Wedding venue in Blue Ridge, GA for couples in Raleigh, NC

N.C. State’s primary goal during the bye week was to recover from the first eight weeks of the season. Its second goal was to take the momentum from its win on the road at Cal and turn it into a second straight victory.

“It’s really good that we have this bye week, because a lot of us, we need some rest, but our bodies has been beaten up for the past couple of weeks,” freshman quarterback CJ Bailey said. “We need this time off for our mental health and our physical health. And, for the next couple of weeks we’re to go win some games and be undefeated for the rest of the season. That’s the plan, that’s the goal. We’re going to do that.”

Bailey, who has looked more confident in recent weeks, will lead N.C. State’s offense for the remainder of the season after Coastal Carolina transfer Grayson McCall medically retired on Oct. 23. McCall suffered two concussions this season and has a history of head injuries.

Bailey and his teammates have the opportunity on Saturday to take another step in reaching their goal and show what it looks like after a week of rest and game prep.

The Pack is coming off a 24-23 win over the Golden Bears on Oct. 19, the team’s first ACC victory of the season. It isn’t satisfied, but it’s nice to no longer be winless in the league.

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NC State

October 20, 2024 6:00 AM

“Winning is hard, so being able to come out here, this long trip and secure a win is very great,” defensive end Davin Vann said after the game. “I don’t know if I’d say (we) let go of a sigh of relief. We still have four games left that we’re trying to win out. That’s kind of trying to stay locked in on that.”

N.C. State (4-4) needs two wins in the final four games to become bowl eligible. A victory Saturday would put that goal into reach, but it must get past a scrappy Stanford team.

The Cardinal (2-6) lost its fifth straight game on Saturday, 27-24, to Wake Forest when Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels threw an interception to seal the Demon Deacons’ victory. The victory was similar to that of N.C. State’s loss against the in-state rival.

Stanford, led by second-year head coach Troy Taylor, is statistically one of the worst teams in the FBS. However, the team traveled to New York and upset Syracuse, 26-24, on Sept. 20 with a go-ahead field goal as the clock expired.

The Cardinal has it’s lost five straight games, but it’ll enter Carter-Finley Stadium with something to prove. The Wolfpack can’t afford to overlook a desperate opponent.

N.C. State’s offensive line, and additional blockers, has struggled at times to open the run game and provide pass protection.

In the Wolfpack’s comeback win at Cal, Bailey was sacked a season-high six times. Part of that was Bailey’s indecisiveness in the backfield, but there were a few times when he lacked help from the guys upfront. The team also finished with 29 rushing yards and one first down from run plays.

That’s been the case most of the season. N.C. State has allowed 17 opponent sacks (2.13) and ranks No. 120 in rushing yards per game (106.4).

On the other side, Stanford’s defensive front does not typically win the line of scrimmage. It averages two sacks on opposing quarterbacks per game and allows nearly 128 rushing yards per game.

The Cardinal’s defense struggles with stopping teams through the air, as well. With the size and experience of the Wolfpack on the line, it has a chance to control the game up front for a well-rounded performance on offense.

The Wolfpack opened as a 10-point favorite over the new ACC opponent, with the over-under set at 49.5 points, according to Circa Sports.

Teams: NC State Wolfpack (4-4, 1-3 ACC) vs Stanford Cardinal (2-6, 1-4)

Where: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh

Date: Saturday, Nov. 2

Time: Noon

TV: ACC Network

Stream: fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV Stream, Sling TV

Series history: This is the first meeting between the two programs.

This Sunday, Raleigh's Red Hat Amphitheater will host the Music for the Mountains concert, an event dedicated to supporting those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Presented by Band Together and Lincoln Theatre in partnership with WRAL and Red Hat Amphitheater, this live concert offers more than just exceptional music — it's a heartfelt call for unity and compassion in response to a pressing need.

The lineup promises an unforgettable evening, featuring headliners Old Crow Medicine Show along with performances from Chatham County Line, BJ Barham and Fancy Gap. Proceeds will directly benefit the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, providing critical resources to communities struggling to rebuild after the storm’s devastation.

Old Crow Medicine Show, known for their iconic hit "Wagon Wheel," will take the stage as headliners.

Frontman Ketch Secor, who founded the band, has a deeply rooted connection to North Carolina, which served as a major source of inspiration and growth for the group.

Secor shared with WRAL the emotional resonance of playing for a cause so close to his heart, despite his Virginia upbringing and Tennessee residence.

"I look to those mountains for my inspiration and my heart really. If your heart is really for the western mountains in North Carolina, it's broken now," Secor said.

The musician recounted the severe damage inflicted on the little town of Beach Creek in Avery County, as well as the ongoing recovery in nearby Mitchell County.

The situation in these communities is dire, and the concert's proceeds will provide much-needed aid to families and businesses in the region.

North Carolina natives, the Steep Canyon Rangers, have also been active in relief efforts.

The band, some members of whom live in Brevard, faced communication and transportation hurdles during the aftermath of the storm, which cut off roads and left some neighborhoods isolated.

Graham Sharp, the band’s banjo player, explained the harsh reality:

"It's strange. We’re out on the road, in places like Minneapolis, and it feels normal until you get back to where there’s no working water. It’s just a constant reminder of what people are going through back home."

The band's efforts to raise funds at their shows have highlighted the generosity and empathy of concertgoers, and Sharp commends musicians stepping up to raise awareness for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The money raised from tickets and sponsorships will be distributed to Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC and Church’s Chief Cares organization. All are working to expedite aid directly to families affected by Hurricane Helene.

For those unable to attend in person, you and listen live and donations can be made online at ThatStation.net.

Every contribution, regardless of size, adds to the relief efforts, reinforcing the spirit of resilience and community that defines North Carolina’s response to hardship.

Performance Schedule:

This Sunday, don't miss your chance to enjoy incredible music while supporting a vital cause. Tickets are on sale now — secure yours and join the community in making a lasting impact.

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N.C. State basketball fans got a chance to see the 2024-25 men’s and women’s teams for the first time Friday at Reynolds Coliseum.

The Wolfpack hosted its annual Primetime with the Pack event, which included a women’s 3-point contest, Trey Parker dunking over Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, Ismael Diouf and Mr. Wuf and a scrimmage featuring the men’s squad.

“What a great night for us and our women’s team,” N.C. State men’s coach Kevin Keatts said. “When you think about how special last year was with two teams coming off a Final Four, us winning five games in five days, winning the ACC, it was just good to get these guys out here to feel the love a little bit and also for some of our fans, some of our students to meet the new players that are on the team.”

Expectations remain high for the women’s squad, with the Pack being picked to finish No. 2 in the league and ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25. Senior guards Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James were named to the All-ACC preseason team. Rivers received two first-place votes, while James earned one.

Freshman guard Zamareya Jones was named to the ACC Newcomer of the Year watchlist.

The men weren’t so fortunate. They were picked to finish eighth in the ACC and no players were selected to the preseason All-Conference teams. The Pack did not receive any votes in the AP Poll, either, despite returning Michael O’Connell, Ben Middlebrooks and Jayden Taylor.

According to KenPom.com, the Pack has a projected 18-12 overall record and 11-9 league record. Eight projected losses, however, are by no more than two possessions. Five of the projected losses are by two points or fewer.

Entering the season, Ben Middlebrooks said the underdog status wasn’t completely gone and the current roster wasn’t being viewed particularly favorably.

“I don’t think our team, especially right now, is really even being considered as being at the same level as we were last year. I think that’s wrong,” Middlebrooks said. “I think we’ve got a lot of new guys who are gonna bring bigger and better things. We’re gonna be a different team … but I think we’ve got just as much skill. If we’re able to play together, play as confident as we were last year, I think we could be just as good.”

Keatts said he wishes the team had a few more days to prepare for the season, but it has to play a game next week.

“Because we played so long — and I hope we’re always in that situation — it seems like (the season is coming) a lot quicker than it was in the past year, but it’s here whether I like it or not.”

He said there are still things to work on, but here are a few takeaways from the night:

The 12-minute scrimmage didn’t really feature any set plays or anything particularly creative, but it was clear the players enjoyed being together in front of the crowd.

Forward Diouf had a big smile on his face when he caught a lob from guard Bryce Heard. Guard Dontrez Styles passed to Parker inside the paint for a lob of their own, the crowd erupting in cheers.

Keatts has repeatedly said much of the team’s success last season was predicated on its chemistry and the fun it had together.

It’s in a good spot right now. Between Primetime with the Pack, going to the state fair and tailgating at football games, the team is building that bond.

“It’s a work in progress and, certainly, nights like this really help,” Keatts said. “When you can get them out there, they can have fun, they can come together.”

The Wolfpack probably won’t see as much offense from everyone as it did Friday, but it has threats, notably with the bigs, that could make an impact.

Middlebrooks and Huntley-Hatfield made a handful of threes, a positive sign that the Wolfpack can stretch the floor. Now, fans should not expect the team to take them regularly — Middlebrooks airballed the first 3-point attempt — but it could make things interesting.

Additionally, the freshmen still have room to grow when it comes to finishing their shots, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see guys like Heard and Parker earning a role in the rotation and contributing regularly.

Keatts said Parker is “really improving” and took major strides in the past week.

“He’s going to be able to help us,” Keatts said. “I know you guys saw him dunk, but he’s so much more than just a dunker. He’s becoming a very good basketball player.”

Dennis Parker Jr., now in his second season, could also make a bigger impact, with his ability to drive inside or shoot from outside the paint.

“I like our team. I’ve warned everybody that this is not the same team that was at the end of the year that won nine straight games,” Keatts said. “We’re still going to have to develop chemistry. We’ll still get better, but we do have some very exciting pieces that I like, and I think we can go two deep at every position.”

It’s hard to gauge where the team will be defensively considering the relaxed nature of the scrimmage, and Keatts asked fans to be patient with his squad.

“I don’t want to get any messages on social media. Nobody direct message me, asking me about defense,” Keatts said with a smile. “We’re gonna work on it. We’ll get better at that.”

He also said mid-scrimmage that it “looks like defense took the night off,” in response to a lack of pressure and rebounding.

The Wolfpack has the size and length to be a good defensive team, so that’s something that will need to be evaluated when N.C. State faces other teams in a more formal setting. The Pack hosts Lees-McRae at 7 p.m. Wednesday for an exhibition. Its official opener is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 4 against USC Upstate.

Aziaha James has a minor knee injury and made her preseason appearance Friday on crutches. The senior handed the crutches to Mallory Collier during player introductions to perform a dance, but she limited pressure.

“If we could get everybody healthy and on the court, it’s going to be great,” women’s head coach Wes Moore said.

It’s unclear when James will return. The Wolfpack hosts Anderson at 7 p.m. Tuesday for an exhibition. The team hosts East Tennessee State on Nov. 5 for its season opener.

This story was originally published October 25, 2024, 9:54 PM.

Raleigh, NC (October 25, 2024) – A traffic accident occurred at the intersection of Capital Boulevard and Trust Drive, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention. The incident took place around 5:20 p.m. on October 24, prompting a response from emergency services.

Emergency responders from the Raleigh Fire Department arrived at the scene to assist those involved in the crash. The collision blocked part of the roadway, leading to delays in the area as authorities worked to clear the scene and provide aid to the injured.

Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this injury accident.

Injury Accidents in North Carolina

In North Carolina, traffic accidents are a major concern, with thousands of individuals injured each year. The impact of these accidents can be devastating, often leaving victims to contend with long-term physical, emotional, and financial difficulties. It’s crucial for those injured to understand their rights and the legal options available to them.

Recent statistics show that motor vehicle accidents in North Carolina frequently result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Many victims are burdened with overwhelming medical bills and lost wages due to their inability to work after an accident. When injuries are caused by another driver’s negligence, it’s essential for victims to seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights.

Being involved in a traffic accident can be a traumatic experience, leaving victims feeling confused and anxious about their future. Remember, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Legal assistance can provide the clarity and support needed as you work toward recovery.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a personal injury accident in North Carolina, it’s vital to consult with an experienced attorney who can help navigate the legal process. They can assist you in securing the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Local Accident Reports is your reliable resource for support after an accident. We’ve gathered essential information and resources for accident victims like you. Our comprehensive database offers key details and support options for those affected by accidents.

Get the help you need to navigate this challenging situation and move forward. We’re here to aid your recovery process with valuable resources and information. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you on your path to recovery.

A new store focused on promoting mental health is opening soon in Raleigh.

The boutique, Petal & Pink, will sell items such as books, journals and gifts designed to help customers incorporate self-care and mental health into their day-to-day lives, owner Amy Parker Cook said.

Parker Cook began going to therapy during the pandemic and benefited from the experience. She also realized that mental health, which many people struggle with, is not something that can just be sorted out in a weekly therapy session.

“There was not, to my knowledge, one place where you could go and find all of the tools that would be helpful,” Parker Cook said. “So I wanted to bring all those things together under one roof, where people could touch them and feel them and be able to make some choices between things that would help them with their mental health.”

Parker Cook, who is a CPA by trade, said she has always dreamed of opening a store, though she thought it would be a book shop.

While not dedicated to books, the store will sell them. Parker Cook took recommendations on what to include in Petal & Pink’s inventory from therapists, who suggested literature or other tools they use in their practices or wish they had in their practices.

“Everything is very research-backed, with the exception of the gift stuff,” she said.

Customers may shop Petal & Pink in store or online at petalandpink.com.

If visiting in person, shoppers will find Petal, a character Parker Cook created, scattered across signs and other postings in the shop. Petal is the store’s mascot and will provide encouraging messages and details about certain products.

“My vision for it is that she’s going to, kind of, not only be helping people remember that they’re enough, and that it’s OK to not be OK, and all of those things, but also be able to share reasons why certain objects might be helpful, or what they could be used for,” Parker Cook said.

In addition to retail, Petal & Pink will host classes and events on topics such as mindfulness and setting boundaries.

“We’re not a substitute for therapy or professional help, but I want [Petal & Pink] to be a place where people can feel like they’re supported and cared for, and where they can get a little extra help without feeling judged,” Parker Cook said.

“I’m hopeful, too, that it will help reduce some of the stigma around talking about mental health.”

Petal & Pink is in the former Board & Brush Creative Studio at 4800 Grove Barton Road in Raleigh. It is expected to open Friday, Nov. 1.

The 1,400-square-foot store is in a busy shopping area near Parker Cook’s home. She drove past the space often, and when it became available, it “just seemed right,” she said.

Have a question about your community you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

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This story was originally published October 25, 2024, 1:54 PM.