Category Archives: WPTF News

Star Trek plans packed lineup for the franchise’s 60th anniversary, with Lego sets and YouTube show

Star Trek plans packed lineup for the franchise’s 60th anniversary, with Lego sets and YouTube show

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Not many franchises have fueled society’s timeless fascination with the boundless possibilities of a utopian future like “Star Trek.” Come next year, the sprawling franchise will add more shows, Lego sets and even a Rose Parade Float in a yearlong celebration of its 60th anniversary. The franchise announced a hefty lineup of “fan-centric” celebrations on its 59th anniversary Monday, in anticipation of their six-decade run coming this time next year, with more to be announced at a later date. The sci-fi franchise began with the TV show created by Gene Roddenberry in 1966 and has since sprawled into a multi-billion dollar cultural phenomenon.… Continue Reading

Jury selection begins in the trial of the man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump in Florida

Jury selection begins in the trial of the man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump in Florida

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — Jury selection has begun in the trial of Ryan Routh, who is charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at a golf course in South Florida. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon approved Routh’s request to represent himself but insisted on standby counsel. Jury selection started Monday, with three batches of 60 jurors arriving at the federal courtroom in Fort Pierce. Routh wanted to ask potential jurors about their views on the war in Gaza and the talk of the U.S. acquiring Greenland, but the judge said those questions were irrelevant. Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and several firearm violations.… Continue Reading

Judge OKs settlement in North Carolina voter registration lawsuit by Justice Department

Judge OKs settlement in North Carolina voter registration lawsuit by Justice Department

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A federal judge has approved a settlement in a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department against North Carolina election officials. The lawsuit demanded officials collect missing identification numbers from what became more than 100,000 registered voters. U.S. District Judge Richard Myers signed the consent agreement Monday. The lawsuit accused the state board of violating the Help America Vote Act by not ensuring accurate registration records for federal elections. The state board had already started a project to address this issue in mid-July that included a public database and mailings. So far, more than 22,000 voter records have been successfully amended.… Continue Reading

Carlos Alcaraz beats rival Jannik Sinner at the U.S. Open for a 6th Slam title and the No. 1 ranking

Carlos Alcaraz beats rival Jannik Sinner at the U.S. Open for a 6th Slam title and the No. 1 ranking

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz has reasserted his superiority over Jannik Sinner with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory in the U.S. Open final. Sunday’s showdown was the third Grand Slam tournament in a row where these elite, young rivals met to decide the champion. Alcaraz claimed his second trophy at Flushing Meadows and sixth overall at a major. President Donald Trump sat in a sponsor’s suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium and received a mix of cheers and boos when he offered a wave beforehand and again when he was shown on videoboards after the first set. The match’s start was delayed by about a half-hour because of extra security.… Continue Reading

Denny Hamlin advances in NASCAR playoffs at Gateway with 200th Cup win for Toyota

Denny Hamlin advances in NASCAR playoffs at Gateway with 200th Cup win for Toyota

MADISON, Ill. (AP) — Denny Hamlin won from the pole position at World Wide Technology Raceway, playing the strategy perfectly to lead the final 25 laps in his series-high fifth victory this season. With his 59th career win, Hamlin advanced to the second round of the Cup Series playoffs and joined Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe, who finished second. Hamlin made his final stop with 44 laps remaining, and he cycled to the front on a caution 15 laps later. The Virginia native seized the lead from Brad Keselowski on the restart, delivering the 200th win in NASCAR’s premier series for Toyota.… Continue Reading

Lawrence and Etienne deliver as Jaguars open new regime with a 26-10 victory over the Panthers

Lawrence and Etienne deliver as Jaguars open new regime with a 26-10 victory over the Panthers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence threw a touchdown pass, Travis Etienne ran for 143 yards and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Carolina Panthers 26-10 to give their new regime a debut victory. Brian Thomas Jr. also ran for a score for Jacksonville, which controlled both lines of scrimmage and kept Lawrence upright all afternoon. The game was delayed 1 hour, 16 minutes because of nearby lightning strikes. Bryce Young turned in another season-opening stinker. He had a TD pass to Chuba Hubbard, two interceptions and a fumble. He also made a head-scratching throw out of the back of the end zone on a fourth-down play.… Continue Reading

Mahjong nights draw young crowds to San Francisco bars and restaurants

Mahjong nights draw young crowds to San Francisco bars and restaurants

San Francisco (AP) — Ryan Lee has turned his love of mahjong into a thriving social scene in San Francisco. After getting hooked on the classic Chinese tile game two years ago, he started hosting mahjong nights in his apartment. These gatherings grew into the YLL Mahjong Club, which now hosts bimonthly events with up to 200 guests. The club attracts a diverse crowd with its nightclub atmosphere, live DJs and custom cocktails. Mahjong is gaining popularity as people desire more opportunities to socialize offline. Eventbrite reports a 179% increase in U.S. mahjong events from 2023 to 2024. Lee plans to expand the club to other U.S. cities.… Continue Reading

Belichick on Patriots: ‘I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours’

Belichick on Patriots: ‘I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick has started a new chapter as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. After leaving the New England Patriots in January 2024, his relationship with the team has soured. Reports say he banned a Patriots scout from attending practices, Belichick confirmed that on Saturday, stating: “It’s clear I’m not welcomed in their facility, so they aren’t welcomed in ours.” Belichick won his first game with the Tar Heels on Saturday, beating Charlotte 20-3. Despite the win, Belichick deflected praise, emphasizing the team effort. His debut game on Monday ended in a loss to TCU, drawing criticism from detractors.… Continue Reading

Bill Belichick earns first win as college head coach as North Carolina defeats Charlotte 20-3

Bill Belichick earns first win as college head coach as North Carolina defeats Charlotte 20-3

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bill Belichick has secured his first win as a college head coach. North Carolina defeated Charlotte 20-3 on a rainy Saturday. Gio Lopez threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Chris Culliver on the first possession. Davion Gause added a 12-yard rushing score. North Carolina’s defense held Charlotte to 271 yards and forced two turnovers. This victory comes after a tough debut loss to TCU, where North Carolina allowed 48 points. Despite early questions about Belichick’s ability to win at this level, the Tar Heels responded with a solid performance. North Carolina will host Richmond next, while Charlotte will face Monmouth.… Continue Reading

RFK. Jr’s family members say he is a ‘threat’ to Americans’ health and call for his resignation

RFK. Jr’s family members say he is a ‘threat’ to Americans’ health and call for his resignation

WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s family are calling for him to step down as health secretary. This follows a contentious congressional hearing this past week, when the Trump Cabinet official faced bipartisan questioning about his tumultuous leadership of federal health agencies. Kennedy’s sister, Kerry Kennedy, and his nephew, Joseph P. Kennedy III, have issued scathing statements on social media, saying their relative is a “threat to the health and wellbeing of every American.” Several of Kennedy’s family members also had objected to his presidential run in the last campaign. Others wrote to senators earlier this year calling for them to reject his nomination to lead Health and Human Services.… Continue Reading

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