Big political shuffle and NBA draft decisions: Catch up on Friday’s top 8 stories
Severe drought is gripping nearly all of North Carolina while political shakeups and college basketball decisions made headlines across the state.
Here are the top stories from The News & Observer on Friday, April 24.
This includes late-breaking news about N.C. Rep. Carla Cunningham switching her party affiliation.
• Charlotte state Rep. Carla Cunningham switched her party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated after losing her March primary to Rev. Rodney Sadler. Cunningham drew widespread criticism within her party for voting with Republicans to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of an immigration bill. This story is developing, so check back for updates.
Read more: NC Rep. Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation after losing March primary
• About 95% of North Carolina is in severe or extreme drought, with more than 60 water systems imposing restrictions. Some rain is possible over the next week, but forecasters say the next 30 days are critical before summer thunderstorm patterns take over.
Read more: All of North Carolina is still in severe drought. When could we see rain?
• North Carolina Republican legislative leaders announced a new committee to investigate the release of thousands of inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Gov. Roy Cooper, the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, has faced GOP attacks over a settlement that allowed the releases; Cooper’s team has called the claims “blatant lies.”
Read more: NC Republican leaders order investigation of COVID-era prison releases
• A grand jury indicted four Raleigh lobbyists on misdemeanor charges tied to a bourbon distillery tour for lawmakers funded through the nonprofit Greater Carolina. The nonprofit’s fundraising plunged to $26,500 in 2025 — down from $568,000 in 2024 — and a state investigation continues.
Read more: Funding drying up for nonprofit that hosted bourbon tour for NC lawmakers
• The five original school districts in the Leandro case asked the N.C. Supreme Court to stay its April 2 ruling dismissing the 32-year-old school funding lawsuit. Attorneys have until May 7 to request a rehearing of the 4-3 decision.
Read more: Schools ask NC Supreme Court to hold off on ruling throwing out funding lawsuit
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Basketball roster updates
Tonight at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline for college basketball players to enter the NBA Draft.
• Duke’s Cameron Boozer is officially entering the NBA Draft after a standout season that saw the freshman named ACC and national player of the year. He is expected to be among the top picks in the draft.
Read more: Duke’s Cameron Boozer announces NBA draft intent after sensational freshman year
• UNC center Henri Veesaar declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and will not return for his senior year. The second-team All-ACC honoree averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 61.4% from the field last season.
Read more: UNC’s Henri Veesaar declares for the NBA Draft, won’t return for senior year
• Duke wing Dame Sarr will return for a second season with the Blue Devils rather than enter the NBA Draft. Sarr was a key defensive stopper during Duke’s 35-3 season.
Read more: Is Duke’s Dame Sarr returning to school or going to the NBA draft? What he decided
This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 6:56 PM with the headline "Big political shuffle and NBA draft decisions: Catch up on Friday’s top 8 stories."