Category Archives: WPTF News

In Epstein furor, Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked

In Epstein furor, Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump faces ongoing questions about the Jeffrey Epstein case, overshadowing his administration’s achievements. On Friday, reporters pressed the Republican president about pardoning Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, but he deflected, emphasizing his administration’s successes. Despite enacting significant policies, Trump’s past ties to Epstein continue to stir controversy. Supporters demand transparency, believing Epstein’s death in a New York jail cell six years ago hides a larger conspiracy. Administration officials who previously fueled theories now claim there’s nothing more to reveal. Trump denies prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and urges supporters to move on. But the Epstein case remains a challenging distraction.… Continue Reading

How to watch two meteor showers peak together in late July

How to watch two meteor showers peak together in late July

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s almost time to catch summer’s double meteor showers. The Southern Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornid meteor showers peak in the early morning of July 30. With minimal interference from moonlight, the meteors should appear bright and clear if viewed away from city lights. Each shower is expected to produce up to a dozen visible meteors per hour. The Alpha Capricornids may have tails that linger longer in the night sky. Viewing of each shower lasts through August 12. The next major meteor shower, the Perseids, will peak in mid-August.… Continue Reading

American Conference deserves fair shot at College Football Playoff, commissioner says

American Conference deserves fair shot at College Football Playoff, commissioner says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Commissioner Tim Pernetti wants the newly rebranded American Conference included in the College Football Playoff conversation. Pernetti says his conference has teams capable of competing in the 12-team playoff for the national championship. H emphasized on Friday a merit-based system where the five highest-ranked conference champions receive automatic bids, regardless of conference. Last season, the American Conference had competitive teams but none made the playoffs. Pernetti argues against predetermined playoff spots for larger conferences, advocating for opportunities to be earned on the field. He warns against repeating past mistakes of favoritism and confusion that he said came with the Bowl Championship Series.… Continue Reading

Clemson returns most experienced team in football in search of 3rd national title in 10 years

Clemson returns most experienced team in football in search of 3rd national title in 10 years

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Clemson Tigers have all the pieces to win another national championship. They return the most experienced team in college football, with eight starters on both sides and a high return production rate. Cade Klubnik, a Heisman Trophy hopeful, leads the team as quarterback. Coach Dabo Swinney emphasizes that experience alone doesn’t guarantee success. Clemson’s retention rate is strong, thanks to programs like P.A.W. Journey, which supports players’ development. Despite challenges, Clemson remains consistent, joining elite teams with at least nine wins in 14 straight seasons. The Tigers aim to maintain this streak and achieve more success.… Continue Reading

Trump’s USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs

Trump’s USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to move thousands of employees out of Washington, D.C., aiming to save money and bring them closer to farmers and ranchers. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday that around 2,600 workers will relocate to five hubs from North Carolina to Utah. The plan is part of President Donald Trump’s effort to make the federal government more efficient. Critics worry about losing connections to Congress and potential disruptions. The union representing federal workers criticized the move as a ploy to cut jobs. The union also pointed out that some 95% of the department’s employees already work outside Washington.… Continue Reading

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley plans to run for Senate in North Carolina, with Trump’s backing

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley plans to run for Senate in North Carolina, with Trump’s backing

Michael Whatley, chairman of the national Republican Party, plans to run for an open Senate seat in North Carolina in 2026, with the blessing of President Donald Trump, after Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara, passed on the seat. Democrats see the race as their top chance to flip a seat as they try to regain control of the Senate. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis announced last month that he wouldn’t run for a third term, a decision that came after clashes with Trump. Whatley’s decision was confirmed by two people familiar with his thinking. They weren’t authorized to discuss the matter publicly before an official announcement and spoke only on condition of anonymity.… Continue Reading

Hulk Hogan, icon in professional wrestling, dies at age 71

Hulk Hogan, icon in professional wrestling, dies at age 71

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Hulk Hogan, the mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in the world of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71, Florida police and WWE said Thursday. Hogan’s real name was Terry Bollea. He was perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon. Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, “Hogan Knows Best.”… Continue Reading

Justice Department will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s imprisoned girlfriend

Justice Department will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s imprisoned girlfriend

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department officials will meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned girlfriend of financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter. The person tells The Associated Press the meeting is Thursday in Florida, where Maxwell is held. The meeting is part of a Justice Department effort to cast itself as transparent following backlash from parts of President Donald Trump’s base over an earlier refusal to release additional Epstein records. A Justice Department spokesman hasn’t returned a message seeking comment. A lawyer for Maxwell says she’ll “always testify truthfully.” Maxwell was convicted of helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. Epstein died in a New York jail awaiting trial.… Continue Reading

US stocks hit more records following US-Japan trade deal

US stocks hit more records following US-Japan trade deal

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to more records following a trade deal between the world’s No. 1 and No. 4 economies. The S&P 500 climbed 0.8% Wednesday, setting another all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 507 points, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% to hit its own record. Stocks rallied even more in Tokyo after President Donald Trump announced a deal that would place a 15% tax on imports from Japan. That’s lower than the 25% rate that Trump had earlier threatened. Big U.S. companies continued to offer updates about how Trump’s tariffs are affecting them, and Treasury yields rose.… Continue Reading

Livingstone student dragged from his car and punched by Florida officers says he was scared and confused

Livingstone student dragged from his car and punched by Florida officers says he was scared and confused

A Black college student is still recovering after being punched and dragged from his car by Florida law officers during a traffic stop. His lawyers said Wednesday that William McNeil Jr. suffered a concussion and a pierced lip. The encounter has sparked nationwide outrage. Footage shows McNeil asking to speak to a supervisor before officers broke his window and forcibly removed him from the vehicle. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is defending the officers, suggesting the video was shared to create division. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump criticized the officers for escalating violence and called for accountability. The sheriff says the video lacks context.… Continue Reading

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