Category Archives: WPTF News

A former governor, a Trump and many others: Tillis retirement sets off NC Senate seat speculation

A former governor, a Trump and many others: Tillis retirement sets off NC Senate seat speculation

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis’ announcement over the weekend that he won’t seek reelection is heating up the campaign on both sides of the aisle. Tillis revealed his decision Sunday after clashing with President Donald Trump over his tax breaks and spending cuts bill. A Trump endorsement for the Republican nominee could heavily influence GOP primary. Potential GOP candidates include Lara Trump. Meanwhile, Democrats are urging former Gov. Roy Cooper to run. He’s been holding back for months on making a public decision. Former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel launched his own Democratic nomination bid almost three months ago.… Continue Reading

US stocks add a bit more to their all-time high

US stocks add a bit more to their all-time high

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market added to its record as Wall Street closed out a second straight winning month. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% Monday in its first trading after completing a stunning rebound from its springtime sell-off of roughly 20%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.5%. Oracle helped lead the way after saying it’s off to a strong start in its fiscal year. Banks were also solid in their first trading after the Federal Reserve said they’re financially strong enough to survive a downturn in the economy. Treasury yields eased in the bond market.… Continue Reading

Sen. Thom Tillis in stepping aside goes the way of other Republicans who have challenged Trump

Sen. Thom Tillis in stepping aside goes the way of other Republicans who have challenged Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jeff Flake. Bob Corker. Mitt Romney. And now, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. The roll call of Republican senators who have called it quits rather than endure a political career sideways with President Donald Trump is long and apparently, still growing. Tillis announced his decision not to seek reelection Sunday, a stunning moment given its timing. It arrived a day after Trump trashed Tillis online and threatened to campaign against him after the senator revealed he would oppose Trump’s big tax breaks bill because of its deep cuts to Medicaid. Tillis told The Associated Press and others at the Capitol that his “goal is not to undermine the president.”… Continue Reading

New x-ray tech could make airport security faster—and smarter

New x-ray tech could make airport security faster—and smarter

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A Duke University spinout called Quadridox is developing cutting-edge X-ray technology that could revolutionize airport security by identifying what objects are made of—potentially allowing travelers to keep their liquids and speed through checkpoints. The startup, led by former Duke professor Joel Greenberg, is currently focused on improving TSA efficiency with smarter screening of checked baggage, but the tech also has promising applications in medical imaging, including better cancer detection.… Continue Reading

Junk fees, subscriptions and overspending: why now is the time to audit your wallet

Junk fees, subscriptions and overspending: why now is the time to audit your wallet

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – With the year already halfway over, CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger is urging Americans to use this short holiday week to give their finances a mid-year checkup. From reviewing spending habits to ditching unwanted subscriptions and checking for junk fees, Schlesinger says now is the time to focus on what you can control—before small leaks turn into bigger money problems. … Continue Reading

Hailstorm and hackers disrupt southeast air travel ahead of Fourth of July

Hailstorm and hackers disrupt southeast air travel ahead of Fourth of July

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A powerful hailstorm wreaked havoc at Atlanta’s main travel hub, damaging 100 planes and diverting 90 flights, just as a notorious cybercriminal group ramps up attacks on U.S. airlines. Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff says the storm caused significant disruptions due to necessary safety inspections, while hackers like ScatteredSpider are compounding chaos during one of the busiest travel seasons. With outdated systems and high-value data, the airline industry is facing both natural and digital threats that could ripple through airports across the country. … Continue Reading

Future of NASCAR’s downtown Chicago weekend is unclear going into the third year of contract

Future of NASCAR’s downtown Chicago weekend is unclear going into the third year of contract

CHICAGO (AP) — When it comes to NASCAR’s return to downtown Chicago, Julie Giese has a long list of responsibilities. The track president is monitoring an ambitious construction schedule for the street course, to go along with everything else that goes into the busy weekend. What happens next is going to have to wait. The future of NASCAR in Chicago is murky going into its third edition. The three-year contract that was announced in 2022 has two mutual options. Giese says there have been “good conversations” between NASCAR and the city, and there is time to work on the possibilities beyond the event.… Continue Reading

Jury begins deliberating in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial

Jury begins deliberating in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial

NEW YORK (AP) — The jury has started deliberating in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking case. The panel of eight men and four women began their closed-door discussions Monday. They are weighing charges that could put the hip-hop mogul in prison for life. The 55-year-old Combs has pleaded not guilty. Jurors heard seven weeks of sometimes graphic and emotional testimony about Combs’ propensity for violence and his sexual predilections, including drug-fueled sex marathons dubbed “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” Defense lawyers acknowledge that Combs could be violent but maintain that the sex acts were consensual.… Continue Reading

States brace for impact as Trump’s big bill nears completion in Congress

States brace for impact as Trump’s big bill nears completion in Congress

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s tax cut bill could have large implications for states. The legislation nearing completion in Congress could reduce federal funding to states for Medicaid and food assistance programs. But in many states, it’s too late to do much about it this year. Tuesday marks the start of a new budget year in 46 states. Though a few are still working, many state legislatures already have adjourned and had to craft a budget without knowing whether their federal funding would be cut. Some states have set aside money as a precaution. Others are tentatively planning to return in special sessions.… Continue Reading

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina won’t run in 2026 after opposing Trump’s bill

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina won’t run in 2026 after opposing Trump’s bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina says he won’t seek reelection. That news Sunday comes one day after he announced his opposition to President Donald Trump’s tax breaks and spending cuts package because of its reductions to health care programs. The announcement from the two-term senator surprised senior Republicans with its timing, but not necessarily the substance. Tillis had planned to announce his reelection plans later this year, likely September at the latest, but had been heavily leaning in favor of retiring. That’s according to a person close to the senator who was granted anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. His decision creates a political opportunity for Democrats seeking to bolster their numbers in the 2026 midterm elections.… Continue Reading

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