Category Archives: WPTF News

Union Pacific and Norfolk seek 1st transcontinental railroad through a massive merger

Union Pacific and Norfolk seek 1st transcontinental railroad through a massive merger

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific is seeking to buy Norfolk Southern in a $85 billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S, and potentially trigger a final wave of rail mergers across the country. The proposed merger, announced Tuesday, would marry Union Pacific’s rail network in the West with Norfolk’s rails that snake across Eastern states. The nation was first linked by rail in 1869, when a golden railroad spike was driven in Utah to symbolize the connection of East and West Coasts. Yet no single entity has controlled that coast-to-coast passage that so many businesses rely on.… Continue Reading

Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase placed on paid leave as part of MLB sports betting investigation

Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase placed on paid leave as part of MLB sports betting investigation

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of a Major League Baseball investigation into sports betting. Clase, a three-time All-Star, becomes the second Guardians pitcher to be placed on leave in connection with a sports gambling probe. Luis Ortiz also is on non-disciplinary leave through Aug. 31. It was unclear if the cases were related in any way. The Guardians said in a statement they “have been informed that no additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted.”… Continue Reading

Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper will run for Senate in 2026

Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper will run for Senate in 2026

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, giving Democrats a proven statewide winner in an open-seat race that is expected to be one of the most competitive 2026 contests. Cooper made the announcement Monday with a video released on social media and his campaign website. The former two-term governor will immediately become the front-runner for the Democratic nomination in the race to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley plans to run for the GOP nomination, with President Donald Trump’s blessing. Cooper’s candidacy is a big recruiting win for Democrats, who see the open seat as a top pick-up opportunity in what will be a challenging year.… Continue Reading

Wall Street coasts for now ahead of a week packed with potential flashpoints

Wall Street coasts for now ahead of a week packed with potential flashpoints

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks coasted to a quiet finish to begin a week full of potentially market-moving events. The S&P 500 edged up by less than 0.1% on Monday to set an all-time high for a sixth straight day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.3% to its own record. Stocks held steady after the United States and European Union agreed on the framework for a trade deal, one that still has many details to be worked out. Later this week will come Big Tech profit reports, a decision on interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other highly anticipated updates.… Continue Reading

Football season looms with no clear guidance in athlete battles to win more eligibility from NCAA

Football season looms with no clear guidance in athlete battles to win more eligibility from NCAA

The wave of lawsuits from college athletes seeking another season of eligibility seems to be slowing down. With fall football practice starting this week, players hoping for a judge’s approval to play may be left waiting. Legal expert Sam Ehrlich says it’s likely too late for athletes to file cases and get relief. Judges have provided inconsistent rulings, and the issue might end up in a higher court. Some athletes, like Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, have won their cases. Others remain in limbo. The NCAA wants limited liability protection from Congress to address these eligibility lawsuits.… Continue Reading

Wall Street coasts for now ahead of a week packed with potential flashpoints

Wall Street coasts for now ahead of a week packed with potential flashpoints

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are coasting following their record-setting run. The S&P 500 was flat on Monday after setting an all-time high in each of last week’s five days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 8 points, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.2%. Stocks were relatively steady after the United States and European Union agreed on the framework for a trade deal, one that still has many details to be worked out. This upcoming week is full of potential flashpoints that could shake markets, including Big Tech profit reports and the Federal Reserve’s latest decision on interest rates.… Continue Reading

US-EU deal sets a 15% tariff on most goods and averts the threat of a trade war with a global shock

US-EU deal sets a 15% tariff on most goods and averts the threat of a trade war with a global shock

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — The United States and the European Union have agreed to a trade framework setting a 15% tariff on most goods. President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Sunday after meeting with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. This deal prevents higher import taxes that could have impacted global economies. Trump described the negotiation as beneficial for both parties. Von der Leyen noted the deal brings stability and predictability for businesses. The agreement includes major U.S. energy purchases and investments by the EU. Some strategic products will have zero tariffs, but details are still being finalized.… Continue Reading

Virginia Tech is reviewing claim that coach tried to lure NC Central player into transfer portal

Virginia Tech is reviewing claim that coach tried to lure NC Central player into transfer portal

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Virginia Tech is looking into an allegation by North Carolina Central’s football coach that a Hokies assistant improperly tried to lure running back J’Mari Taylor into the transfer portal last season. Virginia Tech released a statement saying it was made aware of the allegation on Friday. ESPN reported that the allegation surfaced when N.C. Central coach Trei Oliver said he discovered a Virginia Tech assistant coach on the sideline for one of the Eagles’ 2024 games. Oliver said that assistant was trying to contact his running back. Taylor, a star RB, eventually transferred to Virginia.… Continue Reading

Renaming of military bases stirs debate over Confederate ties

Renaming of military bases stirs debate over Confederate ties

More than half a dozen Army bases’ names were changed in 2023 because they honored Confederate leaders. Those same bases are reverting back to their original names, this time with different namesakes who share Confederate surnames. Critics of the latest name changes argue it undermines efforts to move away from Confederate associations. The issue has long split people who favor preserving an aspect of southern heritage and those who want slavery-supporting rebels stripped of valor. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to restore the names is his latest move to align with Trump’s purging of diversity, equity and inclusion programs.… Continue Reading

Heat advisories and warnings issued for Southeast and Midwest as temperatures and humidity soars

Heat advisories and warnings issued for Southeast and Midwest as temperatures and humidity soars

The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for the southeastern United States. The advisories cover areas from central Florida to Virginia through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s, with heat indexes between 105 and 110. Extreme heat warnings are in effect for eastern North Carolina and parts of South Carolina. Forecasters warn of dangerously hot conditions, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees in parts of the Carolinas. Over 30 million people could be affected. The Midwest is also experiencing extreme heat, with watches in place for Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. Storms in Iowa have triggered flash flood warnings.… Continue Reading

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