RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new report from TRIP reveals the staggering $5 billion impact Hurricane Helene had on North Carolina’s roads and bridges. With over 9,000 damaged sites and $917 million in costs not covered by federal aid, state leaders warn recovery efforts could undermine long-term infrastructure plans. NCDOT has already spent $574 million on Helene-related repairs, but officials say more funding is critical to avoid jeopardizing road maintenance across the state.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new national survey from ocean research group DEEP reveals surprising generational gaps in how Americans view the ocean’s role in daily life. Released for World Oceans Day, the study found that while only 45% of respondents understood the ocean’s impact—from oxygen to infrastructure—interest in ocean exploration remains high, especially among younger people. DEEP’s Dr. Dawn Kernagis, a former NASA aquanaut, says the findings highlight both a lack of awareness and a growing fascination with underwater living. The survey aims to spark deeper conversations and inspire more people to protect our oceans through simple everyday actions.
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., is being celebrated across North Carolina today with events highlighting freedom, history, and community. Adrienne Nirdé, Director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, says the holiday marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The Commission is hosting “Songs of Liberation” this Saturday in Raleigh’s Freedom Park, one of many events statewide honoring the continued journey toward equality.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – With heat indexes soaring past 100 degrees, Wake County has opened temporary cooling centers to help residents escape dangerous temperatures. These public facilities—including libraries and regional centers—are activated when extreme heat persists and are open during normal business hours. Emergency officials urge everyone, regardless of age or health, to stay hydrated, avoid peak heat hours, and never leave children or pets in vehicles. Cooling centers will be closed on June 19 for Juneteenth.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Raleigh has enlisted a team of 32 goats to help clear invasive plants at Dorothea Dix Park, thanks to a partnership between the city and Goats on the Go. The eco-friendly initiative uses goats to reach steep or tricky terrain where machines fall short. Stephen Paul, who runs the company’s Raleigh-Durham branch, says the herd—nicknamed the “a-team”—can clear an acre in just a few days and has built a growing reputation both online and off. From backyard jobs to citywide projects, these goats are making a big impact—one bite at a time.… Continue Reading
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — A California-based company plans to build its first manufacturing plant for a next-generation passenger jet in central North Carolina. If successful, the project announced Thursday by JetZero and elected officials would create more than 14,500 jobs in a decade. Gov. Josh Stein called it the largest job commitment in North Carolina history. JetZero is developing a fixed-wing aircraft that would change the shape of passenger jetliners in the sky. The company would build the plant at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro. JetZero already has conditional jet purchase agreements with some airlines. The announcement comes with lots of economic incentives that would extend into the 2060s.… Continue Reading
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
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump called protesters in Los Angeles “animals” and “a foreign enemy” in a speech at Fort Bragg as he defended deploying the military on those protesting his immigration enforcement. Trump on Tuesday used a speech ostensibly supposed to be used to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army to denounce the protesters in Los Angeles while repeating his false statements about the 2020 election being rigged and attacking the previous commander-in-chief, former President Joe Biden. Trump has used the recent protests in Los Angeles as an opportunity to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines over the objections of California’s governor.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new national poll from the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease reveals strong bipartisan support for FDA-approved vaccines, even as concerns grow over declining childhood immunization rates. Despite lingering mistrust fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans still trust their personal healthcare providers and back continued vaccine development. Experts like Candace DeMatteis say states like North Carolina play a key role in medical innovation—and maintaining public trust and access is essential to protecting public health.
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — North Carolina wildlife officials are sounding the alarm about the rapid spread of Alabama bass, an invasive species now disrupting ecosystems and bass fishing tournaments across the state. First found near the Georgia border, the fish has since spread from Lake Norman to rivers and reservoirs statewide—often through illegal introductions by anglers. Biologists warn the species poses a serious threat to native largemouth and smallmouth bass populations, with potential economic impacts for competitive sport fishing. The Wildlife Resources Commission is urging the public not to move fish between lakes and to report sightings as they work to slow the invasion.… Continue Reading