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North Carolina’s parched landscape got a dramatic rescue as torrential rains dumped over three inches in central regions—some spots in Wake County hit five inches—lifting spirits and easing drought-stricken water supplies after months of restrictions. Raleigh, whose Falls Lake reservoir dipped to 62% capacity, is cautiously optimistic, though officials warn the heaviest rain missed key watershed a...

Rocky Mount, North Carolina, faced a billing nightmare when thousands received two bills in one month—caused by unauthorized system changes that disrupted meter readings and schedules. The State Auditor’s report blamed poor oversight, revealing the city’s ongoing financial woes, including an $80 million deficit since 2023. Council members Charles Roberson and T.J. Walker also faced scrutiny for si...

Spring’s housing market stalled, but summer’s showing promise—Zillow’s June report reveals a surprising uptick: home sales jumped 6% year-over-year and 9% from May, with the most dramatic gains at the lower end, where new listings surged 10% and inventory rose 12%. While overall inventory remains flat and prices tick up just 1%, the boost in affordable options signals momentum may be building. Lis...

Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley have reportedly called it quits after just three years of marriage, with sources saying they parted ways in July 2026. The breakup rumors intensified when Jack attended Taylor Swift’s wedding solo, and Margaret quietly deleted all wedding photos from her Instagram — a move that sparked widespread speculation. Both have been unusually quiet on social media since J...

For 17 years, the federal minimum wage has frozen at $7.25—an amount that barely covers basic living costs. Billionaire Mark Cuban argues it’s time to raise it to $20/hour, pointing out that profitable companies often pay so little their workers rely on government aid, a cost ultimately borne by taxpayers. Cuban, known for his “trickle up” economics, believes paying workers fairly boosts the entir...

In 1961, Ham the chimp blasted into space aboard a Mercury-Redstone rocket, becoming the first primate in orbit—and a silent hero of the space race. His 16-minute flight at 5,800 mph, reaching 157 miles up, proved animals could survive space’s brutal conditions, directly shaping NASA’s safety protocols for human astronauts. Though he’d screech at cameras and nip handlers, Ham was a genius in train...

The USMNT’s World Cup exit was overshadowed by off-field drama: team manager Sam Zapatka and VP of security Frank Pannell were suspended for protocol violations during their Bosnia game—not linked to Balogun’s controversial red card, which was later overturned. Despite the suspension, Balogun and the team still fell short against Belgium, leaving fans and players reflecting on a campaign that unit...

Senator Mitch McConnell’s health remains a hotly debated topic as he recovers from a recent medical scare, with his team downplaying concerns while his absence from key votes fuels public frustration. Despite claims of improvement and continued Senate engagement, the lack of direct communication from McConnell himself — especially after a February hospitalization — has left many demanding transpar...

A beloved NC State swimming coach, Jack Roney, passed away at 39, leaving behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering love for his family. Remembered as a record-holding swimmer and the “rock” of his household, Jack was devoted to his wife and five children, who were his entire world. His sisters praised his selflessness and the profound impact he had on everyone around him. In response...

Trump’s NATO summit meltdown: He raged over allies’ refusal to buy Greenland and join his Iran strikes, calling Spain a “terrible partner” and threatening trade. Denmark shut down the Greenland deal flat. While NATO chief Stoltenberg credited Trump’s pressure for boosting global defense spending by over a trillion dollars since 2017, tensions remain high as U.S. troops pull back and allies scrambl...

The World Cup quarterfinals are electric with soccer royalty—France, Spain, Argentina, and England dominate the top four, while Morocco and Norway defy expectations. Mbappé’s 19th World Cup goal fuels France’s unstoppable run, Spain edges Portugal in a thriller, and Messi leads Argentina’s record-shattering charge. Belgium and Switzerland shock the world with gritty wins, while Norway’s Haaland an...

Senator Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization has sparked widespread speculation, but allies are stepping in to reassure the public. Former adviser Scott Jennings reported a 20-minute conversation with McConnell, noting his continued engagement with current events. Republican leaders including John Thune, John Barrasso, and even Kentucky Rep. Brett Guthrie have reportedly contacted him by phone or tex...

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has broken political protocol by directly asking Senator Mitch McConnell for a full health update, citing the public’s right to transparency as McConnell remains hospitalized with no official details released. Despite their partisan divide, Beshear and McConnell have collaborated before — and Beshear’s move follows weeks of public speculation and his own frustration...

A body believed to be Nolan Wells, who vanished during a Fourth of July boat trip from Horn Island, has been found — likely drowned, with no foul play suspected so far. Authorities are urgently seeking anyone who was on or near the northwest tip of the island that day for photos, videos, or even witness accounts of unusual activity or arguments. Nolan’s devastated mother is grieving his loss, and...

Want quick cash and a taste of TV fame? ABC’s crime drama “R.J. Decker” is back filming in Wilmington, NC, and they’re hiring extras — including ripped bodybuilders (any gender/race, 21+) for $150 and “gym guys” (Latino men, 25+, $180/day). Submit photos and details to stewartcastingbg@gmail.com by July 20 — director picks based on pics only. Stars Scott Speedman, filmed mostly in NC despite the F...

You thought you’d forgotten about that invite? Think again—this was Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s secret wedding, and I was there. The invite came days before a charity bike ride, and I had to juggle hosting my daily radio show while secretly planning a trip across the pond. Spoiler: I kept it under wraps until the big day. The ceremony was intimate, full of family moments, and they both looked...

Summer House just earned its first Emmy nod for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program — right after a season-ending bombshell: Amanda Batula and West Wilson revealed they’re dating, while Amanda was still separated from her husband, Kyle Cooke. The pair said they needed space to navigate the emotional complexity privately, stressing their bond began as friendship. The news sent shockwaves throu...

Emmy Rossum reveals the wild, whirlwind romance that led to her secret 2008 wedding to music producer Justin Siegel — a whirlwind fueled by an ultimatum, a movie shoot, and a turtleneck. She recounts how her past heartbreaks shaped her decision, and how the marriage, officiated by a stranger with a printed contract, ended in divorce just two years later. Now happily married to director Sam Esmail...

A school bus carrying the Douglas Byrd High football team overturned on a highway ramp, sending 33 people—including 26 students and 7 adults—to medical evaluation. Four were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities are investigating the crash, which shut down the ramp temporarily. Cumberland County Schools praised emergency responders and is arranging safe transp...

Two restaurants in Wake County got B grades for sanitation—Marco’s Pizza in Cary and Tadka Biryani Tandoor in Morrisville—while Durham’s Los Tres Mexican Restaurant also earned a B, highlighting common issues like improper storage and missing supplies. Meanwhile, Orange, Johnston, and Chatham counties all scored A’s, proving strong compliance across the board. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on...

Emmy Rossum bravely fought for equal pay on Shameless, revealing how she initially accepted a pay gap with her male co-star—until she took on more roles, including directing. Her first negotiation attempt in season three failed, but she pushed again in 2016 ahead of season eight, facing uncertainty and nerves. What turned the tide? When fans learned about her pay dispute, public outcry shifted the...

Charles Barkley turned down an invite to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding, joking he doesn’t attend weddings or funerals and would rather be golfing. Ryan Seacrest also bailed due to a Disney Fourth of July special. Joseph Kahn, Taylor’s former director, praised the egalitarian vibe—no VIP seating—and called the guest list “literally everyone.” The ceremony, officiated by Adam Sandler, was...

T-Mobile’s plan overhaul is sparking outrage—and creating a golden opportunity for Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile. As T-Mobile phases out popular plans like Simple Choice and Magenta, pushing customers toward pricier options and ending its $10 KickBack discount, frustrated users are flooding social media. Xfinity Mobile is swooping in with a bold countermove: a free year of their Mobile Select plan—comp...

Lamar Odom is clearing the air about his marriage to Khloé Kardashian, firmly denying he was with her for clout — saying he was already a household name from his NBA stardom and didn’t need the fame. He credits their relationship as organic and natural, especially given his prior connections with other high-profile women. Their four-year marriage ended in a messy split, paused when Lamar nearly di...

Farmers are fighting back against brutal heat waves fueled by climate change, which are shortening growing seasons and risking total crop loss—especially for small-scale specialty growers. With no safety nets and complex insurance systems, they’re adapting by harvesting early, setting up shade tents, and moving seedlings indoors. As extreme weather becomes the new normal, resilience means planting...