Black bear sightings are increasing in North Carolina as young males search for new territories during breeding season. Wildlife officials advise residents to secure food sources and give bears space to minimize encounters.… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Triangle/Local
From debate to dialogue: In a contentious era, ‘Ethics Bowl’ offers students a gentler alternative
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The National High School Ethics Bowl has just concluded its competition at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Win or lose, many of the teenage participants say the experience helped them think more deeply about controversial topics. Unlike debate, Ethics Bowl teams are not assigned a specific position. Instead, team members make their own decisions about what they believe to be the true or best position. Scoring is based on how deeply they explore the issues, including other viewpoints. In a time when many are wondering whether it is still possible to have a principled, respectful disagreement over important issues, proponents of Ethics Bowl say it points the way.… Continue Reading
AAA highlights smartphone feature that could reduce distracted driving
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Distracted driving remains a leading factor in crashes across the country, despite laws and awareness efforts aimed at reducing it.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 9% of fatal crashes involve distracted driving, though many researchers believe the actual number is even higher. Despite texting bans in nearly all 50 states, distraction behind the wheel remains a consistent issue – particularly among younger drivers.… Continue Reading
Why the ninebark shrub deserves a spot in your garden
How many of you have ever heard of the Ninebark shrub or Physocarpus opulifolius for those of you who like to get technical? I hadn’t until recently! Since then I have learned that the Ninebark is also referred to in horticulture circles as Common Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, or Eastern Ninebark and is native to the eastern United States including North Carolina. Most frequently seen growing in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina, but seen less often in the central part of the state. It seems to like rocky hillsides and slopes near rivers. You won’t find ninebark growing very much in eastern North Carolina.… Continue Reading
Remembering lives lost: Workers Memorial Day ceremony held in Raleigh
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – More than 100 North Carolinians who died last year while on the job were honored Monday during Workers Memorial Day events in Raleigh. The event is observed annually across the country to recognize those who have died or been injured on the job and to recommit efforts to improving workplace safety. In North Carolina, both advocates and officials emphasized the importance of ongoing safety measures and regulatory enforcement.… Continue Reading
High-Profile sports events score big for Raleigh economy
Raleigh’s spring sports season has delivered a wave of excitement and economic gain, as NCAA Tournament games, N.C. State women’s basketball, and the Carolina Hurricanes’ playoff run drew thousands to local venues. With sold-out crowds at the Lenovo Center and glowing feedback from event organizers, the city continues to prove itself as a major destination for sports and entertainment.… Continue Reading
New psychiatry residency program aims to strengthen mental health care in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A new initiative is expanding mental health services in Eastern North Carolina, with a focus on supporting rural communities and military families. Led by a partnership between the UNC School of Medicine and Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, the program offers a four-year psychiatry residency that blends military, academic, and community healthcare training. As North Carolina continues to face a shortage of mental health providers, healthcare organizations like Novant Health are investing in workforce development and collaborative programs aimed at improving access to care across the state.… Continue Reading
Students and residents protest UNC’s coal plant over health and climate concerns
Dozens of students and Chapel Hill residents rallied to demand that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill stop using coal at its campus co-generation plant. Led by the Sunrise Movement at UNC, the protest spotlighted health concerns, environmental justice issues, and the university’s continued reliance on fossil fuels despite climate commitments. Student organizers say they’ve documented high pollution levels and dismissed community concerns, and they’re now working with allied groups to gather data and propose renewable energy alternatives.… Continue Reading
Duke researchers investigate fungal growth after Hurricane Helene
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Researchers from Duke University have launched a study in Black Mountain, North Carolina, to examine fungal growth in buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene. The team, called Climate and Fungi, is investigating how flood-related fungi form indoors, how they may be adapting to warmer temperatures, and what potential health risks they pose—particularly for people with respiratory conditions.… Continue Reading
Statewide tributes pour in as North Carolinians mourn Pope Francis
North Carolinians are joining the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. Political leaders, religious figures, and local communities across the state have shared messages of remembrance, highlighting the pope’s legacy of compassion, humility, and service. Catholic churches in Raleigh, Charlotte, and beyond are holding prayer services, while leaders from both government and faith organizations reflect on the pope’s influence both globally and locally.… Continue Reading