Triangle/Local
Is college worth the cost? Universities work to show the return on investment of a degree
WASHINGTON (AP) — For many young Americans, deciding on college has become a complex choice. Increasingly, a main question is whether a degree is worth its cost. Confidence in higher education has dropped due to high tuition, student loans and a tough job market. Colleges are now trying to prove their value. New rankings and reports focus on the financial benefits of degrees. Research shows most bachelor’s degrees still pay off, but not all lead to good salaries. More students are choosing technical schools or trades over four-year universities to avoid debt. In response, colleges are working to align degrees with job market needs.
Ironweed: The resilient perennial transforming North Carolina landscapes
We all want resilient plants for our landscape. Frankly we want something that is cost effective. A plant which fulfills that description and expectation is “Ironweed” (Vernonia noveboracensis). This seems to be the most common variety grown in North Carolina. Anne Clapp used to say: “A weed is a plant you don’t want in your yard,” but you definitely will want Ironweed! It is a popular and hardy herbaceous perennial that you’ll find in a lot of landscapes in North Carolina. Herbaceous means it does not have a woody stem and dies back to the ground after it flowers. By the way, “Ironweed” was named for the English botanist William Vernon who traveled extensively in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s.
High tides raise flood risk in Carolinas as tropical storms churn in Atlantic and Pacific
MIAMI (AP) — A storm without a name and unusual king tides were causing some flooding on the Carolina coast as tropical storms churned in the Atlantic and along Mexico’s Pacific coast. About a dozen streets were already flooded in Charleston, South Carolina, where a high tide of 8.5 feet was forecast Friday morning. The unnamed coastal storm and unusually high king tides threatened to bring days of heavy winds that could cause coastal flooding. Along the Outer Banks, forecasters said the worst weather should occur Friday through the weekend. Tropical Storms Priscilla and Raymond threatened heavy rain along the Mexican coast, and Priscilla could cause flash flooding across the U.S. Southwest through the weekend.
North Carolina state House member charged with sex crimes
HIGH POINT, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina state House member has been charged with sex-related crimes involving a teenager. Court records show six-term Democratic Rep. Cecil Brockman was arrested Wednesday on charges of statutory sexual offense and taking indecent liberties with a child. The alleged crimes involve a 15-year-old. Brockman was jailed without bond. The North Carolina Democratic Party and top state House leaders have called on Brockman to resign immediately. An assistant for Brockman said the legislator didn’t have a comment Thursday morning. A voice message left on a phone number connected to Brockman wasn’t immediately returned. Electronic court records provided no information on an attorney.
Duke researchers receive $15M federal grant to expand AI model designed to predict mental illness
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Researchers at Duke University have received a $15 million federal grant to expand an artificial intelligence model designed to predict mental illness in adolescents. The Duke Predictive Model of Adolescent Mental Health is used to predict who is most likely to develop a mental illness within a year. It also identifies the key factors driving those predictions, creating the potential to offer preventive interventions. The model achieved 84% accuracy in identifying adolescents ranging in age from 10 to 15 who are at risk for future serious mental health issues. The new grant will fund a study of the tool in evaluating 2,000 adolescents in rural areas in North Carolina, Minnesota and North Dakota.
State/Regional
North Carolina GOP’s proposed map seeks to thwart Democratic incumbent’s reelection
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican leaders in North Carolina have proposed a new U.S. House district map that could thwart reelection prospects of a Democratic incumbent in the state’s only swing seat. The map was revealed Thursday ahead of next week’s General Assembly session. It is part of an effort to help President Donald Trump secure more GOP seats nationwide ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The new boundaries focus on the 1st District, currently held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis, who narrowly won reelection in 2024. The changes could help Republicans win 11 of North Carolina’s 14 seats. Democrats have criticized the move, calling it an attempt to undermine fair elections.
North Carolina court: GOP can narrow governor’s appointment powers on some boards
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina appeals court has ruled that the Republican-controlled General Assembly can reduce the governor’s appointments to certain commissions. The court upheld the composition of four boards dealing with the environment, fishing, hunting, and building codes. However, it struck down changes to boards overseeing transportation, economic incentives and public health policies. This decision is part of a long-standing legal fight between Democratic governors and GOP lawmakers who have moved to limit gubernatorial powers.
North Carolina GOP announce plans to vote on new House map amid nationwide redistricting battle
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican legislative leaders say they will vote next week on redrawing the state’s U.S. House district map, with the likely aim of securing another GOP seat within already right-leaning boundaries. The plan announced Monday comes amid an emerging mid-decade battle nationally between Republicans and Democrats seeking advantage in the way U.S. House districts are drawn in several states for the 2026 session. North Carolina Republicans already created a map in 2023 that resulted in GOP candidates winning 10 of the state’s 14 U.S. House seats in 2024. That division compared to the 7-7 seat split between Democrats and the GOP under the map.
North Carolina effort wipes out $6.5B in medical debt for 2.5M people
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Officials say a North Carolina government initiative is eliminating over $6.5 billion in medical debt for more than 2.5 million residents. The totals released Monday exceed initial expectations for the effort announced last year. It offered hospitals extra Medicaid funds if they relieve patients’ debt and implement policies to prevent future liabilities. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein said word of the debt relief is “life-changing news for so many families” struggling with the financial weight of unexpected medical crises. Hospitals are already letting many patients know about their debt relief. A nonprofit group helping in the project is sending more than 250,000 notices this week.
There are no survivors in the blast at a Tennessee explosives factory, sheriff says
A powerful blast ripped through a military explosives manufacturing plant in rural Tennessee on Friday morning, rattling homes miles away and bringing emergency responders to the scene, authorities and residents said.
World/National
Ex-Trump national security adviser Bolton charged with storing and sharing classified information
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton has been charged with storing top secret records at home and sharing with relatives notes that contained classified information. The 18-count indictment Thursday also suggests classified information was exposed when operatives believed linked to the Iranian regime hacked Bolton’s email account in 2021 and gained access to sensitive material he had shared. The investigation into Bolton, who served for more than a year in President Donald Trump’s administration before being fired in 2019 and emerging as an outspoken critic of the Republican leader, burst into public view in August when the FBI searched his home in Maryland and his office in Washington.
Senate Democrats, holding out for health care, reject government funding bill for 10th time
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats are rejecting for the 10th time a stopgap spending bill that would reopen the government. They are insisting they won’t back away from demands that Congress take up health care benefits. The repetition of votes on the funding bill has become a daily drumbeat in Congress. It underscores how intractable the situation has become as the vote has at times been the only item on the agenda for the Senate floor. House Republicans have left Washington altogether. The impasse has lasted over two weeks, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed, even more without a guaranteed payday and Congress essentially paralyzed.
The government shutdown is putting a renewed spotlight on the cracks in the US aviation system
The U.S. government shutdown’s strain on the aviation system is starting to show. An air traffic control tower near Los Angeles closed for six hours less than a week into the shutdown because of a controller shortage. Since the shutdown began Oct. 1, the FAA has reported staffing issues in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Houston. Flight delays have spread to airports in Nashville, Denver, Newark and more. Experts say cracks quickly emerged because the system already was stretched by chronic staffing shortages and aging equipment. They say air travel could face deeper problems if the shutdown continues.
SpaceX launches the 11th test flight of its mega Starship rocket with another win
SpaceX has launched another of its mammoth Starship rockets on a test flight. The 403-foot Starship thundered into the evening sky Monday from Texas. The booster peeled away and made a controlled entry into the Gulf of Mexico as planned, with the spacecraft skimming space before descending into the Indian Ocean. It’s similar to the previous test flight in August, which scored a success following a string of explosive failures. SpaceX’s Elon Musk intends to use Starship to send people to Mars. NASA cannot land astronauts on the moon by decade’s end without Starship.
Trump urges leaders to put ‘old feuds’ aside as he calls for a new era of harmony in the Middle East
SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt (AP) — President Donald Trump is calling for a new era of harmony in the Middle East. Trump spoke Monday during a global summit in Egypt on Gaza’s future, trying to advance broader peace in the region after visiting Israel to celebrate a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas. Trump urges world leaders at the summit to put “the old feuds” to rest and seize momentum, calling the Israel-Hamas ceasefire the first steps to peace. The summit marks a fragile moment of hope for Middle East peace. Trump says there’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance “to declare that our future will not be ruled by the fights of generations past.”
Entertainment
Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, has died. He was 74. Frehley’s agent says he died peacefully Thursday surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. Family members say in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others. Kiss’ hits included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.” It was known for theatrical stage shows with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood. Band members famously wore body armor, platform boots, wigs and their signature black-and-white face paint.
Instagram says it’s safeguarding teens by limiting them to PG-13 content
By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer Teenagers on Instagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default and won’t be able to change their settings without a parent’s permission, Meta announced on Tuesday. This means kids using teen-specific accounts will see photos and videos on Instagram that are similar to what they would see […]
Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather,’ dies at 79, reports say
Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning star known for films like “Annie Hall” and “The Godfather,” has died at 79. People Magazine reported her death on Saturday in California, citing a family spokesperson. No further details were immediately available. The news has shocked fans worldwide. Her unique style and depth made her a standout actor of her generation. She became iconic with roles like Annie Hall and Kay Adams. Her career spanned decades, charming audiences in films like “Baby Boom,” “Father of the Bride,” and “First Wives Club.” Keaton’s legacy in film remains timeless.
Judge tosses out Drake’s defamation lawsuit against label over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has tossed out a defamation lawsuit Drake brought against Universal Music Group over a Kendrick Lamar dis track. Judge Jeannette A. Vargas rejected the lawsuit on Thursday in a written opinion, saying the purportedly libelous words were opinion. The January lawsuit alleged that UMG published and promoted Lamar’s dis track “Not Like Us” even though it included false pedophilia allegations against Drake and suggested listeners should resort to vigilante justice. Lamar was not named in the lawsuit. Universal Music Group is the parent record label for both artists. It denied the allegations.
Dolly Parton responds to concerns about her health: ‘I’m not dying’
NEW YORK (AP) — Dolly Parton says not to worry, she “ain’t dead yet.” That’s what the country superstar shared in a video on social media Wednesday following public speculation about her health. Late last month Parton postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years, citing “health challenges.” She was scheduled to perform six shows in December. Her dates have been moved to next year, in Sept. 2026. She did not provide additional details. On Tuesday, a Facebook posted shared by her sister Freida Parton escalated concerns around Parton’s health when she wrote that she had been “up all night praying for my sister, Dolly.” Dolly Parton has clarified that her doctors say she is dealing with nothing major.
Sports
March Madness in October? Top programs using exhibitions to cash in and check team chemistry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The last weekend of October now looks like the second week of March Madness even though the games don’t count. The NCAA recently changed rules to allow more exhibitions without requiring proceeds to go to charity. This has led to more high-profile matchups between top programs before the season officially starts. The games provide a chance to test chemistry with rosters being overhauled every season because of transfers. They also provide a new revenue source for cash-hungry schools sharing revenue with athletes.
Panthers going for 3 wins in a row for the first time with Bryce Young as QB when they face 0-6 Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Bryce Young’s arrival in Carolina sparked hope for the Panthers. As the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, he’s seen as the quarterback to lead the team back to success. The Panthers are set to face the winless Jets on Sunday, aiming for their third consecutive win. Coach Dave Canales praises the team’s resilience, highlighting a cultural shift. However, the Panthers struggle on the road, with a 0-3 away record. Meanwhile, the Jets are 0-6, with coach Aaron Glenn urging fans to stay patient. New York is coming off a 13-11 loss to Denver in London.
No. 6 Duke picked to win ACC again; NC State’s Darrion Williams named Preseason Player of the Year
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The No. 6 ranked Duke Blue Devils have been picked to repeat as Atlantic Coast Conference champions, despite losing Cooper Flagg and four other players to the NBA draft. Duke received 34 of 49 first-place votes from the media panel. Louisville, which lost to Duke in last season’s ACC championship game, received the other 15 first-place votes and was selected to finish second. N.C. State’s Darrion Williams has been named the conference’s Preseason Player of the Year. Williams was also named first-team All-ACC, along with Duke’s Cameron Boozer, who was named Preseason Rookie of the Year.
Carrier, Robinson score late in 2nd period and Hurricanes beat Sharks 5-1 to improve to 3-0
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — William Carrier and Eric Robinson scored 4 1/2 minutes apart late in the second period, and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the San Jose Sharks 5-1. Sean Walker Shayne Gostisbehere and Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes, who have won three straight to open the season. Logan Stankoven had two assists and Brandon Bussi stopped 16 shots in his NHL debut. William Eklund scored for San Jose, and Alex Nedeljkovic finished with 38 saves. San Jose had opened the season with two overtime losses. The Hurricanes topped 40 shots on goal for the second straight game, and held the Sharks without a shot in the third period. Sharks rookie center Michael Misa, the second overall pick in this year’s draft made his NHL debut.
Bill Belichick says he never sought an early departure from the North Carolina job
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick has denied reports that he’s been seeking an exit strategy from his North Carolina coaching role. Belichick says “some of the reports out last week about my looking for a buyout and trying to leave here and all that, it’s just categorically false.” Belichick was making his first public comments since a blowout loss to Clemson. During the second of two off weeks in a three-week span, the subject of Belichick’s future with the Tar Heels was a hot topic, so much so that last Wednesday the university released brief statements from the coach and athletics director reaffirming commitments between Belichick and the school.
