Category Archives: WPTF News

Trump, Cook to announce Apple is investing another $100 billion in the U.S.

Trump, Cook to announce Apple is investing another $100 billion in the U.S.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Apple CEO Tim Cook is joining President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to announce a commitment by the tech company to increase its investment in U.S. manufacturing by an additional $100 billion over the next four years. As part of the Apple announcement, the investments will be about bringing more of its supply chain and advanced manufacturing to the United States as part of an initiative called the American Manufacturing Program, but it is not a full commitment to build its popular iPhone device domestically.… Continue Reading

North Carolina residents can now seek state aid after Tropical Storm Chantal

North Carolina residents can now seek state aid after Tropical Storm Chantal

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Residents in several central North Carolina counties affected by last month’s Tropical Storm Chantal can now apply for state-funded financial aid. This assistance follows a state disaster declaration issued Tuesday by Gov. Josh Stein. The storm brought several inches of rain, causing record-breaking river levels and significant damage. At least six storm-related deaths occurred. Stein has also requested a federal disaster declaration to speed up federal aid for rebuilding infrastructure. Public assistance damage estimates have exceeded $42 million. Residents can seek aid for housing, property replacement and medical expenses at local disaster recovery centers.… Continue Reading

Funeral held for Dr. Greg Brannon, North Carolina tea party favorite and ex-Senate candidate

Funeral held for Dr. Greg Brannon, North Carolina tea party favorite and ex-Senate candidate

CARY, N.C. (AP) — A funeral has been held for Dr. Greg Brannon, a North Carolina physician and former figure in state Republican politics. A funeral home confirmed that Brannon died July 27. Brannon was 64. He was known for his involvement in the tea party movement and his runs for the U.S. Senate and House in the 2010s. He was an OB-GYN for 27 years and later founded a hormone replacement therapy company. Brannon is being remembered for his medical work, especially with challenging pregnancies. The funeral took place last Saturday in Raleigh. He is survived by his wife, seven children, and two grandchildren.… Continue Reading

Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders to play in Browns preseason opener against Panthers

Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders to play in Browns preseason opener against Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rookie Shedeur Sanders will play for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night with the recently-signed Tyler Huntley. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced the decision before the team’s joint practice with the Panthers. He hasn’t determined who will start. Veteran Joe Flacco is healthy but will not play. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel will not play either because of injuries. Sanders was drafted in the fifth round. Despite being fourth on the depth chart, injuries to other Browns QBs have contributed to this opportunity. Panthers head coach Dave Canales previously said Bryce Young will start against the Browns.… Continue Reading

Trump envoy Witkoff meets Putin ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace deadline, the Kremlin says

Trump envoy Witkoff meets Putin ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace deadline, the Kremlin says

The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding talks with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. A meeting between Putin and Witkoff lasted about three hours Wednesday. Neither side gave an immediate readout of the talks. The meeting comes days before the White House’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine. Russia potentially faces severe economic penalties that could also hit countries buying its oil. Trump’s deadline for Putin ends Friday. Washington has threatened severe tariffs and other penalties if the conflict in Ukraine continues.… Continue Reading

US stocks slip following the latest discouraging signal on the economy

US stocks slip following the latest discouraging signal on the economy

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes slipped following the latest discouraging signal on the U.S. economy. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% Tuesday, coming off a whipsaw stretch where it followed its worst day since May with its best since May. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.7%. A weaker-than-expected report on activity for U.S. services businesses added to worries that President Donald Trump’s tariffs may be hurting the economy. But hopes for coming cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, along with a stream of stronger-than-expected profit reports from U.S. companies, helped keep the losses in check.… Continue Reading

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle looks to prove he’s worthy of being NFL starter after leaving Cowboys

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle looks to prove he’s worthy of being NFL starter after leaving Cowboys

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers were surprised to be able to sign running back Rico Dowdle, a move that gave them added depth and experience in the backfield. Coach Dave Canales has expressed excitement about the move, noting Dowdle’s experience and potential as a 1,000-yard rusher. Dowdle, who wasn’t re-signed by the Dallas Cowboys, agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract with performance incentives. He sees Carolina as a good fit because of its strong offensive line and proximity to his hometown. While Chuba Hubbard remains the starter, Canales envisions a role for Dowdle, who is eager to prove himself.… Continue Reading

Titan submersible disaster that killed 5 on way to Titanic ruins was preventable, Coast Guard says

Titan submersible disaster that killed 5 on way to Titanic ruins was preventable, Coast Guard says

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Coast Guard’s report on the Titan submersible disaster that killed five on the way to the Titanic says the implosion was “preventable.” The Coast Guard released the findings Tuesday from its highest level of investigation. The disappearance of the Titan in 2023 off Canada led to a search that grabbed worldwide attention. The Titan was owned by OceanGate, a private company based in Washington state. The operator of the submersible, OceanGate head Stockton Rush, was among the five on board who died. The submersible disaster has led to lawsuits and calls for tighter regulation of the developing private deep sea expedition industry.… Continue Reading

Titan submersible disaster that killed 5 on way to Titanic ruins was preventable, Coast Guard says

Titan submersible disaster that killed 5 on way to Titanic ruins was preventable, Coast Guard says

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Coast Guard’s report on the Titan submersible disaster that killed five on the way to the Titanic says the implosion was “preventable.” The Coast Guard released the findings Tuesday from its highest level of investigation. The disappearance of the Titan in 2023 off Canada led to a search that grabbed worldwide attention. The Titan was owned by OceanGate, a private company based in Washington state. The operator of the submersible, OceanGate head Stockton Rush, was among the five on board who died. The submersible disaster has led to lawsuits and calls for tighter regulation of the developing private deep sea expedition industry.… Continue Reading

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s Division of Motor Vehicles is the subject of two new audits looking to address long wait times for customers and low morale for workers. Republican Auditor Dave Boliek released them on Monday. The DMV struggles to keep up with the state’s growing population, leading to customer frustrations. It’s not unusual for customers to camp outside driver’s license offices in the wee hours. Boliek recommends making the DMV an autonomous agency separate from the Department of Transportation for better control over budget and operations. Other suggestions include using outside instructors for driving tests and creating “pop-up” license offices.… Continue Reading

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