Triangle/Local
Wake County public libraries offer free online tutoring
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Wake County Public Libraries (WCPL) has partnered with Tutor.com to offer free, on-demand online tutoring for all library cardholders. This new service provides students, parents, and adult learners with help across a wide range of subjects, including many available in Spanish. Through Tutor.com, library cardholders can receive one-on-one assistance in math, science, English, and more via two-way text-chat. The service supports learners of all ages, including homework help, test prep, and writing improvement.
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.
Carolina Hurricanes home arena to be renamed “Lenovo Center” in new naming rights deal
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – The Carolina Hurricanes’ home arena will soon have a new name, following a 10-year agreement between Lenovo and Hurricanes Holdings, LLC. The arena will be renamed “Lenovo Center,” a change that will last through the 2033-34 National Hockey League season. The naming rights deal was approved by the Centennial Authority, which oversees the arena. As part of the expanded partnership, Lenovo will become the official technology partner of the Hurricanes. The organization plans to implement Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology throughout the arena to enhance the fan experience.
Wake County to celebrate 6th annual Community Day on Saturday
RALEIGH (WPTF) – Wake County residents are invited to participate in the sixth annual Community Day on Saturday. County officials say the event is designed to strengthen community ties and provide resources to local families. Attendees can explore job opportunities, legal advice, childcare options and health services while enjoying a day of entertainment for all ages.
NC Central University to hold special passport acceptance fairs for first-time customers
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A Triangle area university is helping people obtain a passport without an appointment. Two special passport acceptance fairs will be held at North Carolina Central University on October 3rd and 4th. The events are only for first-time customers. The facilities don’t actually issue passports at the fair. Instead, the facility mails your application to the U.S. Department of State.
State/Regional
Wind, rain but maybe no name as tropical disturbance approaches Carolinas coast
MIAMI (AP) — Heavy winds and rains from a storm in the Atlantic that wasn’t quite organized enough to get a name hit a stretch of the southeastern U.S. coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm system reached the South Carolina coast Monday afternoon and was moving inland across the Carolinas. The system didn’t have an official name as forecasters said Potential Tropical Cyclone No. 8 never organized enough to be named Helene. The storm did flood several blocks of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, and bring widespread wind gusts over 40 mph.
State Board of Education chair Eric Davis says NC schools are closing achievement gaps caused by pandemic
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – The pandemic recovery is continuing in classrooms but one of the state’s top education leaders says there’s still plenty of work that needs to be done. State Board of Education chair Eric Davis was a recent guest on Carolina Newsmakers hosted by Don Curtis. He said student test results are trending in the right direction. “We’re closing the gap that was created by the pandemic,” said Davis. “And I want to thank our teachers, principals, parents, students and all of those who volunteered to help our students catch up, recover and close that gap that the pandemic created.”
North Carolina’s absentee ballot release was delayed by RFK Jr. ruling, but will begin next week
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s first absentee ballots for the November election will now be distributed starting late next week. North Carolina had been poised to be the first in the nation to send out ballots to voters for the fall elections on Sept. 6. But that didn’t happen as appeals court judges prevented ballots containing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name from going out. Kennedy had suspended his presidential campaign and was successful in getting his name removed. The State Board of Elections announced Friday that ballots requested by military and overseas voters would be sent Sept. 20, with ballot packets to conventional in-state voters going out starting Sept. 24.
Republicans challenge North Carolina decision that lets students show university’s mobile ID
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Republican Party has sued North Carolina’s elections board to block students and employees at the state’s flagship public university from showing a digital identification to comply with a photo ID law. The Republican National Committee and North Carolina filed the state court lawsuit Thursday. That is three weeks after the Democratic majority on the State Board of Elections approved the “Mobile UNC One Card” generated by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a qualifying ID. The Republicans say state law only allows a qualifying ID in a physical form. Voting hasn’t yet started in North Carolina.
In swing states, Harris touts Republican endorsements while Trump leans into incendiary rhetoric
CHARLOTTE (AP) — Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have launched campaign blitzes with dramatically different approaches to attracting swing-state voters who will decide the presidential contest. Harris started in North Carolina making a broad appeal. She played up endorsements from Republicans who have crossed the aisle to back her. She also promised to protect access to health care and abortion while taking digs at Trump. In Arizona, Trump leaned heavily into his most incendiary rhetoric, aimed mostly at his core supporters. He also added a new promise to exempt overtime wages from taxation.
World/National
Trump blames Biden and Harris’ rhetoric toward him despite his own history of going after rivals
NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is blaming rhetoric from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the apparent assassination attempt on him in Florida despite his own history of going after rivals. This year’s presidential campaign was among the most turbulent in American history even before Sunday’s incident in Florida. Trump was safe after the incident in Florida and praised the Secret Service for protecting him, but didn’t shy away from quickly blaming his opponents. By contrast, Biden steered clear of politics. He said Monday that “thank God” Trump is OK and said the Secret Service “needs more help.”
Vance and Georgia Gov. Kemp project Republican unity at evangelical event after Trump tensions
ATLANTA (AP) — A leading conservative Christian group is putting on a show of Republican unity in Georgia. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and presidential nominee Donald Trump’s campaign used a Faith & Freedom Coalition dinner to cement their new détente after years of tensions. And Trump’s running mate JD Vance tried to smooth over differences on abortion policy across the evangelical community ahead of Election Day. Faith & Freedom Coalition co-founder Ralph Reed brought Vance and Kemp to the same stage with a shared focus. That was to advocate for Trump, criticize Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and ignore Trump’s previous attacks on Kemp for his refusal to help overturn President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
Pipeline explosion near Houston erupts in a towering flame, forcing evacuations
DEER PARK, Texas (AP) — A massive pipeline fire in suburban Houston has been shooting a towering flame into the air for hours. First responders evacuated a surrounding neighborhood where some homes have caught fire. Officials say the firefighters were dispatched at 9:55 a.m. on Monday in Deer Park and La Porte. A playground near the fire was damaged and firefighters poured water on homes near the blaze. The pipeline is operated by Dallas-based Energy Transfer. The company says the 20-inch pipeline is shut down but local officials say it will take hours more, if not into Tuesday, before residual natural gas liquids flow out of the pipeline.
Ohio town cancels cultural festival after furor over Haitians
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio city at the center of a political furor over Haitian migrants has canceled its annual celebration of cultural diversity after days of violent threats closed schools and government offices. Springfield, Ohio, officials announced Monday that a two-day CultureFest starting Sept. 27 is being canceled because of threats and safety concerns. Springfield gained attention recently after former President Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance amplified debunked claims about Haitian immigrants eating domestic pets and waterfowl. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine denounced the false rumors and said Monday that dozens of Ohio State Highway Patrol members will soon be stationed in Springfield schools for added security.
Suspect in apparent assassination attempt on Trump was near golf course for 12 hours, records show
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The man suspected in an apparent assassination attempt targeting former President Donald Trump camped outside a golf course with food and a rifle for nearly 12 hours before a Secret Service agent confronted him and opened fire. That’s according to court documents filed Monday. Ryan Wesley Routh, who is 58, faces charges of possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Additional and more serious charges are possible as the investigation continues and Justice Department prosecutors seek an indictment from a grand jury.
Entertainment
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces federal charges in New York, his lawyer says
NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs faces federal charges in New York. That’s according to his lawyer Marc Agnifilo, who said Monday that the prosecution is unfair. The charges come from an investigation of the hip-hop mogul that was revealed when Homeland Security agents raided Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March. The scrutiny of the hugely influential hip-hop producer and executive was brought on by a series of sexual abuse lawsuits filed in recent months. Combs attorney have said the allegations are meritless and he is innocent.
Jane’s Addiction cancels its tour in the wake of an onstage concert fracas
BOSTON (AP) — The alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction has scuttled its latest tour following an onstage scuffle between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro. In a statement, the bands says it made the “difficult decision to take some time away as a group.” The move comes after videos captured Farrell lunging at Navarro at a Friday concert in Boston. The band’s “Imminent Redemption” tour started in early August and was to end on Oct. 16 at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. The band is known for edgy, punk-inspired hits “Been Caught Stealing” and “Mountain Song.”
Tito Jackson, member of beloved pop group the Jackson 5, dies at 70
Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5, has died at age 70. His sons announced their father’s death late Sunday in an Instagram post. Jackson was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet. The Jackson 5 included brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. They signed with Berry Gordy’s Motown empire in the 1960s. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and produced several No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There.”
Connie Chung launched a generation of Asian American girls named Connie. She had no idea
NEW YORK (AP) — Some public figures achieve immortality with buildings or monuments named after them. Veteran broadcaster Connie Chung has a namesake brand of marijuana, as well as hundreds of Asian American women as a living legacy. Chung found out a few years back from a journalist named Connie Wang about Chinese immigrants who named their daughters after her, as a visible model of success in this country that they could strive for. Chung, who’s now 78, this fall has released a memoir of her life, which doubles as a history of broadcast news in the late 2000s, including her ill-fated partnership with Dan Rather and dodging the legendary rivalry between Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer.
‘Shogun’ and ‘Hacks’ win top series Emmy Awards and ‘The Bear’ and ‘Baby Reindeer’ take 4 apiece
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Shogun” won best drama series in a record-setting year, while “Hacks” was the surprise winner of best comedy series at the Emmy Awards. “Shogun” took best actor and best actress Sunday, as stars Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actors to win Emmys. Overall the show won 18 Emmys, a record for a single season. “The Bear” won four including best actor for Jeremy Allen White. But it was upset for best comedy by “Hacks,” which also won best comedy actress for Jean Smart. “Baby Reindeer” won four times including two Emmys for creator and star Richard Gadd.
Sports
Dave Canales’ decision to bench Bryce Young raises questions about No. 1 pick’s future in Carolina
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Dave Canales’ decision to bench Bryce Young raises serious questions about the 2023 No. 1 overall pick’s future with the Carolina Panthers. Canales made the move on Monday, less than 24 hours after saying in his postgame news conference that Young would remain the team’s starter despite another dreadful performance in a 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Canales said he changed his mind after watching video Sunday night and consulting with the front office. There is no indication that this is a temporary move. That means the Panthers could be looking to draft a quarterback in the first round again next year.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin says Wake Forest violated an ‘unwritten rule’ in buying out 2025 game
Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin says Wake Forest violated “an unwritten rule” by buying its way out of next year’s matchup, leaving the Rebels in search of another major-conference opponent. The fifth-ranked Rebels beat the Demon Deacons 40-6 on Saturday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as part of a scheduled home-and-home series. There won’t be a rematch next season in Oxford, Mississippi. A person with knowledge of the decision confirmed that Wake Forest canceled next year’s trip to Ole Miss and said the school is closing in on alternative scheduling options.
Oakmont’s massive greens will be even bigger when the US Open returns next summer for a 10th time
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Oakmont’s already massive greens will be even more daunting when the men’s U.S. Open returns next summer for a record 10th time. The club situated in the northern Pittsburgh suburbs has restored more than 24,000 square feet of green surface over the last two years as part of a renovation guided by golf course architect Gil Hanse. The renovations will allow the USGA to experiment with new pin placements when the men’s championship returns to Oakmont for the first time since 2016.
Bryce Young benched by Panthers after QB’s rough start; Andy Dalton will start vs. Raiders
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have benched 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young after the second-year quarterback’s rough start to the season. Andy Dalton will take over as the starter for Carolina’s next game on Sunday at Las Vegas. Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he made the decision after watching game film from Sunday’s 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Buescher plays spoiler at Watkins Glen in chaotic NASCAR playoff race
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) — Chris Buescher won Sunday at Watkins Glen International, leading a string of five non-playoff drivers to the finish in a NASCAR Cup race marred by late wrecks, shredded tires, and busted parts among the championship contenders. The chaos on the 2.45-mile road course at The Glen — in the playoffs for the first time before it returns to an August date next year — shook up the playoff standings heading into the cutoff race. Buescher held off Shane van Gisbergen in the thrilling two final overtime laps to play spoiler. Chase Briscoe, who entered 16th in the playoff standings and 21 points behind the cutline, was sixth and the highest-finishing playoff driver in the field in the second race in NASCAR’s postseason.
