Yearly Archives: 2025

Trump’s USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs

Trump’s USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to move thousands of employees out of Washington, D.C., aiming to save money and bring them closer to farmers and ranchers. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday that around 2,600 workers will relocate to five hubs from North Carolina to Utah. The plan is part of President Donald Trump’s effort to make the federal government more efficient. Critics worry about losing connections to Congress and potential disruptions. The union representing federal workers criticized the move as a ploy to cut jobs. The union also pointed out that some 95% of the department’s employees already work outside Washington.… Continue Reading

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley plans to run for Senate in North Carolina, with Trump’s backing

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley plans to run for Senate in North Carolina, with Trump’s backing

Michael Whatley, chairman of the national Republican Party, plans to run for an open Senate seat in North Carolina in 2026, with the blessing of President Donald Trump, after Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara, passed on the seat. Democrats see the race as their top chance to flip a seat as they try to regain control of the Senate. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis announced last month that he wouldn’t run for a third term, a decision that came after clashes with Trump. Whatley’s decision was confirmed by two people familiar with his thinking. They weren’t authorized to discuss the matter publicly before an official announcement and spoke only on condition of anonymity.… Continue Reading

Hulk Hogan, icon in professional wrestling, dies at age 71

Hulk Hogan, icon in professional wrestling, dies at age 71

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Hulk Hogan, the mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in the world of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71, Florida police and WWE said Thursday. Hogan’s real name was Terry Bollea. He was perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon. Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, “Hogan Knows Best.”… Continue Reading

Justice Department will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s imprisoned girlfriend

Justice Department will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s imprisoned girlfriend

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department officials will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned girlfriend of financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter. The person tells The Associated Press the meeting is Thursday in Florida, where Maxwell is held. The meeting is part of a Justice Department effort to cast itself as transparent following backlash from parts of President Donald Trump’s base over an earlier refusal to release additional Epstein records. A Justice Department spokesman hasn’t returned a message seeking comment. A lawyer for Maxwell says she’ll “always testify truthfully.” Maxwell was convicted of helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. Epstein died in a New York jail awaiting trial.… Continue Reading

US stocks hit more records following US-Japan trade deal

US stocks hit more records following US-Japan trade deal

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to more records following a trade deal between the world’s No. 1 and No. 4 economies. The S&P 500 climbed 0.8% Wednesday, setting another all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 507 points, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% to hit its own record. Stocks rallied even more in Tokyo after President Donald Trump announced a deal that would place a 15% tax on imports from Japan. That’s lower than the 25% rate that Trump had earlier threatened. Big U.S. companies continued to offer updates about how Trump’s tariffs are affecting them, and Treasury yields rose.… Continue Reading

Livingstone student dragged from his car and punched by Florida officers says he was scared and confused

Livingstone student dragged from his car and punched by Florida officers says he was scared and confused

A Black college student is still recovering after being punched and dragged from his car by Florida law officers during a traffic stop. His lawyers said Wednesday that William McNeil Jr. suffered a concussion and a pierced lip. The encounter has sparked nationwide outrage. Footage shows McNeil asking to speak to a supervisor before officers broke his window and forcibly removed him from the vehicle. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is defending the officers, suggesting the video was shared to create division. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump criticized the officers for escalating violence and called for accountability. The sheriff says the video lacks context.… Continue Reading

After much speculation, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham announce ‘Buckingham Nicks’ reissue

After much speculation, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham announce ‘Buckingham Nicks’ reissue

NEW YORK (AP) — Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham have announced the reissue of 1973’s “Buckingham Nicks.” It is their only full-length album as a duo and had not been available on CD or streaming platforms. The remastered version arrives Sept. 19 via Rhino Records’ high-fidelity series and was sourced from the original analog master tapes. It will also receive a CD and digital release for the first time. The news arrives after nearly a week of online speculation and Instagram posts. The opening track, “Crying in the Night,” was available to stream Wednesday. The album paved the way for the young duo to join Fleetwood Mac.… Continue Reading

Teens say they are turning to AI for friendship

Teens say they are turning to AI for friendship

Teenagers are increasingly turning to AI for advice, emotional support and decision-making, according to a new study. Common Sense Media found that over 70% of teens have used AI companions, with many finding the interactions as satisfying as talking to real friends. Experts warn this trend could harm social skills and mental health, as teens rely on AI for validation and avoid real-world challenges. Concerns also include inappropriate content and the lack of regulation of AI platforms. Researchers emphasize that while AI can assist, it should not replace human connections, especially during adolescence, a critical time for social and emotional development.… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: Johnnie Byrd, July 23rd, 2025

Hometown Hero of the Week: Johnnie Byrd, July 23rd, 2025

Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Johnnie Byrd, recently retired Senior Sergeant with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.   Johnnie has been with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years and counting. He was a senior sergeant before retiring in 2024, while shortly after going back part time. He continues to serve…… Continue Reading

US Olympic and Paralympic officials bar transgender women from competing in Olympic women’s sports

US Olympic and Paralympic officials bar transgender women from competing in Olympic women’s sports

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has barred transgender women from competing in women’s sports. The committee is citing an executive order from President Donald Trump. The order, signed in February, threatens to cut funding for organizations allowing transgender athletes in women’s sports. The policy is listed under the USOPC Athlete Safety Policy and follows a similar move by the NCAA earlier this year. National governing bodies for various sports like swimming and track and field are expected to comply with the directive.… Continue Reading

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