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
Kenny Smith Absent from Day 2 of CBS NCAA Tournament Coverage Kenny Smith, a key figure on Inside the NBA, was absent from day two of CBS’ NCAA Tournament coverage due to being “under the weather.” His replacement for the studio segment was Renee Montgomery, a two-time WNBA champion who transitioned into broadcasting. Smith participated in the first day of coverage but left the set after No. 1 Michigan’s first-round victory over No. 16 Howard. His exit coincided with VCU’s upset of his alma mater, North Carolina, in a game that ended 82-78. Smith’s departure from the set sparked speculation, with many suggesting it was tied to North Carolina’s loss. The Tar Heels fell to VCU in the first round for the second consecutive season, marking the first time since the 1960s that the program had back-to-back opening-round exits. North Carolina struggled in the final stretch of the game, surrendering 23-8 to VCU. Head coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the team’s missed opportunities, noting that while they had open shots and executed plays, they missed eight free throws. Davis also praised VCU’s resilience, highlighting their ability to mount a comeback despite being down 19 points. Davis emphasized that the loss was not due to a lack of effort, stating, “We had shots at the basket. We had executed plays. And we miss eight free throws. Sometimes the ball doesn’t go in.” He also credited VCU for their determination, calling their comeback “resilient” and acknowledging that mistakes by North Carolina contributed to the defeat. The loss drew criticism from ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg, who criticized Hubert Davis and the North Carolina program for failing to meet the standard expected of the school.#north_carolina #hubert_davis #kenny_smith #vcu #reneemontgomery
J. Cole's 'The Fall-Off' World Tour Breaks Records with Record Ticket Sales J. Cole is set to launch his world tour in support of his seventh studio album, The Fall-Off, beginning in July. The tour will kick off with North American leg stops in major cities including Charlotte, Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, and other locations. Following the U.S. dates, Cole will travel to Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand before concluding the tour in South Africa in December. Despite the tour not yet beginning, Cole’s event has already set multiple records. Live Nation reported that over 800,000 tickets were sold during the presale phase, making it the highest pre-sale ticket count for a hip-hop tour across 18 markets. The overwhelming demand prompted the tour to expand from its original 54 dates to 73, with an additional 19 arenas added to accommodate fans. The success of the presale underscores the strong anticipation for Cole’s new album and his live performances. The news of Cole’s record-breaking tour comes shortly after the conclusion of his Trunk Sale tour, which saw him travel across the United States in his restored Honda Civic, selling CDs directly to fans. During the tour, Cole shared insights into his motivations, stating, “In the trunk of my car is boxes of The Fall-Off CDs.” He reflected on his early days in music, recalling how he once sold copies of albums in gas stations, saying, “I used to go up to the gas stations trying to sell the album to strangers ‘yo you like hip hop??’ Was the beginning of the sales pitch.” Cole emphasized his desire to reconnect with his roots while promoting the new album, explaining, “When I was working on this album I had the desire to go feel that feeling again, and that’s what I’m about to do.#north_carolina #live_nation #the_fall_off #jcole #trunk_sale_tour
North Carolina vs. VCU NCAA Tournament Matchup: Odds, Predictions, and Key Details The 11th-seeded VCU Rams will face the sixth-seeded UNC Tar Heels in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament South Region on March 19. The game, set for 6:50 p.m. ET at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., marks the first-ever matchup between the two programs. VCU, led by first-year coach Phil Martelli Jr., enters the tournament with a 27-7 record after a 72-60 victory over Dayton in the A-10 tournament championship. UNC, meanwhile, lost its last two games, including an 80-79 defeat to Clemson in the ACC Tournament, and finished fourth in the league with an 12-6 record. UNC will be without star freshman forward Caleb Wilson, who is sidelined for the season following surgery for a broken thumb. The Tar Heels have turned to Henri Veesaar, averaging 16.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in Wilson’s absence. VCU, which has won 16 of its last 17 games, will rely on its balanced scoring attack, with Terrence Hill Jr. projected to contribute 13.3 points in the matchup. The game’s odds show UNC as a 2.5-point favorite, with the over/under total set at 150.5 points. The total has dropped 5 points since opening at 155.5, reflecting cautious expectations for a low-scoring contest. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has a strong track record in NCAA Tournament predictions, simulated the game 10,000 times and leaned toward the under, projecting the total to fall in 52.4% of simulations. The model also highlighted key player contributions, with VCU expected to have two players scoring 12.6 points or more and UNC’s Veesaar projected to lead the Tar Heels with 16.4 points. The model’s analysis suggests the under total is a strong bet, aligning with recent trends in both teams’ games.#north_carolina #phil_martelli_jr #vcu #henri_veesarar #terrence_hill_jr
March Madness games today: Ranking Thursday's NCAA Tournament games The first full slate of games in the Men’s NCAA Tournament kicks off today, drawing widespread excitement from college basketball fans. With 16 matchups set across various time slots and television networks, the day promises high stakes and unpredictable outcomes. Fans are encouraged to follow live updates and scores as the tournament unfolds, with key games featuring top-ranked teams and underdogs alike. The schedule includes a mix of high-profile matchups and tightly contested battles. Among the highlights is No. 6 North Carolina facing off against No. 11 VCU at 6:50 p.m. ET on TNT. The Tar Heels, led by their experienced roster, will aim to overcome the challenges posed by VCU, a team riding an 11-game winning streak. Meanwhile, No. 1 Michigan will take on No. 16 Howard at 7:10 p.m. ET on CBS, testing the Wolverines’ depth against a lesser-ranked opponent. Other notable games include No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Siena at 2:50 p.m. ET on CBS, where the Blue Devils will look to quickly dispatch the Saints despite missing key starters. The day’s final matchup, No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 16 Howard, will be a critical test for the Wolverines’ defense. Regional breakdowns and predictions suggest that while top teams like Duke and Michigan will likely advance, underdogs such as Siena and Howard could create upsets. The tournament’s unpredictability is underscored by the potential for late-game adjustments, as some games may start later than scheduled due to spillover from earlier matches. Fans are advised to stay tuned for real-time updates, as the day’s outcomes will shape the tournament’s trajectory. With 16 games spread across multiple time zones, the excitement of March Madness continues to build as the nation’s best college basketball teams take to the court.#duke #north_carolina #ncaa_tournament #vcu #march_madness
NC Sues to Block TV News Merger, Citing Price Hikes and Content Loss North Carolina’s attorney general, Jeff Jackson, has filed a lawsuit to block a proposed merger between two major television news companies, Tegna and Nexstar, arguing the deal would harm consumers by raising prices and reducing the quality of local news. The lawsuit, joined by other states, claims the merger would create a dominant media entity with unchecked power to control content and increase costs for television subscribers. The case centers on the merger’s potential to consolidate control over a vast network of broadcast stations, which together cover about 80% of the U.S. population. Under federal antitrust rules, no single company should own stations serving more than 39% of the country. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under former President Donald Trump proposed waiving this rule to approve the merger. Jackson and other state attorneys general argue this would allow the merged company to dominate local news markets, leading to fewer independent journalists and higher prices for consumers. In North Carolina, the lawsuit highlights concerns about the merger’s impact on local newsrooms. The state is home to multiple media markets where Tegna and Nexstar currently compete, including Charlotte, Greensboro, and parts of northeastern North Carolina. If the merger proceeds, the lawsuit predicts widespread layoffs or newsroom closures, as the combined company would likely eliminate redundant operations to cut costs. This could result in reduced coverage of local issues, including political developments and community events, which are critical for an informed public. Jackson compared the case to his ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation over Ticketmaster’s pricing practices.#nexstar #north_carolina #jeff_jackson #tegna #federal_communications_commission
Most Probable First-Round Upsets in 2026 NCAA Tournament The 2025 men’s NCAA tournament saw only five double-digit seeds advance in the first round, with two of them being 10-seeds, which are not classified as Giant Killers. The Elite Eight was the most predictable in history, featuring all top-three seeds, and the Final Four had only two 1-seeds. Despite this, March Madness remains defined by upsets, and analysts are now identifying potential candidates for this year’s tournament. Using ESPN’s BPI projections, the Giant Killer model highlights matchups with the highest upset probabilities. However, it’s important to note that probability does not guarantee outcomes, and the likelihood of multiple upsets this season is low. NCAA tournament betting lines are at record highs, and the model gives no team seeded 11th or lower a 40% chance of winning in the first round. Only one No. 12 seed, the perennial upset pick, has a 20% chance to advance. The model also indicates that last year had more high-probability upsets, with four matchups exceeding 40% and eight above 25%. For those looking to differentiate their brackets, here are the most likely candidates for upsets. The matchup between (11) VCU and (6) North Carolina has a 39% chance of an upset. North Carolina’s performance has been impacted by the absence of star freshman Caleb Wilson, who is out for the season due to a broken thumb. Without Wilson, the Tar Heels’ efficiency numbers dropped, particularly on the offensive glass and in 2-point field goal percentages. VCU, however, has been dominant, winning 16 of its past 17 games. The Rams’ balanced attack and aggressive playstyle, combined with their eight regular rotation players hitting at least 18 3-pointers this season, make them a formidable opponent. Another high-probability matchup is (11) NC State vs.#north_carolina #ncaa_tournament #byu #vcu #nc_state
Charlotte Region School Closings: Tracking Closures for March 16, 2026 Multiple school districts in the Charlotte area adjusted their schedules for Monday, March 16, due to forecasts of severe weather. A series of potentially dangerous thunderstorms were expected to sweep through the Carolinas between Sunday night and Monday, bringing strong winds and isolated tornadoes. Several districts announced closures as a precautionary measure. The storms were anticipated to begin around 8 a.m. on Monday, moving eastward across western-central North Carolina and affecting the Charlotte region, including parts of South Carolina, through early to mid-afternoon. Forecasters warned that the storms could produce wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, with tornadoes possible in certain areas. Residents were urged to take immediate shelter if a tornado warning was issued and to prepare if a tornado watch was posted. Power outages were also a concern, as strong winds could damage trees and power lines. Additionally, the storms were expected to cause a drop in temperatures following Monday’s activity, with some mountainous regions briefly experiencing snow. Springlike conditions were predicted to return later in the week. The National Weather Service provided active alerts for the Charlotte region, emphasizing the need for vigilance during the storm system. Schools remained closed on Monday as a safety measure, with updates likely to be posted as conditions evolved.#national_weather_service #south_carolina #north_carolina #charlotte_region #carolinas
Kyrsten Sinema fires back at lawsuit over alleged affair Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema has responded to a lawsuit alleging an affair with a married man, asserting that the incidents in question occurred outside of North Carolina and requesting the case be dismissed. Sinema, who served in the U.S. Senate from 2019 to 2023, has not provided specific details about the circumstances of the alleged relationship but has emphasized that the events took place in a location unrelated to the state. The legal action, which was filed in a North Carolina court, has drawn attention due to Sinema’s public profile and the potential implications for her political career. The lawsuit, which Sinema’s legal team has described as baseless, claims that the affair occurred during her time in office. However, Sinema has stated that the alleged relationship was not part of her official duties and that the incidents in question happened outside the jurisdiction of North Carolina. Her attorneys have argued that the case should be dismissed on grounds of improper venue, citing the location of the alleged events as a key factor. Sinema’s response comes amid ongoing scrutiny of her personal life, which has been a topic of public discussion in recent years. While she has not publicly commented on the allegations beyond her legal team’s statements, the case has sparked debates about the intersection of personal conduct and political accountability. Legal experts have noted that the outcome of the case could set a precedent for similar disputes involving public figures. The lawsuit also highlights the challenges of proving such allegations in court, as the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff.#public_figure #north_carolina #legal_action #kyrsten_sinema #political_career
