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Topsail Island in North Carolina just made Southern Living’s top list of quiet beaches and small towns — and it’s no surprise. Split into three charming coastal towns, it offers easy beach access, shark teeth hunting, fishing gear rentals, and even sea turtle rehab visits. Fuel up on fresh seafood at The Beach Shop and Grill or Splash By The Sea, where laid-back vibes meet delicious bites. Perfect for a serene escape with a splash of adventure. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN...

A charming children’s boutique in Cary, Littles of Cary, opened in February 2025 with a warm owner, Christine Wells—later revealed to be Lucas—whose story was even featured in a local magazine. But behind the scenes, the business was unraveling: vendors couldn’t get paid, customers waited for missing merchandise, and employees went unpaid. Amid mounting lawsuits—including a $188,000 claim from Rylee + Cru—the company expanded rapidly, opening stores in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Burlington, even forming new companies. By August, all locations shuttered, leaving behind a trail of broken promises, vanished social media, and unanswered debts. The case exposes how...

Smaug the moray eel just nudged the Panthers logo—and now the entire aquarium is predicting an 8-9 season for Carolina. Fish across Sea Life Charlotte-Concord are choosing the Panthers over teams like the Lions and Bucs, with staff joking that the team should “take a bite out of the competition.” While human analysts remain split—with ESPN ranking them low—this aquatic forecast might just be the spark fans need. After years of struggle, even a bamboo shark’s prediction feels like hope. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount...

Universities are walking a tightrope between free speech and safety, with NC State leading the way by creating designated zones like the Free Expression Tunnel where spray paint is welcome — encouraging students to voice opinions, even controversial ones, without fear of censorship. While the First Amendment protects even hateful speech, schools can intervene only when it crosses into harassment or discrimination under law. The university’s philosophy? Counter offensive messages with more speech — let students paint over what they disagree with, not the institution censoring it. It’s a constant balancing act: fostering diverse dialogue while keeping campuses safe from rea...

Every Sunday night at Shady Acres Rodeo in North Carolina, young riders find more than adrenaline—they find family. Amid the dust and danger of bull riding, this community becomes a lifeline for those battling mental health struggles, offering belonging where they once felt lost. Organizers Eddy and Sonya Gushlaw have built a space where toughness meets compassion, turning competition into camaraderie. But behind the cheers are heartbreaking losses—several riders died by suicide, sparking a movement to break the silence around mental health in rodeo culture. Enter “Rodeo 22,” a powerful initiative inspired by veteran suicide stats, distributing bracelets with the...

Amanda Kloots confirms she and Justin Gimelstob are no longer dating after a year together, but they remain close friends. Focused on her son Elvis and her own healing, Kloots channels energy into self-care and work, honoring the grief she still carries since losing her husband Nick Cordero in 2020. Gimelstob praised her strength and grace, offering continued support. Kloots remains hopeful about love while prioritizing her well-being and family. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This...

Earth Funeral is poised to bring human composting—a natural, eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials—to North Carolina, investing $10 million near Charlotte. Though the practice is already legal in states like Washington and Maryland, North Carolina hasn’t yet introduced legislation to legalize it, forcing families to ship bodies out of state at extra cost. The movement traces back to Wake Forest University’s early legal groundwork and Katrina Spade’s 2014 initiative, which inspired nationwide change. With Georgia recently legalizing it and California’s law set to take effect in 2027, North Carolina could be next. Surveys show growing public interest, wi...

A nonprofit in North Carolina is turning former military members into farmers, offering not just agricultural training but a vital sense of community and purpose. As the farming population ages and the industry faces labor shortages, this program bridges two worlds: helping vets transition to civilian life while building a stronger agricultural future. With a $250,000 state grant, they’re expanding support—especially for those waiting on VA benefits—to help veterans heal, grow, and find new meaning under the open sky. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. ...

Sandra Bullock’s Hollywood empire just keeps growing — with a net worth hitting $250 million in 2026, she’s not just acting, she’s building an empire. Commanding $10–20 million per film and earning top billing as Hollywood’s highest-paid actress twice, Bullock’s wealth comes from smart moves: her production company Fortis Films, a bakery and flower shop in Austin, and a real estate portfolio. And it’s about to get even bigger — she’s starring AND producing the long-awaited sequel Practical Magic 2, teaming up again with Nicole Kidman, set for release September 10, 2026. With a career spanning four decades and blockbuster paydays like $70 mil...

Hockey lost a true legend: Barry Melrose, the fiery coach and beloved ESPN analyst who died at 70, leaving behind a legacy of passion, insight, and unforgettable commentary. From leading the Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals to becoming a broadcasting icon known for his candor and charisma, Melrose shaped how fans experienced the game. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he retired in 2023 to focus on his health and family — a decision that now feels even more poignant. Tributes poured in from across the hockey world, including NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, honoring Melrose’s unique voice that deepened everyone’s love for the...

Trump reclaims he was at Ground Zero after 9/11, claiming he visited with construction workers shortly after the attacks — despite multiple investigations and firefighter accounts contradicting his story. He shared a dramatic tale of being carried by firefighters and posted clips with his former security chief backing him, while the White House frames his remarks as personal recollections, not factual claims. Trump has demanded retractions from journalists covering the controversy, but news outlets stand firm, refusing to back down or issue corrections. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. ...

Freshman Sofia Ferri exploded onto the scene with a dazzling debut, scoring two goals in just her third career game to lead UNC field hockey to a dominant 7-0 win over Penn. Playing her first home game at Karen Shelton Stadium, Ferri looked like a seasoned pro—so comfortable and confident she reminded head coach Erin Matson of last year’s star Sietske Brüning. Teammate Charly Bruder, who knows Ferri from USA indoor play, praised her class and poise. With parents cheering and high energy in the locker room, Ferri’s impact was immediate—and she’s already been ranked...

The Shards’ season one finale drops this week, bringing Bret Easton Ellis’ haunting 1981 LA tale to life — with the author himself giving Ryan Murphy creative freedom to reimagine his novel for TV. Based on Ellis’ teenage years at an elite prep school, the series follows a 17-year-old narrator as he’s thrown into chaos by a mysterious new student tied to a serial killer known as The Trawler. Ellis, who now mostly speaks through podcasts and writing, is reportedly watching the show unfold weekly — and even got a funny message from a former classmate who recognized themselves in a character (a...

Sydney Sweeney’s making waves off-screen too—she’s fronting a bold, nude-ad campaign for sports trading app Novig, where she’s not just an endorser but a partner with equity. Meanwhile, Phaedra Parks and CT Tamburello are sparking romance rumors after their The Traitors bond turned into a long-distance relationship post-divorce, confirmed by their red carpet appearance at the Emmys. It’s a wild mix of star power, business smarts, and reality TV chemistry—all unfolding fast. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:a...

Stanley Druckenmiller, the legendary investor famous for his all-in bets, just added Delta Air Lines to his family office’s portfolio—joining Warren Buffett in backing the airline. With stakes also in United, Seagate, and Alphabet, Druckenmiller’s moves signal strong confidence in the airline sector, especially as Delta reports soaring revenue and profits despite high fuel costs. His conviction-driven strategy, honed over decades of bold plays, is once again paying off—with Buffett’s endorsement adding weight to the bet. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. ...

Kate Hudson’s wedding plans are on hold—not because she’s not ready, but because her massive family and skyrocketing costs make it a logistical and financial beast. Since tying the knot with Danny Fujikawa in 2016, they’ve navigated parenthood, engagement, and now the big day’s hurdles. She’s eyeing a heartfelt Japanese ceremony—deeply meaningful for Danny—but also leaning toward a destination wedding where only true believers show up. Until finances align and the vibe feels perfect, Kate’s taking her time—because rushing isn’t an option when love, legacy, and logistics collide. Listen in comfo...

A North Carolina trooper faces murder charges after fatally shooting a sheriff’s captain, while a polluting company dodges a half-million-dollar fine by citing financial hardship. In Granville County, texts show a GOP chair manipulating election officials via 150 messages. A major NC college gets an F for campus free speech, especially around hot-button issues. And UNC football’s recruiting scandal means no recruits at their home opener—potentially with ripple effects beyond the game. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn...

A groundbreaking lawsuit has been filed against nonprofits tied to labor icon César Chavez, alleging decades-old sexual abuse by the civil rights leader. The accuser, now in her eighties, claims she was raped by Chavez in 1973 after joining farmworker organizing efforts and later assaulted again. The suit seeks damages and a jury trial, with the Chavez Foundation pledging to respond in line with its values while acknowledging survivors. The attorney stresses the need for accountability—not to halt advocacy, but to ensure justice for victims. The allegations have already sparked cancellations and reevaluations of Chavez-related honors, challenging his leg...

The FBI has officially started tracking AI-linked crimes, marking a major shift as cybercriminals exploit artificial intelligence to launch sophisticated scams — from fake executive emails to romance fraud and voice mimicry — costing billions nationwide, with North Carolina alone losing over $15 million last year. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thed...

A 73-year-old Ohio man, Gary Siders Senior, has been deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial after his sixteen grandchildren were found living in horrific, neglected conditions at his home — some as young as 18 months, others up to 18, many unable to speak or attend school. The judge agreed with the mental health evaluation, and prosecutors didn’t contest it. Siders’ attorney says his mental decline is irreversible. His wife, son, and daughter-in-law — the children’s mother — all pleaded not guilty. This haunting case exposes the devastating consequences of neglect hidden behind closed doors. Listen in comfort:Get a discount o...