The Carolina Hurricanes demonstrate their ability to overcome adversity in the NHL playoffs, while the Kansas City Chiefs look to make a comeback with Patrick Mahomes' return. In college football, the possibility of expanding the playoff to 24 teams is discussed, and Kevin Durant's future with the Houston Rockets is uncertain. The Carolina Panthers have a promising draft class, and Henry Vassar's decision to enter the NBA draft is analyzed. [... more]

A merger between Wake Med and Atrium Health is being met with opposition from state officials, citing concerns over increased healthcare costs and reduced competition. Meanwhile, the USDA is relocating its research hub to Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of a decentralization plan. Additionally, a bill has been filed in the North Carolina General Assembly to cut funding for the Opportunity Scholarship Program and redirect it to childcare subsidies, while also addressing issues with incomplete voter registration records. [... more]

The Carolina Hurricanes are set to face the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL playoffs, with a series that promises to be exciting. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have made some significant moves in the NFL draft, including selecting Monroe Freeling as their first-round pick. The team's general manager, Dan Morgan, has been praised for his draft strategy, and the Panthers are looking to build a strong team around quarterback Bryce Young. [... more]

Thousands of educators from across North Carolina are expected to gather at the state capitol to call for increased teacher pay and education funding, while the governor signs a $319 million Medicaid bill into law, but expresses concerns about the ongoing costs of Medicaid and the elimination of health care coverage for nearly 27,000 children and pregnant women. [... more]

Duke basketball has announced a multi-year partnership with Amazon Prime, giving the streaming service exclusive access to multiple games each season. This move is seen as a significant development in the world of college sports, where streaming is becoming increasingly popular. Meanwhile, the NBA playoffs are heating up, with LeBron James and the Lakers facing off against the Rockets. In other sports news, the Carolina Panthers are looking to prove themselves with Bryce Young at the helm, and the Red Sox, Phillies, and Mets are struggling to find their footing in the MLB. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is considering a proposal to eliminate local sales taxes on groceries, which would provide direct relief to households grappling with rising costs. Meanwhile, a bill imposing new restrictions on the use of social media by minors has cleared a key Senate hurdle, and a study by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality found widespread PFAS contamination in wastewater and biosolids. Additionally, the US Supreme Court has ruled on a case related to redistricting, clarifying the role of the Voting Rights Act and its impact on the drawing of election districts. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses the NFL draft with Kellen Moore, head coach of the New Orleans Saints, and shares his power rankings of players who will live up to the billing. They talk about Caleb Downs, Jeremiah Love, Ty Simpson, and other top picks, as well as the Saints' draft strategy and roster moves. [... more]

A federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted former FBI director James Comey on charges of making threats to harm President Donald Trump. The indictment comes after a 2025 Instagram post involving seashells arranged on a beach with the message 8647. Meanwhile, North Carolina has fewer low-income households than it did 14 years ago and more upper-income ones, according to a new analysis of U.S. Census data. The state's education system is also facing challenges, with roughly 45% of public school students not proficient in reading and math. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education is working to address these issues and improve education funding. [... more]

Defining enough is a crucial step in achieving financial contentment and living a life of purpose. Scripture reframes the question of enough, emphasizing trust, stewardship, and contentment. By setting a financial finish line and prioritizing generosity, individuals can create margin for kingdom impact and live on mission. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are dealing with a litany of issues in the General Assembly's 2026 short session, including a plan to fully fund the state's Medicaid program and potential veto overrides. Meanwhile, two Democrat lawmakers in Mecklenburg County have switched their party affiliation, and Attorney General Jeff Jackson is urging North Carolina businesses impacted by President Donald Trump's tariffs to apply for refunds. Additionally, the state treasurer's office is promoting financial literacy through an internship program and a statewide competition for students. [... more]

Representative Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated, potentially impacting veto overrides in the North Carolina House. Meanwhile, a new infusion of federal disaster funding highlights progress and challenges in Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein's proposed budget would phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program, affecting an estimated 60,000 students. The U.S. Postal Service's regulations on cluster box units are causing delays and adding costs to housing developments, making homes less affordable for many families. U.S. Representative Alma Adams was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer. [... more]

The Carolina Panthers select Monroe Freeling in the NFL draft, while the Charlotte Hornets face challenges in the NBA playoffs. Meanwhile, the world of sports is abuzz with news of Michael Jackson's music and the upcoming season of Duke Blue Devils basketball. In other news, Wake Forest football looks to build on last year's success, and the Charlotte Hornets are weighing their options for the offseason. [... more]

A contentious committee hearing in Raleigh revealed that the Chapel Hill-Carborough City School District is not in compliance with Senate Bill 49, the Parents' Bill of Rights, which aims to increase transparency in curriculum and protect children from inappropriate content. The district's superintendent, Dr. Rodney Trice, was questioned by lawmakers over the district's handling of materials in its libraries, with some lawmakers expressing concerns that the district is intentionally subverting the law. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Supreme Court is considering a rehearing of the Leandro case, a 32-year-old legal challenge to education funding in the state. The case has been a major point of contention in North Carolina politics for decades, with some lawmakers arguing that it is a key factor in the state's education funding woes. [... more]

The Carolina Panthers are in a good position in the NFL draft due to their flexibility and options, having addressed their holes in free agency. They may consider adding depth to their roster, and the draft is receiver-heavy. The Panthers have been linked to several prospects, including Casey Concepcion and Dylan Thienman. Meanwhile, in college basketball, Henry Vessar's decision to enter the NBA draft is a crucial one for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and Michael Malone's team is hoping to keep him. The ACC is also preparing for the upcoming season, with Duke Blue Devils coach John Shire looking to build a strong roster. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers have reached an agreement on legislation to overcome a shortfall in the state's Medicaid program, while tightening oversight of the program. The legislation, House Bill 696, would allocate an additional $319 million to cover the Medicaid rebase for the remainder of the fiscal year and implement several policy changes designed to strengthen eligibility verification and program integrity. Meanwhile, a major election integrity lawsuit is continuing to play out in the state as the State Board of Elections is asking a three-judge panel to jump in on a case dealing with so-called never residents. Additionally, some North Carolina lawmakers have filed a proposal that would dock their own pay if they failed to pass a state budget on time, an idea that appears to have overwhelming public support. [... more]

The Carolina Blue Devils made a splash in the transfer portal, retaining Caleb Foster and adding John Blackwell, while Duke also retained Pat Gamba. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets are looking to make moves in the offseason, potentially trading LaMello Ball for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Steph Curry, and the Panthers are gearing up for the new season with Bryce Young and a revamped receiving corps. [... more]

Governor Josh Stein laid out his recommended state budget for fiscal year 26-27, proposing a $3 billion spending increase and tax cuts. He emphasized the need to invest in public education, workforce development, and public safety, while also addressing issues like childcare and housing costs. The governor's budget also includes proposals to increase teacher pay, expand community college programs, and provide more funding for school safety and mental health services. [... more]

A new committee is formed in the North Carolina General Assembly to investigate the release of 4,200 inmates from prison under a settlement in 2021, sparking public safety concerns. Meanwhile, a state audit reveals $1.25 million in mental health resources were spent on items like stuffed animals and plants instead of supporting students and faculty in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The state auditor's office is working to bring transparency to how hurricane relief funds are spent, and the issue raises questions about waste and abuse in government spending. [... more]

The town of Lake Lure is reopening after months of storm recovery, with a phased soft opening allowing limited public access. Meanwhile, a North Carolina drone operator is taking his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging state regulations on occupational licensing. The North Carolina legislature is also gearing up for a busy session, with lawmakers set to tackle issues like the state budget and drone regulation. [... more]

The Charlotte Hornets are looking to end their 10-year playoff drought against the Orlando Magic, while the Carolina Panthers are preparing for the NFL draft and considering their options with the 19th overall pick. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Cup Series is gearing up for the Kansas Speedway, and Charlotte FC is facing off against New York City in a crucial MLS match. [... more]