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On this episode of The Current with K.J., we remember the life and extraordinary legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton, from the songs that made her a global star to the philanthropy and literacy work that touched millions of lives. We also break down the alleged drug ring connected to Penn State students, the NFL’s decision to officially end the Pro Bowl game after 75 years, and a promising new FDA-approved treatment for one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat.

Then, in Carolina Focus, we look at North Carolina’s major settlement with Meta and the changes coming to social media experiences for young users, the irony surrounding a Wake County School Board chairman’s school-zone speeding case, and the unanswered questions surrounding the deaths of three family members in Rocky Mount.

In The Hawk’s Nest, we recap New Student Orientation at Nash Community College, where more than 200 students and families participated; preview the upcoming campus Spirit Week and contest; and share information about the college’s 14-week fall classes beginning August 31.

🏈 Welcome to Week 2 of The Grit n Grind! 🏈
Your hosts Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to dive into another huge week of Eastern North Carolina high school football! From big road victories to unmatched individual performances, we’ve got all the coverage you need!
Here’s what’s packed into this week’s show:

⏪ The Rewind: Breaking down all the key takeaways and highlights from last week's Northern Nash vs. J.H. Rose matchup!
🚗 Best Road Wins: Shawn breaks down Wilson Fike’s dominant 80-0 shutout at North Moore, while Deryl spotlights Southern Nash’s road victory at Knightdale!  
MaxPreps
🌟 Players of the Week:
🪨 Grit Player of the Week: Jessie Wade (#8), Northern Nash High School Knights! Watch Highlights
⚙️ Grind Player of the Week: Junior Teo McPhatter (#7), Princeton High School RB! Watch Highlights
📍 Marquee Matchups: Previews for Rocky Mount @ East Wake, Tarboro @ Hunt, and Northside Jacksonville @ Jacksonville.
💥 Primetime Game of the Week: The Grit and Grind "Battle of I-85" — J.F. Webb @ Warren County!
🎙️ Coaches Corner: Exclusive interviews with Coach Gainey (J.F. Webb) and Coach VJ Hunt (Warren County)!
🔮 Quick Picks: The show wraps up with Shawn and Deryl locking in their winner predictions for all upcoming regional games!

Catch The Grit n Grind Anywhere You Are:
🔴 YouTube Live: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM EST
📻 Local Radio (89.1 FM Big Bang Radio): Wednesdays & Thursdays at 8:00 PM, Fridays at 7:00 AM
🎧 Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!
Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support local high school football! Drop your game picks and player shoutouts in the comments below! 👇🔥

🏈 Welcome to another action-packed episode of The Grit n Grind! 🏈

HIGH SCHOOL  FOOTBALL IS BACK!!

Your hosts Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to break down all things Eastern North Carolina high school football!

Here’s what’s on tap for this week’s show:
🏟️ Bull City Classic Jamboree: A full recap of all the action and top takeaways.
🎙️ Special Guest Interview: NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker joins the show to discuss the upcoming season!
⚔️ Game Previews: Breakdown of Hoke County vs. Monroe and Enloe vs. SE Raleigh.
💥 Primetime Game of the Week: Northern Nash vs. J.H. Rose! Plus, exclusive interviews with head coaches.
🔮 Quick Picks: Shawn and Deryl lock in their predictions for every regional matchup this week!

Catch The Grit n Grind Anywhere You Are:
🔴 YouTube Live: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM EST
📻 Local Radio (89.1 FM Big Bang Radio): Wednesdays & Thursdays at 8:00 PM, Fridays at 7:00 AM
🎧 Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows!

Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support local high school football! Drop your game predictions in the comments below! 👇🔥

On this episode of The Current with K.J., is the dawn of the robots upon us? We discuss OpenAI's latest cybersecurity test after an AI agent was instructed to think like a hacker, and delivered results that surprised even its own creators. We also recap some of the biggest announcements from this year's San Diego Comic-Con, share the inspiring story of a teenage lifeguard who saved a young boy from powerful California surf, and take a look at our favorite past time, the latest trends in gas prices. 

Then, in Carolina Focus, we examine the University of North Carolina placing football executive Michael Lombardi on administrative leave, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson's push for stronger action against illegal robocalls, and the tragic loss of Pitt County Sheriff's Office K9 Chilli.

Finally, in The Hawk's Nest, we congratulate Nash Community College's newest Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates, highlight how the college continues expanding Element451 to strengthen student engagement from onboarding through graduation, and provide a reminder about upcoming New Student Orientation opportunities for new traditional and Career & College Promise students.

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we take a look at one of the biggest mysteries around the country, the death of Noah Wells. So many questions still exist for his family and friends on what really happened during a Jul 4 celebration. 

We take a dive into the viral parasite, Cyclosporiasis, causing people to think about what they're eating, while at the same time, California decides to remove the "Sell By" date from products sold in stores. We round it out with the celebration of America turning 250. 

In Carolina Focus, "Miracles do exist!," North Carolina has passed a budget with the most significant budget in recent history for education, while also removing the requirement for physical vehicle registration stickers and papers. We are also reminded at just how hot this summer has shaped up to be. 

The show ended with the last segment, Hawks Nest, where we talked about the success for the recent Nighthawk Enrollment Day event, a new Healthcare transfer pathway, and the upcoming New Student Orientation dates for Orientation season.

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we take a look into the major $100 million settlement reached by Ohio State University in lawsuits involving former students and a former university physician, and what the case means for accountability in higher education.

We also break down reports that SpaceX is preparing for one of the largest public offerings in history, with a valuation approaching $1.8 trillion, and discuss the growing role of private companies in the future of space exploration.

In media news, we take a closer look at the escalating dispute surrounding the departure of veteran journalist Scott Pelley from CBS News, including the public exchange between Pelley and network leadership that has sparked conversations across the journalism industry.

In Carolina Focus, we review Rocky Mount's proposed 2026–27 budget, including tax increases, cost-cutting measures, and infrastructure investments aimed at addressing the city's ongoing financial challenges. We also share a remarkable survival story of a Sherpa guide rescued on Mount Everest after being missing for nearly a week in one of the world's harshest environments.

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we look at major travel disruptions as Spirit Airlines issues an apology following a sudden shutdown that left thousands of passengers stranded nationwide, prompting other airlines to step in with emergency “rescue fares.”

We also take a look at the continued global success of the Michael biopic, which is on pace to surpass $500 million at the worldwide box office, highlighting the lasting cultural impact of Michael Jackson.

In international headlines, Charles III concludes a historic state visit to the United States (the first by a British monarch in nearly two decades) reflecting longstanding ties between the two nations. We also remember media pioneer Ted Turner, whose legacy helped shape modern news through the creation of CNN and the rise of 24-hour broadcasting.

In Carolina Focus, we dive into a major leadership transition as Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announces plans to step down, along with ongoing budget discussions that leave North Carolina as the only state without one. We also cover a data breach impacting Wake County Schools and the growing importance of cybersecurity in education.

The Hawk's Nest features the latest updates about the college's participation in recent SkillsUSA Competitions and Model of Excellence win.

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we take a look at the upcoming Michael biopic and its projected record-breaking debut, while also exploring a global push toward a “smokeless generation” as the United Kingdom advances new tobacco restrictions.

We also dive into a fascinating environmental story about how humidity may change the appearance of bees, and preview one of the biggest nights in sports as the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh.

In Carolina Focus, we highlight a milestone moment in western North Carolina as train service returns to Old Fort following damage from Hurricane Helene. We also examine a consumer refund dispute involving Brightspeed internet service and take a closer look at North Carolina’s current job market and workforce outlook.

And in The Hawk’s Nest, we celebrate Nash Community College being named one of just eight schools in the nation recognized as a 2026 Models of Excellence institution through SkillsUSA, along with highlights from a workforce training visit tied to workforce training and retirement recognition for two longtime campus leaders.

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we break down a major legal ruling involving Meta and YouTube and what it could mean for the future of social media safety and platform responsibility.

We also take a look at the latest entertainment headlines as ABC pulls an upcoming season of The Bachelorette, along with growing concerns in air travel as TSA officials warn of potential airport disruptions amid ongoing funding challenges.

In global sports, we examine a lawsuit filed against FIFA ahead of the upcoming World Cup, raising questions about ticket pricing and the overall fan experience. We also close out The Rundown with Opening Day in Major League Baseball, highlighted by the New York Yankees’ 7–0 win over the San Francisco Giants.

In Carolina Focus, we discuss a major leadership change for the UNC Tar Heels men's basketball following the departure of head coach Hubert Davis, and take a look at North Carolina’s peak pollen season and its impact across the state.

And in The Hawk’s Nest, we highlight strong turnout and enrollment momentum from Nighthawk Enrollment Day, along with campus wellness programming at Nash Community College.

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we begin with severe weather across the Midwest, breaking down a major tornado outbreak and what it signals as storm season ramps up across the country.

We also look at extreme heat conditions in Southern California and explore the ongoing conversation around the future of the penny and what changes could mean for everyday transactions. In a moment of reflection, we honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and his lasting impact on American society.

In Carolina Focus, we break down North Carolina traffic law and what drivers should actually do at a yellow light, along with a closer look at a state audit outlining financial challenges in Rocky Mount.

And in The Hawk’s Nest, we highlight upcoming events at Nash Community College, including Pet Fest, dual enrollment information sessions, Nighthawk Enrollment Day, and the campus Wellness Fair.