#north_carolina

Week 0 College Football Preview: UNC, NC State, and More Set for Opening Games The college football season kicks off with a slate of "Week Zero" games on Saturday, Aug. 29, as teams across the nation prepare for their 2026 campaigns. While most FBS programs will begin their regular season a week later, the early matchups offer a glimpse into the competitive landscape and key developments for teams aiming to make noise in the upcoming season. Among the most anticipated games are North Carolina’s return to Dublin, Ireland, against TCU, NC State’s clash with Virginia, and several other matchups that highlight quarterback battles, coaching changes, and playoff aspirations. North Carolina’s season opener against TCU in Dublin marks the start of Year 2 under head coach Bill Belichick, who will be looking to improve on the Tar Heels’ 4-8 record from the previous year. The game carries added significance as TCU will be seeking revenge for a 48-14 blowout loss in the 2025 season opener. UNC has made significant changes to its quarterback room, with Billy Edwards Jr. named the starter after a transfer from Wisconsin. Edwards, who previously played at Maryland, will be tested against a TCU team led by Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig. Craig, a pocket passer, will replace Josh Hoover, who left for Indiana. TCU’s hopes for a strong start depend on its ability to build momentum ahead of its Oct. 3 matchup against BYU. Elsewhere, San Jose State faces No. 14 USC in a Week Zero showdown. The Trojans, coming off a 9-4 season in their second year in the Big Ten, are still searching for their first College Football Playoff berth under head coach Lincoln Riley.#north_carolina #tcu #bill_belichick #jaden_craig #lincoln_riley

Bill Belichick and North Carolina’s Quarterback Battle Has a Winner With about a week and a half to go before its opener, North Carolina reportedly has its man at starting quarterback. The Tar Heels plan to start quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. in their opener against TCU on Aug. 29, according to a Tuesday afternoon report from Pete Thamel of ESPN. Edwards, a 23-year-old Northern Virginia native, played for Maryland from 2022 to ’24 and for Wisconsin in ’25. (He first enrolled at Wake Forest, where he took a redshirt in 2021.) He beat out Miles O’Neill, a participant in eight games at Texas A&M, for the gig. The subtext of coach Bill Belichick’s decision: This is one North Carolina has to—has to—get right. In 2025, poor quarterback play severely hampered North Carolina. Belichick’s first starting quarterback in the college ranks was Gio Lopez, a transfer who’d enjoyed a rock-solid ’24 at South Alabama. Lopez’s first game against the Horned Frogs on Labor Day was a catastrophe, as he completed just four of 10 pass attempts for no touchdowns and one interception while rushing seven times for -10 yards. Better days were ahead—he completed 75% of his passes for four touchdowns combined against Syracuse and Stanford around Halloween. It wasn’t enough, however, to mask his regression with the Tar Heels—and the lack of personnel around him. Lopez is now a member of the Demon Deacons, who won’t play North Carolina this year barring unforeseen circumstances. Edwards will attempt to right the ship. His numbers are not overwhelming by any stretch of the imagination, but there’ve been multiple points in his career where he’s been able to get the job done. In 2023, the Terrapins called upon him to start the Music City Bowl against Auburn, and he was named MVP of a 31–13 win despite an unsightly 30% completion percentage.#north_carolina #tcu #bill_belichick #billy_edwards_jr #miles_oneill

North Carolina Names Billy Edwards Jr. as Starting Quarterback for Season Opener North Carolina has officially named veteran transfer Billy Edwards Jr. as the Tar Heels’ starting quarterback for the season opener against TCU in Ireland, according to sources who spoke to ESPN on Tuesday. Edwards, 23, emerged victorious in a competitive selection process against Miles O’Neill, a transfer from Texas A&M who had prior experience working with new Tar Heels offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. The decision marks a significant moment for the program as it seeks to rebuild its offensive identity under new leadership. Edwards’ journey to this point has been shaped by a combination of resilience and opportunity. The quarterback began his collegiate career in 2021 as a redshirt freshman at Wake Forest, where he spent a season gaining experience before transferring to Wisconsin. His path took an unexpected turn during his time at Wisconsin, where he suffered a noncontact injury in the Badgers’ season opener, leading to a medical redshirt. This injury not only disrupted his 2023 season but also prompted the NCAA to grant him an additional year of eligibility, allowing him to return to the field in 2024. The 2024 season proved to be a breakout year for Edwards. After transferring to Maryland, he became the full-time starter and delivered standout performances that solidified his reputation as a reliable leader. In 2024, Edwards threw for 2,881 yards and accounted for 15 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. One of the most memorable moments of his season came during a 29-28 upset victory over USC, where he orchestrated a dramatic finish. With just 53 seconds remaining on the clock, Edwards scored the winning touchdown on a 3-yard run and completed 39 of 50 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns.#north_carolina #tcu #billy_edwards_jr #miles_oneill #bobby_petrino

Chick-fil-A Loyalty Account Breach: Details Emerge Chick-fil-A disclosed a security breach affecting certain customers’ loyalty accounts, revealing that hackers accessed its website and mobile app between June 17 and June 19. The company confirmed the incident on Monday, stating it discovered suspicious login activity linked to its Chick-fil-A One Loyalty program. Investigators later determined, on July 13, that personal account data may have been compromised. The breach involved customers’ names, addresses, last four digits of credit or debit card numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses. The Atlanta-based fast food chain informed customers via a letter that hackers exploited account credentials obtained from a third-party source. While the company did not specify the identity of the third-party provider, it emphasized that account balances had been restored. However, the exact number of affected customers remained undisclosed. The breach notification highlighted Washington, D.C., and nine other states—including North Carolina, New Mexico, Oregon, and New York—as regions where residents should take steps to protect against potential identity theft or fraud. Chick-fil-A stated it took “immediate” action to secure and restore impacted accounts, including direct communication with affected customers. A spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining customer trust, apologizing for any inconvenience caused. Affected customers were advised to update their passwords with strong, unique combinations and refer to a provided guide for monitoring personal information. Those with questions were directed to contact Chick-fil-A’s toll-free number at 888-201-5329.#north_carolina #washington_d_c #new_mexico #chickfila #massachusetts_office_of_consumer_affairs

Most Dangerous Hotel in the World: Tourists Pay Thousands to Stay in Ocean-Stranded Tower Adventurous tourists are paying thousands of dollars to stay at Frying Pan Tower, a decommissioned Coast Guard light station located 35 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Dubbed the "most dangerous hotel in the world," the structure sits in the Atlantic Ocean, 80 feet above shark-infested waters, and has become a unique destination for thrill-seekers. The tower, built in 1964 and situated in a stretch of coastline known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those willing to take on its risks. Guests are ferried to the tower via a high-speed lift that hoists them 80 feet into the air in under a minute. Once there, they are stranded without a direct way to return to shore, requiring a helicopter or a 35-mile boat ride. Stays at the tower cost approximately $200 per person per night, with a minimum three-night commitment, totaling around $600 per guest for a short visit. The structure accommodates up to 12 guests across eight bedrooms, featuring amenities such as a fully equipped stainless steel kitchen, a washer and dryer, hot showers, high-speed solar-powered internet, and a reverse osmosis water system. Despite the risks, the tower has attracted a niche clientele eager for an extreme adventure. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, snorkeling over a protected reef, skeet shooting with biodegradable targets, and golfing with biodegradable balls made from fish food. The 5,000-square-foot helipad also serves as a prime spot for stargazing, sunrise watching, and hammock lounging above the open ocean. However, the location is not without its dangers.#north_carolina #frying_pan_tower #graveyard_of_the_atlantic #aycock #hurricane_alley

2026 College World Series: North Carolina Advances to 2-0, Ole Miss Eliminated North Carolina improved to 2-0 in the 2026 College World Series after a 5-2 victory over No. 16 West Virginia. The Tar Heels, ranked No. 5, took an early lead with a two-run first inning, capitalizing on early struggles by West Virginia’s Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, Maxx Yehl. Yehl’s command issues in the opening frame led to a run being charged to him, setting the tone for the contest. The game’s turning point came in the seventh inning when West Virginia committed two errors, allowing North Carolina’s Gavin Gallaher to drive in two runs with a go-ahead triple. This pivotal play extended the Tar Heels’ perfect start to the tournament. North Carolina now faces the winner of an elimination game between West Virginia and Troy. The Trojans kept their postseason run alive with a thrilling 12-8 victory over Ole Miss, marking the first College World Series win in Troy’s program history. Star catcher Jimmy Janicki homered for the second consecutive game in Omaha, hitting his 21st home run of the season to spark a four-run inning that put Troy in control. The Trojans’ win ensured their place in the next round, while Ole Miss became the first team eliminated from the tournament. The bracket’s other half saw No. 7 Alabama and No. 6 Texas clash in a high-stakes elimination game, with the loser facing elimination. Meanwhile, Oklahoma and No. 3 Georgia are set to determine the Bracket 2 champion in a game that started at 1-0. The schedule for the following days includes critical matchups: Troy will face West Virginia on Tuesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. on ESPN, with the winner advancing to face the Tar Heels in the next round. The results of the first six games included No. 16 West Virginia defeating Troy 7-5 in Game 1 and No.#north_carolina #troy #maxx_yehl #gavin_gallaher #jimmy_janicki

What Evidence Matters Most After a Car Accident in North Carolina? A recent article published by HelloNation highlights the critical importance of gathering specific types of evidence following a car accident in North Carolina. Personal injury attorney Adam Barrington emphasizes that thorough documentation is essential for building a strong personal injury claim, particularly in a state that applies a contributory negligence standard. Under this legal framework, any contribution by the injured party to the accident can significantly impact the outcome of a claim, making objective evidence vital to establish fault and liability. The article outlines several key forms of evidence that can support a claim. A police report is noted as one of the most valuable resources, as it provides an official account of the accident. Responding officers document their observations, record statements from all parties involved, note road and weather conditions, and identify any traffic violations. This report can be requested from the responding agency and typically becomes available within several business days, offering a consistent and independent reference point for all parties. Medical records are another crucial element, as they connect physical harm to the accident in a way that no other documentation can replicate. The article stresses the importance of seeking medical care promptly, even if symptoms initially seem minor. This creates a clinical timeline that establishes when injuries were first identified and how they progressed. Soft tissue injuries, for example, often intensify in the days following a collision, making early medical documentation a foundational part of any injury claim. Witness accounts are also highlighted as a critical form of evidence.#north_carolina #hello_nation #adam_barrington #contributory_negligence #hampstead

New York Giants' Undrafted Cornerback Thaddeus Dixon Suffers Torn Achilles, Ending Rookie Season Prospects North Carolina defensive back Thaddeus Dixon, signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants, faces a significant setback after tearing his Achilles during pre-draft workouts. The injury, which occurred on Wednesday, has cast doubt on his ability to contribute as a rookie, with recovery timelines typically ranging from six to nine months. While there remains a possibility of returning late in his rookie season, the injury poses a major challenge for a player still establishing himself in the NFL. Dixon, a 6-0, 195-pound cornerback, was recruited by New York Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichick to play for North Carolina after his first two seasons at Washington. Under Belichick’s guidance, Dixon recorded five pass breakups and five stops during his lone season with the Tar Heels. However, his performance regressed compared to his final year at Washington, where he allowed a 66.5 passer rating when targeted. Despite this, draft analysts had projected him as a fifth- or sixth-round prospect in a relatively weak draft class, making his signing a valuable addition for the Giants. The Giants have invested heavily in their cornerback position over the past two years, adding free agents Paulson Adebo and Greg Newsome while selecting Colton Hood with the 37th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Dixon’s inclusion as an undrafted free agent was seen as a strategic move to bolster depth, but the Achilles injury now threatens his ability to compete for a roster spot. With the team’s stacked cornerback group, Dixon would have faced an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster even before the injury.#north_carolina #new_york_giants #bill_belichick #thaddeus_dixon #new_york_giants_defensive_coordinator

Utah Transfer Guard Terrence Brown Commits to UNC North Carolina and head coach Michael Malone secured a significant addition to their 2026 recruiting class on Tuesday as Utah guard Terrence Brown officially committed to the Tar Heels. The announcement came via On3, marking the second major transfer portal acquisition for Malone, who previously added Virginia Tech’s Neoklis Avdalas earlier this offseason. Brown, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound native of Minneapolis, Minn., had taken official visits to UNC and Kansas in the past week and also considered Kentucky as part of his decision-making process. Sources confirmed that Brown met with the UNC coaching staff in Las Vegas on Monday, further solidifying his commitment. Brown’s decision to join UNC follows a notable evolution in his college basketball career. During his time at Utah, he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors for his contributions to the team, which finished near the bottom of the conference standings. The 19.9 points and 3.8 assists per game he averaged highlighted his scoring ability, but his recent development as a playmaker has drawn attention. Utah head coach Alex Jensen praised Brown’s growth during a January radio show, noting how the guard had transformed from a scorer-focused player to a more versatile contributor. “TB has come a long way,” Jensen said. “From being a scorer in other stops, I think he’s made big jumps in controlling the game, getting his other teammates involved, having more of a complete game and also being the stopper.” Brown himself acknowledged the emphasis his coach placed on his development. “Coach Jensen’s really just been emphasizing me being like a playmaker and getting my teammates open,” he said on the same show.#north_carolina #michael_malone #utah #terrence_brown #alex_jensen

Syracuse Faces No. 2 North Carolina in High-Stakes ACC Clash Syracuse entered Atlantic Coast Conference play with a strong showing, securing a thrilling 16-15 victory over No. 8 Duke in its opening matchup. The win extended the Orange’s winning streak to six games, setting the stage for a pivotal test against No. 2 North Carolina. The Tar Heels, coming off a dominant 17-7 win over No. 7 Harvard, will host Syracuse in a matchup that promises to be a defining moment in both teams’ seasons. The game will mark the second meeting between the two programs this year, with Syracuse holding a slight edge in the series. In their previous encounter on February 21, the Orange fell to North Carolina 13-12 in Cambridge. That loss highlighted Syracuse’s struggles against the Tar Heels’ formidable defense and faceoff dominance. North Carolina’s victory in that game was fueled by its ability to control possession, limiting Syracuse’s opportunities to score. North Carolina enters the matchup with a 9-1 record and a 1-0 mark in ACC play, showcasing its dominance in the conference. The Tar Heels’ success is anchored by their offensive firepower, led by junior attackmen Owen Duffy and Dominic Pietramala. Together, the duo has accounted for 49 goals this season, contributing to North Carolina’s third-best scoring offense in Division I. Duffy, a top-ranked recruit from the 2023 class, has already surpassed 34 goals and 27 assists, earning him a spot among the nation’s elite players. Pietramala, meanwhile, has added 28 goals to his tally, solidifying the Tar Heels’ offensive threat. A key factor in North Carolina’s success is its faceoff unit, spearheaded by Brady Wambach. The Tar Heels’ faceoff specialist leads the nation with a 71.8% winning percentage, a stat that underscores his ability to control possession.#north_carolina #syracuse #brady_wambach #owen_duffy #dominic_pietramala

Burn Ban in Effect in North Carolina Amid Dry Conditions and Frost Outlook A burn ban has been implemented across North Carolina due to persistently dry and breezy weather conditions, which have raised concerns about fire risk. The state’s forestry and environmental agencies have issued the restriction to prevent accidental wildfires, particularly as temperatures remain low and humidity levels are below normal. Frost is expected to develop on Sunday morning, adding to the challenging weather conditions. The cold snap has arrived in the Carolinas, bringing a significant drop in temperatures after a period of unusually warm weather. On Friday afternoon, temperatures had reached the mid-80s, which is about 20 degrees above the average for this time of year. However, a deep layer of cold air has since moved in, creating a sharp contrast. Thunderstorms provided some relief in the early evening, delivering steady rain to the region. Scattered showers followed, contributing to light rainfall totals in the Mountains, Foothills, and central Triad areas. Meteorologists note that the sudden shift in weather patterns highlights the unpredictability of seasonal transitions. While the recent rainfall may help alleviate some dryness, the combination of low temperatures and breezy conditions continues to pose a risk for wildfires. The burn ban is likely to remain in place until weather conditions improve, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. The average date for the last frost and freeze in the region serves as a reference point for farmers and residents preparing for the changing seasons. The Piedmont Triad area, in particular, is under observation for potential temperature fluctuations.#north_carolina #carolinas #forestry_and_environmental_agencies #piedmont_triad #weather_forecasters

UConn women’s basketball vs North Carolina live updates: Huskies face UNC in Sweet 16 UConn women’s basketball advanced to the Sweet 16 after a dominant 98-45 victory over Syracuse, showcasing their offensive prowess with an average of 1.8 points per possession and a 53-point halftime lead. North Carolina, meanwhile, overcame a tough Round of 32 matchup against Maryland, winning 74-66. The Huskies’ Sweet 16 showdown with the Tar Heels is set for Friday afternoon, with the game delayed slightly to tip off around 5:15 p.m. ET due to a dramatic finish between Notre Dame and Vanderbilt. Notre Dame secured a 67-64 win over Vanderbilt, with a 31-point triple-double from Hannah Hidalgo propelling the Fighting Irish. This game, featuring former UConn assistant coach Shea Ralph, was deferred due to scheduling conflicts. UConn and North Carolina will take the court in Fort Worth, Texas, with ESPN broadcasting the matchup. Tiffany Greene will handle play-by-play, joined by color commentator Carolyn Peck and rules analyst Dee Kantner. UConn is poised to break the program’s single-season assist record, needing just 10 more dimes to surpass the 2016-17 squad. The Huskies’ star, Sarah Strong, faces a local rival in North Carolina, as she admitted to a strong connection with UNC coach Courtney Banghart. Despite her ties to Durham, N.C., Strong chose UConn for its opportunities and support. North Carolina presents a formidable challenge, ranked No. 12 in adjusted efficiency rankings, the highest-rated opponent UConn has faced since November. The Tar Heels excel defensively, holding teams to 36.5% shooting and outrebounding opponents. Offensively, they rank No. 20 in effective field goal percentage, with six players averaging at least 8.5 points per game.#north_carolina #sarah_strong #fort_worth #uconn_womens_basketball #courtney_banghart

Sweet 16 regulars UConn and Notre Dame join UNC and Vanderbilt in women's regional semifinals UConn and Notre Dame, perennial fixtures in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament, have joined North Carolina and Vanderbilt in the Fort Worth Regional semifinals. These four teams, among just 15 that have reached the second weekend of the tournament 15 times, will face off in Friday’s matchups. The defending national champion Huskies, led by coach Geno Auriemma, will take on No. 4 seed North Carolina, while No. 2 seed Vanderbilt will square off against No. 6 seed Notre Dame. The games will feature two of the nation’s top scorers, with Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes leading the country at 27 points per game and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo ranking second at 25.8 points per game. UConn, with a 36-0 record, enters the semifinals on a 52-game winning streak, marking its 32nd consecutive Sweet 16 appearance and 33rd overall. The Huskies’ AP All-America players Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, the latter a native of North Carolina, will look to extend their dominance. North Carolina, meanwhile, is making its 20th Sweet 16 appearance but had only reached the tournament once in nine seasons prior to last year. Third-year guard Indya Nivar emphasized the team’s growth, stating, “We want to keep growing it.” Vanderbilt, in its 15th Sweet 16 but first since 2009, faces a new challenge with graduate transfer guard Iyana Moore now starting for Notre Dame. Moore, who averaged 13.1 points for the Commodores over three seasons, will now compete against her former team. “She was a big part of our rebuild at Vanderbilt,” said Commodores senior Sacha Washington, Moore’s former roommate and close friend. “I’m excited to play against her and see what she’s learned.#north_carolina #notre_dame #uconn #geno_auriemma #vanderbilt

No. 1 UConn Women’s Basketball Faces No. 4 North Carolina in NCAA Sweet 16 For the first time in four years, UConn women’s basketball will compete in the NCAA Sweet 16 just one time zone away from its home state instead of two. The No. 1 overall seed Huskies will take on No. 4 North Carolina Friday evening in Fort Worth, Texas, in a matchup that marks their third consecutive season against the Tar Heels. The game will be broadcast live at 5 p.m. ET, with coverage available on UConn Sports Network and various radio stations. UConn, which has reached the Sweet 16 32 straight years, aims to extend its streak of consecutive Elite Eight appearances to three and secure its 30th overall trip to the round of eight. The Huskies are 29-3 all-time in the Sweet 16, with their most recent loss coming to Ohio State in the 2023 regional semifinal. A victory would set up a potential Elite Eight clash against the winner of the Notre Dame-Vanderbilt matchup, with the winner advancing to the Final Four in Phoenix. The Huskies’ path to the Sweet 16 included a dominant 98-45 win over No. 9 Syracuse, where Azzi Fudd led the charge with a career-high tying 34 points, including eight 3-pointers. Fudd’s performance earned her a spot among the top four finalists for the Naismith Player of the Year award, while teammate Sarah Strong was also a top four finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. Fudd is 20 points away from moving into the top 20 on UConn’s all-time scoring list and is closing in on the school’s single-season 3-point record. UConn’s history against North Carolina is marked by high-stakes encounters. The teams last met on Nov. 15, 2024, in Greensboro, where Geno Auriemma secured his 1,216th career win by defeating the Tar Heels 69-58. UNC’s last victory over UConn came on Jan.#north_carolina #azzi_fudd #geno_auriemma #uconn_womens_basketball #courtney_banhart

No. 1 Women's Lacrosse Welcomes No. 11 Northwestern Wednesday CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The No. 1 North Carolina women’s lacrosse team will face No. 11 Northwestern in a highly anticipated matchup at Dorrance Field on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. The game marks a rematch of last year’s national championship contest, where the Tar Heels emerged victorious. North Carolina holds a 15-13 advantage in the all-time series against the Wildcats. The contest will be broadcast on ESPNU, with Jay Alter, Charlotte North, and Sheehan Stanwick-Burch serving as the play-by-play commentators. The Tar Heels, ranked No. 1 in the nation, are entering the game with a strong record and a roster brimming with talent. Their 31-game winning streak is the longest in program history and ranks fifth in NCAA history. Head coach Jenny Levy, now in her 31st season, has compiled a career record of 452-130, placing her second all-time in wins and fourth in national championships. UNC’s schedule this season includes nine teams from the current Top 25, reflecting the program’s commitment to competitive excellence. Defensively, the Tar Heels have been dominant, holding opponents to just 6.9 goals per game in 2025, a performance that ranked first in both the ACC and NCAA. This season, they continue to rank third nationally with the same scoring defense, while their offensive output remains elite. The team’s scoring margin of +115 this season is among the best in the country, with a combined total of 177 goals scored and just 62 allowed. Key players are leading the charge. Chloe Humphrey, the nation’s top player, has already tallied 46 goals and 20 assists, averaging 5.1 goals and 7.3 points per game. Her 45 goals and 20 assists make her the only player in the country to achieve such numbers.#north_carolina #northwestern #jenny_levy #dorrance_field #chloe_humphrey

North Carolina fires Hubert Davis after first-round NCAA tournament loss: 'My desire was to continue to coach' - Yahoo Sports North Carolina has parted ways with head men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis following a first-round NCAA tournament exit. The decision was announced late Tuesday, ending Davis’ five-year tenure at the helm of the program. Davis, a former UNC shooting guard and longtime assistant under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams, took over after Williams’ retirement in 2021. In a statement, UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham acknowledged Davis’ contributions to the program, calling him a “tremendous character” who helped create “special memories.” Cunningham emphasized the difficult nature of the decision, stating that the move was made to “allow our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.” Davis, in his own statement, expressed disappointment at being let go, though he reiterated his commitment to coaching. “My desire was to continue to coach here,” he said. “This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. My goal is to coach again in the very near future.” Davis’ first season as head coach was marked by significant success, including a run to the 2022 Final Four. The Tar Heels secured two historic victories: a win over rival Duke in head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game at Cameron Indoor Stadium and another against Duke in the Final Four. However, the program’s momentum stalled in subsequent seasons. Despite a strong start in 2022, North Carolina’s four seasons under Davis have ended in early tournament exits.#north_carolina #hubert_davis #ncaa_tournament #bubba_cunningham #roy_williams

Berger concedes in NC Senate District 26 recount North Carolina’s state Senate leader, Phil Berger (R), conceded his primary race in Senate District 26 after a recount confirmed his defeat by Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page (R) by 23 votes. The race, which concluded with approximately 26,000 ballots cast, saw Page declare victory on election night, but Berger requested a machine recount and a hand tally of voting precincts, which validated the initial results. Berger, who has led Senate Republicans for over a decade, acknowledged the outcome in a statement, praising voters for their decision and congratulating Page on his win. He emphasized his commitment to working with colleagues in the upcoming legislative session to maintain North Carolina’s status as a top state for living and raising a family. Berger also pledged to support all Republican Senate candidates and protect the state’s supermajority. The race, which was one of the closest in the state, drew significant attention due to Berger’s prominent role as a Republican leader and his endorsement by President Trump. Trump had previously urged Page to join him in Washington, D.C., rather than run against Berger. Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, praised the election officials for ensuring accurate vote counting and commended Berger for his service, despite their differing political views. Page, in a statement reported by local media, expressed gratitude for Berger’s recognition of his victory and shifted focus to the upcoming general election. The outcome underscores the competitive nature of North Carolina’s political landscape, where even narrow margins in primary races can reshape legislative dynamics. Republicans currently hold 30 of the 50 Senate seats, and the loss of Berger’s seat could impact the party’s influence in the state legislature.#north_carolina #phil_berger #sam_page #rockingham_county #josh_stein

Republican Phil Berger Concedes State Senate Primary to Sheriff Sam Page North Carolina State Senate leader Phil Berger conceded his primary race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page on Tuesday, marking a significant political shift in the state. The outcome of the Republican primary for Senate District 26 was determined after a full machine recount confirmed Page’s narrow 23-vote lead. Berger, who had previously withdrawn several election protests, acknowledged the result in a statement, calling the voters’ decision “a clear message” and congratulating Page on his victory. The race hinged on a local controversy surrounding Berger’s failed attempt to push through a casino expansion project in the district. In 2023, Page led opposition to the plan, which Berger had promoted as an economic investment for rural communities. Residents, many of whom identified as conservative Christians, criticized the proposal as a covert effort to “sneak” the casino into their area, citing concerns over community values and potential negative impacts. Despite Berger’s efforts to fast-track the project, the backlash persisted, ultimately contributing to his defeat. Page, a 73-year-old attorney with over 25 years of service in the state Senate, had long been a key figure in North Carolina politics. His victory over Berger, a longtime Senate leader who had never lost a statewide election, underscores shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. The district, traditionally a safe Republican seat, now faces an uncertain future as Page prepares to run for the Senate seat in November. Berger’s concession followed a recount process that initially left the race extremely close, with Page leading by just two votes on election night. After the counties completed their canvass, the sheriff’s margin expanded to 23 votes.#north_carolina #phil_berger #sam_page #rockingham_county #guilford_county

Roy Cooper brings 'Make Stuff Cost Less' tour to Asheville Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, now the Democratic nominee for a U.S. Senate seat in the state, visited Asheville on Wednesday as part of his "Make Stuff Cost Less" campaign tour. The event focused on the rising cost of utilities, which Cooper claims are placing significant financial pressure on families and small businesses across North Carolina. Speaking at RAD Brewing Company, Cooper outlined his legislative priorities for the U.S. Senate, including measures to reduce energy costs. He proposed requiring large data centers to cover the full cost of their electricity usage and encouraging major technology companies to generate their own power. "Too many families in North Carolina are getting squeezed by their power bills," Cooper stated. "It's not right, and it's time for a change." His plan also includes modernizing the state’s electric grid and prohibiting utility companies from disconnecting service during extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves or cold snaps. Cooper emphasized that these steps are necessary to alleviate the burden on households and businesses struggling with rising energy expenses. The event underscored the growing impact of utility costs in Western North Carolina, where local business owners reported significant increases in electricity and water prices. Robert "Lem" Lemery, owner of RAD Brewing Company, noted that energy and water costs have nearly doubled in recent years, forcing small businesses to absorb these expenses without passing them on to customers. "We can't offset those increased costs to customers without risking losing business, so we have to eat it," Lemery said. He highlighted the critical role of water in the brewing process, explaining that approximately 6.#north_carolina #roy_cooper #michael_whatley #rad_brewing_company #lookout_brewing

Roy Cooper brings "Make Stuff Cost Less" tour to Greenville in tight NC Senate race Former Governor Roy Cooper is visiting Greenville as part of his “Make Stuff Cost Less” campaign tour, a key effort to connect with voters in North Carolina’s closely contested Senate race against Republican Michael Whatley. The campaign focuses on addressing rising costs for essentials like gas, groceries, and utilities, which have become central concerns for many residents. Denise Voncannon, a supporter of Cooper, highlighted the growing frustration over inflation, stating, “The cost of everything has jumped tremendously, and I don’t see that changing much with our current administration.” Cooper’s tour has already included stops in Asheville, Raleigh, and Greensboro, but Greenville holds particular significance due to its reliance on agriculture. During a visit to the area, Cooper addressed concerns from farmers about the impact of tariffs and global conflicts on their livelihoods. When asked about how these factors have affected agricultural operations, he responded, “Farmers are telling me that tariffs have caused equipment and fertilizer costs to skyrocket, and the war in Iran has driven fuel prices even higher, making it harder for them to sustain their businesses.” The campaign also emphasizes the struggles of younger voters, with Isabella Sardina, a recent East Carolina University graduate and co-chair of the Women for Roy coalition, sharing her perspective on affordability. She noted, “For students, affordability is key, but for young professionals, it’s just as critical. Once we leave campus, we’re responsible for groceries, rent, healthcare, and everything else on our own.” This focus on economic pressures resonates with a demographic that has seen living costs rise sharply in recent years.#north_carolina #greenville #roy_cooper #michael_whatley #isabella_sardina