Leland House Explosion

A Leland home exploded Friday night, injuring two people, significantly damaging four nearby houses, and prompting the rescue of one person from the wreckage.

Inspectors assessed about 70 homes in Magnolia Greens’ Three Oaks section after the explosion scattered debris and shattered windows; four homes were deemed structurally unsafe.

Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, evacuating residents, while the American Red Cross assisted those displaced by the explosion. Authorities remain on scene to investigate and support cleanup efforts.

House Tax Bill Sneak Peek

House lawmakers previewed the 2025 state budget Friday, highlighting tax breaks for working-class families alongside planned cuts to education funding.

The proposed budget exempts the first $5,000 in tips earned by service workers from state income tax and seeks to reinstate a tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping.

Other parts of the budget call for spending cuts at UNC and in K-12 education, while calling for increases to programs that help with student reading abilities.

The full budget is set to be released early next week.

PGA Brings Economic Boost

This weekend’s PGA Championship at Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Club is expected to generate over $100 million in economic impact, according to Gov. Josh Stein.

More than 200,000 spectators are expected, boosting revenues at local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, with Stein calling it a key cultural and economic driver likely to exceed $100 million that the PGA Championship earned eight years ago. 

Officials believe that state and local governments will also benefit from the visitor influx and look forward to the U.S. Open returning to North Carolina four times over the next 22 years.

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➤ Old Fort: FEMA has listed several of the 243 mobile homes built for Helene evacuees for sale at steep discounts, with buyers responsible for all relocation costs. (More)

➤ Garner: A woman charged in the April kidnapping of a mother and child in Garner appeared in federal court Thursday, revealing that the failed attempt was part of a larger ransom scheme. (More)

➤ Northeastern NC: Friday’s severe weather caused property damage and left thousands without power, leading one small-town mayor to instate a residential curfew. (More)

➤ Concord: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will serve as one of the grand marshals at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Professional Mail Services, Inc., the printing and mailing provider for the NC Department of Revenue, shut down unexpectedly, leaving many residents waiting for their tax refunds. (More)

➤ Caldwell County: Police have arrested at least six individuals accused of cutting and stealing approximately $130,000 worth of AT&T wires. (More)

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➤ The Carolina Panthers announced jersey numbers for their 2025 free agents, with top additions Rico Dowdle and Tre’Von Moehrig set to wear Nos. 5 and 7, respectively. (More)

➤ The Mascot Hall of Fame announced Charlotte’s Hugo the Hornet and Homer the Dragon are finalists for its 2025 class, representing the Hornets and Knights, respectively. (More)

➤ No. 4 UNC baseball picked up a huge conference series win over No. 2 Florida State over the weekend, clinching the series via run rule on Friday. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NHL | WNBA | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA

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➤ Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams hosted a community event in Fayetteville on Friday, featuring free barbecue, haircuts, and children’s activities. (More)

➤ Live camera feeds offer a virtual escape to North Carolina’s popular beaches, including Sunset Beach and the Northern Outer Banks, showcasing scenic views and coastal charm in real time. (See Beaches)

➤ NC MedAssist’s Mobile Free Pharmacy distributed free over-the-counter medicine in Durham on Friday, helping residents save on vitamins, allergy relief, and cold medications. (More)

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Are you a descendant of a World War I veteran?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not sure

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you consider your accent southern?

1. Of course, y’all: 44%
2. Not even close: 35%
3. I’m working on it: 21%

What breed are the wild horses that live along North Carolina’s Outer Banks?

Show me the answer