Triangle/Local
‘Naked lady’ spider lilies bring surprise blooms
Every regular co-host on the WPTF Weekend Gardener has discussed with delight, at one time or another, the attributes of the “naked lady” spider lily or Lycoris radiate. I have read that the name “Lycorus” refers to the mistress of the Roman leader Mark Anthony. Of course, there are other names for this popular bulb: “Cluster amaryllis”, “Equinox flower”, “Hurricane lilies”, “Magic lily”, “Resurrection lily”, and “Surprise lily”. Yes, this extraordinary perennial bulb is in the amaryllis family and is a native of China, Korea and Japan, but there are varieties that are native to the southeastern U.S. including North Carolina.
Duke Energy seeks to merge Carolina utilities, projecting more than $1B in customer savings
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Duke Energy Corp. has requested approval to merge its electric utility subsidiaries in North and South Carolina. The company says this move could save customers over $1 billion over a decade. The Charlotte-based utility asked federal and state regulators on Thursday for permission to combine Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress. The merger aims to streamline operations and spread infrastructure expenses. Duke Energy says the change would simplify rate structures and reduce the need for resources. The subsidiaries combined produce electricity for 4.7 million residential, commercial and industrial customers. Duke Energy wants the change made effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Walden: N.C. economy still strong despite national slowdown
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — While the national economy shows signs of slowing, North Carolina remains in good shape, according to N.C. State University Economist Emeritus Dr. Mike Walden. Walden, the guest on this week’s Carolina Newsmakers, said tracking the effectiveness of tariffs is challenging and most economists did not expect the U.S. to be in its current position. He noted that President Donald Trump’s administration has taken a new approach to trade policy.
Salvia: A colorful, hardy favorite for Carolina gardens
Everyone should have some type of salvia in their landscape. Sage advice, I must say, if you like puns that is! Salvia also is known for its medicinal qualities for oral health, digestion problems and cognitive issues. I for one have never considered eating salvia. Sage is, of course, considered a culinary herb, so I suppose I have eaten some over the years. There are over a thousand salvia species and just as many cultivars and hybrids. Just like several plants I have in my yard, salvia is part of the mint family. Most salvia flowers don’t have fragrance, however their foliage does. Salvia is also a pollinator favorite.
Rushing floodwater from heavy rain kills 2 in North Carolina
SPRING HOPE, N.C. (AP) — Two people were found dead in central North Carolina after rushing floodwaters pulled them from their submerged car. Another cluster of storms was dumping rain on the region Thursday, the day after the two bodies were found. Authorities say a 24-year-old woman and 55-year-old man from Louisburg were swept away while attempting to escape their vehicle. Flooding had swept the vehicle from the road into a ditch in the town of Spring Hope. An officer who tried to save them was swept into the floodwaters too before escaping unharmed. The storm’s pathway follows Tropical Storm Chantal’s flooding in parts of the region last month.
State/Regional
Hurricane Erin forecast to create dangerous surf, winds along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Erin is pelting parts of the Caribbean and is forecast to create dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast this week. Forecasters are confident that Erin will turn northeast and away from the eastern U.S. But the National Hurricane Center in Miami says Erin is still expected to churn up dangerous waves and rip currents and could bring tropical force winds to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Evacuations are being ordered on a few islands along the Outer Banks even though the storm is unlikely to make direct landfall. The storm intensified again to a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds Monday.
Republicans look to make a U-turn on federal commitment to electric vehicles for the Postal Service
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is facing congressional attempts to strip billions in federal EV funding. The effort comes a year after the agency was honored for its plan to replace thousands of aging, gas-powered mail trucks with a mostly electric fleet. In June, the Senate parliamentarian in June blocked a Republican proposal to sell off the agency’s new electric vehicles and infrastructure and rescind any remaining money, but the push continues. Republican Sen. Joni Ernst says she’s going ahead with a bill to rescind what’s left of the $3 billion in federal funding.
Category 4 Hurricane Erin buffets northern Caribbean islands but not forecast to hit land
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Forecasters say Erin has exploded into a major hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean just north of the Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center says Erin reached Category 5 strength before weakening somewhat and becoming a Category 4 with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The hurricane center said that while Erin was “undergoing structural changes,” it remained “formidable.” The storm’s center was north-northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Saturday night. And its rains and winds were buffeting Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Forecasters warned that flooding and slides were possible. Powerful rip currents could affect the U.S. East Coast next week.
Republican Winsome Earle-Sears is on the defensive in Virginia’s race for governor
HOPEWELL, Va. (AP) — Republican Winsome Earle-Sears says she’s running her campaign for Virginia governor like a military-style operation. And at this point, a few months away from the November election, it’s looking like a campaign on the defensive. The lieutenant governor is facing a Democratic Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman who has more campaign money and a unified party behind her. Earle-Sears has replaced a pastor with little political experience who had been her campaign manager. And her team has failed to gain traction with big money donors. An Earle-Sears victory would make her the first Black woman in U.S. history to serve as a governor.
CDC shooter believed COVID vaccine made him suicidal, his father tells police
ATLANTA (AP) — A law enforcement official tells The Associated Press that a Georgia man who opened fire Friday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta had blamed the COVID-19 vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal. The 30-year-old shooter tried to get into the CDC’s headquarters but was stopped by guards. He then drove to a pharmacy across the street and opened fire. The official spoke anonymously Saturday because they are not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation. The official says the shooter was armed with at least five guns. DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was mortally wounded while responding.
World/National
Zelenskyy, Trump express hope for trilateral talks with Putin to bring end to Russia-Ukraine war
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump expressed hopes that talks with Ukrainian and European leaders at the White House could lead to trilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Monday’s hastily assembled meeting comes after Trump met on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has said that the onus is now on Zelenskyy to agree to concessions that he said could end the war. Trump said he would back European security guarantees for Ukraine, though he stopped short of committing U.S. troops to the effort.
Putin agreed to let US, Europe offer NATO-style security protections for Ukraine, Trump envoy says
NEW YORK (AP) — Special U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff says Russian leader Vladimir Putin agreed at his summit with President Donald Trump to allow the U.S. and European allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling NATO’s collective defense mandate as part of an eventual deal to end the 3 1/2-year war. Witkoff told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday that “the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in NATO.” Witkoff said was the first time he had heard Putin agree to that.
European leaders to join Ukraine’s Zelenskyy for White House meeting with Trump
KYIV (AP) — European leaders will join Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his crucial meeting with President Donald Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday. The move in relation to the key White House meeting on Monday is an apparent effort to prevent a repeat of the heated encounter Zelenskyy faced when he met Trump in February. Von der Leyen, head of the European Union’s executive branch, posted on X that “at the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.”
No deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine after Trump rolls out red carpet for Putin
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AP) — President Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin have started their Alaska summit with a warm handshake. They greeted each other like old friends before heading into discussions that could reshape the war in Ukraine and relations between Moscow and Washington. Friday’s summit gives Trump a chance to prove he is a master dealmaker and global peacemaker. For Putin, it’s an opportunity to negotiate a deal that would cement Russia’s gains. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders weren’t invited. The meeting could have far-reaching implications, with foreign governments watching closely.
Bondi names DEA head as DC’s ’emergency police commissioner,’ but capital leaders push back
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi has named the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as Washington’s “emergency police commissioner,” saying she is granting him the powers of the police chief amid President Donald Trump’s takeover. Bondi said in an directive issued Thursday evening that DEA boss Terry Cole will assume “powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police.” But the capital’s attorney general responded that Bondi’s order was “unlawful” and said local officers must continue to follow Police Chief Pamela Smith’s orders. Mayor Muriel Bowser says “there is no statute that conveys the District’s personnel authority to a federal official.”
Entertainment
Cambridge Dictionary adds ‘skibidi’ and ‘tradwife’ among 6,000 new words
LONDON (AP) — The Cambridge Dictionary has added over 6,000 new words including slang terms like “skibidi,” “tradwife” and “delulu.” Cambridge Dictionary says it uses the Cambridge English Corpus database of more than 2 billion words to monitor how new words are used, how often and in what contexts. “Skibidi” comes from a viral YouTube series and can mean “cool” or “bad.” “Tradwife” refers to a traditional wife who shares her lifestyle online. “Delulu” is short for delusional. Other additions this year include “mouse jiggler” for a tool to simulate activity during remote work and “forever chemical” for persistent environmental pollutants.
Androids dance, rock, shimmy and sway at opening of World Humanoid Robot Games
Humanoid robots have showcased their talents at the opening ceremony of the first World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. The event began on Thursday evening. It features robots dancing, performing martial arts and playing musical instruments. The competition starts on Friday with more than 500 robots from 16 countries including the U.S., Germany, and Japan. They will compete in sports like soccer, running and boxing. The games highlight China’s efforts to develop humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence. The event runs for three days and concludes on Sunday. Tickets range from 180 to 580 yuan or $25 to $80.
Trump names Strait, Stallone and KISS for Kennedy Center Honors and says he’ll host the awards show
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced country music start George Strait and “Rocky” actor Sylvester Stallone among the first batch of Kennedy Center Honors nominees in his new role as chairman. The remaining three recipients are singer Gloria Gaynor, the rock band KISS and actor-singer Michael Crawford, The Republican president also announced on Wednesday that he’ll host the awards program. The glamorous event is usually taped in December and broadcast later in the month by CBS. Trump avoided the Kennedy Center Honors during his first term due to protests from artists but is embracing his new role as the center’s chairman.
YouTube to begin testing a new AI-powered age verification system in the U.S.
YouTube is ready to start testing a new age-verification system in the U.S. using artificial intelligence to distinguish between adults and minors based on their viewing habits. The tests, scheduled to being Wednesday, initially affect a small portion of YouTube’s U.S. audience. If successful, the system could become more widespread. It works when viewers are logged into their accounts, regardless of the birth date entered. If flagged as under 18, users face restrictions like privacy warnings and limited video recommendations. Concerns about privacy and free speech have been raised by digital rights groups. The political pressure for better age verification has increased since a recent Supreme Court decision.
Dean Cain, former TV Superman, will be sworn in as honorary ICE officer
Dean Cain wants to join the U.S. and Immigration Customs Enforcement agency. In an interview with Fox News, Cain said he has already spoken to the agency responsible for President Donald Trump’s mass deportations agenda. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says Cain will be sworn in as an “honorary ICE Officer” in the coming month. McLaughlin referenced Cain’s 1990s role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” saying “Superman is encouraging Americans to become real-life superheroes.” Cain also posted a video encouraging others to join the agency. The 59-year-old been outspoken in his conservative viewpoints and endorsed Trump in three elections.
Sports
Chimaev wins UFC middleweight belt by unanimous decision
CHICAGO (AP) — Khamzat Chimaev continued his dominance in the UFC, capturing the middleweight belt by defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319. With a smile on his face, Chimaev (15-0) shot out of his corner in the first round with a takedown of Du Plessis (23-3) in the opening seconds and had Du Plessis on his back for almost the entire first round. Despite the ground control by Chimaev, Du Plessis was able to avoid significant damage in the first round. All three judges scored the fight 50-44.
C.J. Stroud’s TD pass helps Texans defeat Panthers 20-3 in preseason
HOUSTON (AP) — C.J. Stroud throws a touchdown pass in his preseason debut, helping the Houston Texans secure a 20-3 win over the Carolina Panthers. Stroud, who didn’t play last week, completes 6 of 8 passes for 44 yards in two series. He connects with Nico Collins for a 5-yard touchdown, giving the Texans a 7-0 lead. Nick Chubb runs five times for 25 yards in his Texans debut. Carolina’s Bryce Young struggles, going 0 for 2 and getting sacked once. The Texans defense shines with two interceptions in the second half, sealing the victory.
Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud reunite at joint practice, reflect on NFL journeys
HOUSTON (AP) — Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have been linked since being drafted first and second in the 2023 NFL draft. The two California natives became friends in middle school, competing in football and basketball. On Thursday, they reunited when Stroud’s Houston Texans hosted Young’s Carolina Panthers for a joint practice. Both quarterbacks focused on drills but took time to catch up afterward. Young expressed pride in Stroud’s success, while Stroud praised Young’s consistency. Despite Stroud’s playoff success, he remains irked by a 2023 loss to Young’s Panthers and hopes for a rematch.
A way-too early guess at who will make the College Football Playoff this season
Now in its second year with an expanded bracket, 12 teams will make the College Football Playoff to close out the 2025-26 season. Five of those slots will go to conference champions. The rest — at-large bids to be handed out by the 13-person committee. The AP looks at those that should be making plans for the playoffs. They include Georgia, Texas, defending champion Ohio State and, yes, Alabama after barely missing the field last season.
Texas is No. 1 in preseason AP Top 25 for first time, edging Penn St, Ohio St; 10 SEC teams ranked
Texas is No. 1 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 for the first time. The Longhorns narrowly edged out Penn State in the closest preseason vote since 1998. Texas received 25 first-place votes, while Penn State received 23. The Nittany Lions have their highest preseason ranking since they were No. 1 to open 1997. The Southeastern Conference leads with 10 teams in the Top 25. The Big Ten has two of the top three teams for the third straight year. The Big 12 has four ranked teams and the ACC has three.
