Widespread disruption is expected as a fierce winter storm begins to make its way through several US states. Blizzard conditions across the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin have forced many schools and businesses to close. Wind gusts potentially reaching 50mph (80kph) and a wind chill as low as -50F (-45C) in some parts are predicted. While about 75 million people in 29 states are under winter weather alerts, parts of the eastern US are forecast to experience record high temperatures. In northern states, forecasts of up to two feet (0.6m) of snow in some parts could mean areas endure their biggest snowfalls for 30 years. Minnesota’s governor Tim Walz said the National Guard will be available to help motorists who become stuck in the blizzard conditions there. The Utah Department of Transport issued a warning to morning commuters: “This is a reminder to stay home and limit travel if possible.” Forecasters said the storm system could produce an icy band across 1,300m (2092km) from Nebraska to New Hampshire.(BBC)…[+]

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly dismissed claims they were planning to sue the creators of cartoon comedy South Park. An episode titled The Worldwide Privacy Tour features two characters who bear a resemblance to Harry and Meghan, embarking on a tour across the world demanding their privacy. The couple’s spokesperson told People: “It’s all frankly nonsense. Totally baseless, boring reports.” The 22-minute episode aired last week. Centred around a red-headed character and his wife who relocate to South Park, Colorado, the “Prince of Canada” is seen promoting his book around the world. Stan Marsh, one of the show’s main characters, refers to the fictional couple as the “dumb prince and his stupid wife”.(BBC)…[+]

A high school student has stabbed a Spanish teacher to death in a school in the French town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. French government spokesperson Olivier Véran confirmed Wednesday’s attack and said the perpetrator was 16 years old. Police attended Saint-Thomas d’Aquin school with the local prosecutor, where the student was arrested. French newspaper Sud Ouest said the attacker entered the classroom while the Spanish teacher was giving a class and attacked her. The teacher was in her fifties and died of cardiac arrest after emergency services arrived at the school, local media reported. French TV station BFM said the attacker locked the classroom door and stabbed the teacher in her chest. France’s Education Minister, Pap Ndiaye said in a tweet that his thoughts were with the teacher’s “family, colleagues and pupils”.(BBC)…[+]