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Charlie Gaddy (Credit WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting)
Longtime WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy dies at 93
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — Charlie Gaddy, one of North Carolina’s most recognizable broadcasters and a longtime anchor on WRAL-TV, has died at age 93. Before beginning his television career, Gaddy worked for a time at WPTF, the flagship station of the North Carolina News Network. In a 2024 interview marking WPTF’s 100th anniversary, he recalled the early days of local radio programming, including a show called Ask Your Neighbor.… Continue Reading
Help Design the QDR Playlist
One of the main reasons you listen to QDR is for the music, and we want to be sure we’re playing what you want to hear as often or as little as you want to hear it. You can help design the QDR playlist to give you the BEST listening experience, and you could win a…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Shila from Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Shila from Second Chance Pet Adoptions! Shila, a quiet middle-aged hound, is looking for a forever home, preferably with another dog and a fenced-in yard. She’s an independent gal who likes to chew on bones and play with toys, but at the end of the day, she also…… Continue Reading
Fursday: March 31, 2022
This week, we are highlighting our furbabies from this month that are still available at our Fursday Pet Partners! Beatrice from Second Chance Pet Adoptions Beatrice, a 5-year-old black and white pit mix. We rescued Beatrice from a county shelter after being absolutely dazzled by her pearly whites! She’s such a happy girl, whether she’s…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Rayo from APS of Durham
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Rayo from Animal Protection Society of Durham! “Good looking, check; affectionate check; sweet, double check! I’m a darling and good boy who’s a bit stressed here at the shelter. I’m sure to settle well in my new home. I’m a bit unsure meeting new friends, please go slow…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Merken from SPCA of Wake County
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Merken from SPCA of Wake County! Merken is everything you could ever want in a cat! He’s a staff favorite at the SPCA. This 4-year-old guy is a huge snuggle bug who loves curling up on your lap or putting his paws up on you to ask for…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Libby from Wake County Animal Center
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Libby from Wake County Animal Center! Are you looking for that one special dog that will cuddle with your family or play a game of frisbee in the backyard? A dog that is house trained and has great manners in your home? Well, look no further! Libby is…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Beatrice from Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Beatrice from Second Chance Pet Adoptions! Today we’re looking for a special listener for a special dog: Beatrice, a 5-year-old black and white pit mix. We rescued Beatrice from a county shelter after being absolutely dazzled by her pearly whites! She’s such a happy girl, whether she’s sitting…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Johnny Cash from APS of Durham
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Johnny Cash from Animal Protection Society of Durham! Visit Johnny Cash’s profile here! Prepare yourself for FUN! I’m a great and jolly guy ready to find the home and yard of my dreams! I’m a cheery guy who loves to have fun and play. I’m a bit jumpy…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Elicia from SPCA of Wake County
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Elicia from SPCA of Wake County! This happy little wiggle-butt is 9-month-old Elicia! Elicia is 32 lbs. and may grow to be around 40-50 lbs. Elicia is a lovable, snuggly, and playful puppy that was rescued by SPCA Wake after being found abandoned. But she doesn’t let it…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Katydid from Wake County Animal Center
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Katydid from Wake County Animal Center! Awesome dog alert!! Katydid is a four-year-old American Staffy mix. She loves hugs and cuddles and is a volunteer favorite. Her previous owner had great things to say about her – she’s crate training, potty trained, and is an all-around good girl.…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Nesquik from Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Nesquik from Second Chance Pet Adoptions! Meet Nesquik, this adorable 6 month old boy is looking for his forever home. Nesquik is a social butterfly and loves to be around people. He is the life of the party. Like all kittens Nesquik loves to play. You will almost…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Muse and Pauline from APS
Our Fursday Pets of the Week are Muse and Pauline from the Animal Protection Society of Durham! Muse and Pauline are a senior bonded pair with their adoption fees completely waived. Come by and meet them today! Visit Muse’s profile here! Visit Pauline’s profile here! APS of Durham2117 E. Club Blvd. | Durham, NC |…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Chloe from SPCA of Wake County
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Chloe from SPCA of Wake County! Nope that’s not a wolf — that’s a Chloe! This heart-meltingly sweet 3-year-old girl has been waiting for a home at SPCA Wake since June of 2021. She’s been patiently waiting to find her future family, and all the staff and volunteers at…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Rocko from Wake County Animal Center
Meet Rocko from The Wake County Animal Center! Rocko is a low-key senior that came to the shelter recently as a stray. Like most seniors, he appreciates a good soft padded bed and naps. Despite his age, he still enjoys going out for (slow) walks and loves a good treat. He is extremely sweet and…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Leo from Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Meet Leo from Second Chance Pet Adoptions, our Fursday pet of the week! Leo is an 11 year, 5-month-old calm kitty that is ready to give you the biggest hug! He loves his humans, and would be fine with other mellow cats, but would also thrive as the only kitty! He is currently on a…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Dora from Wake County Animal Center
Meet Dora from The Wake County Animal Center! Sweet and gentle is how the volunteers described Dora. She came to the Center as a stray so we don’t know her background. Dora does head butts for attention. She uses her litter tray so she is probably litter box trained. Dora is a small kitty with…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Buffy from Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Our Fursday Pet of the Week is Buffy! With eight years of practice in the fine art of friendship, Buffy is more than prepared to be your co-pilot in life! She prefers to fly solo in terms of other furry friends, but Buffy has plenty of personality to fill your heart alone. This gal loves…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Missy from APS of Durham
Meet Missy! “Hello there! I’m a sweet and friendly girl who loves gentle affection! I’m super happy to meet new people and also love to explore. I’m playful too, toss a ball or toy for me and see! I really enjoy gentle affection and might even crawl into your lap or lean into you for…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Jane from SPCA of Wake County
Meet Jane! This sweet, smushy girl was found as a stray in Harnett County, and now she’s looking for a family of her very own. Jane is 2 years old and weighs about 50 lbs. Unfortunately she is battling heartworms, but she is receiving a full course of treatment through SPCA Wake. Jane is playful,…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Howl-O-Ween Harvest Ball
This Fursday on QDR, we want to celebrate our pet partners for our 19th Howl-O-Ween Harvest Ball coming this Saturday at Lincoln Theater in Raleigh! Thank you SPCA of Wake County and APS of Durham! AND a huge thank you to our other Fursday sponsors, Second Chance Pet Adoptions and Wake County Animal Center!… Continue Reading
QDR Fursdays: Meet Tyson
Our QDR Fursday pet of the week is Tyson from the Wake County Animal Center! Hello there, thanks for stopping by to meet me. I’m Tyson and as you can see, I’m a handsome young man. I’ve been at the shelter for a while now and eager to find a family of my own. Being…… Continue Reading
QDR Fursdays: Meet Jade from Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Meet Jade from Second Chance Pet Adoptions!… Continue Reading
A line of wildland firefighters arrive at the scene the day after a shooter ambushed and killed multiple firefighters responding to a wildfire at Canfield Mountain Monday, June 30, 2025, in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Man shot Idaho firefighters who had asked him to move his vehicle, killing 2, sheriff says
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (AP) — A sheriff says a man shot firefighters battling a blaze in northern Idaho after they asked him to move his vehicle, killing two of them and wounding a third. Authorities say the man had set a fire and the firefighters who rushed to put out the blaze instead found themselves under fire. They took cover behind fire trucks, but two died and a third was wounded during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said it appears the man later killed himself.… Continue Reading
Vice-president of the Republican National Committee Lara Trump speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Argentina 2024 on December 04, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images)
A former governor, a Trump and many others: Tillis retirement sets off NC Senate seat speculation
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis’ announcement over the weekend that he won’t seek reelection is heating up the campaign on both sides of the aisle. Tillis revealed his decision Sunday after clashing with President Donald Trump over his tax breaks and spending cuts bill. A Trump endorsement for the Republican nominee could heavily influence GOP primary. Potential GOP candidates include Lara Trump. Meanwhile, Democrats are urging former Gov. Roy Cooper to run. He’s been holding back for months on making a public decision. Former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel launched his own Democratic nomination bid almost three months ago.… Continue Reading
Inmate fatally shoots North Carolina officer before being caught in stolen vehicle, sheriff says
MURPHY, N.C. (AP) — Authorities in North Carolina say an escaped inmate fatally shot a detention officer with his own gun, then fled in a stolen vehicle before being captured in another county. The incident started Monday at a medical clinic in Murphy. Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith says 48-year-old inmate Kelvin Simmons will be charged with first-degree murder. Smith says Simmons was a federal inmate being held on bank robbery charges along with an October 2024 escape. Smith identified the officer as 56-year-old Francisco Paul Flattes. He was a four-year employee of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Smith says Flattes’ wife also works for the county detention center.… Continue Reading
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on June 23, 2025 in New York City. Stocks opened slightly up as the market reacts to the U.S. striking three nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend, raising fears of an increase in oil prices. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
US stocks add a bit more to their all-time high
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market added to its record as Wall Street closed out a second straight winning month. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% Monday in its first trading after completing a stunning rebound from its springtime sell-off of roughly 20%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.5%. Oracle helped lead the way after saying it’s off to a strong start in its fiscal year. Banks were also solid in their first trading after the Federal Reserve said they’re financially strong enough to survive a downturn in the economy. Treasury yields eased in the bond market.… Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) walks through a hallway at the U.S. Capitol Building on June 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Republican leaders are pushing to get U.S. President Donald Trump's "One, Big, Beautiful Bill," Act through Congress and to his desk before the July 4 Independence Day holiday. Tillis, who is critical of the Senate version of the bill, has announced he will not seek re-election. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Sen. Thom Tillis in stepping aside goes the way of other Republicans who have challenged Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jeff Flake. Bob Corker. Mitt Romney. And now, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. The roll call of Republican senators who have called it quits rather than endure a political career sideways with President Donald Trump is long and apparently, still growing. Tillis announced his decision not to seek reelection Sunday, a stunning moment given its timing. It arrived a day after Trump trashed Tillis online and threatened to campaign against him after the senator revealed he would oppose Trump’s big tax breaks bill because of its deep cuts to Medicaid. Tillis told The Associated Press and others at the Capitol that his “goal is not to undermine the president.”… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - A Duke University spinout called Quadridox is developing cutting-edge X-ray technology that could revolutionize airport security by identifying what objects are made of—potentially allowing travelers to keep their liquids and speed through checkpoints. The startup, led by former Duke professor Joel Greenberg, is currently focused on improving TSA efficiency with smarter screening of checked baggage, but the tech also has promising applications in medical imaging, including better cancer detection. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
New x-ray tech could make airport security faster—and smarter
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A Duke University spinout called Quadridox is developing cutting-edge X-ray technology that could revolutionize airport security by identifying what objects are made of—potentially allowing travelers to keep their liquids and speed through checkpoints. The startup, led by former Duke professor Joel Greenberg, is currently focused on improving TSA efficiency with smarter screening of checked baggage, but the tech also has promising applications in medical imaging, including better cancer detection.… Continue Reading
PineCone Playlist: June 29th, 2025
Artist Song Title Album Title Record Label Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road Sally Ann Bill Monroe’s Ol’ Mandolin Pinecastle Flatt & Scruggs Cora is Gone Complete Mercury Sessions Mercury Bluegrass Album Band My Home’s Across the Blue Ridge Mtns Volume 4 Rounder Shaddy Grove Band 40 Years of Trouble Mulberry Moon Michael Cleveland/Jason Carter…… Continue Reading
(Photo by Getty Images)
Junk fees, subscriptions and overspending: why now is the time to audit your wallet
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – With the year already halfway over, CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger is urging Americans to use this short holiday week to give their finances a mid-year checkup. From reviewing spending habits to ditching unwanted subscriptions and checking for junk fees, Schlesinger says now is the time to focus on what you can control—before small leaks turn into bigger money problems. … Continue Reading
My Go-To Southern Fried Catfish
This fried catfish recipe is one of my favorites—it’s crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a weekend cookout or a cozy dinner at home. The buttermilk marinade keeps the fish tender, while the cornmeal crust gives it that irresistible crunch. Ingredients For the fish: For the dredge: Instructions 1. Marinate the Fish:In a…… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - A powerful hailstorm wreaked havoc at Atlanta’s main travel hub, damaging 100 planes and diverting 90 flights, just as a notorious cybercriminal group ramps up attacks on U.S. airlines. Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff says the storm caused significant disruptions due to necessary safety inspections, while hackers like ScatteredSpider are compounding chaos during one of the busiest travel seasons. With outdated systems and high-value data, the airline industry is facing both natural and digital threats that could ripple through airports across the country. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Hailstorm and hackers disrupt southeast air travel ahead of Fourth of July
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A powerful hailstorm wreaked havoc at Atlanta’s main travel hub, damaging 100 planes and diverting 90 flights, just as a notorious cybercriminal group ramps up attacks on U.S. airlines. Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff says the storm caused significant disruptions due to necessary safety inspections, while hackers like ScatteredSpider are compounding chaos during one of the busiest travel seasons. With outdated systems and high-value data, the airline industry is facing both natural and digital threats that could ripple through airports across the country. … Continue Reading
People walk by as construction of the street course continues ahead of the NASCAR auto racs, Friday, June 27, 2025, in downtown Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Future of NASCAR’s downtown Chicago weekend is unclear going into the third year of contract
CHICAGO (AP) — When it comes to NASCAR’s return to downtown Chicago, Julie Giese has a long list of responsibilities. The track president is monitoring an ambitious construction schedule for the street course, to go along with everything else that goes into the busy weekend. What happens next is going to have to wait. The future of NASCAR in Chicago is murky going into its third edition. The three-year contract that was announced in 2022 has two mutual options. Giese says there have been “good conversations” between NASCAR and the city, and there is time to work on the possibilities beyond the event.… Continue Reading
Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the REVOLT X AT&T 3-Day Summit In Los Angeles - Day 1 at Magic Box on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for REVOLT)
Jury begins deliberating in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial
NEW YORK (AP) — The jury has started deliberating in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking case. The panel of eight men and four women began their closed-door discussions Monday. They are weighing charges that could put the hip-hop mogul in prison for life. The 55-year-old Combs has pleaded not guilty. Jurors heard seven weeks of sometimes graphic and emotional testimony about Combs’ propensity for violence and his sexual predilections, including drug-fueled sex marathons dubbed “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” Defense lawyers acknowledge that Combs could be violent but maintain that the sex acts were consensual.… Continue Reading
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks to reporters following a Senate Republican luncheon, in the U.S. Capitol on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)
States brace for impact as Trump’s big bill nears completion in Congress
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s tax cut bill could have large implications for states. The legislation nearing completion in Congress could reduce federal funding to states for Medicaid and food assistance programs. But in many states, it’s too late to do much about it this year. Tuesday marks the start of a new budget year in 46 states. Though a few are still working, many state legislatures already have adjourned and had to craft a budget without knowing whether their federal funding would be cut. Some states have set aside money as a precaution. Others are tentatively planning to return in special sessions.… Continue Reading
Hidden Gems of North Carolina
Go Explore Our State Asheville Pinball Machine Museum Do you remember when arcades were everywhere and you could go and spend hours roaming the games and racking up points? One of those games was the pinball machine and some people have become masters of the flippers. But did you know there is a place to…… Continue Reading
’90s at 9, Powered by Crossroads Ford of Apex
Every night at 9 p.m., we’ve got the best of ’90s country music, powered by Crossroads Ford of Apex. If Ford makes it, we probably have it. Visit crossroadsfordapex.com.… Continue Reading