Category Archives: WPTF News

NBA head coach and player charged in sprawling sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes

NBA head coach and player charged in sprawling sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes

NEW YORK (AP) — The head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a player for the Miami Heat have been arrested along with more than 30 other people in a takedown of two sprawling gambling operations that authorities said leaked inside information about NBA athletes and rigged poker games backed by Mafia families. Portland coach Chauncey Billups was charged Thursday with participating in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games tied to La Cosa Nostra organized crime families that cheated unsuspecting gamblers out of at least $7 million. Heat guard Terry Rozier was accused in a separate scheme of exploiting private information about players to win bets on NBA games.… Continue Reading

Federal grand jury indicts man for fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee on North Carolina train

Federal grand jury indicts man for fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee on North Carolina train

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted a man for fatally stabbing a Ukrainian refugee on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina. The indictment on Wednesday charges him with causing death on a mass transportation system, keeping the possibility of a federal death penalty on the table. Brown allegedly stabbed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in a random attack captured on video. Brown had cycled through the criminal justice system for more than a decade, including earlier this year when he was arrested after repeatedly calling 911 from a hospital, claiming people were trying to control him.… Continue Reading

COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors

COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors

WASHINGTON (AP) — The most widely used COVID-19 vaccines may offer a surprise benefit for some cancer patients by boosting their immune systems to help fight tumors. Research reported Wednesday in the journal Nature found that people with advanced lung or skin cancer lived longer if they received a Pfizer or Moderna shot within 100 days of starting a type of immunotherapy. The mRNA in these vaccines appears to enhance the immune system’s response. Now the research team is preparing a more rigorous study of the potential connection, to see if mRNA vaccines should be deliberately paired with cancer drugs called checkpoint inhibitors.… Continue Reading

QB Bryce Young sits out practice as Panthers amp up preparation for matchup against Bills

QB Bryce Young sits out practice as Panthers amp up preparation for matchup against Bills

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young did not practice on Wednesday as the team amped up preparation for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. Young, who suffered a right ankle sprain in the second half of Carolina’s 13-6 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, walked into practice without a noticeable limp and carrying his helmet. However, he headed straight to the stationary bike while teammates began their stretching routine. As the Panthers went into practice mode, Young remained on the side working with trainers, doing resistance training and light jogging. If Young can’t play Sunday, veteran Andy Dalton would get the start at quarterback.… Continue Reading

The Louvre reopens 3 days after one of the biggest museum heists of the century

The Louvre reopens 3 days after one of the biggest museum heists of the century

PARIS (AP) — The Louvre has reopened just three days after a daring heist shocked the world. Thieves made off with eight pieces from France’s Crown Jewels, valued at over $100 million. The theft has put President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre chief Laurence des Cars under scrutiny. Authorities say the thieves spent less than four minutes inside the museum on Sunday morning. The jewels remain missing, and the thieves are still at large. The heist has raised questions about the museum’s security, especially after recent staff strikes warned of understaffing. The Louvre has declined to detail any reinforced protocols.… Continue Reading

Democrats look to long term as North Carolina GOP redistricting plan seeks another seat for Trump

Democrats look to long term as North Carolina GOP redistricting plan seeks another seat for Trump

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Democrats have rallied against a proposed U.S. House map by North Carolina Republicans in Raleigh. The new map seeks to stop the reelection of Democratic Rep. Don Davis by redrawing two congressional districts. This proposal could result in Republicans winning 11 of the state’s 14 seats. The GOP aims to satisfy President Donald Trump’s call for mid-decade redistricting to attempt to retain a House majority in 2026. The map seems headed for enactment after final House votes as soon as Wednesday. The state Senate gave its final approval Tuesday. Democrats at the rally acknowledged they’ll likely be unable to halt the redraw now but vowed wins in the long run.… Continue Reading

Belichick says suspended North Carolina assistant coach is back working with Tar Heels

Belichick says suspended North Carolina assistant coach is back working with Tar Heels

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina coach Bill Belichick said suspended cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins has been reinstated and returned to work ahead of a visit from No. 16 Virginia. The school had announced Oct. 9 that it suspended Hawkins for “violating NCAA rules” tied to improper benefits. UNC’s statement didn’t specify a length of the suspension. It had also said he would remain on leave while the school “further investigates other potential actions detrimental” to the team and school. Belichick said Monday school officials “went through their process” with Hawkins and that he was back to work.… Continue Reading

North Carolina GOP advances congressional map to secure another House seat for Trump

North Carolina GOP advances congressional map to secure another House seat for Trump

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature has formally begun redrawing the state’s congressional district map. The effort aims to help the GOP gain another U.S. House seat, supporting Donald Trump’s push to retain party control at midterms. The state Senate voted Monday along party lines for new boundaries for two eastern districts. This move aims to thwart the reelection of Democratic Rep. Don Davis, one of the state’s three Black members of Congress. The proposed map should move to the House on Tuesday. Litigation challenging the map is almost certain, with allegations of harming Black voting power likely.… Continue Reading

Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights

Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights

NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians are celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali, marking the victory of light over darkness. Homes and streets across the country were illuminated Monday. The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and typically fall in late October or early November. The festival involves socializing, exchanging gifts and setting off fireworks. The celebrations were most visible in Ayodhya city in Uttar Pradesh state, where over 2.6 million lamps were lit. Hindus believe the deity Lord Ram was born there and returned after 14 years in exile. People light earthen lamps to mark his homecoming.… Continue Reading

Supreme Court will consider whether people who regularly smoke pot can legally own guns

Supreme Court will consider whether people who regularly smoke pot can legally own guns

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider whether people who regularly smoke marijuana can legally own guns, the latest firearm case to come before the court since its 2022 decision expanding gun rights. The high court agreed to hear the case Monday. President Donald Trump’s administration is asking the justices to revive a case against a Texas man charged with a felony because he allegedly had a gun in his home and acknowledged being a regular pot user. Defense attorneys got the charge tossed out after an appeals court largely struck down a law that bans guns from users of illegal drugs under the high court’s more expansive view of the Second Amendment.… Continue Reading

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