Category Archives: WPTF News

Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged even as Trump demands cuts

Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged even as Trump demands cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is leaving its key short-term interest rate unchanged for the fifth time this year, brushing off repeated calls from President Donald Trump for a cut. The Fed’s decision Wednesday leaves its key short-term rate at about 4.3%, where it has stood after the central bank reduced it three times last year. Chair Jerome Powell has said the Fed would likely have cut rates already if not for Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Powell and other Fed officials say they want to see how Trump’s duties on imports will impact inflation and the broader economy. Two Fed governors dissented in favor of a cut.… Continue Reading

Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor in 2026

Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor in 2026

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she will not run for California governor next year, leaving open the possibility that she could mount a third run for the White House in 2028. The Democrat’s decision, announced Wednesday, extends a guessing game about her political future that started after she lost last year’s presidential election to Donald Trump. She has not ruled out another run for president, after unsuccessful bids in 2020 and 2024. It’s not known when she will make that decision.… Continue Reading

Trump administration is launching a new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help

Trump administration is launching a new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is pushing for Americans to upload personal health data to new apps run by private tech companies. This initiative aims to make accessing health records and monitoring wellness easier. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump is expected to discuss this at an event with leaders from companies like Google and Amazon. The system will focus on diabetes, weight management, and digital tools for patient check-ins. While officials say patients must opt in and data will be secure, experts warn of ethical and legal concerns. Critics worry about data privacy and potential misuse of sensitive information.… Continue Reading

Birmingham gives an emotional farewell to Ozzy Osbourne as tearful family lead tributes

Birmingham gives an emotional farewell to Ozzy Osbourne as tearful family lead tributes

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Thousands of emotional Black Sabbath fans have paid their respects to band founder and singer Ozzy Osbourne as his hearse makes its way through the streets of Birmingham. The rock legend died on July 22 after performing his final show weeks earlier. As the funeral procession made its way through the city’s streets on Wednesday, his family stopped to inspect the array of tributes, with his wife of 43 years, Sharon, visibly moved and wiping away tears. Since his death was announced, fans have made pilgrimages to sites around Birmingham, the city in central England where he grew uo and where his band was formed in 1968.… Continue Reading

NTSB finds Army chopper in fatal midair crash with plane was above altitude limit

NTSB finds Army chopper in fatal midair crash with plane was above altitude limit

Investigators have found that a helicopter involved in a deadly crash with a passenger plane over Washington was flying above its height limit. The helicopter’s altitude-measuring instrument was also inaccurate. These findings were revealed during the first day of National Transportation Safety Board hearings. The crash, which occurred in January, killed 67 people. The board is examining how the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army may have contributed to the incident. The hearings will continue for three days, focusing on military helicopter routes, collision avoidance technology, and air traffic controller training at Ronald Reagan National Airport.… Continue Reading

Coaches race to master art of retention amid NIL, revenue sharing and transfer portal challenges

Coaches race to master art of retention amid NIL, revenue sharing and transfer portal challenges

College coaches are racing to master retention as revenue sharing and NIL opportunities steer athletes toward the transfer portal. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, who lost most of his 2023 recruits, says the transfer rate isn’t about treatment or development but possibly playing time or finances. At SEC Media Days, he emphasized loyalty, with players like Cam Ball staying committed. Florida coach Billy Napier highlights the importance of pitching the right message during recruiting. Coaches like SMU’s Rhett Lashlee and NC State’s Dave Doeren stress rewarding loyalty over enticing new players with higher offers.… Continue Reading

8.8-magnitude earthquake sends small tsunami into coasts of Russia, Japan and Alaska

8.8-magnitude earthquake sends small tsunami into coasts of Russia, Japan and Alaska

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s meteorological agency says that a powerful earthquake has hit near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and issued a tsunami advisory for Japan. The agency said the quake registered a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 when it hit early on Wednesday. It issued an advisory for a tsunami of up to 1 meter (yard) along the Pacific coast of Japan. The quake was about 250 kilometers (160 miles) away from Hokkaido and was felt only slightly. That’s according to Japan’s NHK television. So far no damage has been reported. A tsunami watch, which is a relatively low-level warning, has been issued for Hawaii.… Continue Reading

Some North Carolina Democratic lawmakers break from party to pass Republican priorities

Some North Carolina Democratic lawmakers break from party to pass Republican priorities

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican lawmakers and some Democrats have overridden eight of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s 14 vetoes. Tuesday’s override votes were a test for the GOP after the House lost its Republican supermajority during last year’s election. Republicans succeeded in enacting some bills targeting transgender rights and allowing guns on private school property. They accomplished the overrides with the help of some House Democrats. Democrats did block override votes on bills on permitless concealed carry and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Those bills can still be overridden at a later date.… Continue Reading

Record-breaking heat wave scorches Southeast US

Record-breaking heat wave scorches Southeast US

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Residents in the Southeast U.S. are no strangers to hot weather in the summertime, but the sweltering heat this week set at least one record, and forecasters urged residents to limit being outside if possible and to hydrate. The all-time high temperature record at Tampa International Airport was broken on Sunday when the thermometer hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The previous record had been 99 degrees Fahrenheit set in June 2020. The National Weather Service said Tuesday that the prolonged heat wave was expected to peak in the southeast U.S. at mid-week.… Continue Reading

PGA Tour ends regular season in Carolina. LPGA wraps up major season with Women’s British Open

PGA Tour ends regular season in Carolina. LPGA wraps up major season with Women’s British Open

The PGA Tour wraps up its regular season at the Wyndham Championship. At stake is the top 70 advancing to the FedEx Cup playoffs. Jordan Spieth is back in the field trying to fortify his position in the FedEx Cup. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley also is playing. This also is the week for the final major of the year. The Women’s British Open is at Royal Porthcawl in Wales. Nelly Korda is still searching for her first win this year. The attention shifts to Lottie Woad. She won the Women’s Scottish Open last week in her professional debut.… Continue Reading

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