North Carolina could soon find itself among the top states with the highest sports betting tax rates, as a new Senate budget proposal suggests implementing a substantial 36% tax on sports betting revenues. If approved, this would position NC as the fourth-highest taxed sports betting market in the United States. The proposed tax rate represents a significant leap for the state's emerging sports betting landscape, potentially impacting both operators and bettors. While the high tax rate could generate substantial revenue for state coffers, it might also create challenges for sports betting companies looking to establish a foothold in the North Carolina market. Stakeholders in the sports betting industry are closely watching this development, as the proposed tax could influence the competitiveness and attractiveness of North Carolina's betting environment. The Senate's budget proposal signals a potentially lucrative yet complex approach to regulating and monetizing sports wagering in the state. As the legislative process continues, operators, sports fans, and policymakers will be eagerly monitoring how this proposed tax rate might shape the future of sports betting in North Carolina. MORE...

A local man has been found guilty of four counts of wanton endangerment following a tense incident involving gunfire near a residential and athletic complex. The suspect was convicted after shots were fired in a reckless manner that put nearby residents and potentially innocent bystanders at serious risk. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the community, highlighted the dangerous consequences of irresponsible and potentially life-threatening behavior. Prosecutors successfully demonstrated the defendant's disregard for public safety, leading to the multiple wanton endangerment convictions. Local law enforcement worked diligently to investigate the shooting and bring the suspect to justice, ensuring the safety of the surrounding neighborhood and sending a clear message about the consequences of such reckless actions. MORE...

In the world of baseball, three superstars have emerged as powerful voices for change: Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani. These elite athletes have not only dominated on the field but have also become passionate advocates, using their platforms to drive meaningful conversations and push for progress within the sport. Their outspoken nature and commitment to addressing important issues have made them influential leaders both on and off the diamond. MORE...

As the Cleveland Browns look ahead to their quarterback strategy, they've already taken a proactive step in planning for the future. While the 2025 quarterback situation remains unsettled, the team has surprisingly moved forward with a key decision that will impact their 2026 roster. This early planning suggests the Browns are committed to creating long-term stability at the most critical position on the field, even as they continue to navigate the complexities of their current quarterback dynamics. MORE...

In the aftermath of Sunday's catastrophic performance, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a critical crossroads, with fingers pointing in every direction. The blowout loss wasn't just a game—it was a complete systemic breakdown that demands serious accountability. LeBron James, despite his legendary status, cannot escape scrutiny this time. His leadership and on-court performance have been inconsistent at best, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether the team's aging superstar can still carry the load. The body language during the game spoke volumes—frustration, disconnection, and a palpable sense of defeat. Russell Westbrook, long a lightning rod for criticism, once again found himself at the center of the storm. His erratic decision-making and continued struggles to integrate seamlessly with the team's core strategy have become a recurring nightmare for Lakers management. Head coach Darvin Ham faces perhaps the most challenging evaluation. His rotations seemed confused, defensive schemes appeared disjointed, and the team's overall strategy looked fundamentally flawed. The question isn't just about this single game, but whether Ham can truly maximize the potential of this roster. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, cannot escape blame either. The roster construction—a patchwork of aging veterans and mismatched talents—continues to look like a high-stakes experiment gone wrong. Ultimately, this disaster isn't about assigning singular blame but understanding a complex ecosystem of underperformance. The Lakers need a comprehensive reset—strategically, culturally, and philosophically—if they hope to return to championship contention. MORE...

Spring Sports Spotlight: Celebrating High School Athletic Excellence As the spring sports season continues to heat up, our local high schools have once again demonstrated remarkable skill, passion, and teamwork across various athletic competitions. This week brought forth extraordinary performances that showcase the incredible talent and dedication of our young athletes. From nail-biting baseball games to intense track and field meets, student-athletes have been pushing their limits and representing their schools with pride. Each match, race, and competition tells a story of determination, collaborative spirit, and the pure joy of athletic achievement. The energy and commitment displayed by these young competitors are truly inspiring. Whether it's a last-minute victory, a record-breaking performance, or simply showing exceptional sportsmanship, our high school athletes continue to impress and remind us of the transformative power of sports. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate and highlight the outstanding achievements of our local high school sports teams throughout this exciting spring season. MORE...

With a limited draft class of just five players, the Atlanta Falcons turned their attention to an aggressive undrafted free agent strategy, showcasing General Manager Terry Fontenot's keen eye for hidden talent. The team's streamlined draft approach set the stage for an intense post-draft recruitment, where finding potential diamonds in the rough became a critical component of their roster-building efforts. MORE...

Welcome to another action-packed edition of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, where baseball enthusiasts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down the weekend's most electrifying moments in the world of baseball. This week's episode dives deep into the dramatic weekend sweeps that shook up the baseball landscape, with a particularly intriguing discussion about the Colorado Rockies and their potential claim to baseball infamy. The dynamic duo dissected four jaw-dropping sweeps that left fans and analysts buzzing, bringing their signature blend of insider knowledge and playful commentary to the table. But the real headline-grabber was their provocative debate about the Colorado Rockies: Could this team be etching its name in the record books as potentially the worst baseball team in history? Mintz and Shusterman leave no stone unturned as they analyze the team's performance, statistical struggles, and the broader implications for a franchise that seems to be spiraling into unprecedented territory of baseball futility. Their candid and often humorous take provides listeners with both deep insights and entertaining commentary that goes beyond the typical sports analysis. Baseball fans won't want to miss this episode that promises to be equal parts informative, controversial, and wildly entertaining. MORE...

The White House has offered an explanation for the notable absences during an upcoming trip, citing "scheduling conflicts" as the primary reason for several key players being unable to attend. While diplomatic events often bring together prominent figures, this particular instance highlights the complex scheduling challenges faced by high-profile individuals. The official statement suggests that despite the best intentions, conflicting commitments have prevented some expected participants from joining the scheduled journey. This diplomatic nuance underscores the intricate planning and coordination required for such high-level engagements. Though the specific details of these scheduling conflicts remain undisclosed, the White House's transparent acknowledgment provides insight into the logistical complexities of coordinating high-stakes travel and diplomatic interactions. MORE...

After enduring a challenging three-game losing streak that tested their resolve, the West Las Vegas Lady Dons softball team faced mounting speculation about their competitive edge in Class 3A. The early-month slump raised critical questions about whether the team's previous dominance was slipping away. However, the Lady Dons were far from ready to concede their standing. Instead of allowing doubt to undermine their confidence, the team regrouped, refocused, and prepared to demonstrate their true potential on the softball diamond. Their resilience and determination would soon prove that the speculation about their decline was premature, setting the stage for a potential comeback that would silence their critics and reaffirm their status as a formidable force in Class 3A softball. MORE...