Category Archives: WPTF News

Meta adds parental controls for AI-teen interactions

Meta adds parental controls for AI-teen interactions

Meta is adding parental controls to kids’ interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots — including the ability to turn off one-on-one chats with AI characters altogether. However, parents won’t be able to turn off Meta’s AI assistant. Meta says the AI assistant will “will remain available to offer helpful information and educational opportunities, with default, age-appropriate protections in place to help keep teens safe.” Parents who don’t want to turn off chats with all AI characters will also be able to block specific characters.… Continue Reading

‘No Kings’ protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide

‘No Kings’ protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide

WASHINGTON (AP) — Large crowds of protesters have gathered in cities across the United for “No Kings” demonstrations against what they see a drift into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. People carrying signs with slogans such as “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” or “Resist Fascism” packed into New York City’s Times Square on Saturday. They rallied by the thousands in parks in Boston, Atlanta and Chicago. There were also demonstrations outside capitols in several Republican-led states and hundreds of smaller public spaces. Republicans disparaged the demonstrations as “Hate America” rallies, but in many places the events looked more like a street party.… Continue Reading

Jason Momoa worked with a coach to speak Hawaiian authentically in ‘Chief of War’

Jason Momoa worked with a coach to speak Hawaiian authentically in ‘Chief of War’

HONOLULU (AP) — Jason Momoa prepared for his role in “Chief of War” with a personal language coach who lived with him for nearly a year. The Apple TV series premiered in August. It is the first major TV production showcasing Hawaiian language and culture. Momoa is Native Hawaiian but didn’t grow up speaking Hawaiian. He and other actors worked with coaches to master their lines. Experts say the series is a successful contribution to the language’s revival. While the first episodes are mostly in Hawaiian, the language is spoken less as the series progresses. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of a second season.… Continue Reading

Brent Austin’s goal-line heroics secure California’s 21-18 win over Belichick and North Carolina

Brent Austin’s goal-line heroics secure California’s 21-18 win over Belichick and North Carolina

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Brent Austin forces a fumble at the goal line and recovers it in the end zone, securing California’s 21-18 victory over North Carolina on Friday night. North Carolina was close to a go-ahead score when Austin knocked the ball loose. With 3:48 left, California regained possession. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele completed two key passes on the next drive, helping Cal run down the clock. Sagapolutele also threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score. Despite a competitive game, North Carolina remains winless against power conference opponents under Bill Belichick.… Continue Reading

Wall Street rises to finish its best week in 2 months after bank stocks stabilize

Wall Street rises to finish its best week in 2 months after bank stocks stabilize

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street cruised to the finish of a winning week that began much bumpier. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.5%. The gains capped the S&P 500’s best week since August, but it was a roller-coaster ride. Indexes careened through jarring swings as worries built about the financial health of small and midsized banks, as well as the souring U.S.-China trade relationship. Bank stocks steadied themselves on Friday, while President Donald Trump eased some of the trade concerns after saying very high tariffs on China are not sustainable.… Continue Reading

Trump tells Zelenskyy he’s reluctant to sell Ukraine Tomahawk missiles after warning Russia he might

Trump tells Zelenskyy he’s reluctant to sell Ukraine Tomahawk missiles after warning Russia he might

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signaled to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he’s leaning against selling long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv. Zelenskyy at the start of Friday’s White House talks said he had a “proposition” in which Ukraine could provide the United States with its advanced drones, while Washington would sell Kyiv the Tomahawks, which Ukrainian officials say they desperately need to motivate Russian President Vladmir Putin to get serious about peace talks. But Trump said he had “an obligation also to make sure that” the United States is “completely stocked up.” The U.S. leader added he was optimistic the war would soon end, mitigating Ukraine’s need for the powerful weapon.… Continue Reading

Hamas reaffirms commitment to ceasefire as delays in returning hostages’ bodies fray nerves

Hamas reaffirms commitment to ceasefire as delays in returning hostages’ bodies fray nerves

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas has moved to shore up its brittle ceasefire agreement with Israel by reaffirming its commitment to the terms of the deal that includes a pledge to hand over the remains of all dead Israeli hostages. The militant group’s statement, released in the early hours Friday, follows a dire warning from U.S. President Donald Trump that he would green-light Israel to resume the war if Hamas doesn’t live up to its end of the deal. The militant group has also defended the killings in Gaza of alleged gang members who one official accused of causing death and destruction. Meanwhile, the U.N. says a large infusion of aid into Gaza is still being held up.… Continue Reading

Seth Jarvis scores twice and the Carolina Hurricanes stay unbeaten, beating the Ducks

Seth Jarvis scores twice and the Carolina Hurricanes stay unbeaten, beating the Ducks

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Seth Jarvis scored his 100th and 101st NHL goals, and the Carolina Hurricanes remained the NHL’s only unbeaten team with a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Alexander Nikishin scored his first NHL goal and Shayne Gostisbehere matched his career high with three assists for the Hurricanes, who improved to 4-0-0 with their second win to start a six-game trip. Leo Carlsson scored and Lukas Dostal stopped 27 shots for the Ducks in their first home defeat under new coach Joel Quenneville. Sebastian Aho had a goal and an assist and Frederik Andersen made 23 saves against his former team for Carolina.… Continue Reading

North Carolina GOP’s proposed map seeks to thwart Democratic incumbent’s reelection

North Carolina GOP’s proposed map seeks to thwart Democratic incumbent’s reelection

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican leaders in North Carolina have proposed a new U.S. House district map that could thwart reelection prospects of a Democratic incumbent in the state’s only swing seat. The map was revealed Thursday ahead of next week’s General Assembly session. It is part of an effort to help President Donald Trump secure more GOP seats nationwide ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The new boundaries focus on the 1st District, currently held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis, who narrowly won reelection in 2024. The changes could help Republicans win 11 of North Carolina’s 14 seats. Democrats have criticized the move, calling it an attempt to undermine fair elections.… Continue Reading

Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74

Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, has died. He was 74. Frehley’s agent says he died peacefully Thursday surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. Family members say in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others. Kiss’ hits included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.” It was known for theatrical stage shows with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood. Band members famously wore body armor, platform boots, wigs and their signature black-and-white face paint.… Continue Reading

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