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North Carolina is charging ahead of California and the reason why is surprising

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North Carolina is charging ahead of California and the reason why is surprising

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Earlier in May, two starkly different fiscal news items highlighted the divergent paths taken by North Carolina and California. While North Carolina celebrated news of projected revenue surpluses in 2024 and 2025, California is grappling with a $44.9 billion budget deficit. How did these two states end up in wildly different places?  

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The contrast is emblematic of the philosophies governing these states. North Carolina’s conservative fiscal policies, emphasizing low taxes and restrained spending, widely differ from California’s high tax rates and expansive spending programs. The recent outcomes suggest that North Carolina’s approach offers a model of responsible governance from which other states, including California, could learn. 

North Carolina’s success results from deliberate and sustained conservative fiscal policies. The state embarked on a series of tax reforms, which started in 2013 and were the largest in its history. These reforms included reducing the personal income tax rate from a progressive structure topping out at 7.75% to a flat rate of 4.75%, scheduled to drop further to 3.99% by 2026. Corporate tax rates were also slashed from 6.9% to 2.5% — the lowest in the nation for states that levy such a tax — with plans to phase it out entirely by 2030. 

CALIFORNIA HAS YET TO PROVIDE 1,200 TINY HOMES FOR STATE’S HOMELESS THAT WERE PROMISED IN MARCH 2023

These tax cuts were not merely superficial adjustments but were coupled with prudent spending measures. North Carolina’s general fund spending has been managed to ensure essential services are funded without resorting to excessive borrowing.  

The massively slow and expensive construction of the California bullet train project is photographed in Corcoran, California, left, and Hanford, California, right. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images | George Rose/Getty Images)

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Fiscally conservative policies retired 40% of state debt within a decade, reducing general fund-supported debt from $6.5 billion in 2012 to $3.9 billion by 2021. Moreover, the state has avoided budgetary gimmicks and one-time fixes, focusing instead on long-term fiscal sustainability. 

Spending restraint has been a hallmark of North Carolina’s approach. State legislators have maintained strict controls on spending growth, ensuring expenditures do not outpace revenue. This disciplined approach has allowed North Carolina to build substantial reserves, including a savings reserve (or “Rainy Day Fund”) that currently stands at $4.75 billion, equivalent to just over 15% of the 2023-24 state general fund budget.  

This fiscal prudence has positioned North Carolina to weather economic downturns without resorting to drastic cuts or tax hikes, avoiding volatility in the lives of state workers. 

The result? North Carolina has seen robust economic growth. According to the John Locke Foundation’s 2024 North Carolina Budget, Tax, and Economic Highlights, from 2016 to 2022, North Carolina’s per capita income grew at an average annual rate of 5.3%, higher than the national average and highest among its neighbors. North Carolina’s real GDP increased by a total of 11.4% from 2017 to 2022, which is also higher than the national average. 

In contrast, California has pursued a high-tax, high-spending approach. The state imposes some of the highest tax rates in the country, including a top personal income tax rate of 13.3% and a corporate tax rate of 8.84%. According to the California Policy Center, “In just the last ten years, the General Fund budget has grown by 84 percent after adjusting for inflation and for population growth.”  

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California ranked No. 49 in the Fraser Institute’s 2023 economic freedom report, which evaluates states and provinces based on variables such as government spending, taxes, labor market freedom, and more. North Carolina ranked No. 13.  
 
A significant portion of California’s tax revenue comes from capital gains taxes, making the state highly dependent on the stock market’s performance. In boom times, this can lead to substantial windfalls; however, it also means that revenue is highly volatile and can plummet during market downturns, leading to substantial budget deficits. 

Its expansive spending on social programs, education and healthcare exacerbated California’s fiscal woes. While these programs initially aimed to provide a high level of public service, they have also led to fiscal instability. 

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom leads a state that has gone from surplus to a huge deficit. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A key issue is that high tax rates have not translated into stable revenue streams. The Golden State’s reliance on high-income earners and capital gains means that its revenue is highly volatile, fluctuating significantly with economic cycles. The New York Times said, “When the rich do well, the state government reaps a bonanza. But when the stock market slumps or initial public offerings dwindle, revenue plummets.”  

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This volatility makes budgeting challenging and often results in substantial deficits during economic downturns. 

California’s budget process is further complicated by the state’s commitment to numerous unfunded mandates and pension liabilities. The state’s pension system is underfunded by billions of dollars, putting additional strain on the budget. Despite high tax revenues, the state frequently finds itself in a fiscal crisis, forced to make painful cuts or propose tax increases to balance the budget. 

When a state’s budget is volatile, the effects on state workers such as teachers, state park employees and correctional officers can be profound and destabilizing. Budget unpredictability often leads to cycles of boom and bust, where periods of fiscal surplus may result in temporary increases in salaries, hiring and program funding, only to be followed by sharp cutbacks, layoffs and pay freezes during downturns.  

California ranked No. 49 in the Fraser Institute’s 2023 economic freedom report, which evaluates states and provinces based on variables such as government spending, taxes, labor market freedom, and more. North Carolina ranked No. 13.  

This instability can create a climate of uncertainty and low morale among state employees, who may face the constant threat of job insecurity and reduced benefits.  

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North Carolina’s fiscal discipline offers a blueprint for other states, demonstrating that conservative fiscal policies can lead to economic stability and growth. By maintaining low taxes and controlling spending, North Carolina has created an environment conducive to business and investment, fostering economic resilience even during challenging times.  

California, on the other hand, illustrates the pitfalls of high taxes and expansive spending without adequate fiscal controls. As the nation observes these contrasting outcomes, it becomes clear that responsible budget management, as exemplified by North Carolina, is essential for economic prosperity. States should adopt similar conservative fiscal policies to achieve stable and sustainable economic growth. 

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Denver, CO

Avalanche vs. Wild NHL playoff schedule

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Avalanche vs. Wild NHL playoff schedule


The Colorado Avalanche will face the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here’s the schedule and how to watch each game as the Avs continue their 2026 playoff run starting Sunday at Ball Arena.

Avs vs. Wild playoff schedule

Game 1: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3, Minnesota at Colorado, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX
Game 2: TBD, Minnesota at Colorado
Game 3: TBD, Colorado at Minnesota
Game 4: TBD, Colorado at Minnesota
Game 5*: TBD, Minnesota at Colorado
Game 6*: TBD, Colorado at Minnesota
Game 7*: TBD, Minnesota at Colorado

*If necessary

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Seattle, WA

Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC: TV channel, live stream, and kick-off time | Goal.com US

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Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC: TV channel, live stream, and kick-off time | Goal.com US


Today’s game between Sporting Kansas City and Seattle Sounders FC will kick-off at May 2, 2026, 2:30 PM.

The TV channel and live stream options for Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC are listed below. This MLS fixture is available exclusively on Apple TV, which holds the rights to every regular-season match, playoff game, and Leagues Cup fixture in 2026. If you already subscribe to Apple TV, you have full access at no extra cost – no separate pass required. You can stream on any device running the Apple TV app, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

Sporting Kansas City host Seattle Sounders FC at Sporting Park in Kansas City in a Major League Soccer Western Conference fixture that could not arrive at a more contrasting moment for the two clubs.

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Sporting are in the grip of a serious slump. Five consecutive defeats across all competitions have left them anchored near the foot of the Western Conference, and the numbers make for grim reading. They have conceded ten goals in their last three MLS matches alone, with a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Chicago Fire FC last weekend the latest low point.

Seattle, meanwhile, arrive in Kansas City with momentum behind them. Three wins from their last four outings across all competitions point to a side that has found its rhythm, and their 2-1 victory over FC Dallas last weekend kept them firmly in the hunt for a top-four seed in the West.

The Sounders have also been managing CONCACAF Champions Cup commitments alongside their MLS schedule, which adds context to any minor inconsistencies in form. Brian Schmetzer’s side have handled the fixture congestion well enough, and they head to Kansas City as the form team by some distance.

For Sporting, this is a match that demands a response. The club has not won in MLS since late March, and the gap between them and the playoff positions is growing with each passing week. Home advantage at Sporting Park offers some comfort, but the crowd will need a performance to match the urgency of their situation.

Read on for everything you need to know about how to watch Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC live, including TV channel details, live stream options, and kick-off time.

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How to watch Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC with VPN

If you are travelling abroad or just want to access your usual streaming services from a different part of the world, you may run into geo-restrictions. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy.

A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure, encrypted connection online. By virtually changing your location to a country where the game is being broadcast, you can bypass blackout restrictions and watch your favourite team live. A step-by-step guide is described later in this article, or you can also check out our guide to the best VPNs for streaming sports.

Team news & squads

No confirmed injury or suspension information is currently available for Sporting Kansas City ahead of this fixture, and no projected XI has been released. Updates will be added closer to kick-off as the club provides official confirmation.

Seattle Sounders FC have also not released team news at this stage, with no injuries, suspensions, or probable lineup listed. Check back for the latest squad information before the match.

Injuries and Suspended players

Form

Goal Scored (Conceded)
2/17
Games over 2.5 goals
5/5
Both teams scored
2/5
Goal Scored (Conceded)
10/5
Games over 2.5 goals
3/5
Both teams scored
3/5

Sporting Kansas City have lost all five of their last matches across all competitions, recording a W0-D0-L5 run. Their most recent defeat was a 5-0 loss to Chicago Fire FC in MLS on April 26, which followed a 3-0 reverse against Vancouver Whitecaps the previous week. They also lost 3-0 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the US Open Cup and fell 1-3 to San Jose Earthquakes in the league. Kansas City conceded 15 goals across these five fixtures and scored just four, with no clean sheets in the sequence.

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Seattle Sounders FC have won three of their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent result was a 2-1 win over FC Dallas in MLS on April 26. Before that, they beat St. Louis City 4-1 in the league and defeated Tigres 3-1 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, though they had lost the first leg of that tie 2-0. Across the five games, Seattle scored ten goals and conceded five.

Head-to-Head Record

Games over 2.5 goals
4/5
Both teams scored
4/5

The most recent meeting between these sides came on August 25, 2025, when Seattle Sounders FC beat Sporting Kansas City 5-2 in an MLS fixture played at Lumen Field. Across the last five head-to-head matches, Seattle have won three and Sporting have won one, with one further result going in Sporting’s favour on home soil — a 2-1 win in Kansas City in July 2025. The Sounders have generally held the upper hand in this fixture, with the aggregate scoreline across the five games reflecting their dominance.

Standings

In the MLS Western Conference, Seattle Sounders FC currently sit fourth, while Sporting Kansas City are positioned 15th.

Step-by-step VPN guide to watch Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders FC today

NordVPN

  1. Download & Install: Sign up to ExpressVPN or another reputable VPN service (check out GOAL’s guide here) and download the app on your device.
  2. Connect to a Server: Open the app and select a server location where the match is being shown (e.g. if you are in the UK but want to watch a US stream, connect to a US server).
  3. Clear Cache: Sometimes your browser holds onto your old location. Clear your cookies or refresh your browser to ensure the change takes effect.
  4. Start Streaming: Go to your broadcaster’s website and app and enjoy the game.

How to watch on the Big Screen

Watching on your phone or laptop is fine, but live sports belongs on the big screen. Here is how to get the VPN working on your TV:

  • Smart TVs & Fire Stick: Most Android-based TVs and devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast with Google TV have native VPN apps. Simply search for your VPN provider in the app store on your TV, log in, and connect just like you would on your phone.
  • Apple TV, Roku & Consoles: These devices often don’t support direct VPN apps. The easiest workaround is to use Smart DNS (usually found in your VPN account settings) or Mirror/Cast the stream from your VPN-connected phone or laptop to your TV.



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San Diego, CA

New audit breaks down the City of San Diego’s response on homeless encampment clean-ups

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New audit breaks down the City of San Diego’s response on homeless encampment clean-ups


SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A new report from the City of San Diego Auditor details how the City has addressed the clearing of homeless encampments since the passage of the Unsafe Camping Ordinance.

The audit looked to address five main questions:

  • Did the unsheltered population decrease in the City of San Diego since the implementation of the Unsafe Camping Ordinance?
  • Did the unsheltered population move from downtown to other areas of the City of San Diego after the implementation of the Unsafe Camping Ordinance?
  • Did the number of citations, arrests, and prosecutions for encampments increase after the Unsafe Camping Ordinance?
  • Did City departments work and coordinate in their response to encampments after the implementation of the Ordinance, in accordance with the goals in the preamble of the Ordinance?
  • Does the City equitably store personal items from abatements?

It also showed that the overall unsheltered population in the City hasn’t declined by much since the ordinance went into effect, even though it appears that fewer people are living on the streets.

“What we did see was at the same time that this ordinance went through, that our safe sleeping went online, and that was an opportunity to get hundreds of people into our safe sleeping,” Franklin Coopersmith, Deputy Dir. of Environmental Services Department, City of San Diego, said.

Coopersmith’s department is tasked with clearing homeless encampments.

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ABC 10News spoke with him about the audit and the five questions that it aimed to answer.

Coopersmith and the audit explain that those safe sleeping sites are still technically considered unsheltered, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“Our safe sleeping is not considered an official shelter, so it is still considered unsheltered,” Coopersmith said. “Though when the public looks, they don’t see as many people on the street is because they’re in these places where we designate that they can go in. We have shelter there. We have resources, we have beds for them.” 

When it comes to the movement out of Downtown San Diego, the audit said there’s not enough data to show that reports of encampments in other areas, but are not ruling it out. The report found that arrests and citations increased.

The report also found that Get It Done request times for encampments from both the San Diego Police Department and Environmental Services went down since the ordinance.

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“With this ordinance, we work closely with the neighborhood policing, which has the HOT team, the homeless outreach team,” Coopersmith said. I mean, that was a great tool in addition to homeless outreach workers, you have this hot team that’s out there that’s able to make contact and get people into shelter just as easily as an outreach worker is.”

The audit says the city could do a better job at storing personal items found in encampments. Coopersmith’s department agrees with and plans to make things more accessible and review how other cities store those items.

“I think we did a really good job pointing out that homelessness is extremely complicated. There are many needs out there and a single ordinance is not what’s going to solve it,” Coopersmith said.

Homelessness service provider People Assistance The Homeless, also known as PATH San Diego, sent ABC 10News the following statement after the release of the audit:

“PATH participated in the City’s audit of the Unsafe Camping Ordinance with the goal of improving outreach outcomes and supporting healthy, safe public spaces. We maintain strong working relationships with partners across the region, including the City of San Diego, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration. 

No one should be living unsheltered or in encampments. That is why PATH focuses on providing outreach and street-based case management to help our unhoused neighbors move indoors and onto a path toward stable housing. Effective outreach requires time, trust, and coordination. We have consistently advocated for outreach to serve as the first step when clearing and addressing encampments in public spaces. 

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Our experience shows that providing at least 72 hours’ notice, ideally up to one week, leads to better outcomes. This timeframe allows outreach teams to build connections and link individuals to appropriate services and shelter. When dedicated shelter beds are available for a specific encampment and immediate placement is offered, acceptance rates increase significantly. When adequate notice and time are not provided prior to sweeps, significant setbacks occur in our efforts, as individuals often lose critical documents and service connections necessary for securing housing. 

We hope our additional feedback will be taken into consideration as we continue working to support unsheltered San Diegans in transitioning off the streets and into stable housing. “

The report also states that as shelter referrals increased, including safe sleeping, with the ordinance going into effect, space was limited, so most of those requests couldn’t be met.

Paul Armstrong from the San Diego Rescue Mission said that more beds would be more helpful.

“But also, I think we need to look at the relationship between outreach and the shelter system. And as our shelter system turns into long-term housing, how much turnover is happening in our shelter system?” Armstrong said. Because that’s part of it is we need a high-functioning shelter system that’s integrated with outreach.”

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