MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2003, David Toms won the 2003 Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow, despite a disastrous 8 on the final hole. He closed with a 73 for a two-shot victory at 10-under 278—his first win since 2001—over Vijay Singh, Robert Gamez, and Brent Geiberger. Toms had led by five strokes entering the round.

Speaking of Quail Hollow, the 2026 Truist Championship finished up there yesterday. Find out who won in Sports.

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NC Sports Wagering Eclipses Inaugural Year

North Carolina’s sports wagering tax proceeds have already surpassed the entire inaugural full fiscal year, with two months remaining in fiscal year 2026.

April’s haul of more than $11.6 million pushed the 10-month total to $121.4 million, exceeding last year’s full-year mark of $116.5 million, with a daily average of more than $319,000. Bettors wagered $594.4 million in April alone—up 6% from the previous year.

The state collects an 18% tax on gross wagering revenue, which funds gambling addiction programs, youth sports, school athletics, outdoor initiatives, and efforts to attract major sporting events.

With consistent monthly gains and eight straight months of taxes above $10 million, North Carolina is on pace for a record year in legal sports betting, reflecting robust demand since the market launched in 2023.

Lawmakers Seek More Film Industry Incentives

North Carolina lawmakers have introduced bills to expand incentives for the film and television industry, aiming to reverse a slump that has hit the state hard in recent years, particularly in the Wilmington area.

House Bill 1116, filed by Republican Rep. Ted Davis, NC-20, would increase the grant from 25% to 30% of qualifying expenses and raise spending caps to $20 million for feature films and $25 million for television seasons.

Senate Bill 1002, sponsored by Republican Sen. Michael Lee, NC-7, would create a dedicated fund for smaller, independent “micro-budget” projects to support local filmmakers without requiring distribution deals.

Proponents say the changes are needed to remain competitive with other states, retain skilled workers, and boost economic activity after one of the film industry’s roughest periods on record.

Adopt a Sea Turtle Program Returns

Outer Banks Forever has launched its annual Adopt A Sea Turtle Nest program for the 2026 nesting season at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The initiative allows supporters to symbolically adopt a sea turtle nest through a tax-deductible donation of $100 or more, receiving an adoption certificate and personalized updates when the nest hatches.

Now in its seventh year, the program has engaged more than 600 supporters who have raised nearly $126,000 to protect and enhance the Seashore. Nests are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis starting in early June. Adopters will get details on hatchling success after the average 61-day incubation period.

The program runs through the May-to-September nesting season and supports vital conservation efforts by the National Park Service.

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➤ Statewide: New data shows a standard 15-gallon gas fill-up in North Carolina consumes 4.1% of the state’s estimated $1,500 median weekly household income, with gas averaging $4.08 per gallon. (More)

➤ Forsyth County: Federal prosecutors charged a North Carolina man with threatening to kill U.S. immigration officials and their families after he allegedly mailed violent letters to federal employees in 2025. (More)

➤ Columbus County: A brief tornado touched down near McPherson’s Acme General Store on Saturday, damaging a propane tank and scattering shed debris. (More)

➤ Hillsborough: The town is suing residents Ken and Linda Ostrand for repeatedly feeding black vultures and encouraging them to roost at their home, violating a wildlife ordinance and creating health and safety concerns. (See Photos)

➤ Duke University: Senior Nana Osaki, who served as the wordless Blue Devil mascot, drew on her gesture-based experiences to research right-hemisphere stroke survivors’ pragmatic language challenges. (More)

➤ Lindville: Grandfather Mountain kicked off its annual Rhododendron Rambles on Saturday, with guided walks showcasing blooming Catawba rhododendrons and other wildflowers through May 31. (More)

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➤ Norwegian golfer Kristoffer Reitan won the Truist Championship at Charlotte's Quail Hollow Golf Club after shooting 15 under par throughout the four-day event. (More)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets were awarded the No. 14 overall pick in yesterday's NBA draft lottery. Charlotte also owns the No. 18 overall selection in this year's draft. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes have become the first team since the NHL established four rounds of seven-game series as its playoff format in 1987 to start the postseason 8-0. (More)

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➤ North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s travel plaza is drawing Target, HomeGoods, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory, Five Below, DSW, Michaels, and PetSmart to Mebane’s new Third&Wood shopping center. (More)

➤ East Charlotte residents and Action NC urged the Charlotte City Council to reject a proposed data center, citing concerns about water and energy use while calling for stricter regulations and a possible moratorium. (More)

➤ Greensboro-based Neese’s Sausage paused operations after the USDA suspended its ready-to-eat processes, while a spokesperson said the company isn’t requesting the required Food Safety and Inspection Service inspectors at this time. (More)

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➤ Thousands packed Saturday’s sold-out 80th-anniversary Cherry Point Air Show for the Blue Angels, stunt plane performances, and a final AV-8B Harrier demonstration. (Watch Report)

➤ Knightdale’s Lady Knights went from last place to undefeated, with the middle-school flag football team promoting confidence, mental-health awareness, and sisterhood as it chases a national-championship berth in Florida. (See Photos)

➤ A 2026 ranking of the best and worst cities for basketball fans compared 298 cities, placing Durham No. 2 among midsize cities, Chapel Hill No. 5 among small cities, and Charlotte and Raleigh among the top 40 large cities. (See Rankings)

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