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Parts of Northeast and Southwest bracing for elevated fire danger

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Gusty winds, low humidity and dry conditions are expected to produce elevated fire danger in parts of the Southwest and Northeast on Tuesday following wildfires that erupted on New York’s Long Island over the weekend and in the Carolinas last week.

Red flag alerts were already in effect Tuesday morning for West Texas and southern New Mexico, where wind gusts are forecast to reach 40 mph and relative humidity is expected to plummet to as low as 5%. Combined with critically dry conditions on the ground, forecasters are warning of the potential of fast-moving wildfires.

“Any fires that develop may rapidly increase in size and intensity, move quickly, and be very difficult to control,” the National Weather Service office for Austin and San Antonio said in a forecast on Tuesday.

In the Northeast, elevated fire danger is forecast Tuesday for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and parts of southern New York. Winds gusts of up to 30 mph in the high-risk areas of the Northeast and the relative humidity is expected to fall to 30%.

Mild to above average temperatures are forecast to continue through this week across the eastern half of the country.

Daily record high temperatures are possible in Houston on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures are expected to get up to the mid-80s in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. Memphis, Tennessee, is expected to reach the lower 80s on Friday.

The new fire danger warnings came even as firefighters continue to mop up from a series of brush fires that erupted on Saturday in New York’s Long Island.

The fires in Suffolk County, Long Island, ignited on Saturday amid northwest wind gusts of up to 45 mph and extremely dry vegetation.

At least four different fires broke out in Suffolk County, officials said. The fires quickly spread embers from Manorville to Eastport and into the publicly protected Pine Barrens region of West Hampton, officials said.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and instituted a burn ban for Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley.

The Long Island fires burned about 600 acres before officials reported Monday that the blazes were 100% contained. Two commercial structures were damaged in the fires. State and Army National Guard helicopters made water drops on the Long Island fires, which helped prevent the flames from reaching homes, officials said.

About 600 firefighters from more than 80 volunteer Suffolk County fire departments battled the blazes, officials said.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said Monday that the “operating theory” is that a fire was started at about 9:30 a.m. ET Saturday when a resident used cardboard to start a fire to make s’mores, a confection that includes toasted marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers.

The Long Island fires followed a rash of wildfires that ignited last week in South Carolina and North Carolina. Officials said 175 wildfires broke out near the border of both states, fueled by high winds and moderate drought conditions.

The fires in the Carolinas rapidly spread through the Carolina Forest in Horry County, South Carolina, burning over 2,000 acres and threatening the communities of Walkers Woods and Avalon, and reaching the edge of Myrtle Beach before being extinguished, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Texas measles cases grow to 223, mostly among children and teens

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(AUSTIN, Texas) — The measles outbreak in western Texas is continuing to grow with 25 cases confirmed over the last five days, bringing the total to 223 cases, according to new data published Tuesday.

Almost all of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals or in individuals whose vaccination status is unknown, with 80 unvaccinated and 138 of unknown status, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). At least 29 people have been hospitalized so far.

Just five cases have occurred in people vaccinated with one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to the data.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Texas man arrested after assaulting 2 people on American Airlines flight, says he wanted to ‘speak to Trump’: FBI

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — A Texas man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a flight attendant and a passenger while on board an American Airlines flight earlier this month, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

At approximately 9:00 p.m. on March 5, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department contacted the FBI regarding a disturbance on American Airlines Flight 5574 traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. — the same flight path as the plane that collided with a Black Hawk helicopter on Jan. 29, killing 67 people.

The suspect, Asterius Mutayoba Rulamka, had allegedly left his assigned seat during the flight and walked to the rear of the plane, where he “engaged with a flight attendant,” according to an FBI affidavit obtained by ABC News.

Rulamka then sat down in the back of the plane and began to yell profanities at the flight attendant, with passengers taking videos of the incident on their cellphones, according to the affidavit.

Upon noticing one passenger filming, Rulamka allegedly started to attack him, grabbing his arms and verbally berating him, the affidavit said. The suspect also removed the passenger’s hat and glasses and struck him “in the face near his left eye, causing bruising and a bloodshot eye,” the FBI said.

The defendant allegedly attempted to swing at the flight attendant he previously assaulted, but the attendant was able to move out of the way before being struck, sustaining a “small laceration to his finger and a broken fingernail” in the process, the affidavit said.

Rulamka then began running up and down the aisles of the cabin, but three passengers and the flight attendants were able to secure the suspect for landing in a seat near his original seat, the affidavit said.

When the flight was arriving at Ronald Reagan National Airport, Rulamka allegedly made several statements, including that he “had come to D.C. to speak to President Trump,” the affidavit said.

Rulamka was asked why he wanted to meet with Trump, and he replied that he was “mad,” the affidavit said.

The FBI said Rulamka had a Texas driver’s license, but a criminal history check revealed that the Department of Homeland Security “encountered the defendant in 2014 as a non-immigrant overstay, and immigration proceedings are pending,” the affidavit said.

“On March 5, law enforcement responded to American Eagle Flight 5574 after its arrival in Washington, D.C. (DCA) due to a disruptive customer. We do not tolerate violence, and thank our team members for their professionalism,” American Airlines said in a statement to ABC News.

Rulamka has been charged with “assault by beating, striking and wounding, in violation of the Title 18 United States Code, Section 113(a)(4),” according to the affidavit. A hearing for Rulamka has been scheduled for March 13.

Attorney information was not immediately listed for Rulamka.

Vice President JD Vance urges GOP to fall in line as shutdown looms

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — As nearly a dozen House Republicans remain undecided, Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday urged House Republicans to get on board and support the GOP-led government funding bill, according to several members leaving the 40-minute-long closed-door meeting.

The spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, is slated for a vote in the House Tuesday afternoon, and Vance told Republicans that the bill forces Democrats to take a tough vote, members told ABC News.

Vance also emphasized the importance of not shutting the government down, members said to ABC News.

In the absence of Democratic support, the vote represents a major test for Speaker Mike Johnson — as it remains unclear if the Trump-backed legislation can even pass in the GOP-controlled House.

Johnson needs near-unanimous GOP support and can only afford to lose one Republican before a second defection would defeat the bill if all members are voting and present. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie said he will vote against the measure and Georgia Rep. Rich McCormick told reporters he’s also leaning against voting for the bill. Several others are undecided, including Reps. Tony Gonzales, Andy Ogles, Tim Burchett, Cory Mills, Eli Crane and Brian Fitzpatrick.

Despite the uphill climb, GOP leaders expressed confidence that they’ll get the bill across the finish line — even as Democrats remain united in opposition.

“No, we will have the votes. We’re going to pass the CR,” Johnson said at the GOP leadership news conference. “We could do it on our own.”

Majority Leader Scalise told ABC News’ Jay O’Brien that he’s confident the bill will pass, arguing Vance’s message will “pull people even further.”

“Well, on a big vote like this, you always have members that wait until the very end and then they’re going to vote yes, and I’m feeling very confident we’re going to get this bill passed,” Scalise said.

Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison raised concerns with the language in the bill, but added he will ultimately support the measure because he trusts President Donald Trump.

“Donald Trump, I mean, he is the difference maker. I would never support this language but, I do trust Donald Trump,” Burlison said.

Trump has played an outsize role this time around — the first shutdown threat of his second term — practically begging Republicans to support the measure. The president even placed phone calls on Monday to some lawmakers who are on the fence in an attempt to shore up the votes, according to a White House official.

“The House and Senate have put together, under the circumstances, a very good funding Bill (“CR”)! All Republicans should vote (Please!) YES next week. Great things are coming for America, and I am asking you all to give us a few months to get us through to September so we can continue to put the Country’s “financial house” in order,” Trump said on Saturday in a post on Truth Social.

Trump added, “Democrats will do anything they can to shut down our Government.”

On Monday evening, Trump threatened to lead the charge against Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie in the primaries, after the congressman said he would vote no on the continuing resolution Tuesday.

“Congressman Thomas Massie, of beautiful Kentucky, is an automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything, despite the fact that he has always voted for Continuing Resolutions in the past,” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him. He’s just another GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble, and not worth the fight.”

Asked if he agreed with the president’s promise to primary Massie, Johnson said he will “vehemently disagree” with Trump.

“Look, I am in the incumbent protection program here, that’s what I do as speaker of the House,” he joked before adding, “Thomas and I have had disagreements, but I consider Thomas Massie a friend. He’s a thoughtful guy. I guess he’ll tell you he’s doing what he thinks is right on this, I just vehemently disagree with his position. I’ll leave it at that.”

Across the aisle, House Democrats appear poised to stick together in opposition of the GOP-led government funding bill.

“We cannot support this bill,” Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said walking into a conference meeting Tuesday morning.

“House Republicans put a partisan measure on the floor this week. It will gut veterans’ health care. It will enable Donald Trump and Elon Musk to continue to cut the federal government. House Democrats are voting no,” Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar later added.

While Johnson has at times benefited from Democrats crossing party lines to push bills through, as of now, it doesn’t look like he’ll get a life raft from them.

Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar and Marcy Kaptur, who represent Trump-backed districts, said they aren’t going to be voting for the funding bill, arguing there weren’t many incentives in the bill to garner their support.

“I haven’t met one yet,” Rep. Kaptur said when asked if she knew of any Democrats that would support the bill. “But perhaps there’s someone out there, but I’m unaware of it.”

The 99-page bill would decrease spending overall from last year’s funding levels but increase spending for the military by about $6 billion.

While there is an additional $6 billion for veterans’ health care, non-defense spending is about $13 billion lower than fiscal year 2024 levels.

The legislation leaves out emergency funding for disasters but provides a boost in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation operations.

It also increases funding for W.I.C. by about $500 million, a program that provides free groceries to low-income women and children.

ABC News’ Hannah Demissie and Lalee Ibssa contributed to this report

At least 450 taken hostage in Pakistan train attack

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(LONDON) — At least six military personnel have been killed and 450 people have been taken hostage after the Balochistan Liberation Army, a militant group, attacked a train in Pakistan, according to a U.S. official.

The BLA has threatened to kill all the hostages if Pakistan’s military tries to rescue them, the official said.

The BLA blew up part of the track, forcing the train to stop, before they boarded and took control, according to the official.

The attack happened in mountainous area right before a tunnel, making a rescue very difficult, they said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

US stocks drop amid fresh tariffs on Canada, recession fears

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — U.S. stocks dropped on Tuesday, extending losses suffered a day earlier amid a fresh round of tariffs on Canada and concern about a possible recession.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled about 515 points, or 1.2%, while the S&P 500 fell 0.8%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq ticked down 0.4%.

The Tuesday selloff extended a days-long market decline touched off by U.S. tariffs imposed last week on Canada, Mexico and China, some of which were delayed.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced retaliatory measures on Canada after they slapped a 25% tariff on electricity sent to the U.S., saying that he is imposing an additional 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, bringing those tariffs to 50%.

The move escalated a global trade war that intensified a day earlier, when China slapped retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., deepening trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

On Monday, the tech-heavy Nasdaq plummeted 4%, recording its worst day of trading since 2022. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 each dropped more than 2% on Monday.

The market drawdown on Monday extended losses last week. The S&P 500 recorded its worst week since September.

When asked about a potential recession in an interview broadcast on Sunday, Trump said tariffs imposed in recent days could bring about a “period of transition.”

“I hate to predict things like that,” Trump told Fox News in an interview recorded on Thursday. “It takes a little time, but I think it should be great for us.”

In response to a question later on Sunday about his reluctance to rule out a recession, Trump said: “I tell you what, of course you hesitate. Who knows?”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected Tuesday morning to release a report on how many jobs are open in the economy, which could provide another clue about the strength of economy amid the new recession concerns. An inflation report is expected Wednesday.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

ABC News’ Max Zahn contributed to this report.

Johnson says ‘we’ll have the votes’ on key GOP spending bill as shutdown looms

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — House Republicans are slated to vote Tuesday on their spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, that would fund the government at current levels through Sept. 30, 2025, and Speaker Mike Johnson is projecting confidence that Republicans have the votes to pass the bill.

In the absence of Democratic support, the vote represents a major test for Speaker Mike Johnson — as it remains unclear if the Trump-backed legislation can even pass in the GOP-controlled House.

Johnson, at a news conference with House Republican leadership on Tuesday morning, claimed he had the votes ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s vote.

As he railed against Democrats for their opposition to the measure, Johnson was asked by a reporter if that implied he doesn’t have the support among his own caucus.

“No, we’ll have the votes. We’re going to pass the CR. We can do it on our own,” Johnson contended.

President Donald Trump has played an outsize role this time around — the first shutdown threat of his second term — practically begging Republicans to support the measure. The president even placed phone calls on Monday to some lawmakers who are on the fence in an attempt to shore up the votes, according to a White House official.

Trump added, “Democrats will do anything they can to shut down our Government.”

Vice President JD Vance is also lobbying House Republicans. On Tuesday morning, he attended a closed-door meeting with the caucus, but did not respond to question including what his message is to members on the funding bill.

On Monday evening, Trump threatened to lead the charge against Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie in the primaries, after the congressman said he would vote no on the continuing resolution Tuesday.

Asked if he agreed with the president’s promise to primary Massie, Johnson said he will “vehemently disagree” with Trump.

Across the aisle, Democratic leaders are urging their caucus to vote against the measure.

“It is not something we could ever support. House Democrats will not be complicit in the Republican effort to hurt the American people,” Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters on Monday.

The 99-page bill would decrease spending overall from last year’s funding levels but increase spending for the military by about $6 billion.

While there is an additional $6 billion for veterans’ health care, non-defense spending is about $13 billion lower than fiscal year 2024 levels.

The legislation leaves out emergency funding for disasters but provides a boost in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation operations.

It also increases funding for W.I.C. by about $500 million, a program that provides free groceries to low-income women and children.

ABC News’ Hannah Demissie contributed to this report

DC plane crash: NTSB to provide updates in investigation

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — Investigators will offer updates Tuesday in the probe into the devastating crash between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed all 67 people on board both aircraft.

The crash happened on the night of Jan. 29 when the PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, with 64 people on board, was about to land at Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The three soldiers on the helicopter were conducting an annual training flight and night vision goggle check ride for one of the pilots at the time when the two aircraft collided.

Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River.

National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Jennifer Homendy said last month that there was no indication the helicopter crew could tell there was an impending collision.

The soldiers may have had “bad data” on the altitude from their altimeter, as the pilots had differing altitudes in the seconds before the crash, Homendy said. One helicopter pilot thought they were at 400 feet and the other thought they were at 300 feet.

The transmission from the tower that instructed the helicopter to go behind the plane may not have been heard by the crew because the pilot may have keyed her radio at the same second and stepped on the transmission from ATC, the NTSB added.

The Black Hawk crew was likely wearing night vision goggles throughout the flight, Homendy said.

The NTSB will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. ET Tuesday.

US stocks wobble after selloff amid recession concerns

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — U.S. stocks seesawed between positive and negative territory in early trading on Tuesday, remaining essentially unchanged after losses suffered Monday when markets reacted to President Donald Trump’s refusal to rule out a possible recession.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked down about 225 points, or 0.5%, while the S&P 500 ticked up 0.2%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq inched higher about 0.5%.

Wobbly markets in early trading on Tuesday followed a days-long market decline touched off by U.S. tariffs imposed last week on Canada, Mexico and China, some of which were delayed. Retaliatory tariffs issued by China on Monday deepened a trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

On Monday, the tech-heavy Nasdaq plummeted 4%, recording its worst day of trading since 2022. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 each dropped more than 2% on Monday.

The market drawdown on Monday extended losses last week. The S&P 500 recorded its worst week since September.

When asked about a potential recession in an interview broadcast on Sunday, Trump said tariffs imposed in recent days could bring about a “period of transition.”

“I hate to predict things like that,” Trump told Fox News in an interview recorded on Thursday. “It takes a little time, but I think it should be great for us.”

In response to a question later on Sunday about his reluctance to rule out a recession, Trump said: “I tell you what, of course you hesitate. Who knows?”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Southwest Airlines revamps free baggage policy amid customer and loyalty shifts

March 11, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(DALLAS) — A shift is on the horizon at Southwest Airlines. The carrier known for its customer-friendly policies and affordable airfare announced changes to its baggage and fare structure in an effort to cater to a broader range of travelers.

While the low-cost airline has long stood out for offering two free checked bags for all passengers, starting May 28, some customers will see charges for checked baggage.

Southwest Airlines changes free checked bags policy

The most notable change from the Dallas-based carrier that was announced Tuesday impacts those not holding certain status levels with Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program.

Southwest Airlines will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members as well as its Business Select travelers.

A-List Members and other select customers will still receive one free checked bag, the airline said. However, those without qualifying status will now face a charge for their first and second checked bags, subject to weight and size limitations.

“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect,” President and CEO Bob Jordan said.

Why Southwest is changing baggage fees?

For passengers traveling on lower-priced fares, such as Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus, the changes outlined reflect a move toward more targeted options for a range of travelers from budget conscious to frequent flyers, which the airline hinted at in December.

Southwest Rapid Rewards program points changes, assigned seats and more

In addition to the new baggage fees, Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program will also have some changes for earning points.

Customers who fly Business Select will earn more points, while those on lower-tier options — like Wanna Get Away fares — will earn fewer.

The airline is also introducing a new Basic fare category for the lowest-priced tickets starting May 28 ahead of rolling out assigned seating and extra legroom options.

“We’re evolving our business to create more choice for our current and future customers,” Jordan said.

Southwest is working to expand its reach with flights now available to book through Expedia, and an industry-standard partnership with Icelandair.

Flight credits issued for tickets purchased on or after May 28 will expire one year or earlier from the date of ticketing, depending on the fare type purchased.

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