They've been doing a lot of the whole "going ape" thing lately. Especially over weather. Remember a few months ago when they preempted several hours of TV over a few thunderstorms? I think Wave 3, especially, took a LOT of heat for that. I guess the meteorologists feel left out, so they take the torch and run with it whenever they can.
I don't know. It seems like news (even local) is just so sensationalized anymore, and many of them ask questions that I would smack them over, such as "What's your reaction to losing your house/son/daughter/beloved family member/friend/pet in the storm/war/car accident/explosion/horrific murder?" I see that and change the station. It's pure exploitation.
Nobody wants to see that, but apparently, they think it makes good news. If, God forbid, I'm ever in that situation, and someone asks me anything like that, I'm going to give them swift kick in the backside.