State News
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Hillsborough
Wake Forest Clinches 2024 ACC Soccer Crown Over Clemson in Cary PK Thriller
In a heart-pounding penalty shootout at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons outlasted rival Clemson 7-6 to claim the 2024 ACC Men's Soccer Championship. The fifth-seeded Deacs secured the league's automatic NCAA Tournament berth, igniting hopes for a deep postseason run. North Carolina soccer fans celebrated as the Winston-Salem squad triumphed on home conference soil.[6]
Guard Mobilizes as Western NC Battles Spring Wildfire Season
The North Carolina National Guard has activated personnel and heavy equipment to support local fire departments battling wildfires across the state's western mountains. The deployment marks the latest in a series of emergency responses that have tested the Guard's disaster relief capabilities over the past eighteen months.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
RTP Biotech Boom: 1,000+ Jobs, Billions Pour into NC Triangle
North Carolina's Research Triangle Park is exploding as biotech giants like Genentech, Novartis and AbbVie announce massive expansions, promising over 1,500 high-paying jobs and billions in investments. From Holly Springs to Durham, these projects target gene therapies, obesity drugs and cutting-edge manufacturing. The surge cements the Triangle's status as a national life sciences powerhouse.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Hornets Fire Coach Borrego After Four Losing Seasons in Charlotte
The Charlotte Hornets have fired head coach James Borrego after a 138-163 record over four seasons, capped by blowout play-in losses. Team president Mitch Kupchak announced the move Friday, launching an immediate search for a replacement. Charlotte fans, starved for playoffs since 2016, await a turnaround for the Queen City's NBA squad.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
NC Coastal Communities Secure Millions in Helene Recovery Funds
North Carolina's coastal towns battered by Hurricane Helene are receiving a wave of state and federal funds to rebuild resilient infrastructure. From $685 million in water system grants to beach renourishment projects, eastern counties are prioritizing flood defenses and public access. These investments signal a long-term push against future storms in the fragile barrier islands.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Duke Rallies Past UNC 74-71 in Charlotte Thriller, Eyes ACC Crown
In a pulse-pounding ACC Tournament semifinal at Charlotte's Spectrum Center, No. 1 Duke withstood a furious North Carolina comeback to claim a 74-71 victory Friday night.[1][3] The Blue Devils, now 30-3, advanced to Saturday's championship, extending their streak to 10 straight wins.[4] Tar Heels fans left heartbroken as UNC fell to 22-13 in the storied rivalry.[2][4]
Saturday, May 2, 2026
NC Senate Overrides Vetoes, Pumps Millions into School Choice Expansion
The North Carolina Senate approved major funding for school choice programs and overrode five vetoes from Gov. Josh Stein, unlocking $248 million to clear voucher waitlists. Amid partisan clashes, Republicans hailed expanded options for families while Democrats decried cuts to public schools. The moves signal a bold push toward universal access in the Tar Heel State.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
NC Rep. Edwards Denies Affair Allegations in Ethics Probe
U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, the Republican voice for Western North Carolina's mountains, faces a House Ethics Committee investigation over claims of sexual misconduct with a former aide. The probe, sparked by a witness's account of improper behavior, has roiled his Asheville-based office and drawn national scrutiny. Edwards flatly denies wrongdoing, calling the accusations politically motivated as he seeks re-election.
Saturday, May 2, 2026