RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – With the year already halfway over, CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger is urging Americans to use this short holiday week to give their finances a mid-year checkup. From reviewing spending habits to ditching unwanted subscriptions and checking for junk fees, Schlesinger says now is the time to focus on what you can control—before small leaks turn into bigger money problems. … Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A powerful hailstorm wreaked havoc at Atlanta’s main travel hub, damaging 100 planes and diverting 90 flights, just as a notorious cybercriminal group ramps up attacks on U.S. airlines. Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff says the storm caused significant disruptions due to necessary safety inspections, while hackers like ScatteredSpider are compounding chaos during one of the busiest travel seasons. With outdated systems and high-value data, the airline industry is facing both natural and digital threats that could ripple through airports across the country. … Continue Reading
CHICAGO (AP) — When it comes to NASCAR’s return to downtown Chicago, Julie Giese has a long list of responsibilities. The track president is monitoring an ambitious construction schedule for the street course, to go along with everything else that goes into the busy weekend. What happens next is going to have to wait. The future of NASCAR in Chicago is murky going into its third edition. The three-year contract that was announced in 2022 has two mutual options. Giese says there have been “good conversations” between NASCAR and the city, and there is time to work on the possibilities beyond the event.… Continue Reading
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.… Continue Reading
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s tax cut bill could have large implications for states. The legislation nearing completion in Congress could reduce federal funding to states for Medicaid and food assistance programs. But in many states, it’s too late to do much about it this year. Tuesday marks the start of a new budget year in 46 states. Though a few are still working, many state legislatures already have adjourned and had to craft a budget without knowing whether their federal funding would be cut. Some states have set aside money as a precaution. Others are tentatively planning to return in special sessions.… Continue Reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina says he won’t seek reelection. That news Sunday comes one day after he announced his opposition to President Donald Trump’s tax breaks and spending cuts package because of its reductions to health care programs. The announcement from the two-term senator surprised senior Republicans with its timing, but not necessarily the substance. Tillis had planned to announce his reelection plans later this year, likely September at the latest, but had been heavily leaning in favor of retiring. That’s according to a person close to the senator who was granted anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. His decision creates a political opportunity for Democrats seeking to bolster their numbers in the 2026 midterm elections.… Continue Reading
DETROIT (AP) — Aldrich Potgieter made an 18-foot putt for birdie on the fifth playoff hole, outlasting Max Greyserman to win the Rocket Classic on Sunday. It was the longest playoff of the season on the PGA Tour. The 20-year-old from South Africa is the youngest player on the tour and its biggest hitter. He became the ninth player to win for the first time this season. Chris Kirk was eliminated from contention after failing to make a 4-foot putt on the second hole after pushing a 9-foot putt past the cup on the first extra hole with a chance to win the tournament. Potgieter, two strokes ahead entering the round, closed with a 3-under 69, and Greyserman and Kirk each shot 67.… Continue Reading
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.… Continue Reading
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.… Continue Reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans voted in a dramatic Saturday session, clearing a key procedural step as they race to pass President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks, spending cuts and bolstered deportation funds by his July Fourth deadline. The vote tally was 51-49 but only after a tense night. Proceedings came to a standstill as senators huddled in negotiations on and off the floor for hours. There’s still a long weekend of work to come. Republicans are using their majorities in Congress to push aside Democratic opposition. If the Senate can pass the bill in the days ahead, it would need to return to the House for more votes before it could reach the White House.… Continue Reading