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
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Researchers from Duke University have launched a study in Black Mountain, North Carolina, to examine fungal growth in buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene. The team, called Climate and Fungi, is investigating how flood-related fungi form indoors, how they may be adapting to warmer temperatures, and what potential health risks they pose—particularly for people with respiratory conditions.… Continue Reading
North Carolinians are joining the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. Political leaders, religious figures, and local communities across the state have shared messages of remembrance, highlighting the pope’s legacy of compassion, humility, and service. Catholic churches in Raleigh, Charlotte, and beyond are holding prayer services, while leaders from both government and faith organizations reflect on the pope’s influence both globally and locally.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – The North Carolina Football Club (NCFC) announced the group’s annual golf tournament generated more than $45,000 to expand opportunities for youth soccer. NCFC spokesperson Katherine Eberhardt says the tournament offered people a chance to showcase their swing while also supporting the club’s mission to grow the game of soccer across North Carolina. “The event has grown over the years, it was our 20th annual event, and we’ve now taken over all three courses at Preston Wood which is a fantastic venue to host golfers. We raised more than $45,000 and had more than 281 golfers on the course. And all those funds are going to go right back into our community,” said Eberhardt.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Senate Republicans have advanced a two-year budget for the ninth-largest state. The proposal that received initial Senate approval on Wednesday spends less than what the new Democratic governor requested and doubles down on already enacted income tax cuts. Gov. Josh Stein’s budget pitch sought to spend roughly $1 billion more each year than what the Senate decided in part by halting broad tax rate cuts. But GOP senators are content with their spending, taxes and cost-cutting. The Senate bill locates another $1.3 billion for Hurricane Helene aid and seeks to eliminate hundreds of vacant state positions. The House will soon pass a competing measure.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – April 15 may be known as Tax Day, but for many in the Triangle and beyond-it has become a day dedicated to kindness, connection and community. The Raj Mehta Day of Good is held annually on April 15 in memory of Raj Mehta, organized by his sister, Pooja Mehta, to honor what would have been his birthday. Raj Mehta died of suicide in March 2020. He was an engineering student at Duke University who, according to his loved ones, left a lasting impact on the people around him. In the years since his passing, Pooja Mehta has led the effort to transform the day into one of positivity and action.… Continue Reading
A bill in the legislature seeks to crack down on drunk driving — in an effort to make driving safer. One key part of the bill would lower the legal blood alcohol limit while driving from point-oh-eight to point-oh-five. The bill also deals with increased enforcement and follow up for multiple offenders. … Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Lawmakers in Raleigh are rolling out a bill that could affect what students can read in school. The bill will require the removal of books from public schools that contain material that is “harmful to minors” including material that “depicts or describes sexual activity.” State Rep. Neal Jackson (R-Moore, Randolph) says the bill is about protecting children from accessing inappropriate material based on their age.… Continue Reading