Category Archives: Triangle/Local

Students and residents protest UNC’s coal plant over health and climate concerns

Students and residents protest UNC’s coal plant over health and climate concerns

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

Duke researchers investigate fungal growth after Hurricane Helene

Duke researchers investigate fungal growth after Hurricane Helene

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

Statewide tributes pour in as North Carolinians mourn Pope Francis

Statewide tributes pour in as North Carolinians mourn Pope Francis

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

Teeing off for a cause: NCFC raises over $45k at 20th annual golf tournament to support youth soccer

Teeing off for a cause: NCFC raises over $45k at 20th annual golf tournament to support youth soccer

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

North Carolina budget plan advances as Senate Republicans double down on tax cuts

North Carolina budget plan advances as Senate Republicans double down on tax cuts

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

Raj Mehta Day of Good returns for 5th year, encouraging kindness across NC

Raj Mehta Day of Good returns for 5th year, encouraging kindness across NC

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

Proposed bill could remove thousands of books from NC public schools

Proposed bill could remove thousands of books from NC public schools

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

Supporters rally for Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs amid legal battle

Supporters rally for Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs amid legal battle

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Supporters of Democratic Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs held a rally near the Legislative Building to criticize the ongoing legal effort to overturn Riggs’ less than 800 vote lead over Jefferson Griffin. Riggs spoke at the rally, criticizing the ongoing legal battle over overseas and military votes. The justices ruled that about 5,000 military and overseas voters must prove their identity within 30 days or risk having their ballots invalidated. A vast majority of 60,000 votes were allowed to stand. Riggs says she will take the issue to Federal Court.… Continue Reading

Ex-congressman Nickel entering race to unseat North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis in 2026

Ex-congressman Nickel entering race to unseat North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis in 2026

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel of North Carolina has announced himself as a candidate to try to unseat Republican Sen. Thom Tillis in 2026. Nickel revealed his plans Wednesday. Nickel had signaled his interest in a Senate bid in late 2023, when the Raleigh-area congressman decided against seeking a second U.S. House term because redrawn district lines made it essentially impossible to win again. Nickel said a “fighter for what’s right for our state” is needed, and he criticized Tillis for backing President Donald Trump’s agenda. There is still time for other Democrats to enter the race. Former Gov. Roy Cooper is considering it.… Continue Reading

Recent News

Powered By SoCast