North Carolina
Best North Carolina Sportsbook Promos: $2,950 in Bonuses for ACC Title Game
The ACC Tournament Championship is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. With championship action approaching, we’re providing a list of the best North Carolina sportsbook promos that new users can claim to get in on the action with up to $2,950 in betting bonuses. Before No. 1 seed North Carolina faces No. 10 North Carolina State in the ACC championship game tonight, check out what’s on the market in the Tar Heel State below. Click on a graphic to claim a promo.
Caesars North Carolina Promo Code STARTNC: Claim $250 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed
There is a unique difference between today’s Caesars North Carolina offer and the others. It sounds the same —Bet $5, Get $250 in bonus bets guaranteed — However, when you claim this bonus, you will receive your bonus as five $50 bonus bets once your wager settles. That increases the potential payouts for the wagers you place using your bonus bets with Caesars.
There is no limit to how many of these codes you can claim. It’s house money that requires very little of your own to land.
Claim your $250 bonus from Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina
BetMGM North Carolina Bonus Code ROCKYBET: Score $150 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed
Claim this bonus code, and you’ll unlock a Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets offer. Create an account and place a $5 wager on the ACC Tournament Championship game, and BetMGM North Carolina will apply a $150 bonus as six $25 bonus bets to your account immediately.
That’s just one of the rewards of this offer. Other online sportsbooks have similar sign-up offers, but they require your wager to settle first before the bonus is paid out. An additional separator for BetMGM is its ongoing promotions for current users. Not many sportsbooks keep pace with the value offered on this sportsbook once you’re a player on the site.
Use our exclusive BetMGM North Carolina Bonus code link to claim $150 in bonuses
FanDuel North Carolina Promo Code: Unlock $250 in Bonus Bets for ACC Championship Game
FanDuel North Carolina’s sign-up offer secures a Bet $5, Get $250 in bonus bets guaranteed. Use our link to create an account now and to place a traditional betting line on the ACC Championship game today, and the offer is yours. With FanDuel, your wager must settle before the bonus bets are applied to your account.
Win or lose, the bonus bets are yours within 72 hours and can be used on any market on the sportsbook. If you wager today, you will have your bonus bets in time to use for the start of March Madness, which kicks off on Tuesday, March 19.
Unlock $250 in bonuses from FanDuel North Carolina
Bet365 North Carolina Bonus Code ROCKYNC: Grab a $1,000 bonus
As a smaller sportsbook in the gaming industry, Bet365 is looking to make a name for itself, and its North Carolina sign-up offer reflects just that. It is the only sportsbook of the best in the state that is allowing new users to choose their bonus offer.
With this offer, you can choose either a $1,000 First Bet safety Net, or a bet $5 and Get $200 deal. If you choose the first option, you will receive your first bet back in full as bonus bets up to $1,000. This option is usually preferred by more experienced bettors, so be sure to only wager what you can afford to lose if you claim this offer. The bonus bets you receive back if your wager results in a loss can’t be cashed out and must be used on the sportsbook.
The latter of the sign-up offers work just like that of the other sportsbooks. Claim the code, place a $5 wager on the ACC Championship Game and wait for it to settle. Once it does, Bet365 will apply the $200 in bonus bets to your account within the hour.
Grab $1,000 in bonuses with Bet365 North Carolina Bonus Code ROCKYNC
DraftKings North Carolina Promo Code: Score up to $1,300 in Bonuses
In total, DraftKings’ offer is the most lucrative on this list. It’s comprised of three parts:
- $50 bonus bet when you make your first deposit of at least $5.
- 20% deposit bonus of up to $1,000.
- Bet $5, Get $250 in bonus bets.
To score the full $1,000 deposit bonus, you would have to deposit $5,000. If you do, that will bring your total to $1,300. However, the minimum deposit is just $5. If you just made the minimum deposit, that’s still $300 in bonus bets guaranteed. Although layered, the process to claim the code is the same as the others:
- Click our exclusive DraftKings North Carolina Promo Code link.
- Click “Sign Me up” on the landing page and complete the required prompts.
- Set up a payment method and make a deposit.
- Place a $5 wager on the ACC Championship game.
Once the wager settles, you will receive the $250 in bonus bets as 10 $25 bets whether the wager results in a win or loss.
Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or Visit morethanagame.nc.gov. 21+ NC Only
North Carolina
Gunman killed after opening fire outside North Carolina gay bar
Police shot and killed an armed man outside a gay bar in Asheville, North Carolina.
Shakey’s staff said in a social media post that police were called after a man who had been ejected from the bar earlier that night for concerning behavior was seen in the parking lot brandishing a gun, according to ABC affiliate WLOS. The Instagram post is no longer publicly available.
Asheville police officers responded to the dive bar around 1:57 a.m. Wednesday after receiving a report that a person had discharged a firearm, according to the department. Officers arrived to find the man firing a gun in the parking lot and returned fire, striking him. When Asheville Fire personnel arrived at the scene, the man was pronounced dead.
Phoenix man arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot up LGBTQ+ bar over Charlie Kirk killing
Asheville Police Department
“No officers were injured during the incident,” the police release states.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will investigate the officer-involved shooting. The bureau has not released further information. The name of the man killed has not been released.
Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp told reporters, “There is no evidence at this time that suggests the shooter had any type of bias or hate motive.”
Witness Taylor Pace told WLOS that he watched the man firing from inside the bar. “I was in the window watching, and then he started firing at the building where the window was,” Pace said. “He literally pulls the gun up and starts shooting at the building. You hear them hitting the bricks, and at that point, I’m like, ‘Everyone get down.’ Everyone’s screaming. Panic, chaos, and fight or flight set in.”
Related: Shots fired at Myrtle Beach gay nightclub, one detained
According to the bar’s social media post, staff members called 911 and were advised to lock all doors to prevent the man from entering. No one else was struck by gunfire.
“There are no words to fully express how grateful we are for our staff and patrons. In a moment of fear and uncertainty, everyone came together, stayed calm, looked out for one another, and followed directions without hesitation. Watching people care for each other in the middle of such a terrifying situation is something we’ll never forget,” the bar wrote in its Instagram stories.
“Because of everyone’s quick actions, cooperation, and concern for one another, every customer and every employee inside Shakey’s made it home safely. We are incredibly thankful.
“We also want to thank the Asheville Police Department, emergency dispatchers, EMS, and every first responder who responded so quickly and professionally.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s Charming Raleigh Suburb Is A Fast-Growing Town With River Views And A Historic Downtown – Islands
As North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh attracts no shortage of visitors each year for its downtown museums, historic sites, and restaurants. But about 20 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh, there’s another destination travelers might not think to explore: Clayton. With a thriving historic downtown and access to the scenic Neuse River, this often-overlooked Raleigh suburb is growing rapidly, its population increasing by nearly 27% since 2020 (according to World Population Review).
Downtown Clayton centers around Main Street, where restored commercial buildings now house restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Visitors can also follow the town’s outdoor sculpture trail, take a stroll through the Clayton River Walk on the Neuse, or get out on the river for some kayaking. With enough to see and do for a full day, Clayton makes an easy road trip from Raleigh and remains accessible to those coming from farther away.
Travelers visiting Clayton from outside the immediate region can fly into Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) or take an Amtrak train to Raleigh Union Station. Overnight options within town are limited to places such as the Clayton Magnolia Inn, a bed-and-breakfast offering seven guest rooms in a restored 1885 home, and the budget-friendly Comfort Suites Clayton–Garner, a practical hotel with free breakfast. However, travelers looking for a wider selection of hotels can stay in Raleigh or along the I-40 corridor near Garner.
The Clayton River Walk provides the town’s best river views
Begin your trip to Clayton by exploring the Clayton River Walk on the Neuse, a 4-mile trail open to walkers and cyclists, with the trailhead located just a five-minute drive from downtown. Much of the trail passes through forested areas along the Neuse River. You can expect to see wildlife, such as ospreys, along the route, which adds to the trail’s appeal for nature lovers. However, one Google reviewer notes that locals have also spotted bears in the area, making it worth reviewing what to do in the event of an encounter before hitting the trail. You can never be too sure, after all.
The main trailhead for Clayton River Walk includes a parking lot for visitors and is also near a boat access ramp for paddlers. If you’d like to enjoy the calm, peaceful waters but don’t have a personal canoe or kayak, you can rent one or book a group river excursion with Neuse Adventures Canoe & Kayak Rentals, located a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. The company’s FAQ recommends bringing essentials such as water, sunscreen, and extra clothes for the best experience on the river. For another underrated Neuse River destination in North Carolina, consider adding Smithfield to the itinerary.
Clayton’s historic downtown is filled with art and local landmarks
After spending time along the Neuse River, travelers can explore the Clayton Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Along East Main Street, you’ll find preserved 19th- and 20th-century buildings that now hold locally owned businesses. Fare Game, an arcade and bar known for its inventive pizzas, occupies the ground floor of the restored Carroll Building, a former family-owned dry goods store which dates back to 1915. A few doors down, Revival 1869 serves craft cocktails and hosts live jazz shows inside a restored commercial building.
In addition to historic buildings, a must-see while exploring downtown is the Clayton Sculpture Trail. This free outdoor art exhibition features more than a dozen works, most of which are located along East Main Street, with additional pieces on East Front Street and at the Clayton Community Center. Travelers can use the town’s online sculpture map to identify each installation and follow the recommended route. If you’re interested in viewing more public art in North Carolina, Rocky Mount is another town with artsy vibes you’ll want to visit.
Travelers should also check out the schedule at The Clayton Center, a former school complex just one block from Main Street that now serves as a 600-seat entertainment venue. Visitors can purchase tickets to a wide range of events, including comedy shows, live concerts, and theater. In addition to visitors praising the center’s friendly staff, one Google reviewer highlighted the building’s “beautiful architectural details” and the way its vintage auditorium contrasts with the “modern loft-like reception space.”
North Carolina
Massive great white shark spotted off NC coast. See where its headed
How to protect yourself against a shark
A safety diver calmly pushes away a shark, explaining how to stay safe if approached. (Credit: @mermaid.kayleigh/@andriana_marine via Storyful)
Claire Hardwick, Storyful
The Atlantic Ocean’s largest tagged great white shark in history recently resurfaced off the coast of North Carolina near the Outer Banks, scientists said.
At nearly 14 feet long, the big fish named “Contender” appears to be heading toward Cape Cod and the eastern coast of Canada, according to a OCEARCH, a global non-profit marine research group tracking shark sightings and migration.
Researchers first tagged the massive great white shark on Jan. 17, 2025 off the Florida-Georgia coast, according to online data from the non-profit.
Most recently Contender breached the surface just before 2 p.m. ET on July 10.
Prior to that, the shark had pinged several times including on April 14 and on April 23.
A ping means the Smart Position and Temperature Transmitting tag attached to the fish’s dorsal fin was spotted above the surface for a brief period as it swam, transmitting a near-live location signal to the OCEARCH shark tracker.
The visit comes at the time of year when great white sharks start migrating north to warmer waters for a larger food supply, as previously reported by USA TODAY.
How much does the largest great white shark tagged weigh?
According to OCEARCH’s shark tracker page, Contender weighs 1,653 pounds.
An adult male, the shark believed to be just over 30 years old.
“Contender’s name is in honor of Contender Boats, a longtime OCEARCH partner, whose industry-leading sport fishing and pleasure boats enable our research missions,” the non-profit wrote on its website.
See live view of tagged sharks that are tracked:
To track Contender and other tagged marine life online, download the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker App, available on iOS, Android, and on desktop at ocearch.org.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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