raleigh Archives

Brian Smith named new president and CEO of GoTriangle

GoTriangle has announced that Brian Smith will take over as President and CEO of the regional transit agency beginning June 1, 2025. Smith brings over 16 years of experience from Hampton Roads Transit in Virginia, where he advanced to Deputy CEO and led numerous initiatives focused on expanding service, enhancing reliability, and fostering regional collaboration. His appointment comes as GoTriangle continues to implement a long-term strategic plan aimed at meeting growing transit needs across the Triangle.… Continue Reading

Supporters rally for Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs amid legal battle

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Supporters of Democratic Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs held a rally near the Legislative Building to criticize the ongoing legal effort to overturn Riggs’ less than 800 vote lead over Jefferson Griffin. Riggs spoke at the rally, criticizing the ongoing legal battle over overseas and military votes. The justices ruled that about 5,000 military and overseas voters must prove their identity within 30 days or risk having their ballots invalidated. A vast majority of 60,000 votes were allowed to stand. Riggs says she will take the issue to Federal Court.… Continue Reading

Janet Cowell officially sworn in as Raleigh Mayor

RALEIGH, N.C. — Janet Cowell, a seasoned public servant, has been officially sworn in as Raleigh’s new mayor after winning the election on November 5.

Cowell’s career includes roles as a Raleigh City Council member, state Senator and state Treasurer. She is set to serve a two-year term. In an interview with WPTF, Cowell shared her vision for the future of Raleigh. She emphasized her commitment to addressing the concerns voiced by residents during her campaign, including inclusivity and sustainability.… Continue Reading

Man charged in North Carolina highway shootings will remain in jail for now

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Police say a man accused of firing at occupied cars around North Carolina’s capital city has been charged with assault. Raleigh police said Friday morning that the 23-year-old suspect was also charged with 11 counts of firing a weapon into an occupied vehicle or dwelling. A second person who was detained at the time of his arrest has been released without any charges. The case began to get attention after several people reported gunfire on Interstate 40 in Raleigh and suburban Cary around the Wednesday morning rush hour. Reports of other similar shootings then emerged.… Continue Reading

Father of teenage suspect in Hedingham mass shooting pleads guilty to gun storage crime

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The father of a teenager accused in a 2022 mass shooting in North Carolina’s capital city that left five people dead has pleaded guilty to storing improperly a handgun that authorities said was found with his son after the shootings. Media outlets report Alan Thompson entered the plea in Wake County court. He received a suspended jail sentence and some probation. Son Austin Thompson is accused of murder and other charges and faces a 2025 trial. He was 15 when the shootings occurred in Raleigh. His older brother was among those killed. The father’s attorney said Alan Thompson saw no warning signs that his son would commit violence.… Continue Reading

BugFest infests downtown Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences hosted its annual BugFest in downtown Raleigh on Saturday. The event featured exhibits, hands-on activities, and education on the world of insects. This year’s focus was on the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths. There were butterfly encounter tents, as well as education stations where the public could talk to real-world entomologists. Butterflies and moths might have been the stars of the show, but bugs of all kinds were represented. One of the most popular events was the Roachingham 500, a cockroach race.… Continue Reading

Inmates Help Officer After Medical Emergency at Wake County Detention Center

Detention Officer Rosina Rosado in the Wake County Detention Center (Photo credit: Anthony DeHart, WPTF/Curtis Media Group). Anthony DeHart On Thursday, November 17, Detention Officer Rosina Rosado collapsed in a dormitory due to a medical emergency. To her surprise, the very inmates she was supervising ran to her aid. “I was with about 60 inmates”,…… Continue Reading