RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Carolina roads and airports are about to get busy—AAA says a record 2.3 million North Carolinians are expected to travel during a nine-day Fourth of July window, with most opting to hit the road. Motor club spokesperson Tiffany Wright says drivers should plan ahead, avoid peak travel times between noon and 5 p.m., and allow plenty of time to reach their destination as traffic is expected to surge across the state and beyond.… Continue Reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Weather forecasters are predicting wild temperature swings across the eastern U.S. Wednesday was expected to be another scorcher before temperatures plunge as much as 30 degrees. On Tuesday, at least 50 heat records were broken and 21 places hit triple-digit temperatures. About 127 million Americans are under some kind of National Weather Service heat advisory, down from more than 150 million Tuesday. The sizzling temperatures sent utilities scrambling to keep the air conditioning and lights on because of the massive power demand.… Continue Reading
NEW YORK (AP) — An intense and nearly historic weather pattern is cooking much of America in a dangerous heat dome this week with triple-digit heat that hasn’t been seen in some places in more than a decade. This heat wave is especially threatening because it’s hitting cities like Boston, New York and Philadelphia with near-record temperatures and doing so early in the summer when people haven’t gotten their bodies adapted to the broiling conditions. Coming originally from the Pacific, a dome of high pressure is parking over the Eastern United States with hot air from the Southwest that already made an uncomfortable rest stop in the Midwest.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — Mt. Olive Pickle is opening a new downtown experience in its namesake town—one that goes beyond the jar. The Mt. Olive Pickle Parlor will showcase nearly a century of briny tradition with immersive exhibits, historic design, and even a pickle bar.
… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – As baby boomers retire in record numbers, Social Security is facing an impending financial shortfall. CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger urges Americans to pressure Congress for reform before automatic benefit cuts arrive by 2033.
… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — President Trump’s “big beautiful bill” is casting a shadow over the future of solar energy, with proposed changes that could significantly reduce federal support for clean energy projects. The sweeping legislation, which shifts priority back to traditional energy sources, includes efforts to repeal solar and storage tax credits—sparking concerns across the…… Continue Reading
MORRISVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Officials say five people were taken to a North Carolina hospital after a flight from Miami hit turbulence. Raleigh-Durham International Airport says fire and rescue crews responded after the flight arrived around 11:30 p.m. Sunday and brought five people to the hospital. American Airlines says the fasten seat belt sign was on when Flight 1286 from Miami International Airport encountered unexpected turbulence. The airline says three flight attendants and two passengers were hospitalized for further evaluation and have since been released.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new national survey from ocean research group DEEP reveals surprising generational gaps in how Americans view the ocean’s role in daily life. Released for World Oceans Day, the study found that while only 45% of respondents understood the ocean’s impact—from oxygen to infrastructure—interest in ocean exploration remains high, especially among younger people. DEEP’s Dr. Dawn Kernagis, a former NASA aquanaut, says the findings highlight both a lack of awareness and a growing fascination with underwater living. The survey aims to spark deeper conversations and inspire more people to protect our oceans through simple everyday actions.
… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., is being celebrated across North Carolina today with events highlighting freedom, history, and community. Adrienne Nirdé, Director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, says the holiday marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The Commission is hosting “Songs of Liberation” this Saturday in Raleigh’s Freedom Park, one of many events statewide honoring the continued journey toward equality.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – With heat indexes soaring past 100 degrees, Wake County has opened temporary cooling centers to help residents escape dangerous temperatures. These public facilities—including libraries and regional centers—are activated when extreme heat persists and are open during normal business hours. Emergency officials urge everyone, regardless of age or health, to stay hydrated, avoid peak heat hours, and never leave children or pets in vehicles. Cooling centers will be closed on June 19 for Juneteenth.… Continue Reading