Thought of the Day Loosen up. Lighten up. Keep showing up.… Continue Reading
Yearly Archives: 2025
Michael Whatley, RNC chairman endorsed by Trump, launches Senate bid in North Carolina
GASTONIA, N.C. (AP) — Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has launched his campaign for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat. Whatley made his formal announcement on Thursday. He already has President Donald Trump’s endorsement and access to a strong fundraising network. Whatley could face Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper in what’s expected to be one of the most competitive and expensive 2026 contests. The winner will succeed GOP Sen. Thom Tillis, who recently announced he would not run for a third term. Whatley has led the state Republican Party and was elected the national chairman last year. Cooper announced his candidacy earlier this week. National Republican strategists say Cooper’s entry makes North Carolina a more challenging seat for the GOP to hold.… Continue Reading
Trump announces 90-day negotiating period with Mexico as 25% tariff rates stay in place
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says there will be a 90-day negotiating period with Mexico over trade as 25% tariffs stay in place. Trump posted online Thursday a phone conversation with Claudia Sheinbaum was “very successful in that, more and more,” they’re “getting to know and understand each other.” Trump says goods from Mexico imported into the U.S. will continue to face a 25% tariff he has ostensibly linked to fentanyl trafficking. The Republican president says autos face a 25% tariff, while copper, aluminum and steel are taxed at 50%. Trump had threatened tariffs of 30% on goods from Mexico, something Sheinbaum says Mexico gets to stave off for the next three months.… Continue Reading
Roger Penske sells a third of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar to Fox
Penske Entertainment has sold a one-third interest in the company to FOX. The deal is described as a strategic investment to boost IndyCar’s growth. It includes a multi-year contract extension for Fox Sports’ media rights. Penske expects this move to lead to innovative racing events and enhanced promotion for IndyCar drivers. Roger Penske says the partnership is based on trust and a shared vision. FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks, an IndyCar fan, is excited about the investment. IndyCar viewership has increased significantly this season. The sale that was announced on Thursday also provides some clarity on Penske’s succession plans.… Continue Reading
Fireflies are lighting up summer skies. But the glowing bugs are still on the decline
NEW YORK (AP) — More fireflies than usual are lighting up summer evenings in the U.S. Northeast. But scientists say the lightning bugs are still on the decline. A particularly wet spring may have created the ideal conditions for young fireflies to grow into adults and set summer nights aglow. There are over 2,000 known firefly species across the globe. While evenings in the Northeast may seem brighter this summer, the bugs are actually waning at a faster rate than ever before. To look out for fireflies, consider turning the lights off at night and avoid spraying front lawns with insecticides.… Continue Reading
Quick and Easy Cornbread
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serving Size: 10 servings Ingredients Directions… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Gino from APS of Durham!
Oh, hi! I’m a very sweet and loving, gentle boy. I love to make new friends and charm them into giving me lots of pets. My hobbies include chasing toys, learning new things–I’m super smart–and being a perfect couch companion! I’m still healing from an injury, so I’ll benefit from TLC and some canine fitness…… Continue Reading
July 31st 2025
Thought of the Day “Don’t cry because it is over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Suess… Continue Reading
Trump administration freezes $108M at Duke amid inquiry into alleged racial preferences
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is freezing $108 million in research funding to Duke University as the federal government accuses the institution of racial discrimination in the form of affirmative action, according to a person familiar with the matter. The National Institutes of Health halted the funding to the private university in North Carolina, said the person who spoke Wednesday on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Education Department sent a joint letter alleging racial preferences in Duke’s hiring and admissions. Duke did not immediately comment.… Continue Reading
American Eagle’s ‘good jeans’ ads with Sydney Sweeney spark a debate on race and beauty standards
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. fashion retailer American Eagle Outfitters wanted to make a splash with its new advertising campaign starring 27-year-old actor Sydney Sweeney. It has. The question is whether some of the public reactions the fall denim campaign produced is what American Eagle intended. Titled “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” the campaign has sparked a debate about race, Western beauty standards, and the backlash to “woke” American culture. Most of the negative reception focused on videos that used the word “genes” instead of “jeans” when discussing the blonde-haired, blue-eyed actor. Some critics saw the wordplay as a nod to eugenics, a discredited theory that held humanity could be improved through selective breeding for certain traits.… Continue Reading