s casing and began to burn a hole in the large external fuel tank.

    At roughly the 73-second mark after launch, the right SRB triggered the rupture of the external fuel tank. Liquid hydrogen and oxygen ignited, and the explosion enveloped the Challenger.

    Though it has been widely reported that the space shuttle “exploded,” that is not the case. Flying faster than the speed of sound, Challenger was thrown off its flight path when the tank exploded. Aerodynamic forces basically tore the shuttle apart.

    The crew never stood a chance. There was no escape option. At the end of the day, we had lost Challenger and its brave crew.

    The investigation

    The space shuttle program was grounded for more than two years as safety improvements were made; better seals on the SRBs, heaters on those seals, and an escape system for astronauts on the shuttle.

    Looking back at the impact of weather on the accident, you have to wonder: If just one of those instances had not occurred, would Challenger and the crew have made it safely into orbit?

    The cold was the main weather factor on Jan. 28, and if the launch had occurred any day before that very cold morning, the O-ring failure would have likely not occurred.

    If Challenger had not flown through the wind shear after launch, would the aluminum oxide seal have held long enough for SRB separation a little over a minute later?

    Accidents are like a chain; each element is a link. You remove any link and you stop the accident from happening.

    The improvements after the accident did make the shuttles safer, though they were still dangerous. Though NASA makes space flight look easy, it is not. There is a lot of risk.

    Beginning with the “Return to Flight” mission of Discovery in the fall 1988, NASA had many years of successful space shuttle flights until the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia in February 2003. The loss of Columbia was the beginning of the end of the space shuttle program. Flights continued until the final shuttle flight of Atlantis in July 2011.

    Today, the remaining shuttles – Discovery, Atlantis, Endeavour and Enterprise – are on display around the country.

    Four decades have passed, but Jan. 28 remains a stark reminder of the dangers of space flight and the role that weather can play not only on a space mission, but in our everyday lives as well.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson

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  • NASA Day of Remembrance solemn time to reflect on lost astronauts

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    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — Hundreds gather underneath the space shuttle Atlantis attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Thursday, as NASA paid tribute to the 17 astronauts who were killed in three separate tragedies over the years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Family members came to honor their loved ones

    • A ceremony was held where their memories and service to our country in America’s pursuit of space exploration were honored
    • Get more space coverage here  ▶
    • 🔻Scroll down to see the photo gallery🔻

    A ceremony was held where their memories and service to our country in America’s pursuit of space exploration were honored.

    Reflecting on who was lost, and why most believe the country should continue reaching for the stars.

    Twenty-five astronauts and test pilots have died since the U.S. space program began in 1958.

    Three tragic accidents happened over the decades.

    The Apollo 1 launch pad fire killed three astronauts, Roger Chaffee, Virgil ‘Gus’ Grissom and Edward White II on Jan. 27, 1967, at then Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It has since been renamed the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    The crew of the space shuttle Challenger were killed when the orbiter broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff from Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 28, 1986.

    Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnick and teacher Christa McAuliffe perished.

    On Feb. 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia accident claimed the lives of the seven-member crew: Cmdr. Rick Husband, pilot William McCool, mission specialists Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson, David Brown and payload specialist Ilan Ramon.

    The orbiter was destroyed over Texas on its way home.

    Alison Smith Balch is the daughter of space shuttle Challenger crew member Michael Smith.

    Forty years later, Smith Balch, her family and others, were here to honor their sacrifice so many years ago.

    “It’s great that our family members are remembered. The way they died was unique because so many people truly are part of the story that was that day,” she told Spectrum News.

    “Daily, daily, it doesn’t go away, he doesn’t go away, he’s still in my heart always, has always been, many, many years,” says Jane Smith Walcott, Smith’s widow.

    Family laid a wreath at the Astronauts Memorial Foundation’s Space Mirror Memorial, which is emblazoned with the names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

    Guests placed flowers in honor of the heroes who died to help further America’s exploration of space.

    A somber day as the U.S. presses on to return to the moon once again and, eventually, to Mars.

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    Greg Pallone

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  • NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s father dies after Sunday night house fire

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    GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A house fire in North Carolina on Sunday has claimed the life of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s father and left his mother critically injured, authorities said Monday evening. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Officials say the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived

    • Gaston County officials said Monday that firefighters arrived Sunday night at a two-story house near Stanley that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic

    • Officials say 75-year-old Dennis Hamlin and 69-year-old Mary Lou Hamlin were found outside the house suffering catastrophic injuries

    • Dennis Hamlin died from his injuries at a hospital and Mary Lou Hamlin was being treated at a burn center, officials said

    Dennis Hamlin, 75, who supported his son’s rise to stardom in the stock car racing series, died from injuries he suffered in the fire Sunday, NASCAR said Monday. 

    Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, Denny Hamlin’s mother and wife of Dennis Hamlin, was being treated for her injuries at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, Gaston County Emergency Services said Monday evening. 

    Firefighters arrived at the house on Blacksnake Road in Gaston County, about 20 miles from Charlotte, about 6:27 p.m. Sunday to find it mostly engulfed, with flames emerging from the attic, Gaston County officials said. 

    Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin escaped the flames but suffered what were described as “catastrophic injuries,” officials said.

    Mary Lou Hamlin pulled her husband out of the fire, Lucia Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey said. 

    They were taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center, where Dennis Hamlin succumbed to his injuries.

    “NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family,” the stock car series said in a statement. “Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”

    Firefighters managed to save NASCAR memorabilia that was in the back of the house and at least six cars in the garage. 

    Dennis Hamlin had been in declining health, Denny Hamlin said as this year’s season was nearing its finish, according to NASCAR. Denny Hamlin dedicated his October victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to his father. 

    Property records show the house is registered to Won One Real Estate LLC, which state records show is owned by Denny Hamlin. 

    Denny Hamlin is one of the marquee drivers in NASCAR’s top circuit, having won 60 NASCAR Cup Series races, including the Daytona 500 three times.

    The 45-year-old driver for Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to win a Cup points championship. He fell short of the title during this season’s final race in Arizona last month.

    The cause of the fire is under investigation.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Daniel Gray, Associated Press

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  • Powerball’s $1.7B jackpot could make Christmas Eve unforgettable

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    OHIO — A Christmas Eve Powerball drawing could add new meaning to holiday cheer as millions of players hope to cash in on the $1.7 billion prize, which comes after months without a jackpot winner.

    What You Need To Know

    • The United States’ 4th-largest jackpot on record comes after 46 consecutive draws without someone claiming to have all six numbers

    • Wednesday’s $1.7 billion jackpot has a cash value of $781.3 million

    • Lottery officials set the odds at 1 in 292.2 million in hopes that jackpots will roll over with each of the three weekly drawings until the pool balloons so much that more people take notice and play

    The United States’ 4th-largest jackpot on record comes after 46 consecutive draws without someone claiming to have all six numbers. The last contest with a jackpot winner was on Sept. 6. The game’s long odds have people decking the halls and doling out $2 — and sometimes more — for tickets ahead of Wednesday night’s live drawing at 10:59 p.m. EST.

    It’s a sign the game is operating as intended. Lottery officials made the odds tougher in 2015 as a mechanism for snowballing jackpots, all the while making it easier to win smaller prizes.

    The Christmas holiday is not expected to impact the drawing process should there be a winning ticket, a Powerball spokesperson said.

    Here is what to know about Wednesday’s drawing:

    Christmas Eve cha-ching

    That ticket placed in a stocking or under the tree could be worth a billion bucks — but with some caveats.

    Powerball is played in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most of those areas require players to be 18 or older, though some states have steeper requirements. In Nebraska, players have to be at least 19 years old, and in Louisiana and Arizona, people can’t buy tickets until they are 21.

    Winning tickets also must be cashed in the states where they were bought. And players can’t buy tickets in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada or Utah.

    Other than that, lottery officials argue there is a chance a lucky Powerball ticket could be a gift that keeps on giving.

    Charlie McIntyre, the New Hampshire Lottery’s executive director, said Tuesday: “Just think of the stories you can tell for generations to come about the year you woke up a billionaire on Christmas.”

    A range of prizes can be presents

    Wednesday’s $1.7 billion jackpot has a cash value of $781.3 million.

    A winner can choose to be paid the whole amount through an annuity, with an immediate payment and then annual payments over 29 years that increase by 5% each time. Most winners, however, usually choose the cash value for a lump sum.

    The odds are high for the top prize, but there are smaller prizes players can reap.

    At the last drawing, players in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin each won $1 million. There are also prizes outside the jackpot, ranging from a few dollars to $2 million.

    One woman told Powerball officials that she already made plans for her $1 million win: “We’re going to pay off our cars and credit cards and get a bigger house!”

    And Thomas Anderson of Burlington, North Carolina, said he intended to use his $100,000 Powerball win from earlier this month to go back to school, according to Powerball.

    Long odds for the billion-dollar jackpots

    Lottery officials set the odds at 1 in 292.2 million in hopes that jackpots will roll over with each of the three weekly drawings until the pool balloons so much that more people take notice and play.

    The odds used to be notably better, at 1 in 175 million. But the game was made tougher in 2015 to create the out-of-this-world bounties. The tougher odds partly helped set the stage for back-to-back record-breaking sweepstakes this year.

    The last time someone won the Powerball pot was on Sept. 6, when players in Missouri and Texas won $1.787 billion, which was the second-highest top prize in U.S. history.

    The U.S. has seen more than a dozen lottery jackpot prizes exceed $1 billion since 2016. The biggest U.S. jackpot ever was $2.04 billion back in 2022.

    More about those unfavorable odds

    It’s hard to explain what odds of 1 in 292.2 million mean. Even if halved, they remain difficult to digest.

    In the past, one math professor described the odds of flipping a coin and getting heads 28 straight times.

    Tim Chartier, a Davidson College math professor in North Carolina, on Monday compared the odds of a winning lottery ticket to selecting one marked dollar bill from a stack 19 miles (31 kilometers) high.

    “It’s true that if you buy 100 tickets, you are 100 times more likely to win. But in this case, ‘100 times more likely’ barely moves the probability needle,” Chartier said. “Using the time analogy, buying 100 tickets is like getting 100 guesses to name that one chosen second over nine years. Possible — but wildly improbable.”

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Investigating plane crash that killed NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family

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    A business jet crashed Thursday while trying to return to a North Carolina airport shortly after takeoff, killing all seven people aboard, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, authorities said.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Cessna C550 business jet crashed late Thursday morning in Statesville 

    • Among the seven killed in the crash were retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, daughter and son, and friends of the family

    • Authorities said the plane took off from Statesville Regional Airport, then returned before crashing amid light rain and fog

    • The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the crash

    The Cessna C550 erupted into fire when it hit the ground. It had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, but soon crashed while trying to return and land, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.

    Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle. The cause of the crash wasn’t immediately known, nor was the reason for the plane’s return to the airport in drizzle and cloudy conditions.

    Biffle was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, according to the highway patrol and a family statement. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

    “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the joint family statement said.

    Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

    NASCAR said it was devastated by the news.

    “Greg was more than a champion driver; he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” NASCAR said. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”

    Scott Sain, who was working at the airport Thursday morning, said it was raining and foggy when the plane crashed. 

    “I knew something had happened pretty bad because of the smoke,” Sain said. “Looked down at the end of the runway and it was on fire.”

    AccuWeather says there was some drizzle and clouds at the time of the crash.

    Golfers playing next to the airport were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground at the Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was covered with debris.

    “We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green of Mooresville. “It was scary.”

    The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating.

    The plane had planned to fly later from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then to Statesville by evening, FlightAware.com data showed.

    The Cessna plane, built in 1981, is a popular mid-sized business jet with an excellent reputation, aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said. It has two engines and typically seats six to eight passengers.

    In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina.

    “The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, said.

    Wadsworth was Biffle’s friend and helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to places hit by Hurricane Helene, roommate Benito Howell said.

    “He didn’t know how to say no,” Howell said of Wadsworth, who had worked for several NASCAR teams. “He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.”

    The airport offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, its website says.

    North Carolina has seen several deadly small-plane crashes this year, including one in Sanford that killed four members of a well-known local family who run Buchanan Family Farms and a crash in the mountains that killed country singer Brett James, known for the hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and two others. 

    Outside the state, a plane-helicopter collision killed 67 in Washington, D.C., and a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky killed 14, including 11 on the ground.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Justin Pryor, Associated Press

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  • What you need to know about keeping your pets safe over the holidays

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    NATIONWIDE — The weather outside is frightful, but there’s no need to frighten your pets this holiday season.

    “As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations,” the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said.

    ASPCA released these safety tips ahead of the holiday:

    (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool)

    Christmas tree safety

    Secure your Christmas tree so it doesn’t fall onto your pet. Additionally, make sure any tree water for live trees does not spill. Pets should not be drinking water from tree stands, as it can contain fertilizers and cause an upset stomach. 

    Plus, stagnant water can be a “breeding ground for bacteria,” leading to other stomach troubles, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

    Avoid tummy aches from greenery

    Mistletoe and holly can cause both gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems if a furry family member eats them. Lilies can also cause kidney failure in cats. Poinsettias can cause an upset stomach. 

    To be extra safe, ASPCA suggested choosing fake plants made from materials such as silk or plastic. If you want to stick to genuine greenery, opt for a pet-safe bouquet. 

    Tinsel trouble

    ASPCA said that if you have furry family members, it’s best to skip tinsel entirely. 

    Tinsel looks like a toy to some pets. They may want to play with it or even snack on it. If animals eat tinsel, it could cause vomiting or dehydration. Tinsel may also cause an obstructed digestive tract that may require surgery to repair. 

    (AP Photo)

    Careful with candles

    Pets have been known to burn themselves on unattended lighted candles, or even start a fire if they knock them over. ASPCA recommended using appropriate candle holders on a stable surface. If you leave the room, blow out the flame. Of course, flameless candles can also brighten up a room. 

    Watch your wires

    Pets should not be able to get into wires, batteries, plastic ornaments or glass decor. 

    ASPCA said wires could shock a pet, while a battery could burn their mouth or esophagus. Breakable ornaments could also harm your pet’s mouth or digestive tract. 

    Skip these treats

    Avoid giving your pets anything fatty, spicy or sweet.

    ”By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy?” ASPCA said. “Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.”

    Plus, don’t give your pets any bones from your leftovers.

    Keep an eye on your drink

    If you’re indulging in alcoholic beverages, keep them in a safe place where your pets can’t get a taste. If a pet drinks alcohol, they “could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure,” ASPCA said.

    (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

    Gift guide

    If you’re gifting something special to your pet, make sure to choose toys that are “basically undestructible,” or Kongs and safe-to-digest chew treats.

    While kittens love to play with long strings like ribbon and yarn, these can get stuck in intestines. ASPCA suggested choosing “a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer” instead.

    ASPCA also reminded pet owners to be mindful of wrapped gifts. Even if you can’t see what’s inside, your pet may smell it. Keep any food, even if wrapped, out of paws’ reach. 

    Visitor rules

    If your house guests want to give your pets some extra TLC, encourage petting or snuggle sessions and nice playtime.

    Ensure your medicines are locked or secured, and advise your visitors to do the same to avoid a pet ingesting medications. 

    Recharge

    The holidays can be a stressful time for humans and animals alike. Make sure your pet has their own, quiet place to relax. It should include fresh water and a place to snuggle, ASPCA said. 

    “Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub,” ASPCA added. 

    New Year’s noise

    If you’re celebrating New Year’s, make sure to keep your pet’s comfort and safety in mind, too.

    ”As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery,” ASPCA said. “Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.”

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    Aly Prouty

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  • Winning ticket for $980 million jackpot sold in Georgia, Mega Millions says

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    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.

    The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday

    • The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7

    • The next drawing will be on Tuesday

    The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.

    A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared.

    There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.

    In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002.

    Other prizes

    Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23.

    There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing.

    Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law.

    Gambling addictions

    Sometimes gambling can become addictive.

    The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.”

    It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk.

    Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

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    Associated Press

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  • Border Patrol heads to Charlotte, Mecklenburg County sheriff confirms

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    Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol plan to deploy to Charlotte as soon as this weekend, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden says he has confirmation that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol personnel are planning to come to Charlotte

    • Reports circulated Wednesday that federal immigration agents operating in Chicago would move to Charlotte 

    • The sheriff’s office and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department say they are not involved in any activities that Customs and Border Protection might be planning in the city

    • Activists, faith leaders, and local and state officials in the city have been preparing the immigrant community, sharing information about resources and trying to calm fears

    There were reports Wednesday that the federal agents stationed in Chicago would move to Charlotte to continue enforcing the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.

    “Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry L. McFadden was contacted by two separate federal officials confirming that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel will be arriving in the Charlotte area as early as this Saturday or the beginning of next week,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.

    The sheriff’s office said federal officials have not shared details of what CPB will do in the Queen City and has not asked the office for help.

    “We value and welcome the renewed collaboration and open communication with our federal partners,” McFadden said in a news release. “It allows us to stay informed and be proactive in keeping Mecklenburg County safe and to maintain the level of trust our community deserves.”

    Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin declined to comment, saying, “Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country. We do not discuss future or potential operations.”

    President Donald Trump has defended sending the military and immigration agents into Democratic-run cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and even the nation’s capital, saying the unprecedented operations are needed to fight crime and carry out his mass deportation agenda. Charlotte is another such Democratic stronghold, and the state will have one of the most hotly contested U.S. Senate races in the country next year.

    Activists, faith leaders, and local and state officials in the city had already begun preparing the immigrant community, sharing information about resources and attempting to calm fears. A call organized by the group CharlotteEAST had nearly 500 people on it Wednesday.

    “The purpose of this call was to create a mutual aid network. It was an information resource sharing session,” said City Councilmember-Elect JD Mazuera Arias.

    “Let’s get as many people as possible aware of the helpers and who the people are that are doing the work that individuals can plug into, either as volunteers to donate to or those who are in need of support can turn to,” said CharlotteEAST executive director Greg Asciutto.

    The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department also sought to clarify its role, saying it “has no authority to enforce federal immigration laws,” and is not involved in planning or carrying out these enforcement operations.

    Mazuera Arias and others said they had already begun receiving reports of what appeared to be plainclothes officers in neighborhoods and on local transit.

    “This is some of the chaos that we also saw in Chicago,” state Sen. Caleb Theodros, who represents Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, said Thursday.

    Theodros was one of several local and state officials who issued a statement of solidarity this week.

    “More than 150,000 foreign-born residents live in our city, contributing billions to our economy and enriching every neighborhood with culture, hard work, and hope,” it read, adding: “We will stand together, look out for one another, and ensure that fear never divides the city we all call home.”

    Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol chief who led Customs and Border Protection’s recent Chicago operation and was also central to the immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, had been coy about where agents would target next.

    The Trump administration’s “Operation Midway Blitz” in the Chicago area was announced in early September, over the objections of local leaders and after weeks of threats on the Democratic stronghold.

    It started as a handful of arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in the suburbs but eventually included hundreds of Customs and Border Protection agents whose tactics grew increasingly aggressive. More than 3,200 people suspected of violating immigration laws have been arrested across Chicago and its many suburbs dipping into Indiana.

    The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both immigration agencies, has offered few details on the arrests, aside from publicizing a handful of people who were living in the U.S. without legal permission and had criminal records.

    The group Indivisible Charlotte and the Carolina Migrant Network will be conducting a training for volunteers on Friday.

    “Training people how to recognize legitimate ICE agents, versus obviously those who don’t look legitimate,” said Tony Siracusa, spokesman for Indvisible Charlotte. “They’re not always wearing vests that say ‘ICE.’ And what your rights are.”

    The groups will also discuss areas where they can conduct “pop up protests.”

    “Obviously, we’re not doing anything that is going to encourage people to go get arrested by federal agents,” he said.

    Siracusa said locals are “not freaking out, but very definitely concerned. Nobody asked for this help. Nobody asked for this, at least no one of any official capacity.”

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • PHOTO GALLERY: Northern lights visible across the country

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    See pictures of the northern lights around the U.S.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Eastern N.C. representatives debate political future with new map

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    One of the members of Congress most impacted by North Carolina’s new congressional map has made a decision about his political future while the other is debating what congressional district to run in.

    What You Need To Know

    • U.S. Reps. Don Davis and Greg Murphy are most affected by North Carolina’s new congressional map

    • Murphy, a Republican, is going to run in District 3, but Davis, a Democrat, hasn’t decided whether he’ll run in the District 1 or District 3

    • North Carolina GOP lawmakers who redrew the map in the middle of the decade say they aim to to gain another House seat for Republicans 

    The two members most impacted are Democrat Rep. Don Davis, who represents District 1, and Rep. Greg Murphy, a Republican who represents District 3. Both districts are in eastern North Carolina.

    The new map swaps a number of counties, resulting in District 1 becoming much more Republican and harder for Davis to win and District 3 losing some of its Republican counties but still remaining a pretty solid Republican district.

    On Wednesday Murphy announced that, despite major changes to the district, he will run for reelection in District 3. 

    “This has been very hard. I’ll be very open about that because literally the new state maps split the district right in half,” Murphy told Spectrum News 1. “I’m a data person. We went down and did the data and looked at a lot of this stuff and I’m going to run as the incumbent in District 3.”

    Murphy said he was disappointed there were so many changes to his current district resulting in the coastal counties moving into District 1. Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico and Onslow counties move from District 3 to District 1. 

    “I wasn’t happy about it. I’ll be very transparent about that. These are interests I’ve represented for a very long time,” Murphy said. “This is kind of like many times you’re all of a sudden with somebody, with all these groups and then arbitrary lines change it the other way.”

    Murphy said the White House didn’t have influence on what district he decided to run in.

    “They came and gave us an idea this was going to be redistricted,” Murphy said. “But they were going to support me regardless of where I went. They’re supporting me as the individual, not as a district person, which I appreciate tremendously. And so they had no undue influence on as to where I was going to pick.” 

    Davis is also debating his political future. In an interview with Spectrum News 1 he said he hasn’t decided what district he will run in.

    “We’re going to look at both districts, which we’re in the process of beginning to do,” Davis said. “We’re going to look at all kinds of factors, analysis.”

    Under the new map the 1st District doesn’t include Wilson, Lenoir or Wayne counties. It also doesn’t include Green County, where Davis lives.

    Davis said he hopes to make a decision in the “near future.”

    In a statement after the General Assembly’s vote on Wednesday, Davis called it “one of the darkest moments of our state’s history.”

    “This is not what people want. People want us to stay focused on their issues,” Davis told Spectrum News 1.

    The Republican-controlled General Assembly took up mid-decade redistricting following similar actions by other states. Texas started the process after urging from President Donald Trump.

    The new North Carolina map results in 11 districts heavily favored for Republicans and three for Democrats. That’s despite many political analysts who label the state as a toss-up or lean Republican.  

    If Davis decides to run in District 3 it would result in a matchup between two incumbents: Davis and Murphy.

    “This decision was made solely upon what I believe, what my team believed was best for us. If there is a big matchup, I think it’s unfortunate. Don and I are on friendly terms, but you know it is what it is. That’s what politics is all about,” Murphy said. 

    “I would say that Rep. Murphy, he’s been in tune and we’ve actually worked on issues together,” Davis said. “But at the end of the day, this is now about looking at the map and allowing a route that we believe best represents the voice of the people of eastern North Carolina and so everyone can be heard. To me all options are on the table.”

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    Reuben Jones

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  • N.C.’s ever-changing election maps cause confusion for voters

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    North Carolina’s new congressional map, passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly, is the latest in a series of redistrictings the state has had in recent years.

    The constant redrawing of district lines can leave voters confused about who represents them in Congress.

    Dennis Mersereau has called the Greensboro area home for 15 years and in that time he’s had a lot of different people representing him in Congress.

    “I think I’ve had five or six different representatives. It’s hard to keep track of them because they keep shifting us around so much,” Mersereau said.

    He lives in Reidsville outside Greensboro, a city that’s been ground zero in the state’s shifting congressional district lines.

    North Carolina has had five maps used in elections over the past 15 years and that’s not counting two that were struck down before they could be used. This week the Republican-controlled General Assembly pushed through a sixth map. 

    “Reidsville shouldn’t be in the same district as Greensboro because Greensboro is its own distinct community,” Mersereau said. 

    Former Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning used to represent Greensboro before Republican state lawmakers approved a map that carved up the heavily Democratic city into three districts, each with more Republican voters than Democrats.

    Manning decided not to seek reelection in 2024 because she thought it would be too difficult to win.

    “We have three different people in Congress who are supposed to represent Guilford County and Greensboro and they don’t represent the values that the vast majority of people in my former district hold,” Manning said.

    Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty of gerrymandering in North Carolina and around the country. But with so many different maps in North Carolina in recent years, with changes to the congressional delegation, there are concerns voters may not even know who their member of Congress is.

    “Every time they do a round of redistricting, I have to learn who our representative is and it’s a pain in the butt,” Mersereau said.

    The shifting maps are also a challenge for lawmakers and their offices, which spend lots of time focused on district-specific issues.

    “I think it’s very difficult on the representatives themselves. They want to know the districts they represent. They want to represent the people in the best way they can,” Manning said.  

    “Surely this is dizzying for not only the voters but also the representatives,” said Princeton Gerrymandering Project Director Sam Wang. “That bond between voters and their representatives breaks in a situation like North Carolina where the map gets redrawn every two years.”

    Spectrum News found people on both sides of the aisle who say the current system where maps are drawn by elected officials isn’t working.

    “The independent redistricting question is something I think we should have,” Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican, told Spectrum News. “I do believe it should be subject to a political vote by the legislature.”

    “The founding fathers envisioned that there would be a political decision process in redistricting, but that’s not going to happen in this political environment,” Tillis said.

    Many states have independent redistricting commissions that are supposed to take politics out of the process. But in California and Virginia, Democrats are moving to take control of the process to counter President Donald Trump urging Republican states to redraw district lines to benefit the GOP.

    In North Carolina, it would fall to the General Assembly to create a commission, something not likely to happen.

    “I don’t care who started it, you know it’s wrong. Both parties are going to have to decide, in the long run this is not good for the country, and we need to stop the political, the partisan gerrymandering,” Manning said.

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    Reuben Jones

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  • What you need to know about keeping your pets safe on Halloween

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    NATIONWIDE — There’s no need to spook your pets this Halloweekend.

    “Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky,” the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.

    ASPCA released these safety tips ahead of the holiday:

    Hide the candy

    Pet owners need to keep candy and other Halloween treats away from their pets. A lot of Halloween goodies, such as anything with chocolate, are toxic to pets. Remind your little ones not to share their candy haul with their four-legged siblings.

    “Chocolate in all forms — especially dark or baking chocolate — can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets,” ASPCA said.

    If your furry friend accidentally gets into the candy bowl or eats something toxic, call your vet immediately.

    Kitty- and puppy-proof your decor

    Keep an eye on those pretty pumpkins. While pumpkins and corn are not likely to be fatal toxins to your pet, they can cause upset stomachs. Plus, pets could knock over lit jack-o’-lanterns and start a fire.

    “Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame,” ASPCA said.

    If there are cords, sockets, inflatables, lights or other yard decor, pet owners will need to make sure their furry friends aren’t nibbling on any wires, too.

    Costume considerations

    No human would want to wear something uncomfortable all weekend, and the same goes for animals. Make sure any pet costumes are comfortable and safe. Pet costumes should not impair breathing, vision, hearing, ability to “speak” or mobility.

    “Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard,” ASPCA said. “Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.”

    Wisconsin Humane Society suggested having pets wear something simple first, such as a bandana, so they get used to dressing up over time. Then, add more elements as they work their way up to their full Halloween attire. WHS said positive reinforcement, like treats and toys, can help make the experience more of a “treat” for your pet.

    ASPCA said pets should try their costumes on before Halloween, just like people. If the animal seems “distressed or shows abnormal behavior” it may be best to ditch the costume this year.

    (Amy Sussman/AP Images for PetSmart)

    Keep calm

    If your pet gets stressed around people in costumes, either inside your house or elsewhere, don’t force them to get in on the fun. WHS said a “safe, quiet space inside your home” to make them comfortable is a perfect place for them to hangout for Halloween.

    “All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours,” ASPCA said.

    ID, please

    Make sure your pet has a collar with their ID tags and is micro-chipped.

    ASPCA explained the constant stream of activity and strangers trick-or-treating brings to your home is scary and stressful for pets. When you open the door, make sure your pet doesn’t scamper outside.

    If your pet does manage to spook you and get outside, having them properly ID’d and easily identifiable can be a lifesaver. 

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    Aly Prouty

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  • NCAA approves a single January transfer window in college football

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    The NCAA approved a single January transfer window in college football on Wednesday, a move that will allow coaches with high-stakes postseason games to focus more on matchups than player retention.

    What You Need To Know

    • The NCAA officially put in place a single transfer window in college football

    • The new 15-day window is Jan. 2-16, changed from the 20-day window in December

    • Football Bowl Subdivision coaches supported the change at the American Football Coaches Association convention earlier this year

    • The move allows players in postseason games to remain eligible before entering the portal

    The Division I Administrative Committee approved the new window of January 2-16. Bowl subdivision coaches voted unanimously to support the change during their American Football Coaches Association convention earlier this year.

    The new 15-day period replaces the current 20-day December period. Most teams now will be able to keep active players as they prepare for their biggest games.

    Last season, Penn State backup quarterback Beau Pribula entered the portal and missed his team’s run in the College Football Playoff.

    The new window will allow players on teams in postseason games to remain eligible before entering the portal. Players on teams competing on or after Jan. 12 can notify during a consecutive-five-day period beginning the day after their team’s final postseason game.

    The spring portal period already had been removed. The April 16-25 window this past offseason created havoc for coaches and players during spring practice. Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback who led Tennessee to the playoff last season, left for UCLA in the most high-profile example.

    The NCAA also announced that the head coach change exception for football will now be 15 days, starting five days after a new coach is hired if that announcement comes after Jan. 2.

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    Associated Press

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  • Is Trump administration violating the Hatch Act?

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    The Trump administration is on the attack over the federal government shutdown. The attacks aren’t just coming from the White House but also federal agencies that are supposed to be absent of partisanship.

    What You Need To Know

    • Some federal agencies are directing blame toward Democrats over the shutdown

    • Ethics concerns are being raised about those actions

    • One of the concerns centers on the federal Hatch Act



    The Department of Housing and Urban Development that has a banner on its website saying “The radical left in Congress shut down the government …” and the Department of Justice website says “Democrats have shut down the government.” Numerous other federal agencies have posted partisan language blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

    ”I’ve never seen something so extremely partisan as what we have here,” said University of Minnesota law professor Richard Painter, who was former President George W. Bush’s chief ethics lawyer.

    Partisanship is supposed to be removed from federal agencies. The federal Hatch Act passed in 1939 aims to ensure federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion, and it restricts federal employees from engaging in political activity while on duty.

    On Tuesday the organization Public Citizen filed a Hatch Act complaint against the housing secretary saying “the official HUD web page includes two highly partisan postings.”

    “I believe the Hatch Act could be violated in these situations if there is a mention of the elections, candidates or political slogans. These communications are right up to the line,” Painter said.

    Painter said the Trump administration is getting very close to violating the Hatch Act because the postings could potentially be used to influence an election.

    He says the postings are clearly in violation of the Anti-Lobbying Act, which prohibits appropriated funds to influence members of Congress.

    “These agency web pages are funded by the taxpayers,” Painter said. “This is a use of taxpayer money to lobby Congress … to put pressure on the Democrats to cave in the budget negotiations that are leading to this shutdown. This is an illegal use of taxpayer money.”

    A White House official tells Spectrum News the Trump administration is just sharing the truth with the American people and points to examples in the Biden and Obama administrations when they assigned partisan blame on Republicans.

    Painter said it’s true, especially in the Biden administration, that there were violations, but nothing to this level.

    “The so and so did it, so and so did this, so and so did that, and therefore I can do even worse, that isn’t an argument that is acceptable for the leader of the free world,” Painter said. 

    Hatch Act complaints are reviewed by the Office of Special Counsel. But any violations by White House-commissioned officers will be referred to the president for appropriate action, so in this case there likely wouldn’t be any penalty.

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    Reuben Jones

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  • ACC schools eye scheduling, TV viewership to bump up bottom line

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    Mike Norvell got everything he wanted with his Florida State team opening against tradition-rich Alabama — and winning — on network television.

    “We’re going to play an aggressive schedule,” the coach said. “We want those showcase games.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The Atlantic Coast Conference launched a revenue-distribution model that factors in viewership in football and men’s basketball for this season

    • The new system distributes 60% of league TV money based on a five-year rolling viewership formula; the other 40% goes equally to all league schools

    • Duke coach Manny Diaz says schools have to look closely at scheduling as they chase “opportunities now to be seen”

    • The change comes after a March settlement of lawsuits between the league and member schools Clemson and Florida State

    They pay off more than ever in the Atlantic Coast Conference, too.

    The league now incorporates TV viewership into its revenue-distribution plan for member schools. That means teams playing in high-ratings matchups profit beyond the typical payouts from the ACC’s media rights deal — a departure from decades of equal distribution — as schools seek additional revenue streams now that they can pay athletes directly.

    That is forcing coaches and administrators to rethink scheduling. Chase better nonconference matchups? Play Friday nights with less competition in other time slots?

    It’s all part of the discussion, even once-marginalized details.

    “You have to,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “You’re looking for opportunities now to be seen.”

    The plan

    The change launched from a March legal settlement, which ended a barrage of lawsuits between the league and member schools Florida State and Clemson tied largely to costs for schools to potentially leave the ACC.

    This is the first year with the league distributing 60% of TV revenue based on a rolling five-year viewership formula, with the remaining 40% dispersed equally among schools. Football represents 75% of that viewership payout and men’s basketball 25% as the top revenue-driving sports.

    Additionally, a person with knowledge of the plan told The Associated Press that the current year carries 35% of the value in the five-year formula; the previous four years combine at lower weights for the remaining 65%. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the league hasn’t publicly discussed all model details.

    That means strong TV numbers could reverberate for years. It’s similar to units earned by school victories in the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, which pay out for six years to offer compounding value.

    The league’s marquee brands, such as FSU, Clemson and Miami in football or Duke and Louisville in men’s basketball, are poised to profit.

    North Carolina could benefit on both fronts. Beyond their tradition-rich men’s basketball program with six NCAA titles, the Tar Heels have a football spotlight with six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick as their first-year coach.

    Athletic director Bubba Cunningham said internal estimates of the potential impact offered a simple conclusion.

    “We will get more money because of our media interest as we go forward, yes,” he said.

    ‘Control what we can control’

    The ACC got off to a quality start under the new model.

    Broadcasters ESPN and ABC announced their best Week 1 on record earlier this month. The top six games featured ACC teams, headlined on ABC by now-No. 4 Miami beating now-No. 24 Notre Dame (10.8 million viewers), now-No. 7 FSU’s win over now-No. 14 Alabama (10.7 million) and Clemson’s loss to now-No. 3 LSU (10.4 million).

    Then came ESPN broadcasts of UNC’s loss to TCU in Belichick’s Labor Day debut (6.1 million), Virginia Tech’s Sunday loss to South Carolina (5.4 million) and now-No. 18 Georgia Tech’s Friday win at Colorado (3.7 million).

    Those games will factor into league payouts through the 2029 season before dropping out of the five-year rolling formula.

    Scheduling nonconference football games typically goes years into the future, and there’s always the possibility the ACC changes its eight-game league schedule as other power conferences go to nine to shrink the number of nonconference openings.

    Yet the incentive to schedule must-watch matchups would remain.

    “Ultimately,” Norvell said, “we’ve got to control what we can control in the process of it.”

    Strategic discussions

    Clemson athletic director Graham Neff understands that well.

    The Tigers have two football national championships and nine ACC titles under Dabo Swinney, while men’s basketball coach Brad Brownell is the league’s longest-tenured coach and led Clemson to the Elite Eight two seasons ago. So the school was already chasing brand-publicizing opportunities like its 12-year football deal with Notre Dame starting in 2027 or its men’s basketball’s invitation to the prestigious Thanksgiving-week Maui Invitational in Hawaii next season.

    “TV viewership and the finances that drives is now more than ever part of that conversation,” Neff said. “It’s just not necessarily the driver of that conversation.”

    Still, Neff called the change to the revenue-distribution model “really innovative” and said he’s pleased to see how scheduling strategies have been at the forefront of league conversations. He also pointed to another benefit: providing better games for ESPN, which has a media rights deal with the ACC through 2036 that includes the ACC Network.

    Neff called it a “positive partnership play.”

    “It incentivizes investment in those sports just for competitive success, but it provides great value back to our media partner in ESPN,” Neff said. “If now all decision-makers like ADs and coaches are more frontal lobe about scheduling and prominent matchups and TV slots and days, in theory that’s more strategy and providing more value as a league to ESPN.”

    Revamped revenue

    The viewership wrinkle is one of multiple moves in the ACC’s yearslong fight to counter a revenue gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. Notably, the league launched its “success initiative” last year allowing schools to keep money generated by their postseason success.

    That plan could mean $20 million to $25 million more per school in a big year. And at the time of the legal settlement, a person familiar with the situation told the AP that the upside of the viewership-model change could be $15 million or more for top-earning schools, and potentially about $7 million less for others.

    Both changes accomplished a similar goal for Commissioner Jim Phillips: The additional money would theoretically be accessible to any league member, incentivizing a school to field a program that viewers want to watch because of its elevated success.

    “I think everyone understands now that we don’t say this is a business under our breath anymore,” Diaz said. “We recognize this is a legit business. So to me, whatever’s good for the business of Duke football or Duke athletics or college football in general, everybody’s got to be on board to do those things.”

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    Associated Press

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