Category Archives: WPTF News

North Carolina Gov. Stein signs stopgap budget bill and vetoes opt-in bill helping school choice

North Carolina Gov. Stein signs stopgap budget bill and vetoes opt-in bill helping school choice

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has signed a stopgap spending measure as lawmakers remain stuck in a budget impasse. But he also vetoed a bill Wednesday that would otherwise sign off on state involvement in a federal tax credit program to boost school-choice options. Stein criticized the spending plan for not providing enough pay raises or covering increased Medicaid expenses. The new law includes funds for state construction projects and employee benefits. The tax-credit program bill approved by Republicans seeks to opt in to the financial benefits within President Donald Trump’s new law for donations to K-12 scholarship organizations.… Continue Reading

New study sheds light on ChatGPT’s alarming interactions with teens

New study sheds light on ChatGPT’s alarming interactions with teens

New research from a watchdog group reveals ChatGPT can provide harmful advice to teens. The Associated Press reviewed interactions where the chatbot gave detailed plans for drug use, eating disorders, and even suicide notes. The Center for Countering Digital Hate found that testing ChatGPT with harmful prompts led the chatbot to respond in dangerous ways more than half the time. The study highlights the risks as more people, particularly teens, turn to AI for companionship and advice. OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, said after viewing the findings that its “work is ongoing” in refining “how models identify and respond appropriately in sensitive situations.”… Continue Reading

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn not seriously injured in car accident, is day to day with thumb injury

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn not seriously injured in car accident, is day to day with thumb injury

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn escaped serious injury after a car accident on Wednesday morning on the way to the team’s stadium. He injured his left thumb and missed a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns. Panthers coach Dave Canales says Horn will be evaluated daily. Horn will not play in Friday night’s preseason game against the Browns, but the team hopes he can play against Houston on August 16. Horn was alone in his car when the accident happened near the stadium. He was evaluated by team medical personnel and later seen joking with teammates on the sideline.… Continue Reading

Trump, Cook to announce Apple is investing another $100 billion in the U.S.

Trump, Cook to announce Apple is investing another $100 billion in the U.S.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Apple CEO Tim Cook is joining President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to announce a commitment by the tech company to increase its investment in U.S. manufacturing by an additional $100 billion over the next four years. As part of the Apple announcement, the investments will be about bringing more of its supply chain and advanced manufacturing to the United States as part of an initiative called the American Manufacturing Program, but it is not a full commitment to build its popular iPhone device domestically.… Continue Reading

North Carolina residents can now seek state aid after Tropical Storm Chantal

North Carolina residents can now seek state aid after Tropical Storm Chantal

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Residents in several central North Carolina counties affected by last month’s Tropical Storm Chantal can now apply for state-funded financial aid. This assistance follows a state disaster declaration issued Tuesday by Gov. Josh Stein. The storm brought several inches of rain, causing record-breaking river levels and significant damage. At least six storm-related deaths occurred. Stein has also requested a federal disaster declaration to speed up federal aid for rebuilding infrastructure. Public assistance damage estimates have exceeded $42 million. Residents can seek aid for housing, property replacement and medical expenses at local disaster recovery centers.… Continue Reading

Funeral held for Dr. Greg Brannon, North Carolina tea party favorite and ex-Senate candidate

Funeral held for Dr. Greg Brannon, North Carolina tea party favorite and ex-Senate candidate

CARY, N.C. (AP) — A funeral has been held for Dr. Greg Brannon, a North Carolina physician and former figure in state Republican politics. A funeral home confirmed that Brannon died July 27. Brannon was 64. He was known for his involvement in the tea party movement and his runs for the U.S. Senate and House in the 2010s. He was an OB-GYN for 27 years and later founded a hormone replacement therapy company. Brannon is being remembered for his medical work, especially with challenging pregnancies. The funeral took place last Saturday in Raleigh. He is survived by his wife, seven children, and two grandchildren.… Continue Reading

Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders to play in Browns preseason opener against Panthers

Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders to play in Browns preseason opener against Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rookie Shedeur Sanders will play for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night with the recently-signed Tyler Huntley. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced the decision before the team’s joint practice with the Panthers. He hasn’t determined who will start. Veteran Joe Flacco is healthy but will not play. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel will not play either because of injuries. Sanders was drafted in the fifth round. Despite being fourth on the depth chart, injuries to other Browns QBs have contributed to this opportunity. Panthers head coach Dave Canales previously said Bryce Young will start against the Browns.… Continue Reading

Trump envoy Witkoff meets Putin ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace deadline, the Kremlin says

Trump envoy Witkoff meets Putin ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace deadline, the Kremlin says

The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding talks with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. A meeting between Putin and Witkoff lasted about three hours Wednesday. Neither side gave an immediate readout of the talks. The meeting comes days before the White House’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine. Russia potentially faces severe economic penalties that could also hit countries buying its oil. Trump’s deadline for Putin ends Friday. Washington has threatened severe tariffs and other penalties if the conflict in Ukraine continues.… Continue Reading

US stocks slip following the latest discouraging signal on the economy

US stocks slip following the latest discouraging signal on the economy

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes slipped following the latest discouraging signal on the U.S. economy. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% Tuesday, coming off a whipsaw stretch where it followed its worst day since May with its best since May. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.7%. A weaker-than-expected report on activity for U.S. services businesses added to worries that President Donald Trump’s tariffs may be hurting the economy. But hopes for coming cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, along with a stream of stronger-than-expected profit reports from U.S. companies, helped keep the losses in check.… Continue Reading

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle looks to prove he’s worthy of being NFL starter after leaving Cowboys

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle looks to prove he’s worthy of being NFL starter after leaving Cowboys

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers were surprised to be able to sign running back Rico Dowdle, a move that gave them added depth and experience in the backfield. Coach Dave Canales has expressed excitement about the move, noting Dowdle’s experience and potential as a 1,000-yard rusher. Dowdle, who wasn’t re-signed by the Dallas Cowboys, agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract with performance incentives. He sees Carolina as a good fit because of its strong offensive line and proximity to his hometown. While Chuba Hubbard remains the starter, Canales envisions a role for Dowdle, who is eager to prove himself.… Continue Reading

Recent News

Powered By SoCast