Category Archives: WPTF News

Education Department layoffs hit offices that oversee special education and civil rights enforcement

Education Department layoffs hit offices that oversee special education and civil rights enforcement

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new round of layoffs at the Education Department is depleting an agency that was already hit hard in the Trump administration’s previous mass firings, threatening new disruption to the nation’s students and schools. The Trump administration started laying off 466 Education Department staffers on Friday amid mass firings across the government meant to pressure Democratic lawmakers over the federal shutdown. The layoffs would cut the agency’s workforce by nearly a fifth and leave it reduced by more than half its size when President Donald Trump took office. The cuts threaten disruption in areas from special education to civil rights enforcement and after-school programs.… Continue Reading

Living Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are freed as part of Gaza ceasefire

Living Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are freed as part of Gaza ceasefire

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — All 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza and scores of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel have walked free as part of a ceasefire pausing two years of war. The conflict decimated the Gaza Strip, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, triggered other conflicts in the Middle East, and had left scores of captives in militant hands. Speaking to parliament, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared he was “committed to this peace.” That raised hopes that the ruinous war might come to an end. But fundamental questions remain over when and how.… Continue Reading

Dowdle has 239 yards from scrimmage vs. former team as Panthers beat Cowboys on FG as time expires

Dowdle has 239 yards from scrimmage vs. former team as Panthers beat Cowboys on FG as time expires

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rico Dowdle went over 200 yards from scrimmage for the second straight week — this time against his former team — and rookie Ryan Fitzgerald kicked a 33-yard field goal as time expired as the Carolina Panthers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 30-27 in a wild back-and-forth game. Bryce Young completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards and threw two of his three touchdown passes to rookie Tetairoa McMillan. The Panthers improved to 3-0 at home. Dowdle ran for 183 yards on 30 carries and caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers, who beat the Cowboys for the first time in three years at home.… Continue Reading

Israel lays out plans for hostage release and prisoner swap expected on Monday

Israel lays out plans for hostage release and prisoner swap expected on Monday

CAIRO (AP) — Preparations are underway for aid to enter Gaza and for the release of hostages under a new ceasefire deal. The truce has brought cautious calm to the area. On Monday, all the living hostages among the 48 still held by Hamas are expected to be freed. U.S. President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Israel to witness the release and will later attend a peace summit in Egypt. The release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel is also part of the deal. The United Nations has aid ready to enter Gaza once Israel approves. The war, which began in 2023, has caused significant destruction and loss of life.… Continue Reading

Jarvis scores winner late in OT as Hurricanes top Flyers 4-3

Jarvis scores winner late in OT as Hurricanes top Flyers 4-3

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Seth Jarvis scored with 16.7 seconds left in overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes to a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Jarvis also scored the go-ahead goal in Carolina’s season-opening win over New Jersey. Jarvis, who has three goals this season, is building off his 2024-25 season when he was the team’s leading goal scorer. Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall and Jordan Staal also scored for the Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen made 20 saves. Bobby Brink had a goal and an assist and Owen Tippett and Travis Sanheim also scored for the Flyers. Samuel Ersson stopped 35 shots.… Continue Reading

No. 16 Notre Dame pulls away from NC State in second half for fourth consecutive win

No. 16 Notre Dame pulls away from NC State in second half for fourth consecutive win

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — C.J. Carr passed for 342 yards and two touchdowns and No. 16 Notre Dame pulled away from N.C. State in the second half for a 36-7 victory. Carr connected on 19 of 31 passes, including TD tosses of 18 yards to K.K. Smith and 12 yards to Will Pauling in the third quarter. Jeremiyah Love rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns for Notre Dame (4-2), which has won four in a row. The Fighting Irish outscored the Wolfpack 26-0 in the second half. C.J. Bailey connected with Terrell Anderson on a 45-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter for the Wolfpack (4-3).… Continue Reading

Trump directs the Pentagon to use ‘all available funds’ to ensure troops are paid despite shutdown

Trump directs the Pentagon to use ‘all available funds’ to ensure troops are paid despite shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s directed the Defense Department to use “all available funds” to ensure that U.S. troops are paid on Wednesday despite the government shutdown. Trump said in a social media post Saturday that he was acting because “our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th.” He said he was using his authority as commander in chief to direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “to use all available funds” to pay the troops. They were in danger of not receiving their next paycheck on Wednesday after the government shut down on Oct. 1.… Continue Reading

Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather,’ dies at 79, reports say

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.… Continue Reading

Panthers running back Rico Dowdle says Cowboys’ 32nd-ranked defense better ‘buckle up’ on Sunday

Panthers running back Rico Dowdle says Cowboys’ 32nd-ranked defense better ‘buckle up’ on Sunday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has sent a strong message to his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, after rushing for a career-best 206 yards against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Dowdle, who spent five seasons with the Cowboys, said the upcoming game will be very physical and warned the Cowboys that they better buckle up. The Cowboys, who have the 32nd-ranked defense, insist they’ll be prepared. Dowdle’s performance came as he filled in for the injured Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard was ruled out for a second straight game on Friday after not practicing all week.… Continue Reading

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