Triangle/Local
AAA highlights smartphone feature that could reduce distracted driving
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Distracted driving remains a leading factor in crashes across the country, despite laws and awareness efforts aimed at reducing it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 9% of fatal crashes involve distracted driving, though many researchers believe…
Why the ninebark shrub deserves a spot in your garden
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener How many of you have ever heard of the Ninebark shrub or Physocarpus opulifolius for those of you who like to get technical? I hadn’t until recently! Since then I have learned that the Ninebark is also referred to…
Remembering lives lost: Workers Memorial Day ceremony held in Raleigh
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – More than 100 North Carolinians who died last year while on the job were honored Monday during Workers Memorial Day events in Raleigh. Workers Memorial Day is observed annually across the country to recognize those who have died or been injured…
High-Profile sports events score big for Raleigh economy
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — It’s been a busy (and profitable) spring for sports in Raleigh. From March Madness to NHL playoff hockey, Raleigh has seen a flurry of major sports events this spring, bringing packed venues and millions in economic impact. Fans flocked to the…
New psychiatry residency program aims to strengthen mental health care in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new initiative is working to broaden mental health services in Eastern North Carolina, focusing on rural areas and military families. But with a nationwide shortage of healthcare workers, how might this effort play out here in North Carolina? Dr. Joseph…
State/Regional
Longtime North Carolina House member Sarah Stevens plans to run for state Supreme Court
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. (AP) — A veteran North Carolina Republican legislator announced Wednesday that she will run next year for the state Supreme Court, seeking the seat currently held by Democratic Associate Justice Anita Earls, who is already preparing for a reelection bid. Rep. Sarah…
North Carolina court says stripping governor of election board appointments can go ahead for now
By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina appeals court ruled Wednesday that a law stripping the governor’s authority to appoint State Board of Elections members can take effect for now, even though trial judges struck it down as unconstitutional just last…
North Carolina Republicans already seek to tighten up 2024 immigration enforcement law
By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republicans who last fall enacted their long-sought policy ordering local sheriffs to cooperate with federal agents seeking to locate and deport certain jail inmates already want it tightened further as President Donald Trump’s immigration…
Decision looming for Trump administration on first PFAS drinking water limits
By MICHAEL PHILLIS Associated Press In pain so bad he couldn’t stand, Chris Meek was rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening ruptured gallbladder. When he emerged from surgery, he learned he had kidney cancer that thankfully hadn’t yet spread. Meek, a social studies teacher…
Loss of FEMA program spells disaster for hundreds of communities and their projects
By JACK BROOK Associated Press/Report for America NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The textile mills that once served as the backbone of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, have long been shuttered, and officials believed federal money would be key to the town’s overdue revitalization. They hoped an…
World/National
Roberts might hold key Supreme Court vote over first publicly funded religious charter school
By MARK SHERMAN Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts appears to hold the key vote over whether the Supreme Court will allow the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school in Oklahoma. Roberts was the only justice whose vote seemed in doubt after the court heard…
Wisconsin high court suspends Milwaukee judge accused of helping man evade immigration authorities
By TODD RICHMOND Associated Press MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended a judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, saying Tuesday that it is in the public interest to relieve her of her duties as she faces two federal charges.…
Trump marks his first 100 days in office in campaign mode, focused on grudges and grievances
By WILL WEISSERT, JOEY CAPPELLETTI and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press WARREN, Mich. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday celebrated the 100th day of his second term — yet spent much of his rally marking it in campaign mode, fixated on past grudges and grievances. He…
How bugs and beet juice could play roles in the race to replace artificial dyes in food
By JONEL ALECCIA AP Health Writer ST. LOUIS (AP) — As pressure grows to get artificial colors out of the U.S. food supply, the shift may well start at Abby Tampow’s laboratory desk. On an April afternoon, the scientist hovered over tiny dishes of red dye, each…
A massive explosion at an Iranian port linked to missile fuel shipment kills 18, injures some 800
By JON GAMBRELL Associated Press MUSCAT, Oman (AP) — A massive explosion and fire rocked a port Saturday in southern Iran purportedly linked to a shipment of a chemical ingredient used to make missile propellant, killing 18 people and injuring around 800 others. Helicopters and…
Entertainment
A woodpecker has invaded a Massachusetts neighborhood. Residents are taking it in stride
By HOLLY RAMER and RODRIQUE NGOWI Associated Press ROCKPORT, Mass. (AP) — Rockport residents have a history of fighting off invaders, but not this time. During the War of 1812, townsfolk in the tiny fishing village hurled rocks at British soldiers using their stockings as…
Go inside the factory where Peeps are made
By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Love them or hate them, those marshmallow Peeps that come in blindingly bright colors and an array of flavors are inescapable around the Easter holiday. Millions are made daily in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by Just Born…
Wink Martindale, the genial game show host and an early TV interviewer of Elvis Presley, dies at 91
By BETH HARRIS Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Wink Martindale, the genial host of such hit game shows as “Gambit” and “Tic-Tac-Dough” who also did one of the first recorded television interviews with a young Elvis Presley, has died. He was 91. Martindale died Tuesday at…
Millions tune in for 24-hour live coverage of Sweden’s epic moose migration
By STEFANIE DAZIO Associated Press Before Swedish slow TV hit “The Great Moose Migration” began airing Tuesday, Ulla Malmgren stocked up on coffee and prepared meals so she doesn’t miss a moment of the 20-day, 24-hour event. “Sleep? Forget it. I don’t sleep,” she said.…
Blue Origin launches an all-female celebrity crew with Katy Perry, Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez
By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launched his fiancee Lauren Sanchez into space Monday with an all-female celebrity crew that included Katy Perry and Gayle King. It was the latest wave in space tourism, where more of the rich and famous than ever before — or lucky and well-connected — can…
Sports
UNC’s Belichick defends Hudson as ‘doing her job’ after interjecting during CBS interview
By AARON BEARD AP Sports Writer North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick defended girlfriend Jordon Hudson for interjecting during a CBS interviewer’s questions about their relationship and said she was “simply doing her job.” The six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach and first-time college coach at UNC issued…
Carolina Hurricanes advance to 2nd round of NHL playoffs, beating the New Jersey Devils 5-4 in 2OT to win series 4-1
By AARON BEARD AP Sports Writer RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Sebastian Aho hammered a one-timer past Jacob Markstrom at 4:17 of the second overtime to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 5-4 on Tuesday night to clinch their first-round playoff series in…
ACC and new North Carolina coach Bill Belichick head toward season after spring full of changes
By PETE IACOBELLI Associated Press It’s on to fall camp for the Atlantic Coast Conference and new North Carolina coach Bill Belichick. Belichick was the buzziest offseason addition for the ACC when the six-time Super Bowl championship-winning head coach agreed to take over the Tar Heels…
Devils struggle on power play again, penalty-kill gives up 4th goal in Game 4 loss to Hurricanes
By VIN A. CHERWOO AP Sports Writer NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The New Jersey Devils had the top special teams units in the NHL this season. Things haven’t worked out so well in the playoffs, and they are now one loss away from elimination. The…
Judge denies injunction for four players suing NCAA in North Carolina court
By BOB SUTTON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A judge denied a preliminary injunction Tuesday sought by four college football players who had sued to gain an additional season of eligibility. Judge Matthew Houston said the evidence was “not sufficient” while ruling from the bench following…