Hurricane Forecast Updated

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has updated its seasonal hurricane forecast, saying there’s a 50% chance for an above-normal season, down from 60% after the initial forecast in May.

NOAA also predicts 13 to 18 named storms, including five to nine hurricanes and at least two major hurricanes. Weather patterns have indicated a sudden shift in storm activity, with one Colorado State University hurricane expert warning that the next two weeks could be very active. Water temperatures in the Atlantic are now warm enough to support a hurricane.

This year has seen four named storms already—including Tropical Storm Chantal—which is on trend from last year. On average, the first hurricane forms within the first two weeks of August. 

Nilsson Suspends Senate Campaign

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Andy Nilsson is suspending his campaign after Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley entered the race.

Whatley, who launched his campaign on July 31, received a strong endorsement from President Trump. Nilsson said the endorsement played a “central role in my decision.”

Nilsson, who currently coaches football at a Winston-Salem high school, has yet to formally endorse Whatley, though he will push to keep the open seat conservative.

Nilsson had launched his campaign prior to Sen. Thom Tillis’s decision not to run for re-election.

Judge Dismisses NIL Case

A North Carolina judge has dismissed a lawsuit that was filed by the 1983 N.C. State men’s basketball team against the NCAA for name, image, and likeness compensation.

The team, known as the “Cardiac Pack” for winning a series of closely contested victories, including the 1983 National Championship game, sought compensation for videos of the victory that were used as promotional material.

Judge Mark Davis dismissed the lawsuit in a 44-page opinion last week, saying the case was well outside the statute of limitations. 

Twelve plaintiffs associated with the team were involved with the case, which was initially filed in June 2024. 

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➤ Kinston: Police defended using force on 18-year-old Cameron Williams after an investigation into the incident, which went viral on social media. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Assistant Chief Vicki Foster of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department was laid to rest Friday after fighting an illness. She was the highest-ranking woman in CMPD history. (More)

➤ Wake County: The body of 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier was found by private investigators after he had gone missing while vacationing with his family in Florida. (More)

➤ Carolina Beach: There have been 100 manatee sightings in North Carolina since 2024, with warmer waters keeping them nearby, and boaters are urged to use caution when encountering them. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Officials are urging investors to use legitimate websites and avoid answering calls from unknown numbers after a man lost more than $1 million in cryptocurrency to scammers. (More)

➤ Hatteras Island: The Shake Hatteras Music & Arts Festival, founded by Barry Wells, has grown from a one-day backyard event into a month-long, six-event series on Hatteras Island, primarily for locals but open to all. (More)

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➤ The Carolina Panthers fell 30-10 to the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener, but Carolina fans were still encouraged by starting quarterback Bryce Young’s impressive performance. (More)

➤ Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Chris Jent is reportedly leaving the organization to sign with the New York Knicks. (More)

➤ Duke center Matt Craycraft was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list, which honors the nation’s top college football center. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | PGA | LLSWS

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➤ Oak Island residents and visitors watched sea turtles hatch from two nests on Tuesday, an event the Sea Turtle Protection Program called a magical night. (See Turtles)

➤ Experts expect North Carolina back-to-school shopping to rise, with 2025 national spending projected at $84.54 billion, up 4.3%. (More)

➤ Four North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation K-9 teams are aiding Texas flood recovery, with some units applying experience gained from Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. (See Dogs)

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Yesterday’s Results:

Which mayonnaise brand do you prefer?

1. Duke’s, of course: 41%
2. Hellman’s: 27%
3. Other: 17%
4. I don’t like mayonnaise: 15%

What is the longest river contained entirely in North Carolina?

Show me the answer