For the first time since 2002, the United States men’s soccer team has won a game in the World Cup. The Americans success has led to increased interest from youngsters in learning the Beautiful Game. Ozan Gokdemir, the owner of the Durham Soccer Academy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how much interest he’s seen in recent years.

North Carolina lawmakers have released a long-delayed state budget proposal that includes higher pay for educators and state employees, along with new funding for community colleges. Durham Technical Community College President JB Buxton said the model would strengthen programs tied to the region's growing industries. Buxton joined Jeff Hamlin to

Leaders at ExCEL, a coalition of business leaders working to staunch NC's child care crisis, are weighing in on the state budget proposal that’s under consideration in the General Assembly. Neil Harrington, Policy and Research Analyst for ExCEL NC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the group’s opinions regarding the budget.

As part of the America 250 celebration, the Rotary Club of Raleigh is launching the Oak Tree Ribbon Project — decorating 250 oak trees across downtown Raleigh. Kent Thompson of the Rotary Club of Raleigh joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their 4th of July preparations.

A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. Andreina Malki of Siembra NC joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ruling

The fireworks will be going off throughout the holiday weekend at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Independence Day weekend is always special with the Durham Bulls, especially when America is celebrating its 250th birthday. Mike Birling, the Vice President of CBC Sports, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what’s ahead this weekend.

It is peak blueberry season in North Carolina. A new AI-driven app could help farmers determine the best time to pick berries and discover the bushes that produce the highest yield, saving on labor costs. Cody Craddock, a Randolph County Cooperative Extension Agent, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the app works.

The Supreme Court has delivered a mixed bag of results for President Trump. One decision would allow mail-in ballots to be counted if they are received up to five days after election day as long as they are postmarked before the election. The case, "Watson and the Secretary of State vs. the Republican National Committee," centered on whether those ballots should count at all. Stephen Greene, N.C. State Political Science Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ruling.

A deal has been reached on the North Carolina state budget. The deal is expected to include income tax cuts, money for a new children’s hospital and pay raises for state employees, but do workers think the raises are enough? Ardis Watkins, Executive Director of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the budget proposal.

There has been an increase in people in Wake County facing poverty, homelessness, unemployment, incarceration histories and other major setbacks. Step Up Ministry in Raleigh is working to help people stabilize, find work, build confidence and create a stronger future for themselves and their families by providing employment, life skills , mentorship and long term support. Gayle Hurd talked about their work and the challenges many in Wake county face, with Colisha Stanford the CEO of Step Up Ministry