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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
FILE - The vacant Martin County General Hospital sits abandoned behind a chain since being closed in August of 2023 in Williamston, N.C., shown, April 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker, File)
How an empty North Carolina rural hospital explains a GOP senator’s vote against Trump’s tax bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — An empty hospital in Williamston, North Carolina, offers an evocative illustration of why Republican Sen. Thom Tillis would buck his party and its leaders to vote down President Trump’s signature domestic policy package. It’s one of a dozen hospitals that have closed in North Carolina over the last two decades. It’s a problem that hospital systems and health experts warn may only worsen if the “One Big Beautiful Act,” passes with its $1 trillion cuts to the Medicaid program and new restrictions on enrollment in the coverage. Across the country, 200 hospitals have shut down or reduced their services over the last two decades. Many of these closures occur in red states that have declined to expand Medicaid coverage, the health insurance program for the poorest Americans.… Continue Reading
Sean Combs attends the 'Killing Them Softly' Premiere during 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 22, 2012 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs acquitted of most serious charges, convicted of a prostitution-related offense
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has declined to set Sean “Diddy” Combs free on bail to await sentencing in his sex crimes case. Combs was convicted Wednesday of federal prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The 55-year-old Combs has been behind bars since his September arrest. He stands convicted of two counts of a crime that carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. But the jury cleared him of charges that could have put him behind bars for life. The judge will decide Combs’ punishment and suggested Oct. 3 as a sentencing date. A virtual hearing is set for Tuesday on the defense’s request for an earlier date.… Continue Reading
FILE - The Shearon Harris nuclear plant in Holly Springs, N.C, Friday, June 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
North Carolina Gov. Stein vetoes bill repealing interim greenhouse gas reduction mandate
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed a bill that would repeal an interim greenhouse gas reduction mandate for power generation. Stein said Wednesday that the legislation would harm consumers and discourage clean energy. The bill would do away with a directive in a 2021 law for electric regulators to take “all reasonable steps to achieve” reducing carbon dioxide output 70% from 2005 levels by 2030. Republican supporters say the mandate is unnecessary and costly. They want to focus on a 2050 carbon neutrality goal that would remain in place. Environmentalists praised Stein’s veto of the bill. It would impact Duke Energy, the state’s dominant electric utility.… Continue Reading
Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks speaks to the media after being drafted first overall during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks sign No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg to rookie contract
DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks have signed No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg to his four-year rookie contract. Spotrac says the total value of the contract for the top pick on the 2025-26 rookie wage scale is in the range of $62.7 million. There are team options in the third and fourth seasons of rookie deals. Flagg has said he intends to play in the Summer League in Las Vegas later this month. The 18-year-old from Duke was taken with the top pick after Dallas converted just a 1.8% chance to win the draft lottery.… Continue Reading
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on June 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
US stocks hit another record as Tesla and Nike rally
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks ticked higher to hit another record. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% Wednesday and set an all-time high for the third time in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down by less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.9%. Tesla rallied following its latest update on deliveries, while Nike and other companies that import a lot from Vietnam rose after President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the country. Shorter-term Treasury yields held steady ahead of a highly anticipated report coming on Thursday about the strength of the U.S job market.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - This Friday, the State Farmers Market in Raleigh is going all out for the Fourth of July with its annual Food Truck Rodeo from 4 to 9 p.m.—serving up a smorgasbord of sweet, savory, and spicy eats alongside music, line dancing, face painting, and even a prize-filled scavenger hunt. With many farmers staying late and vendors offering tours, treats, and giveaways, it’s a hometown celebration that brings flavor, fun, and family all to one place. (Photo provided by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
Raleigh’s Food Truck Rodeo serves up a feast for all ages this Fourth of July
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – This Friday, the State Farmers Market in Raleigh is going all out for the Fourth of July with its annual Food Truck Rodeo from 4 to 9 p.m.—serving up a smorgasbord of sweet, savory, and spicy eats alongside music, line dancing, face painting and even a prize-filled scavenger hunt. With many farmers staying late and vendors offering tours, treats, and giveaways, it’s a hometown celebration that brings flavor, fun and family all to one place.
… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - The Festival for the Eno is back for its 46th year, kicking off Friday with a packed lineup of local music, handmade art, and cool river escapes. Hosted at West Point on the Eno, the celebration highlights homegrown talent like Shirlette Ammons and Dom Flemons, plus nearly two dozen local food vendors and artists from across the region. With shaded trails, misting tents, and kayaking available, it’s a Fourth of July tradition that offers a beat you can dance to and a breeze you can wade into. (Photo by Getty Images)
Durham’s Festival for the Eno returns with music, art and riverfront fun
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – The Festival for the Eno is back for its 46th year, kicking off Friday with a packed lineup of local music, handmade art, and cool river escapes. Hosted at West Point on the Eno, the celebration highlights homegrown talent like Shirlette Ammons and Dom Flemons, plus nearly two dozen local food vendors and artists from across the region. With shaded trails, misting tents, and kayaking available, it’s a Fourth of July tradition that offers a beat you can dance to and a breeze you can wade into.… Continue Reading
K'Andre Miller #79 of the New York Rangers takes the puck during the second period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 05, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
K’Andre Miller is eager for his new start after trade from New York Rangers to Carolina Hurricanes
K’Andre Miller is eager to start work with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes acquired the 25-year-old defenseman from the New York Rangers on Tuesday. They also signed him to a long-term deal. Carolina sees Miller as a strong fit for their aggressive, fast-paced system. The former first-round pick brings size and skating ability to the blue line. The Hurricanes are retooling the defense with veterans Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov likely departing. In a Zoom call with reporters Wednesday, Miller said Carolina is “a fun group to watch” and he’s eager to join the Hurricanes’ style.… Continue Reading
A Tesla car dealership stands on June 05, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Tesla sales plunge again as anti-Musk boycott shows staying power and rivals pounce on the weakness
NEW YORK (AP) — Sales of Tesla electric cars fell sharply in the last three months as boycotts over Elon Musk’s political views continue to keep buyers away. Tesla is also facing stiff competition from other electric vehicle makers, especially in Europe where China’s BYD has taken a bite out of its market share. The 13% plunge in sales reported Wednesday adds to growing signs that Musk’s embrace of U.S. President Donald Trump and far-right politicians in Europe has had a deep and enduring impact to Tesla’s brand appeal. Sales fell to 384,122 in April through June, down from 443,956 in the same period last year.… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Joel Wharton, July 2nd, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Joel Wharton, Lieutenant for the Smithfield Fire Department. Joel was nominated by Caren, who says, “He truly puts his everything in to the department and community. He is kind, hardworking, and always goes above and beyond. Along with that, he helped me raise four boys, now men who…… Continue Reading
FILE - Swimmers including Penn's Lia Thomas, lane 4, dive into the water at the start of a qualifying heat of the 200 yard freestyle at the Ivy League Women's Swimming and Diving Championships at Harvard University, Feb. 18, 2022, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File)
UPenn to update swimming records set by Lia Thomas, settling with feds on transgender athletes case
WASHINGTON (AP) — The University of Pennsylvania says it will update records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. The college says it also will apologize to female athletes it says were “disadvantaged” by Thomas’ participation on the women’s swimming team. The moves were part of a resolution of a federal civil rights case that found the school violated the rights of female athletes. Thomas, a transgender swimmer who last competed for the Ivy League school in Philadelphia in 2022, was the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division I title.… Continue Reading
The New York Stock Exchange is seen during morning trading on June 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Wall Street is split as Tesla and tech drop while most other US stocks climb
NEW YORK (AP) — A mixed day of trading left the U.S. stock market split, as Wall Street’s momentum slowed after setting record highs in each of the last two days. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% Tuesday for its first loss in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose roughly 400 points, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.8%. Tesla tugged on the market as the relationship between its CEO, Elon Musk, and President Donald Trump soured further. But most U.S. stocks rose. So did short-term Treasury yields following a better-than-expected report on U.S. job openings. Data on U.S. manufacturing was more mixed.… Continue Reading
President Donald Trump speaks to the media before walking across the South Lawn of the White House to board Marine One en route to Joint Base Andrews, Md., and on to Florida, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Trump says migrants would need to know ‘how to run away from an alligator’ to flee Florida facility
OCHOPEE, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump toured an isolated new immigration detention surrounded by alligator-filled swamps in Florida’s Everglades. He suggested during Tuesday’s tour that the site could be a model for future lockups nationwide, as his administration races to expand the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations. Trump called the lockup “Alligator Alcatraz.” That’s a moniker that has alarmed immigrant activists but appeals to the White House’s aggressive approach to deportations. Trump delighted in the area’s allegators. He even said of migrants that will soon be held at the center, “We’re going to teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape prison.”… Continue Reading
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) (L) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) (R), walk toward the Senate floor after the Senate stayed in session throughout the night at the U.S. Capitol Building on July 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Senate passes Trump’s big tax breaks and spending cuts bill as Vance breaks 50-50 tie
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has hauled President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts to passage after a turbulent overnight session. ice President JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie to push it over the top. The bill next goes back to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana warned off big revisions from his chamber’s version. But senators did make changes particularly to Medicaid health care. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota worked through the night and ino Tuesday to strike a last-minute agreement between Republicans worried the bill’s health care reductions will leave millions without care and his conservative flank seeking steeper cuts to hold down deficits.… Continue Reading
North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein speaks about his two-year state government budget proposal at the Albemarle Building in Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (AP Photo/Gary D. Robertson)
Jabil plans to create nearly 1,200 jobs in North Carolina with manufacturing investment
SALISBURY, N.C. (AP) — The electronics company Jabil plans to create nearly 1,200 jobs in central North Carolina by building a new manufacturing plant. The company is investing $500 million toward a facility to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence data centers. Officials announced Monday that the facility will be in Rowan County, northeast of Charlotte. The project includes a $264 million capital investment and 1,181 jobs by the end of 2030. North Carolina competed with Florida for the project and offered over $21 million in incentives. Jabil already operates three facilities in the state, employing about 1,000 workers.… Continue Reading