Category Archives: WPTF News

Students and residents protest UNC’s coal plant over health and climate concerns

Students and residents protest UNC’s coal plant over health and climate concerns

Dozens of students and Chapel Hill residents rallied to demand that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill stop using coal at its campus co-generation plant. Led by the Sunrise Movement at UNC, the protest spotlighted health concerns, environmental justice issues, and the university’s continued reliance on fossil fuels despite climate commitments. Student organizers say they’ve documented high pollution levels and dismissed community concerns, and they’re now working with allied groups to gather data and propose renewable energy alternatives.… Continue Reading

North Carolina judges block GOP law to strip governor’s election board powers

North Carolina judges block GOP law to strip governor’s election board powers

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina trial judges have struck down an attempt by Republican state lawmakers to shift power away from the governor to the state auditor. The change would have taken away Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s ability to appoint members of the State Board of Elections and pass that power to Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek. Two judges on the panel ruled in Stein’s favor and said the law was unconstitutional. The third judge dissented and said the law was within the legislature’s authority. The law finalized in December is the latest attempt by Republicans to move the state elections board appointment power away from the governor.… Continue Reading

Judge denies injunction for four players suing NCAA in North Carolina court

Judge denies injunction for four players suing NCAA in North Carolina court

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A judge denied a preliminary injunction Tuesday filed in lawsuits by four college football players seeking an additional season of eligibility. Former Duke football players Ryan Smith and Tre’Shon Devones filed complaints in Durham County Superior Court earlier this month. Former Duke player Cam Bergeron and ex-North Carolina player J.J. Jones had a similar suit. The players’ lawsuits had claimed their careers were derailed by injuries, ailments and personal difficulties. Smith and Devones had competed in five seasons. Bergeron and Jones participated in four seasons across a four-year period.… Continue Reading

Martinook, Andersen help Hurricanes push past Devils 3-1 for 2-0 lead in 1st-round playoff series

Martinook, Andersen help Hurricanes push past Devils 3-1 for 2-0 lead in 1st-round playoff series

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Jordan Martinook scored a go-ahead shorthanded goal in the second period to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 3-1 on Tuesday night for a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. Frederik Andersen had a big night in net with 25 saves and several big stops. Shayne Gostisbehere also scored in the second period for Carolina, while Seth Jarvis added a clinching empty-net breakaway goal. Jesper Bratt had New Jersey’s lone goal in the opening minutes of the game. Jacob Markstrom had 25 saves for the Devils. Game 3 is in Newark on Friday.… Continue Reading

Duke researchers investigate fungal growth after Hurricane Helene

Duke researchers investigate fungal growth after Hurricane Helene

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Researchers from Duke University have launched a study in Black Mountain, North Carolina, to examine fungal growth in buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene. The team, called Climate and Fungi, is investigating how flood-related fungi form indoors, how they may be adapting to warmer temperatures, and what potential health risks they pose—particularly for people with respiratory conditions.… Continue Reading

TCU and North Carolina will open ’26 in Ireland after Belichick’s debut this year at home vs. Frogs

TCU and North Carolina will open ’26 in Ireland after Belichick’s debut this year at home vs. Frogs

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU and North Carolina will play their 2026 opener in Ireland. That will come a year after Bill Belichick’s debut as coach of the Tar Heels comes at home against the Horned Frogs. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic will be played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Aug. 29, 2026. It will be the first game abroad for both TCU and North Carolina. Their season opener this year will be on Sept. 1, which is Labor Day. TCU will be the home team for the game in Ireland. The two teams were initially scheduled to open the 2026 season in Fort Worth, Texas.… Continue Reading

Federal report due on Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s path to recognition as a tribal nation

Federal report due on Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s path to recognition as a tribal nation

PEMBROKE, N.C. (AP) — Members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.” The deadline for the plan is Wednesday. The Lumbee since the 1980s have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, members of Congress and some federally-recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate.… Continue Reading

Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection, Education Department says

Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection, Education Department says

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Education Department will begin collection next month on student loans that are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday. Currently, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans. Beginning May 5, the department will begin involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government, including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits, from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.… Continue Reading

Wall Street and the dollar tumble as investors retreat further from the United States

Wall Street and the dollar tumble as investors retreat further from the United States

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street weakened as investors worldwide get more skeptical about U.S. investments because of President Donald Trump’s trade war and his criticism of the Federal Reserve, which are shaking the traditional order. The S&P 500 fell 2.4% Monday to drop 16% below its record set two months ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 2.5%, and the Nasdaq composite lost 2.6%. Big Tech stocks led the way lower ahead of earnings reports coming this week from Tesla and others. Perhaps of more concern, prices also sank for longer-term U.S. government bonds, while the value of the U.S. dollar slid against the euro and other currencies.… Continue Reading

Statewide tributes pour in as North Carolinians mourn Pope Francis

Statewide tributes pour in as North Carolinians mourn Pope Francis

North Carolinians are joining the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. Political leaders, religious figures, and local communities across the state have shared messages of remembrance, highlighting the pope’s legacy of compassion, humility, and service. Catholic churches in Raleigh, Charlotte, and beyond are holding prayer services, while leaders from both government and faith organizations reflect on the pope’s influence both globally and locally.… Continue Reading

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