Category Archives: Triangle/Local

Federal grand jury indicts man for fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee on North Carolina train

Federal grand jury indicts man for fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee on North Carolina train

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted a man for fatally stabbing a Ukrainian refugee on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina. The indictment on Wednesday charges him with causing death on a mass transportation system, keeping the possibility of a federal death penalty on the table. Brown allegedly stabbed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in a random attack captured on video. Brown had cycled through the criminal justice system for more than a decade, including earlier this year when he was arrested after repeatedly calling 911 from a hospital, claiming people were trying to control him.… Continue Reading

COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors

COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors

WASHINGTON (AP) — The most widely used COVID-19 vaccines may offer a surprise benefit for some cancer patients by boosting their immune systems to help fight tumors. Research reported Wednesday in the journal Nature found that people with advanced lung or skin cancer lived longer if they received a Pfizer or Moderna shot within 100 days of starting a type of immunotherapy. The mRNA in these vaccines appears to enhance the immune system’s response. Now the research team is preparing a more rigorous study of the potential connection, to see if mRNA vaccines should be deliberately paired with cancer drugs called checkpoint inhibitors.… Continue Reading

Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights

Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights

NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians are celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali, marking the victory of light over darkness. Homes and streets across the country were illuminated Monday. The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and typically fall in late October or early November. The festival involves socializing, exchanging gifts and setting off fireworks. The celebrations were most visible in Ayodhya city in Uttar Pradesh state, where over 2.6 million lamps were lit. Hindus believe the deity Lord Ram was born there and returned after 14 years in exile. People light earthen lamps to mark his homecoming.… Continue Reading

How to watch the Orionid meteor shower, debris of Halley’s comet

How to watch the Orionid meteor shower, debris of Halley’s comet

The Orionid meteor shower peaks this year with the arrival of a new moon, offering a rare chance to see shooting stars without moonlight interference. During Tuesday morning’s peak, exerts predict up to 20 meteors per hour could be visible under ideal conditions. Viewing lasts until early November. The source of the Orionids is debris from Halley’s comet. You don’t need special equipment to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually, just a spot away from city lights.… Continue Reading

Is college worth the cost? Universities work to show the return on investment of a degree

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.… Continue Reading

Ironweed: The resilient perennial transforming North Carolina landscapes

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.… Continue Reading

High tides raise flood risk in Carolinas as tropical storms churn in Atlantic and Pacific

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.… Continue Reading

North Carolina state House member charged with sex crimes

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.… Continue Reading

Duke researchers receive $15M federal grant to expand AI model designed to predict mental illness

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.… Continue Reading

Battleship North Carolina to honor U.S. Navy and Marine Corps anniversaries

Battleship North Carolina to honor U.S. Navy and Marine Corps anniversaries

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WPTF) — As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the Battleship North Carolina is inviting Americans to participate in a significant act of remembrance and gratitude. In honor of the 250th anniversaries, the Battleship will raise 250 American flags, each representing the generations who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

The ceremonial flag raisings are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13, coinciding with the Navy Anniversary, and Monday, Nov. 10, for the Marine Corps Anniversary. These events will take place aboard the historic ship in collaboration with the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.… Continue Reading

Recent News

Powered By SoCast