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Libraries across the country are drowning in digital book waitlists, with North Carolina’s surging population making it worse. E-books and audiobooks cost up to three times more than physical copies, often with time-limited licenses, forcing libraries to spend taxpayer cash on fleeting access. Readers face months-long waits for popular titles, while libraries scramble with “Lucky Day” collections and new pricing models to keep up. The fix? Fairer deals between publishers and libraries to unlock more books—and more reading—for everyone.

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Severe thunderstorms are barreling through central North Carolina—warning areas expanded from Hoke, Moore, and Scotland counties to include western Cumberland and parts of Harnett as storms move northeast at 25-30 mph. Expect damaging winds and heavy rain; stay alert and heed updates. Your safety depends on staying informed.

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Congressman Chuck Edwards skipped ethics protocol on a pricey South Africa trip, sparking fresh scrutiny as he’s already facing sexual harassment allegations and plans to step down from reelection — while three colleagues on the same trip followed all rules and disclosed costs properly.

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Gas prices are through the roof, and automakers like Honda are stuck between demand and profit margins—why? Because adding hybrid tech to budget-friendly crossovers like the HR-V or ADX just doesn’t pencil out at $27K. Competitors like Toyota and Kia already offer hybrids in this segment, but Honda’s product chief admits price sensitivity is the real hurdle—not engineering. They’re working on a cheaper, more efficient hybrid system for 2029, and even teased a prototype Acura SUV that looks like the ADX. For now? Shoppers might have to wait—or keep paying premium gas prices without a fuel-effic...

When Atrium Health merged with Wake Forest Baptist in 2020, promises of expanded care and financial stability sparked hope—but behind the scenes, patients and staff are facing rising costs, staffing strain, and growing concerns. While new buildings and rural hospital support have been touted as wins, inpatient prices jumped 28% post-merger. Employees report increased pressure to cut costs, diminished morale, and safety worries amid unchanged budgeted hours—yet frontline workers say they’re stretched thin during emergencies. As Atrium eyes another merger with WakeMed, this case reveals the human cost behind healthcare consolidation: big investments don’t always translate to better c...

Fayetteville PD is revving up its human trafficking unit, hunting for two veteran detectives to lead the charge—while also wrapping up a tense Sunday standoff where a suspect barricaded himself in an attic after refusing arrest, leaving a family trapped inside, but ultimately surrendering peacefully by nightfall with no injuries reported.

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Olivia Culpo is glowing through her second pregnancy, celebrating her body’s incredible transformation and radiating gratitude as she prepares to welcome baby number two—possibly a boy—just months after Colette’s arrival. Embracing motherhood with newfound confidence, she’s simplified her style for ease and is set for another C-section, carefully timing the birth to coincide with her husband Christian McCaffrey’s availability before his football season kicks in. With her support system by her side, Culpo is navigating the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy while staying grounded in joy and appreciation.

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Back to school bells are ringing across Cumberland, Durham, and Wake counties as students and families gear up for the new academic year — but this return isn’t just about backpacks and schedules. Wake County’s superintendent is leading the charge on how AI will reshape classrooms, while districts nationwide are doubling down on teacher retention to keep quality educators in the fold. And for the youngest learners — the 2026 kindergarten class — this marks the beginning of a 13-year journey that’ll see them graduate high school in 2039.

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Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was escorted out of a WNBA game after sparking a heated confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud over his shirt declaring “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” The incident occurred during a timeout in the third quarter, prompting security intervention and drawing national attention — especially since Freedom and Royce White recently declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft based on their gender identity. Players stepped between them to de-escalate, and Freedom made sure to flash his shirt one last time before leaving, even chatting with police as he exited.

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Shelley Fabares, beloved TV star of “The Donna Reed Show,” “One Day at a Time,” and “Coach,” has died at 82, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles, musical hits, and heartfelt advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness — her life marked by grace, resilience, and an enduring spirit that touched millions.

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After 25 years, New York City has made a historic breakthrough in identifying victims of the 9/11 attacks using genetic genealogy — a powerful new tool that combines DNA with family tree research. For the first time, they’ve formally identified an adult female victim, bringing the total to 1,651, while her family has chosen privacy. This method could unlock matches for the remaining 47 unidentified profiles, offering hope and closure to grieving families. It’s a poignant reminder of how innovation can transform even the most complex cold cases.

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Fairphone’s Gen 6+ is finally hitting U.S. shores for $650, ditching the repair-averse model of Apple and Samsung in favor of a phone you can fix yourself—with 12 replaceable parts, a screwdriver included, and a perfect iFixit score. Priced mid-range, it boasts a five-year warranty, software updates until 2033, and over 50% recycled materials. Despite stiff competition from carriers and giants like Apple and Samsung, Fairphone’s direct-to-consumer launch on its site and Amazon is gaining traction—shipments up 74%, with 80% of new buyers unfamiliar with the brand. This isn’t just about sustainability anymore; it’s about smarter, longer-lasting tech that saves you mo...

Michael Burry, the 2008 crash predictor, just cashed in a massive $2.27 billion paper profit by shorting Caterpillar — betting the stock’s recent surge is peaking. Meanwhile, Bill Gates’ foundation, heavily invested in the company for years, continues to ride the wave of infrastructure demand. One’s profiting from a tactical bearish play; the other’s reaping rewards from patient long-term ownership — a clash of titans on the same stock.

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Elon Musk is firing up the feud again, slamming Delta Airlines for choosing Amazon’s Project Kuiper over his own Starlink for in-flight Wi-Fi — claiming passengers are fleeing Delta just to use Starlink and warning the airline it’s playing catch-up. While Delta CEO Ed Bastian defends the 2028 rollout, citing cost and tech advantages, Starlink is already powering hundreds of planes across United, Southwest, and Alaska — turning into a major competitive edge and profit driver for SpaceX. With free Wi-Fi becoming table stakes, investors aren’t betting on connectivity alone — they’re watching revenue, schedules, and loyalty programs to see who really...

Bradley, 29, hints at a possible fifth season of Southern Hospitality, praising Leva’s ongoing support despite growing challenges, while teasing unseen developments in Charleston. Though cameras are on pause, he says the cast’s dynamic is stronger now — with some still sidelined. Meanwhile, Bradley’s “Body by Brad” fitness tour is taking off, blending 30-minute workouts with social vibes and DJs, turning his passion into a full-blown lifestyle movement.

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Hayden Panettiere, 36, died under mysterious circumstances as authorities investigate — no trauma found in autopsy, but her ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother were at the scene. Recently battling physical struggles including nerve pain and seeking recovery with a fitness expert, she was reportedly trying to regain strength. Hickerson claims he tried CPR and called 911, but her mother fiercely disputes this, calling him “culpable” and accusing him of stealing her belongings, including a cherished guitar. The case remains open as police dig deeper into what led to her death.

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Walmart’s stock took a nine percent hit despite strong revenue and profit growth, as Wall Street reacted to a drag from its health and wellness division — new regulations shaved 1.25% off sales, worse than expected. But strip out that pharmacy headwind, and U.S. comparable sales were solid at 3-4%. CEO calls it a good quarter overall, with operating income up, driven by strong performance in groceries, general merchandise, and e-commerce. JPMorgan still sees long-term upside: global ad revenue jumped 38%, U.S. marketplace sales rose 52%, and membership income grew nearly 17% worldwide. Analysts remain bullish, recommending buy despite the lowered pric...

Amir Salek, the architect behind Google’s TPUs for nearly a decade, has joined Anthropic’s compute team — a major move for a company that had no hardware team just a year ago. This follows Anthropic’s recent acquisition of Clive Chan from OpenAI, signaling a bold pivot to co-design AI models and custom chips to slash costs. By hiring seasoned pros like Salek who are between roles, Anthropic sidesteps legal risks while building a powerhouse hardware team. Adding to the intrigue: Anthropic is also buying Google’s TPUs — effectively hiring the man who built them. As Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft, a...

The old “save for when the job ends” advice is failing millions: even with steady paychecks, people are drowning in debt and living paycheck to paycheck. With emergency funds falling short, many are forced to raid retirement accounts for rent or medical bills — a dangerous trend experts warn against. The solution? Start small, automate savings, and push employers to offer emergency savings accounts to truly protect workers from life’s financial curveballs.

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Tesla’s Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals, hits the roads in Austin on September 3rd — marking the bold culmination of Elon Musk’s bet that AI can replace human drivers entirely. Unlike competitors navigating regulatory hurdles, Tesla is self-certifying its tech against existing safety standards, leveraging Texas’ permissive rules. With hundreds of thousands of rides already logged by rivals like Waymo, Tesla’s move is high-stakes: one major incident could trigger a regulatory meltdown. The real test begins now — will these driverless taxis actually carry paying passengers safely and reliably, and can Tesla answer feder...

Nissan’s sudden exit from launching its own bank marks a major shift in the auto industry’s financial strategy — as rivals like Toyota and BMW have long used their own federally insured banks to slash borrowing costs and boost competitiveness. With Ford, GM, and Stellantis moving forward with their banking charters, Nissan’s retreat comes amid a credit downgrade and aggressive cost-cutting under its Re: Nissan plan. The automaker chose cash flow preservation over the hefty upfront investment and regulatory burden of building a bank — leaving it at a funding disadvantage while competitors gain leverage. Could Nissan revisit this play...

Oil price swings are no longer just about gas pumps—they’re directly shaking up chemical stocks. With Iran’s conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, global oil flows plummeted from 21.6 million to just 4.9 million barrels daily, sending crude prices soaring and triggering wild stock moves in U.S. chemical giants like LyondellBasell and Dow. While international firms suffer, American companies benefit from cheaper natural gas feedstocks, creating a new market dynamic investors can’t ignore. The volatility? It’s already priced into some stocks—and could be ripe for savvy traders.

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UNC women’s soccer suffered their first loss of the season, falling 3-2 to No. 5 Michigan State despite dominating shots and corners — a second-half red card turned the tide. Meanwhile, softball soared with an 8-0 shutout thanks to senior Kenna Raye Dark’s no-hitter. Men’s lacrosse stayed hot with an 11-9 road win over No. 19 Penn, led by Dominic Pietramala’s five goals. But men’s basketball’s five-game streak ended in a 75-66 defeat to Miami. Looking ahead, women’s lacrosse remains unstoppable — ranked No. 1, they crushed Cal 21-7 with “velociraptor-like” defense to lock in the top ACC seed.

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Micron’s bold $10 billion decade-long bet on research and innovation could rewrite the memory chip game—after a brutal 2023 loss, CEO Sanjay Mehrotra is building a dedicated lab in Boise to pioneer next-gen memory, compute, and packaging tech. While Wall Street remains wary of the industry’s cyclical nature, AI-driven demand and 16 five-year customer deals may signal a new era. The real test? Whether Micron keeps investing when times get tough—not just when things are good.

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The craft spirits industry is in freefall, with nearly 800 distilleries shuttered last year alone—despite a slightly softer overall market. Hope flickers around new products and RTD cocktails, but the harsh reality? Businesses are collapsing left and right. Blue Spirits Distilling, once a regional powerhouse with exclusive Tommy Bahama rights and assets worth $10–50 million, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy without restructuring, triggering asset liquidation and leaving local authorities watching the fallout. Their demise underscores the brutal squeeze on small distillers trying to survive in an increasingly unforgiving landscape.

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Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb’s home was burglarized in July, with thieves stealing nearly $300K worth of luxury items—including designer bags—while he was away at training camp. The Cowboys are in preseason, and Lamb remains focused on health and the upcoming season, declining to comment publicly. No suspects have been identified as police continue their investigation.

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SNAP enrollment plummeted 13% in just one year, dropping from 42 million to 36.6 million — far steeper than expected — as new work requirements force even older adults into jobs, school, or volunteering to qualify. Administrative hurdles like missed deadlines and paperwork errors are pushing many off the rolls, not just those who’ve found work. Arizona saw a staggering 50% drop, while some states tout it as economic progress, others warn of human suffering. Families now face impossible choices between food and essentials, and food banks are seeing surging demand. States risk penalties for payment errors, leading to stricter eligibility rules. The fallout? Childr...

A somber community in Rocky Mount gathered for a memorial service honoring three lives tragically lost—Tracey Swann, Kenny Swann, and Mahala Scurlock—whose deaths have sparked grief, questions, and calls for change. The family’s struggle to pay a critical bill to maintain essential services has added unbearable weight to their loss. As investigators probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths, city officials are reviewing policies on payment plans, acknowledging the need for compassion and reform. The community mourns together, holding hope for answers and healing amid profound sorrow.

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State troopers raided a house in Durham early Saturday, shutting down an illegal nightclub packed with guns, drugs, and booze — leading to six arrests on felony charges. Neighbors had tipped off authorities about suspicious activity at the Dearborn Drive location, where agents found five firearms, nearly five ounces of cocaine, eight grams of meth, and untaxed liquor. Charges range from drug trafficking to unlicensed alcohol sales, with suspects from both Durham and Raleigh. The Alcohol Law Enforcement Division says this is just the beginning — more charges may follow as they dig deeper into the operation.

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Stanley Druckenmiller, legendary investor known for bold macro bets, has poured massive funds into Natera — his family office now owns more of the company than any other entity. Despite buying at a high price, he’s doubling down on the healthcare firm whose Signatera blood test detects cancer recurrence early, making it an essential service regardless of economic cycles. Natera’s Q2 revenue surged 38% YoY to $750M, with oncology test volume up 57%, and losses are shrinking as cash flow turns positive for the year. Druckenmiller’s confidence is extreme — Natera makes up 16% of his portfolio, nearly triple his second-largest holding. F...

UBS just raised its S&P 500 target to $8,100 by year-end and $8,400 by mid-2027, fueled by stronger-than-expected corporate earnings—not just tech. Earnings per share are now forecast at $400, lifting market confidence without needing extreme valuations. Growth is spreading across industrials, financials, and consumer sectors, reducing reliance on mega-cap stocks. AI remains key, but its benefits are expanding to cloud and infrastructure firms. The Fed may not need aggressive rate cuts if inflation stays tame. For investors: stay invested, but be selective—focus on companies truly benefiting from AI and broader trends, not just those spending heavily on it.

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Benny Blanco pulled off a wild five-day pizza-only experiment, dropping nearly five pounds while eating nothing but Domino’s pies — and he’s using it to hype his new book, F Failure. He admitted he was bored by day three but claimed to feel surprisingly good, even joking he forgot what life was like before pizza. No mention of exercise or balanced nutrition — just pure, unapologetic indulgence.

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Kourtney Kardashian is soaking up desert sun and family vibes after a whirlwind journey to motherhood — from IVF struggles and a life-saving fetal surgery to the natural birth of her son Rocky. Now, she’s basking in gratitude, sharing playful vacation snaps in Kylie’s leopard-print bikini, and embracing every moment with her kids and husband Travis Barker, proving that joy, resilience, and love are the real trophies.

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A couple in their mid-thirties, Brandon and Michaela, share the heartfelt journey of fostering two young boys since 2025, balancing love, patience, and humility as they navigate an uncertain future. Though they’ve grown closer through this experience and cherish the stability they’re offering, they’re clear: final decisions about the kids’ futures aren’t theirs to make. With online comments ranging from hopeful to intrusive, they stay grounded, focusing on being present and loving during this season — not trying to control outcomes or rush toward adoption. Their story is a quiet testament to grace under pressure, showing how caregiving c...

U.S. Treasury debt has hit a record $40 trillion, as yields soar to 19-year highs — prompting Secretary Scott Bessent to double bond-buyback limits to $4 billion per operation, a move analysts warn is like paying a mortgage with a credit card. While meant to ease short-term pressure, it doesn’t reduce total debt and risks eroding investor confidence. With AI firms flooding the market and China reducing Treasuries holdings, supply outpaces demand, pushing yields higher — affecting mortgages, loans, and even shifting retirement portfolios as bonds compete with stocks for returns.

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The Hawk Fire exploded overnight, swallowing over 10,500 acres and forcing nearly 14,000 residents to flee as it neared Reno’s heart — Governor Lombardo declared a state of emergency, deployed the National Guard with helicopters and troops, and casinos stepped in with evacuee discounts, all while firefighters battled fierce winds and dry conditions amid power outages and road closures.

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NASA astronaut Christina Koch, the first woman to travel to and orbit the moon, is back on campus at North Carolina State University for a historic homecoming event called “Around the Moon and Pack Again.” Joining fans and media for public celebrations and livestreamed appearances, Koch reflects on her groundbreaking role in the Artemis II mission—the first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit since 1972. Don’t miss this inspiring return to her alma mater.

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Tropical Storm Moke is barreling past Hawaii, dousing the Big Island with up to 15 inches of rain—just weeks after Hurricane Lala dumped over 43 inches on the same coast. With flood and mudslide risks soaring in already battered areas, officials warn residents to brace for impact even without official watches. Six thousand seven hundred power outages remain unresolved, and state leaders including Governor Josh Green are urging everyone to stock up, stay informed, and prepare for whatever comes next as the islands face back-to-back disasters.

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Quentin Kight, 40, faces second-degree murder charges after a boating crash on Harris Lake that killed 10-year-old Brooklyn Carroll and injured Jennifer Stehle, who lost a leg. Authorities say Kight was impaired—evidenced by 39 empty seltzer cans, glassy eyes, and slurred speech—and wasn’t looking ahead when the collision occurred. He’s expected to plead in court Monday, though nothing is official until confirmed. His girlfriend, Annemarie Flanigan, owner of the boat, also faces murder and aiding charges and has pleaded not guilty. The families of Brooklyn are pursuing a civil wrongful death suit set for August 2027, highlighting the enduring...

In a heartbreaking twist of fate, 18-year-old Harryson Anderson was killed during a spring break party — but his family turned tragedy into triumph by launching the Harryson Anderson Foundation. On what would have been his 19th birthday, they hosted a charity basketball tournament and pledged to award an annual $2,500 scholarship to Ascend Leadership Academy seniors, while also supporting families affected by youth gun violence and prevention programs. His legacy? Not in sorrow, but in action — a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love can build bridges and light the way for others.

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