RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – The Johnston County Museum will host a one-day exhibit and book signing on May 17 featuring rare Smithfield Art Pottery from 1927–1942. Collector Stephen Compton will showcase his pieces and sign copies of his book, while museum staff highlight the pottery’s history and legacy in North Carolina.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s elections board has ousted the agency’s executive director after Republicans gained control. The State Board of Elections on Wednesday replaced executive director Karen Brinson Bell with Sam Hayes, the top lawyer for the GOP’s House speaker. Brinson Bell has been widely praised in election circles nationwide for her performance as executive director for nearly six years. The board’s composition got altered just last week through a state law enacted late last year by Republican lawmakers that stripped the Democratic governor of his appointment power and gave it to the Republican state auditor. The law got implemented even though trial judges struck it down as unconstitutional just two weeks ago.… Continue Reading
Black bear sightings are increasing in North Carolina as young males search for new territories during breeding season. Wildlife officials advise residents to secure food sources and give bears space to minimize encounters.… Continue Reading
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The National High School Ethics Bowl has just concluded its competition at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Win or lose, many of the teenage participants say the experience helped them think more deeply about controversial topics. Unlike debate, Ethics Bowl teams are not assigned a specific position. Instead, team members make their own decisions about what they believe to be the true or best position. Scoring is based on how deeply they explore the issues, including other viewpoints. In a time when many are wondering whether it is still possible to have a principled, respectful disagreement over important issues, proponents of Ethics Bowl say it points the way.… Continue Reading
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 the actual number is even higher. Despite texting bans in nearly all 50 states, distraction behind the wheel remains a consistent issue – particularly among younger drivers.… Continue Reading
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 in horticulture circles as Common Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, or Eastern Ninebark and is native to the eastern United States including North Carolina. Most frequently seen growing in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina, but seen less often in the central part of the state. It seems to like rocky hillsides and slopes near rivers. You won’t find ninebark growing very much in eastern North Carolina.… Continue Reading
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. The event is observed annually across the country to recognize those who have died or been injured on the job and to recommit efforts to improving workplace safety. In North Carolina, both advocates and officials emphasized the importance of ongoing safety measures and regulatory enforcement.… Continue Reading
Raleigh’s spring sports season has delivered a wave of excitement and economic gain, as NCAA Tournament games, N.C. State women’s basketball, and the Carolina Hurricanes’ playoff run drew thousands to local venues. With sold-out crowds at the Lenovo Center and glowing feedback from event organizers, the city continues to prove itself as a major destination for sports and entertainment.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new initiative is expanding mental health services in Eastern North Carolina, with a focus on supporting rural communities and military families. Led by a partnership between the UNC School of Medicine and Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, the program offers a four-year psychiatry residency that blends military, academic, and community healthcare training. As North Carolina continues to face a shortage of mental health providers, healthcare organizations like Novant Health are investing in workforce development and collaborative programs aimed at improving access to care across the state.… Continue Reading
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