Triangle/Local
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.
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.
Serviceberry: A little-known native tree that birds (and gardeners) love
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Many years ago, my family and I were visiting relatives in Ohio in early April. On the way back home it snowed, although it did not stick to the roads. It stopped snowing as we were coming down Fancy Gap mountain on the Virginia-North Carolina border, just north of Mount Airy. I have vivid memories of a tree with white blooms that caught my eye. It was a Serviceberry (Amelanchier) which is in the rose family. It is also called Shadbush, Shadblow, Juneberry, and Sugarplum. Native to all three regions of North Carolina and I had never seen one, so I read up on it and asked my “WPTF Weekend Gardener” co-host Anne Clapp about this interesting tree.
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.
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.
State/Regional
North Carolina governor vetoes anti-DEI and transgender rights bills, calling them ‘mean-spirited’
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed three anti-DEI bills and another targeting transgender rights. Stein criticized on Thursday the Republican-led legislature for prioritizing what he called “mean-spirited” bills that it sent to his desk. The anti-DEI bills would cut or eliminate diversity programs in government and education. The transgender-related bill includes restrictions on state-funded gender-affirming care for prisoners and other provisions. Republicans argue these laws promote fairness and parental rights. The legislature may attempt to override the vetoes later this month. Stein has vetoed 11 bills since January, all within the past two weeks.
Medicaid, food aid recipients worry about safety net cuts in bill sent to Trump
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The nation’s social safety net would face massive changes under a bill headed to President Donald Trump’s desk. There would be a work requirement for many people to get or keep Medicaid health insurance, and a similar requirement for older adults to receive food assistance. Paperwork requirements would also increase. Planned Parenthood could no longer get federal funding for its non-abortion health services. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says that by 2034, the bill would result in nearly 12 million more uninsured people in the U.S. Supporters say the measures will save taxpayers money, enhance personal responsibility and block fraud.
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.
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.
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.
World/National
The House gives final approval to Trump’s big tax bill and sends it to him to sign
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have propelled President Donald Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill to final congressional passage. Republicans overcame multiple setbacks to approve his signature second-term policy package Thursday before a Fourth of July deadline. GOP leaders worked overnight and the president himself leaned on a handful of skeptics to drop their opposition and send the bill to his desk to become law. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York delayed voting by holding the floor for more than eight hours with a record-breaking speech against the bill.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Entertainment
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is denied bail after mixed verdict clears him of top charges in sex crimes case
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.
No verdict on first day of jury deliberations at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial
NEW YORK (AP) — Jury deliberations got underway in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial and quickly hit a snag. But, by end of day Monday, jurors indicated they were making progress weighing complex charges that could put the hip-hop mogul in prison for life. The first day of deliberations saw several notes from the jury and Combs and his supporters bowing their heads in prayer in the courtroom — but no verdict. The jury of eight men and four women are sifting through sometimes graphic and emotional testimony about the rap, fashion and reality TV impresario’s propensity for violence and his sexual predilections, including drug-fueled sex marathons dubbed “freak-offs.”
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.
Fans criticize Beyoncé for shirt calling Native Americans ‘the enemies of peace’
A T-shirt worn by Beyoncé during a Juneteenth performance on her Cowboy Carter tour has caused a wave of criticism for the Houston-born pop star. The T-shirt worn during a concert in Paris featured images of the Buffalo Soldiers, who belonged to Black U.S. Army units active during the late 1800s and early 1900s. On the back was a lengthy description of the soldiers that included “their antagonists were the enemies of peace, order and settlement: warring Indians, bandits, cattle thieves, murderous gunmen, bootleggers, trespassers, and Mexican revolutionaries.” Several Native influencers, performers, and academics took to social media this week to criticize Beyoncé or decry the shirt’s language as anti-Indigenous.
China’s humanoid robots generate more soccer excitement than their human counterparts
BEIJING (AP) — Humanoid robots have captivated fans in Beijing with a fully autonomous soccer match powered by artificial intelligence. On Saturday, four teams of robots competed in a 3-on-3 tournament, marking a first in China and previewing the upcoming World Humanoid Robot Games. Organizers highlighted that the robots operated independently, using AI-driven strategies without human intervention. Equipped with advanced sensors, they navigated the field and even stood up after falling, though some needed assistance. Tsinghua University’s team won the final match, defeating China Agricultural University 5–3. The event reflects China’s push to develop AI-powered robots, using sports as a testing ground.
Sports
Nikolaj Ehlers chooses the Carolina Hurricanes, taking the NHL’s top free agent off the market
The long wait for Nikolaj Ehlers’ free agent decision is over. Ehlers decided to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, taking the top player available off the market more than 72 hours since the NHL’s signing period began. Ehlers agreed to terms on a six-year contract worth $51 million. He’ll count $8.5 million against the salary cap through 2031. Carolina had plenty of space to add the speedy, productive Danish winger. The 29-year-old joins a core that has reached the playoffs seven consecutive seasons with two trips to the Eastern Conference final over the past three springs.
Supreme Court will take up a new case about which school sports teams transgender students can join
WASHINGTON (AP) — Just two weeks ago, the Supreme Court upheld a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. On Thursday, the justices said they’ll review lower court rulings in favor of transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia. The case will be argued in the fall. West Virginia’s attorney general calls it “a great day, as female athletes in West Virginia will have their voices heard.” Lawyers on the other side say they stand ready to defend the lower-court rulings. More than two dozen states have enacted laws restricting transgender women and girls from participating in certain sports. Some of these laws have been blocked in court.
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.
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.
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.