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✍️ Try our poetry contest
If you’re looking to perform in front of a supportive audience... this is the place. | Photo by Matt Ramey Photography
This contest is open to all, and the rules couldn’t be more simple: Turn today’s newsletter — the Tuesday, March 31 newsletter edition — into a poem.
We’ll clarify. Using only the words that appear in this newsletter, craft an original poem of up to 75 words. Unlike an erasure poem, the words do not have to appear in the order they’re found — mix and match how you please.
Any English word appearing anywhere in today’s newsletter is fair game, including the ones you’re reading right now. We’ll throw some fun ones at you: Bliss. Ambivalent. Fungi. If a word appears once, you can only use it once.
The rules:
Submit your poem here by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.
Include a title + author’s name in your submission. Titles are an exception to the rule, and do not need to pull words from the newsletter.
Poems, excluding title and author’s name, must be 75 words or less.
NC State men’s basketball has named Justin Gainey as its next head coach. Gainey was formerly the associate head coach at Tennessee and played for NC State his entire college career. During his freshman year, he set the ACC tournament record for most minutes played — every minute of four games. (ESPN)
Community
Guest at RDU’s Terminal 1 evacuated early yesterday morning because of an anonymous bomb threat and reopened after being safely cleared by law enforcement. (The News & Observer)
Closed
After a feature in the New York Times, Funguys Brewing announced its taproom is now closed. You can still find inventive local brews at local bars, restaurants, and taprooms.
Trending
NC native Christina Koch + her fellow astronauts are set to launch on Artemis II tomorrow — read how meteorologists give the “all clear” for launch attempts. (WRAL)
History
Check out this post from the tunnels underneath Dorothea Dix Park, including discarded sheets at the bottom of a laundry chute and remnants of Dix Hospital. Read more about this greenspace’s history.
Read
Wake County Public Libraries 2026 Read Local series is highlighting local authors from across NC — start checking out the reading list, and hear from Winston-Salem author Virginia Evans in a virtual event on April 14.
Drink
Build your own craft draft crawl in the heart of Winston-Salem’s walkable downtown. Explore local pours and nearby restaurants, entertainment venues, and galleries on a self-guided beer tour. Taste innovative brews, seasonal releases, and barrel-aged specialities one pint at a time. Start brewery hopping.*
It’s the last day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. What’s everyone been buying? These top-rated flowy wide-leg pants and this square-neck tennis dress with built-in shorts and pockets. Get in on the savings before deals expire tonight.*
Featured Deal
Not ready for a new phone, but ready for a little extra savings each month? Bring your phone, pay $120 upfront, and get 50% off 6 months of service with America’s Best Network’s most popular UNL 5G Plan.‡*
Sports
Sports
🏀 Devils downed
UCLA beat Duke 70-58 to end the Blue Devils’ postseason run. | Photo via Duke Athletics
Duke was the only local team left standing, and after a brutal Blue Devil weekend it’s over for all Tobacco Road basketball teams — but there’s always next year.
The No. 1 Blue Devils lost 73-72 in a shocking buzzer-beater to No. 2 UConn in the Elite Eight. Once the tournament favorites, the Blue Devils will have to set their sights on next season.
It’s the last day of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Don’t miss out on these savings for your best spring season yet:
🛍️ Save $150 on the Dyson Airwrap — that’s the lowest price of the year so far — for flawless blowouts with no heat damage.
🛍️ Instead of $50, pay $29.95 today for top-rated bluetooth earbuds, perfect for listening to audiobooks during walks on sunny days.
🛍️ Speaking of walks… thanks to a 50% off deal, you can get women’s lightweight sneakers for under $20 today, featuring mesh knit fabric and a memory foam insole.
🛍️ Get luxury mascara for under $10 — tarte’s lights, camera, lashes mini size lengthens lashes and adds volume for 16 hours.
🛍️ A 46% off deal on this women’s UPF 50+ athletic jacket means instant sun protection during warm weather jogs and hikes.
Last week, I bid adieu to my my favorite sandwich spot, Ish Deli. I’ll never forget their BLT + Blue, and I’m hoping something cool can take over this unique space.
Photo by RALtoday
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‡Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® 2H 2025 data.
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