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  • Tropical Storm Gabrielle forms in the Atlantic

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    Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the central Atlantic. It’s the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gabrielle has formed in the central Atlantic

    • It’s expected to become a hurricane this weekend or early next week

    • It’s not a threat to the U.S. at this time


    Gabrielle has maximum winds of 45 mph and is currently moving north-northwest at 22 mph. It’s not expected to strengthen much in the next 48 hours as it moves through unfavorable conditions with strong upper-level winds keeping Gabrielle disorganized.

    This weekend, Gabrielle should enter a more favorable environment for strengthening, and it’s forecast to become a hurricane by this weekend or early next week.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.

    Gabrielle is out in the central Atlantic, far from land. Although it’s moving north-northwestward, the motion is uncertain during the next several days until a better defined center forms. 

    As of now, it doesn’t look like a threat to the Caribbean or the U.S., but it could move near Bermuda next week.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Neighborhood reacts to 4-year-old killed after bullets hit his home

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 4-year-old boy died early Wednesday morning after a suspect fired shots into his residence.

    What You Need To Know

    • A 4-year-old died after shots were fired into his home

    • Police said it’s unknown the reason the suspect shot at the victim’s house because the victim and his family didn’t pose a threat to the suspects

    • Neighbors said the victim and his siblings lived with their grandmother after their mother passed away from cancer earlier this year

    • CMPD said shooting into homes incidents have increased and launched a pilot program to combat this trend


    The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating the homicide on Cigar Court, which is located in the Steele Creek neighborhood of the city. 

    Officers initially responded to a stolen vehicle call and when they arrived to the scene, they learned shots were fired into a nearby townhome for an unknown reason.

    The rounds hit a 4-year-old boy and killed him. 

    “That’s the most frustrating part of this. There is no indication that anyone in the residence discharged any weapons or presented any threat to these suspects whatsoever at this time. For some reason rounds were fired into this residence unprovoked,” CMPD Maj. Ryan Kendall said.

    Brandon Flowers, who lives nearby, had a home security camera that captured the aftermath.

    “It’s just heartbreaking. It’s a scary thing,” Flowers said. 

    Tabitha and Amy, two neighbors who knew the family, only shared their first names for safety concerns. 

    Tabitha described the boy as sweet.

    “He had so much life ahead of him. It’s just really tragic what happened,” Tabitha said.

    They both shared the victim and his siblings lived with their grandmother after their mom passed away from cancer earlier this year.

    “That family has already been navigating grief for the past few months, and this just adds, it’s going to compound that grief,” Tabitha said. 

    The shooting into the home shook this community.

    “It’s also heartbreaking when a child is lying in their bed, in their home, in their safety, and then it hits and then it hits a 4-year-old,” Amy said. 

    Amy told her daughter to take cover when she heard the gunshots.

    “You could tell the gunshots were close. You didn’t know where they were, where they were coming from and you just you don’t want your family, anybody in intermediate shot of a window or anything,” Amy said.

    Police said shootings targeting homes have been on the rise in the Charlotte area. Last year, they said there were 856 of them, leaving 174 people with gunshot wounds.

    In February, CMPD introduced SWITCH, a pilot program to combat this crime.

    Amy hopes this trend subsides.

    “Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, your safe place,” Amy said. 

    Flowers now questions his safety.

    “You wake up on a morning like this and somebody’s just shooting. It does kind of make you wonder, you know. Am i in the right place? is this the right city still?” Flowers said.

    Flowers and Amy both said elected officials should do more to stop the violence. 

    CMPD said shootings into homes not only lead to personal harm but create a sense of fear and trauma for anyone living where these crimes have taken place. 

    Mid-year crime statistics show violent crime is down in Charlotte, while vehicle thefts increased this year. There’s also an initiative tasked with recovering stolen vehicles. 

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • Durham Highway Fire Department encourages people to volunteer

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — Volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. Fire Service, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council.

    In North Carolina, a number of communities rely on volunteers to respond to all types of emergencies. 

    What You Need To Know

    • National Volunteer Fire Council: Volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. Fire Service

    • Majority of fire departments in the United States are volunteer departments

    • NVFC launched the national junior firefighter program in 2007


    A majority of fire departments in the United States are volunteer departments.

    From structure and wildland fires to vehicle crashes, medical emergencies and natural disasters, these men and women show up and get to work.

    Durham Highway Fire Department volunteer Craig Dunkley said after he’s done saving lives with the fire department, he heads to his job as a full-time marketing expert.

    “If I have to stay late from a shift, and because of a fire or some situation like that, and I start work late, I’ll just work later in the evening to sort of cover the hours,” Dunkley said.

    Many volunteers work 12 to 16 hours a month depending on the department’s needs. They receive small stipends and benefits, such as a state pension plan.

    Luckily for Dunkley, he doesn’t volunteer for the money. He said he does the job for the community, camaraderie and commitment.

    “My kids always thought it was pretty cool. My wife took a little bit of convincing, because I’d had a busy job beforehand. And then when I started adding this on, she was like, ‘when are you going to be home?’ But we all worked it out,” Dunkley said.

    The National Volunteer Fire Council said a community’s population determines whether it gets a volunteer fire department.

    The agency said large communities with over 100,000 people are protected by departments that consist of primarily paid staff.

    Assistant Chief Mac Schultz said with the growing population in the Triangle, many volunteer departments need more people.

    Dunkley, who began volunteering six years ago, encourages volunteering. 

    “You have to make time not only for being here at the station to run calls and do your duty, but also for training, because we all train to a pretty high standard. There’s a lot of hours that go into that. And also, you have to make time to maintain your own physical fitness,” Dunkley said.

    Durham Highway Fire Department is actively seeking volunteer firefighters.

    All training and certifications will be provided free of charge. Prior training is not needed.

    In addition, the NVFC launched the national junior firefighter program in 2007, and it’s still active.

    The goal is to get more youth interested in the fire service.

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    Jatrissa Wooten

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  • Elon and Queens universities announce merger

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    Elon University and Queens University Charlotte will be merging, according to an announcement made by the universities Tuesday morning.

    “Elon University, with Queens University of Charlotte, is embarking on a strategic merger – combining complementary strengths, shared values and a deep commitment to Charlotte,” a statement on Elon University Charlotte’s website read. “Together, we’re honoring the past, strengthening the present and redefining what a great educational experience can – and should – be.”

    The Boards of Trustees for both institutions gave the merger unanimous support, officials said, and was backed by trusted civic and education leaders across the Queen City.

    Once the merger is complete, officials say Elon University will operate Queens University.

    “Queens has long been a leader in education, deeply connected to Charlotte’s civic and business community. This merger with Elon accelerates that vision, ensuring continuity while creating bold opportunities to expand our impact,” Jesse Cureton, acting president and CEO of Queens University, said in a statement.

    For more information on the merger, click here.

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    Justin Pryor

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  • QB Young showed fight Panthers want to see despite loss to Cards

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Dave Canales benched Bryce Young two games into the 2024 season for ineffectiveness following a flurry of turnovers resulting in Carolina losing its first two games by a combined margin of 73-13.

    More than six quarters into this season it looked as if Canales might be answering similar questions about Young’s future.

    The Panthers fell behind 27-3 to the Arizona Cardinals and appeared on the verge of getting blown out for the second straight week. Young had two turnovers on the first two drives, one that was returned for a touchdown.

    And then something clicked.

    Young got going in the second half against Arizona, rallying the Panthers to 27-22 with three second-half touchdown passes. The Panthers, aided by a recovered onside kick and a few costly penalties on the Cardinals, had several chances to pull off the largest comeback in franchise history — but Young never managed to complete a single pass on the final drive and Carolina dropped to 0-2.

    But even though Young failed to complete the comeback, he still displayed the resilience and fight that general manager Dan Morgan and Canales have been looking for from the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick as he continues to work through the maturity process in Year 3.

    Young completed 35 of 55 passes for a career-high 328 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona.

    This time, he won’t be benched.

    “He makes some magical plays,” Canales said. “It’s the mistakes that we have to continue to clean up.”

    However, getting the Panthers into the win column became more of a challenge for Young on Monday.

    Canales announced that guard Robert Hunt, who signed a $100 million contract last season, and center Austin Corbett are headed to injured reserve. Hunt tore his left biceps, while Corbett has a grade 3 MCL left knee sprain, which normally means a tear ligament.

    That’s a huge blow to the offensive line, once considered the strength of the team.

    Canales wouldn’t completely rule out either from returning, but it’s clear that would be a long shot.

    What’s working

    There were some questions about whether wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders, would be able to make it back from a severe case of ulcerative colitis which kept him out of last season and a hamstring injury he sustained earlier this year. Even Renfrow had his doubts. But the team’s slot receiver, who failed to make the final roster cut before re-signing with Carolina after it traded Adam Thielen, showed he still has the ability to get open. Renfrow caught seven passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona.

    What needs help

    Turnovers. They continue to be an issue with the Panthers, who have five in two games — all of those belonging to Young. Young’s fumble on the opening possession resulted in an Arizona defensive touchdown and an early 7-0 deficit. He then threw an interception on the second drive.

    Soon, the Panthers trailed 20-3 at halftime and never had a chance to establish the run game.

    “We have to eliminate the mistakes,” Canales said. “Two weeks in a row … early, self-inflicted wounds. … We’re not able to play the complementary football that we’re looking for to be able to mix the runs, the play actions.”

    Stock up

    WR Tetairoa McMillan. The No. 8 overall pick in the draft is clearly Carolina’s No. 1 option in the passing game. McMillan has 11 receptions for 186 yards this season, including six catches for 100 yards — some of which included some nifty moves after the catch — against Arizona. McMillan has yet to find the end zone, but it’s coming soon. The rookie is too talented not to score a bunch, and he showed that knack in college when he caught 26 TD passes in three seasons with the Arizona Wildcats. The Panthers simply need to design a few more plays — and look his way — more when they’re in the red zone.

    Stock down

    Xavier Legette. Carolina’s 2024 first-round draft pick is floundering in Dave Canales’ offense. He could wind up losing his starting job to Brycen Tremayne (3 catches, 48 yards) or veteran David Moore if his production doesn’t improve. Legette was targeted eight times by Young on Sunday, but finished with one catch for minus-2 yards. For the season Legette has 8 yards on four catches despite being targeted 15 times.

    Injuries

    With Corbett and Hunt headed to IR, Cade Mays will start at center and Chandler Zavala at guard. Because of past injuries, both have starting experience with the Panthers. Mays has 15 starts in three seasons, including eight at center last season, and Zavala has nine in two years.

    Key number

    20 — Percent of games (6-24) the Panthers have won with Young as their starting quarterback.

    Next steps

    The Panthers host Interstate-85 rival Atlanta on Sunday in their home opener.

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    Associated Press

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  • Lansing planning a celebration as businesses reopen after Helene

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    LANSING, N.C. — It’s been nearly a year since Jamey Hart was standing inside CJ’s Market in Lansing when water started pouring in. His wife was trying to open a window while he was working to get shelves back in order.

    What You Need To Know

    • CJ’s Market in Lansing is set to open back up in the next few weeks

    • Lansing will be having a day to reopen on Sept. 27

    • Gov. Josh Stein announced a new push for federal funding


    “It was a 20-minute period from where it was seeping under the door to where it came in the store, and I realized my life could have been in danger,” Hart said.

    The next day he returned, finding Helene had destroyed his business.

    After nearly a year of work, they’re just weeks from opening back up fully.

    “It did not take long for us to realize we thought it was our calling to make sure the store came back,” Hart said.

    Lansing Assistant Fire Chief Donald Sykes said on Sept. 27 they are reopening the town. He said all businesses are planning to open back up in some capacity.

    “There’s still a lot of work to be done. It’s going to take some outside help to get us back, not just the town but the community to get the community back where it was,” Sykes said.

    Sykes said he agrees with Gov. Josh Stein’s call for $13.5 billion in federal aid. Sykes said the area still needs it.

    “There’s been a lot going on, a lot of people have been workin’ hard,” Sykes said.

    On Monday, Stein said six out of seven businesses have not returned to pre-Helene revenues. Stein also said 96% of small businesses reported impacts from Helene. The governor was in Flat Rock to announce his call for additional federal relief money.

    Hart has lived the experience but vows he and others aren’t going anywhere.

    “I’m just like, we’re coming back, you come back too,” Hart said.

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    Rose Eiklor

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  • 26-mile stretch on Blue Ridge Parkway reopens almost a year after Helene

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    A 26-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Craggy Gardens has reopened, the National Park Service announced Monday.

    The reopening marks the completion of two more landslide repair projects following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

    After the completion of the projects at mileposts 375 and 380, officials said they were able to reopen the section of the parkway between Asheville and the Ridge Junction Overlook near NC 80 and the Mount Mitchell State Park entrance.

    The newly reopened section includes popular stops in the Craggy Gardens area, near milepost 364. Those stops include the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Craggy Pinnacle Trail and short sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail.

    Officials said the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail from the Craggy Trail Shelter to the Snowball Mountain Trail remain closed, however.

     

    “Today’s opening also provides access to other popular, adjacent recreation areas, including Mount Mitchell State Park and lands managed by the USDA Forest Service,” the park service said.

    For more information on Mount Mitchell State Park’s reopening, click here.

    Officials said additional projects are beginning at 45 remaining locations along the parkway as part of a phased system to restore road access to areas damaged by Helene.

    Anyone traveling to the Blue Ridge Parkway should plan their trip carefully, officials said, to ensure safe travel and avoid delays. To find more information on road closures along the parkway, click here.

     

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    Justin Pryor

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  • Bryce Young, Panthers come up short with late rally in loss to Cardinals

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    GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — A disastrous start quickly turned to hope as Carolina strung together three second-half scoring drives. The Panthers beat the odds by recovering an onside kick, caught a break when a potential game-ending sack was negated by a penalty.

    All that fortune and the Panthers still ended up falling just short. If only they had found their groove a little earlier.

    Carolina nearly rallied from a 24-point deficit early in the third quarter behind the stellar play of quarterback Bryce Young, before falling 27-22 to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

    “It’s just showing the fight of this team, a team full of guys who are going to play until the last snap, are going to believe, are always going to fight,” said Young, who threw for a career-high 328 yards and three touchdowns on 35-of-55 passing. “Obviously, you don’t want to be in that spot to start with.”

    The Panthers (0-2) began the season with a flat 26-10 loss at Jacksonville. They opened Sunday’s game by getting pancaked early by the Cardinals (2-0).

    Young lost a fumble on a strip sack on Carolina’s opening drive and Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins scooped it up for a 3-yard touchdown. Young was hit again on the next drive, fluttering the ball right into the hands of Arizona’s Baron Browning for an interception that set up a field goal.

    Three minutes into the game, 10 points down.

    “Two weeks in a row, early inflicted wounds — 10 points just like that,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said.

    The Panthers seemed resigned to a second straight disheartening loss with a 17-point deficit at halftime that extended to 27-3 in the third quarter.

    Then they started chipping away.

    Carolina’s defense tightened, keeping Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in check as Young began picking apart their defense.

    Young hit Hunter Renfrow on a 4-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, then pressure on Murray led to an interception by Panthers linebacker D.J. Wonnum at Carolina’s 12-yard line. Young went back to work, zipping passes around the field on a 14-play, 88-yard drive capped by his 5-yard touchdown pass to Chuba Hubbard.

    Even after failing on the 2-point conversion, the Panthers had pulled themselves within reach, down 12 with just over five minutes left. Carolina’s defense held again and Young drove the Panthers down the field again, finding Renfrow on a 1-yard TD pass that made it 27-22 after another failed 2-point conversion.

    The new NFL rules make it even tougher to convert an onside kick — the other teams knows it’s coming — but the Panthers came up with Ryan Fitzgerald’s kick after it squibbed off a Cardinals player.

    That left Carolina with two minutes to go 51 yards for the winning score.

    The potential game-winning drive almost ended quickly when Young was sacked on fourth down, but Arizona was called for defensive holding. The Panthers reached Arizona’s 38 after the teams traded penalties, but their hopes ended with Young on his back from a game-ending sack that counted.

    “You don’t come back and make that game close without guys that are willing to fight,” said Renfrow, who had seven catches for 48 yards. “I think we proved a lot to each other that we weren’t just going to take it.”

    They just needed to get it started a bit sooner.

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    Associated Press

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  • When to expect the best fall foliage

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    Every fall, people travel far and wide to go ‘leaf-peeping.’ The goal is to catch the leaves at peak color to see all the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that Mother Nature has to offer.

    Weather plays a primary role in knowing when and where to go.

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather plays a significant role in fall foliage


    • Heat and soil moisture determine foliage timing and intensity


    • Stressed trees will lose leaves earlier or later than normal


    Right place at the right time

    The first step of successful leaf-peeping is being at the right place at the right time. All other factors aside, this is the average time of the year around the U.S. that you can see peak fall colors according to Explore Fall.

    (Explore Fall)

    Aside from the Florida peninsula, the Gulf Coast and parts of the desert Southwest, most of the continental U.S. sees color change during fall.

    Weather’s role

    The weather determines whether the fall foliage comes out early, on time or late every year, but what role does it play?

    Heat and moisture are the biggest factors that influence fall foliage. The summer weather helps give an idea of when colors will pop, but the weather during September and October are the biggest influencers.

    Here is how soil moisture and air temperature affect fall foliage.

    Weather impacts on fall foliage

    (Explore Fall)

    A prolonged late-spring or severe summer drought that leads to dry soils in the fall not only affects the timing, but the quality of the colors. Drought and drier soil puts a higher stress on the trees, dulling down the colors and forcing them to lose their leaves sooner.

    Heavy rainfall and wet soils in the summer and fall can delay the colors’ arrival by a few days, or even weeks. The later arrival time can produce better fall colors.

    Colder and below-normal temperatures bring out fall colors early, while prolonged summer heat and above normal temperatures delay the colors.

    According to the USDA Forest Service, “a succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays.” In other words… typical fall weather.

    Current fall foliage

    Here is a map of the current fall foliage around the U.S.


    In some parts of the country, leaves have already started turning. The first areas to see color are typically further north and at higher elevations, including parts of the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, the Mountain West and interior Northeast.

    Parts of New England are in a severe drought, with much of the mountain west under an extreme or exceptional drought, which could cause the trees to lose leaves early and mute the colors.

    7-Day foliage outlook

    Here is a look at Explore Fall’s 7-day foliage forecast and what the foliage is expected to look like in a week from now.


    You can submit your fall foliage photos here.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • NCAA investigates 13 former basketball players for sports betting violations

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    The NCAA is investigating potential violations of sports betting rules involving 13 former men’s basketball players who competed for six schools.

    What You Need To Know

    • The NCAA is investigating potential sports betting violations involving 13 former men’s basketball players from six schools.

    • Cases include athletes formerly associated with Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley

    • The schools themselves are not under investigation 

    • The NCAA’s integrity program flagged unusual betting activities, including athletes betting on their own games and sharing information for betting purposes


    Cases include athletes formerly associated with Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley. The schools are not under investigation or at risk of being penalized.

    The NCAA’s integrity monitoring program and network of sources flagged text messages and direct messages on social media platforms and revealed unusual betting activities around regular-season games. The violations include student-athletes betting on and against their own teams, sharing information with third parties for purposes of sports betting, manipulating scoring or outcomes and/or refusing to participate in the investigation.

    “Arizona State University is aware of the NCAA investigation and outcome related to a former student-athlete who is no longer enrolled at ASU,” the school said in a statement. “The university cooperated fully with all inquiries and was not implicated in any way.”

    The NCAA Committee on Infractions has resolved three similar cases, concluding that three men’s basketball student-athletes who played for Fresno State and San Jose State violated the NCAA’s rules against sports betting and manipulated game outcomes. In the case involving Fresno State and San Jose State, the enforcement investigation concluded that Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver bet on one another’s games and/or provided information that enabled others to do so last season. Two manipulated their performances to ensure winning bets. Their eligibility was permanently revoked.

    The NCAA said it will not name the athletes in the six cases until after the investigation. None of them are enrolled at their previous NCAA schools.

    “The NCAA monitors over 22,000 contests every year and will continue to aggressively pursue competition integrity risks such as these,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement. “I am grateful for the NCAA enforcement team’s relentless work and for the schools’ cooperation in these matters.”

    Baker said the rise of sports betting is creating more chances to commit violations.

    “While legalized sports betting is here to stay, regulators and gaming companies can do more to reduce these integrity risks by eliminating prop bets and giving sports leagues a seat at the table when setting policies,” he said.

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    Associated Press

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  • Panthers had ugly opener, but antidote to their problems could be the Cardinals

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    GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers had a discouraging first performance of the season, a 26-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

    Playing the Arizona Cardinals could be exactly what they need to get back on track.

    The Panthers (0-1) have struggled against most of the NFL over the past several seasons, but one exception is the Cardinals. Carolina has won seven of the past eight in the series dating to 2015.

    Last season, the Panthers eliminated the Cardinals from playoff contention with a 36-30 overtime win on Dec. 22.

    “I’m not really worried about the past,” Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray said. “Obviously, that was an unfortunate turn of events for us, but I think for me personally, I’m not motivated by it. I’m motivated by being where my feet are, taking a day at a time, going into Sunday feeling good about what we put in this week.”

    Arizona (1-0) got a season-opening 20-13 road win over the Saints last week.

    Carolina is hoping for a bounce-back performance from third-year quarterback Bryce Young. He completed just 18 of 34 passes for 154 yards, one TD and two interceptions against the Jaguars.

    Panthers LT Ekwonu expected back

    The Panthers are optimistic they’ll get starting left tackle Ickey Ekwonu back after the No. 6 overall pick in 2022 missed the season opener following an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago.

    Ekwonu returned to practice this week and said he just “keeps stacking good days.”

    He is likely to be a game-time decision, but all signs point to the Panthers having him back. That could be a boost for running back Chuba Hubbard and the team’s running game because Ekwonu is a load when he gets headed downhill.

    Cardinals corners

    The Cardinals’ secondary — particularly the group of young cornerbacks — was viewed as one of the team’s biggest question marks entering the season.

    After one game, it might be one of Arizona’s biggest strengths.

    The trio of Garrett Williams, Max Melton and Will Johnson played well against the Saints, giving up some completions and yards but keeping points off the board. Johnson is a rookie from Michigan who slipped to the second round after injury concerns, but looks like he could be a steal.

    Stopping the run

    It was a new season, but the Panthers’ revamped defensive front seven got the same results in Week 1.

    Carolina allowed Jaguars running back Travis Etienne to run for 143 yards on 16 carries and extended a dubious streak of allowing its opponent to run for 200 yards in seven straight games.

    The Panthers lost defensive lineman Turk Wharton to a hamstring injury, leaving them short-handed against Arizona’s James Conner and crew. Conner was held to 39 yards rushing, but Trey Benson carried eight times for 69 yards in the win over New Orleans.

    Panthers coach Dave Canales said the emphasis this week has been on tackling.

    “The gift of when you come out of a game and there’s some fundamental things that you can focus on, I think it’s just a great opportunity to go right back to the basics,” Canales said.

    Marv and Kyler

    The much discussed Kyler Murray-to-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection is off to a good start for the Cardinals.

    Harrison caught five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. The No. 4 overall pick is in his second season after a tantalizing — yet sometimes frustrating — rookie year.

    “I thought he played really well,” Murray said. “You could feel his confidence (and) how comfortable he was on the field. Honestly, I don’t think there was any negative that I could say about how he played.”

    Harrison had 885 yards receiving and eight TDs in 2024 but didn’t quite look like the franchise-altering playmaker the Cardinals hoped he would be. The 23-year-old bulked up during the offseason to 220 pounds, hoping the added muscle can help him make more contested catches.

    McMillan heads back to Arizona

    Panthers first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan returns to Arizona, where he played for the Wildcats and finished as the school’s all-time leader in yards receiving. The No. 8 pick in this year’s draft already looks like the team’s best option in the passing game after Carolina traded Adam Thielen.

    McMillan had five catches for 68 yards, had another 16-yard grab called back because of a holding penalty and drew a pass-interference penalty, resulting in a 22-yard gain in Week 1 against the Jaguars.

    “I thought he played fast,” Canales said. “I thought he looked very comfortable out there one-on-one outside. We moved him around a little bit, and he showed an ability to be able to handle that. He and Bryce (Young) were on the same page timing-wise, so I was really pleased with the way he played.”

    ___

    AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, N.C., contributed to this story.

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    Associated Press

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  • N.C. school preparing students for construction careers

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    FLAT ROCK, N.C. — Blue Ridge Community College is trying to fill gaps in the workforce while helping speed up recovery from Helene. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  An North Carolina community college is helping prepare students for construction careers

    •  The program also aims to help rebuild communities impacted by Helene

    •  A western North Carolina student says the program has empowered his career 


    The school’s Level Up: Core Construction accelerated workforce program offers free training for students, preparing them for entry-level construction jobs. 

    In partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Lowe’s, Blue Ridge Community College launched the course to help workers in western North Carolina get jobs and help with rebuilding communities damaged by Helene. 

    The training is providing workers hands-on experience in skills, including forklift operation safety.

    Graduate Agustin Ramirez-Cruz secured an apprenticeship after completing the Level Up program. 

    He said the training prepared him to step in when families needed help after the storm.

    “Working with a lot of air conditioning units, damages after Helene, a lot of flooded units, loose connections, damaged fence, and this class really prepared me for most of it,” Ramirez-Cruz said. 

    “[A customer] was upset because during Helene [her unit] wasn’t working. Now that we got it back up and running, she’s very happy and that felt good. They really appreciate when somebody comes out and fixes something they can’t do themselves,” Ramirez-Cruz said. 

    Ramirez-Cruz has returned to Level Up to mentor new students. 

    “I feel great giving back,” Ramirez-Cruz said. “You’re gaining a lot. For anyone that wants to take this course – it’s really a step forward.” 

    Instructors say the program, made possible through a grant from NCCER, is also addressing the region’s shortage of skilled trades workers.

    Jason Baxley is the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing instructor at Blue Ridge. 

    He said the program is helping neighbors pursue construction careers while helping to rebuild their communities. 

    “We wanted to make sure there was no burden on the student for tuition,” Baxley said. “Made sure this is a free class for anyone who wanted to take it to get back on their feet.” 

    “We are already lacking in the skilled trades environment as it is in terms of employment. Being able to offer a program that’s free to the students really invigorated that spirit in a lot of people to give back and want to help their community,” Baxley said.

    Level Up graduates earn the NCCER Core Credential and a professional toolkit valued at over $500. 

    Blue Ridge has added more sessions of the Level Up courses, beginning Sept. 17 and Sept. 23. Blue Ridge leaders said students leave the program prepared for immediate employment or further training through Apprenticeship Blue Ridge. 

     

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    Jennifer Roberts

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  • Woman charged in fire that killed four children in Chadbourn

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    A woman is facing charges related to the death of four children in a house fire in Chadbourn early this month.

    What You Need To Know

    • Reagan Powers, 28, is facing multiple charges related to a deadly house fire in Chadbourn
    • Warrants say Powers left the home and other children in the care of an 11-year-old child
    • Four children died in the fire, while two children were able to escape the fire unharmed
    • Chadbourn is a town located about one hour west of Wilmington


    Reagan Powers, 28, has been charged with four felony counts each of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse, according to court documents.

    Warrants say Powers committed “grossly negligent omission” by leaving both her residence and the children in the care of an 11 year old. “The defendant’s act and omission resulted in serious bodily injury, death, to the child,” the warrants said.

    While the 11 year old and another child were able to escape the fire unharmed, four other children perished.

    Related: ‘Unimaginable loss’: Father gives statement after four girls killed in fire

    The ages of the children killed were 2, 4, 6 and 7, according to a post on the N.C. SBI Facebook page.

    Investigators have not been able to determine the exact cause of the fire, but say there is no evidence that it was intentionally started.

    Chadbourn is located about one hour west of Wilmington.

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    Justin Pryor

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  • Panthers encouraged by rookie WR McMillan’s performance in season opener

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — If the Carolina Panthers had any questions about first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan’s abilities, they were answered in Week 1.

    Coach Dave Canales said McMillan is who he thought he was when the Panthers drafted him No. 8 overall.

    The rookie wide receiver didn’t put up a huge stat line on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, catching six passes for 58 yards, but the Panthers liked the way he handled his assignments and played at full speed — which isn’t always the case with some rookies coming into the league.

    “I thought he played fast,” Canales said. “I thought he looked very comfortable out there one-on-one outside. We moved him around a little bit, and he showed an ability to be able to handle that. He and Bryce (Young) were on the same page timing-wise, so I was really pleased with the way he played.”

    McMillan said he “didn’t do enough” because Carolina managed just one touchdown in a 26-10 road loss.

    His numbers might have raised more eyebrows had it not been for a 16-yard reception down the left sideline that was negated because of offensive holding. He also drew a defensive pass interference, which resulted in a 22-yard net gain for the Panthers.

    Neither showed up in his stat sheet, of course.

    And then there was the one that could have been.

    McMillan had a chance to pull in a one-handed grab in the end zone from Young on a crossing route. Instead, it appeared Jaguars defensive back Tyson Campbell prematurely grabbed one of his arms as the pass arrived, impeding his ability to extend both hands and made the grab in the end zone.

    No penalty was called and the ball fell incomplete.

    The 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan bypassed blaming the officials, saying it was a ball he should have caught despite the contact. He was known for his one-handed grabs while playing for Arizona, where he caught 213 passes for a school-record 3,423 yards in three seasons, along with 26 TD receptions.

    “I got to come down with it,” McMillan said. “I feel like that’s a routine catch for me. Next time the opportunity comes, I’m going to make it.”

    Said Canales: “I’d love for him to come up with a big touchdown in the end zone, but he ran a beautiful route on it, and he really gave us a chance to have some explosives down the field and to just have a consistent target.”

    Still McMillan’s performance was on par with what Canales and his staff saw from him in the preseason, which afforded them the option of trading veteran Adam Thielen.

    On Sunday, McMillan returns to his college stomping grounds when the Panthers visit the Cardinals and will look to build on Week 1.

    “I feel like the whole week leading up to the game the coaches did a good job of just explaining the coverages, the different coverages they run, and it’s everything that we expected,” McMillan said. “I’m confident in my preparation that I’ve had these these last few months, and you know the DB corps on our team has been pushing me to make sure that I’m ready for anything I get thrown my way.

    “So yeah, I feel like that game was a lot easier than I expected.”

    NOTES: Panthers starting left tackle Ickey Ekwonu returned to practice after missing Week 1 following an appendectomy.

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    Associated Press

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  • Duke QB Darian Mensah to face former program, Tulane

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    DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Darian Mensah is ready for what awaits as he leads Duke on the road to face his former program at Tulane.

    “Yeah, I’ll probably be the opposite of a fan favorite this week,” Mensah said.

    Mensah was one of the top quarterbacks to change addresses through the transfer portal. He left a Green Wave team that was in contention for a College Football Playoff bid until late last season to play for the Blue Devils, an Atlantic Coast Conference program coming off a nine-win season in its first run under Manny Diaz.

    “It’s definitely going to be a little bit weird going over there with my old team,” he said.

    Mensah spent two years at Tulane, redshirting in 2023 before taking over as the starter for a nine-win team last year. At Duke, he ranks second in the Bowl Subdivision ranks by averaging 361.5 yards passing per game and has thrown five touchdown passes.

    Managing emotions will be part of the gameweek tasks alongside getting in practice reps and film study ahead of Saturday’s trip to New Orleans. It’s a dynamic that has long been common in the NFL with players moving around as free agents or through trades, but it’s becoming more common in college’s era of free player movement through the transfer portal.

    “In college, it’s probably a little bit newer with the era we’re in,” Tulane coach Jon Sumrall said. “I love Darian to death. I’ve said this publicly: if you play one snap, 100 snaps, 1,000 snaps for me, I’ll love you for the rest of my life. I care about him, wish him well, saw him this summer. I’ve got nothing but love for Darian.”

    Diaz has experienced opposite-sideline reunions before, as recently as last year against the Miami program he coached from 2019-21. He called it “awkward” ahead of the game before settling into normalcy by the first play.

    Or there’s Duke offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer, who experienced it last year by coaching against SMU — his previous stop working under Mustangs head coach and close friend Rhett Lashlee.

    “You’d be lying to say you weren’t emotional in that game,” Brewer said. “Just what it is, human nature, and how to control your emotions, how to control adversity, and when things happen bad that you don’t over react because there’s going to be so much emotion in the game.

    “So we’ve talked about it, we’ve addressed it. It’s something we’ve been talking about really since he’s been here to be honest.”

    Mensah threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns last year to help Tulane get off to a 7-0 start in the American Conference, pushing the Green Wave to the league title game for the third straight year and into contention for a bid to the expanded 12-team playoff.

    But Tulane lost to Memphis then followed with a loss to Army in that title game in what turned out to be Mensah’s Green Wave finale. Within a week, Mensah had entered the transfer portal, popped up at a Duke men’s basketball game during a quick campus visit — even being serenaded by the famously rowdy “Cameron Crazies” to sit with them before joining their section — and committed to the Blue Devils.

    Duke had been seeking an upgrade at the position after running with Texas transfer Maalik Murphy, who threw for 2,933 yards and 26 touchdowns but offered no real running threat while lacking consistent accuracy as a passer (60.3%). Mensah offered more mobility and a better completion percentage (65.9%), a combination that would increase the Blue Devils’ chances of sustaining drives.

    Mensah arrived in Durham as the 247Sports’ No. 7 quarterback transfer nationally, behind only a few notable names like UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava, Miami’s Carson Beck and Oklahoma’s John Mateer. He’s moving the ball through the air, though he’s also coming off a three-turnover performance — twice losing fumbles on hits from behind while looking downfield — in last weekend’s loss to now-No. 9 Illinois.

    “I’m trying not to make it bigger than what it is,” Mensah said of playing Tulane. “Once the ball’s snapped, it’s just going to be ball.”

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    Associated Press

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  • Mountain pumpkin farm reopening this weekend

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    WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — The countdown is on for Cassandra Bare and her family to bring visitors back to Harvest Farm in Valle Crucis.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pumpkin patches are opening back up in Watauga County this weekend

    • Many pumpkin patches were destroyed in Helene

    • Farmers have worked hard to rebuild the areas and get ready for this fall


    “They didn’t get to come last year, and a lot of people I talked to are excited to get to come to get to support local farmers,” Bare said.

    It’s a moment they have been waiting for all year.

    “We lost five generations worth of work in one night, and it’s not all going to be put back together in one year,” Bare said.

    It’s not back just as it was, she said, and this farm has been fixed more than the others, but they are on their way.

    Last year, after Helene her pumpkins and flowers were destroyed, fencing was torn down and there was sports equipment in the fields from down the street. The damage was huge and the loss even bigger.

    “We have had floods before and lost pumpkin crops before, but we have never lost everything that we worked on before,” Bare said.

    While this crop may only take a year to grow, some of her others, like Christmas trees, take several years. Still, Bare looks through this field and sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

    “I’m more thankful to be here this year than I ever have been or to have a crop to be able to sell,” Bare said.

    They also have a beautiful pick your own flower garden that has grown back since last year.

    More challenges could be heading in.

    Many farmers in the mountains keep a close eye on the bean count to get an idea of how the winter will be. For every foggy morning in August a bean is put into the jar. Each bean signifies a snow storm. It may sound like silly folklore to some, but many farmers swear by it. With some counting as many as 27 beans this year, they want to be prepared.

    “A farmer started back then with the bean in a jar to predict the weather because they needed to know how much they had to store for the weather. It was a way to guestimate if you will what was to come,” Bare said.

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    Rose Eiklor

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  • The peak of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is here

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    Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean spans June through November, and this year was forecasted to be near to above average.

    What You Need To Know

    • The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season was forecasted to be near to above average

    • Through early Sept. 2025, there have only been six named storms

    • The climatological peak of hurricane season is on Sept. 10


    However, as we approach the climatological peak of the season, we’ve only had six named storms. 

    2025 Atlantic Season predictions

    Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) made their seasonal forecasts back in May and updated them in August. The latest outlooks predict an above-average season: 13 to 18 tropical cyclones (down from 13 to 19 named storms) for NOAA and 16 named storms for CSU (down from 17 to 24 named storms).

    The new predictions include the six named storms we’ve already seen. The average number of named storms is around 14 per season.

    How the season began

    Tropical Storm Andrea formed on June 23, 2025. This marked the latest start to a season since 2014. 

    Next, Tropical Storm Barry formed toward the end of June and made landfall in Veracruz, Mexico. 

    After Barry, Tropical Storm Chantal impacted the southeastern U.S. The storm made landfall in South Carolina on July 6, bringing tropical storm force-winds and flooding rainfall to the Carolinas. 

    Flooding from Chantal at Cooper Road at the Haw River canoe access in Graham, North Carolina. (Graham Police Department)

    Tropical Storm Dexter followed, and next, Hurricane Erin. Erin became a large and powerful Category 5 storm. The storm stayed well off the coast of the U.S., but it brought dangerous rip currents to most of the eastern seaboard.

    Tropical Storm Fernand formed in mid-August and stayed offshore. Here’s a look at the 2025 hurricane season so far. 

    Since then, there has been a lull in tropical activity. 

    Still a lot of the season to go

    In September and early October, storms are most likely to form in the central Atlantic and the Caribbean. However, as more frontal boundaries move through the U.S. at this time, it’s possible for tropical cyclones to develop along old fronts in the Gulf of Mexico and off of the southeast coast. 

    “We are just coming up on the halfway mark of the hurricane season, usually the time of peak activity,” says Dr. Frank Marks, a meteorologist in the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA/Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. 

    Don’t let the lull in the Atlantic lull you to sleep. As we approach the peak with quiet conditions, there’s still plenty of time for more storms to develop.

    Notable September and October tropical cyclones

    Even though many may be focused on fall, hurricane season is ongoing! There have been many tropical cyclones that have formed and made landfall in September and October. 

    Just last year, Hurricane Milton formed in October and rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 5 storm in the Gulf of America. This was the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded over the Gulf since Hurricane Rita in 2005. Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, FL.

    While the outlook over the next seven days looks quiet in the Atlantic, make sure you’re focusing on the forecast as conditions in the open waters can change. Tracking the Tropics.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Britney Hamilton

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  • The politics of college athletics

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    On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum talks with Matt Brown from Extra Points. 

    As the college football season heats up, we are talking about the politics of college athletics, from NIL and conference realignment to even video games. Will politicians intervene? 

    We tackle it all with the founder and publisher of Extra Points, which tackles all things college sports off the field.

    About the Podcast

    With the speed of the local news cycle, it’s easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.

    Listen and Subscribe

    Apple | Spotify | Stitcher

    Join the Conversation

    Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on X with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Missing 7-year-old found dead in Randolph County, sheriff says

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    A 7-year-old boy was found dead in a pond Tuesday, according to the Randolph County sheriff.

    The boy, who had cognitive impairments, was reported missing on Sunday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Liam King was reported missing on Sunday, Sept. 7

    • Officials say King had cognitive impairments was non-verbal 

    • His body was found in a pond near where he disappeared, the Randolph County sheriff said




    Liam King (Randolph County Sheriff’s Office)

    “This morning, at approximately 10:11 a.m., the body of 7-year-old Liam King was discovered in a pond near the area where he was initially reported missing,” Sheriff Gregory Seabolt said in a statement just after noon Tuesday. 

    “We are absolutely devastated. I wish more than anything that we had a different outcome—for Liam’s family, for our community, and for the hundreds of first responders and volunteers who poured their hearts into finding him alive,” the sheriff said. 

    King was reported missing on Sunday, Sept. 7, according to the sheriff’s office, in the area of Forest Hills Drive in Asheboro.

    Seabolt said many people volunteered to help with the search.

    He said they used all the resources they could, including helicopters, airplanes and thermal imagery. 

    “We are grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and willingness to help,” deputies said. 

    Related: Authorities searching for missing Asheboro 7-year-old

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    Daniel Gray, Justin Pryor, Ashley Van Havere

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  • Grants help UNCA students stay in school after Helene

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    ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Nearly a year after Helene disrupted life across western North Carolina, UNC Asheville students are still rebuilding with help of resilience grant funds.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The University of North Carolina Asheville has distributed $3.9 million in grants to help students affected by Helene

    •  Those grants are supporting students with tuition and emergency needs

    •  One student says those dollars went far for those rebounding from last year’s storm 


    The university has distributed $3.9 million in aid to cover tuition and emergency needs.

    The grants were made possible through support from the North Carolina General Assembly and are designed to help students from storm-affected areas stay enrolled.

    Melanie R. Fox is associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students. 

    The UNCA alumnus spoke with several students who credited the grants for making their education possible.

    “I talked to a number of students who would not be able to be in school without the benefit of receiving those grants,” Fox said.

    Lainie Sopa is a music technology graduate and now works as UNCA admission counselor and campus tour leader.

    From storm debris to full parking lots, Sopa recalls the days when the student parking lot hosted a water filtration site run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    “It’s kind of crazy now that it’s a full parking lot,” Sopa said.

    “We were without students for so long,” Fox said. “It is amazing to see student vehicles back.”

    Obi Osaro is an atmospheric science major at UNCA. He also serves as student body president.

    Osaro said grant assistance helped him cover the cost of textbooks and replace food he lost during the storm.

    “Last year was a pretty tough semester,” Osaro said. “I was able to fund food I lost from Helene.”

    The resilience grants are part of a broader wave of support from the university to keep students on their educational pathways.

     

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    Jennifer Roberts

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