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North Carolina’s State Health Plan is set to make one of its most consequential decisions this Friday—potentially reshaping healthcare for nearly 750,000 teachers, state workers, retirees, and their families. The board will vote on premium and benefit changes for 2027, including a major shift to a preferred provider model that could slash out-of-pocket costs for those sticking with in-network care...

When President Trump attacks short sellers as “betting against the country,” Michael Burry — the “Big Short” prophet — fires back with a sharp warning: the AI boom may have priced in too much perfection. As Nvidia, Tesla, and Palantir soar on AI hype, Burry reminds investors that extraordinary valuations demand extraordinary performance — and that ignoring risk is the real danger. The White House...

Moana’s live-action debut lit up Washington Heights with a blue carpet, bringing together stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Lin-Manuel Miranda—yes, the Hamilton guy—back in the driver’s seat. Johnson got emotional reflecting on his humble beginnings in Hawaii, while Miranda urged families to experience the cinematic magic on the big screen. The film drops July 10—don’t miss this big-screen...

Levi Banks, once rumored to be a Big Brother houseguest, pulled out before the season even began — not due to producers, but his own gut feeling. He’s grateful for the opportunity, calling it life-changing, and is now cheering on the season from home as a fan. The premiere kicked off with 14 new players, including an MMA fighter, a Drag Race alum, and Survivor’s Rick Devens — proving the show’s ta...

North Carolina’s education scene is flipping fast: private school enrollment surged past 143,000, while homeschooling plummeted 7% to 152,000—thanks largely to the booming voucher program that’s making private school affordable for more families. But it’s not just about money—state officials say homeschool numbers were inflated by unreported closures, and private schools themselves have jumped 13%...

E-bikes and electric scooters are exploding in popularity across Wake County, but confusion and safety concerns are driving towns to act. With thousands injured nationwide each year, cities like Cary, Wake Forest, and Holly Springs are crafting new rules — from sidewalk bans to speed limits and education campaigns — as state laws struggle to keep up. Local officials warn that powerful electric veh...

North Carolina just passed a bold new state budget that’s reshaping higher education — with big cash infusions for colleges, mental health mandates, and a major overhaul of community college funding tied to job-ready programs. Governor Stein signed the bill, which allocates over $100 million to universities and $73 million to community colleges to handle rising enrollment, plus incentives for scho...

Early Friday morning, Raleigh plunged into darkness as nearly 1,000 homes and businesses lost power — not from a storm or outage, but a tiny culprit: a small animal that chewed through critical grid equipment. Duke Energy restored service by 5:15 AM, bringing light back to neighborhoods around Edwards Mill Road and Wade Avenue. A quirky, nature-powered blackout that reminds us how fragile — and fu...

Durham Water Main Break Explodes | Durham News

Dorothea Dix Park’s sunflower field is in full bloom and turning Raleigh’s summer into a golden spectacle — since 2018, this free, family-friendly hotspot has become a beloved community hub for picnics, proposals, and pure joy. This Saturday, July 11th, celebrate with live music, stargazing by the Raleigh astronomy club, food trucks, and endless sunflower views — no tickets or fees required. Just...

A federal appeals court just overturned a 30-year sentence for a North Carolina man arrested after cops pulled him over based on a vague anonymous tip — setting a major precedent that could force law enforcement to gather more evidence before acting on tips, especially in high-crime areas. The case, involving Kevin Williams, began when an anonymous caller reported a white Mercedes with people poss...

Even if they don’t speak Spanish, millions of U.S. fans are tuning into Telemundo’s World Cup broadcasts—and loving it. No commercial interruptions, louder and faster commentary signaling big moments, and a raw, unfiltered game experience are drawing viewers in. Comedians like Trevor Noah are fans too, praising the seamless flow. Telemundo is thrilled by the unexpected surge, and industry insiders...

Wake County’s new “Connect Wake” camera network launches August 5th — not to spy on you, but to help police find video evidence faster. You’ll register your cameras on a public map, but your footage stays private. Investigators will only ask for specific clips after getting your permission — no automatic sharing. It’s not like traffic cameras, and your privacy is protected. Info sessions are still...

A four-year-old Nigerian dwarf goat named Goldie became an unlikely wildfire hero in Colorado Springs, hanging out with firefighters for hours, munching leaves, and even trying to steal lunch — all while the Rock Creek Fire raged nearby. Though she didn’t extinguish flames, her presence boosted morale and reminded everyone that even in tough times, a little comic relief — and a buttergoat — can ma...

North Carolina’s governor just signed a bold new Farm Act to battle the worst drought in decades, funding irrigation and pond digging to help farmers survive dry spells—and even brace for hurricane flooding. With 43% of the state in extreme drought, crops are stunted, yields are down, and farmers are calling recent rain “drops from heaven.” Advocates are pushing for a new funding plan to hit the G...

Mystery Surrounds Thursday Night Death | Durham News

A Utah judge weighs whether there’s enough evidence to move forward with trial for Tyler Robinson, accused of aggravated murder in the fatal shooting of Kirk—a prominent Trump ally—during a campus speech. Defense challenges key evidence, including inconclusive ballistics and contested DNA, while prosecutors push to admit a chilling statement from Robinson’s roommate claiming he regretted the act....

Falls Lake’s still dangerously low—sixty-two percent full and five feet below where it needs to be, despite recent rain. Boat ramps are sinking, daily use is disrupted, and Raleigh Water’s warning is clear: Stage One restrictions are in place, and Stage Two is looming if water levels don’t rise. That means no sprinklers, limited field watering, and serious conservation—because every drop counts un...

TSA agents at Fayetteville Regional Airport pulled off a major security win when they spotted a tiny, inert bomb initiator disguised as a keychain—yes, a real bomb component, just inactive. The passenger thought it was harmless, but TSA’s sharp eye caught it before it could become a threat. Explosives experts praised the find, reminding everyone that even “dead” items can be dangerous—and vigilanc...

Death Under Investigation in Bear Creek | Durham News

A federal appeals court has upheld Illinois’ ban on semiautomatic weapons, rejecting claims it violates the Second Amendment and affirming that regulating such firearms aligns with historical gun control traditions. The ruling, which reverses a lower court decision, cites evidence linking assault weapons and large-capacity magazines to mass shootings and reverses a previous ruling that deemed the...

Love Island USA is back and hotter than ever—season eight’s breaking records for villa intimacy, with contestants swapping code words like “How was your journey?” to dodge the cameras. Under constant surveillance, they’re forced to perform love, drama, and desire for a $100K prize, while fans dive into daily episodes and fantasy leagues to predict who’ll survive. It’s raw, relentless, and totally...

Family drama hits Love Island USA as Melanie and Sincere face tough talks with their parents—Sincere’s dad calls him out for dating too much, while Melanie’s family says she shouldn’t be with him. With the finale looming, couples get one last date before writing vows, testing their commitment. The stakes? $100K, but with a twist: one person gets two envelopes—one with cash, one empty—and must deci...

Death Under Investigation in Bear Creek | Durham News

Off-Campus season one’s explosive finale sparked controversy over intimate scenes featuring 18-year-old Ella Bright, but creator Louisa Levy and the cast stood firm—emphasizing full consent, pre-production discussions, and the presence of intimacy coordinator Kathy Kadler to ensure safety and professionalism. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. A...