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Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller Leaks With Highly Customizable Design and New Controls
Hot on the heels of the leaked compact Xbox cloud gaming controller, the same site responsible for the aforementioned leak has published regulatory images of what looks to be a successor to the Xbox Elite 2 wireless controller. The Elite 3, as it were, looks to feature an increased focus on Xbox's c...
Leaked images reveal Xbox Elite 3 controller
The Elite 3 controller appears to have new scroll wheel buttons and a removable battery.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, May 15-22
Roaring Fork Rising series, beginning May 15 The Wheeler Opera House will present its second annual Roaring Fork Rising performance series designed to showcase local talent hosted at The Vault. Upcoming performances feature Aggie Flores...
2026 KPAX-Scheels Sports Awards: Loyola's Sammy McHugh and Joe Grunow
We roll on introducing you to our finalists for this year's KPAX-Scheels Sports Awards, and next, we meet the finalists from Loyola Sacred Heart High School in Sammy McHugh and Joe Grunow.
Xbox Elite Controller 3 Leaked, Includes Removable Battery And Extra Buttons
The controller also appears to include new scroll wheels.
2026 KPAX-Scheels Sports Awards: Valley Christian's Carys Walker and Nick Karvandi
It's time for the annual KPAX-Scheels Sports Awards, and we begin to reveal our nominees from the high schools in Missoula, starting with Carys Walker and Nick Karvandi of Valley Christian.
Bill would ban private equity 'vulture investors' from youth sports.
The bill, which would require private equity companies to divest from their youth-sports businesses, comes on the heels of a USA TODAY investigation.
Kemp calls special session to redraw 2028 maps, overhaul voting process
The June special session comes on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision gutting racial gerrymandering protections in the Voting Rights Act.
Science is under attack and Minnesota politicians are asleep at the wheel
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar recently rolled out some preliminary plans for Minnesota in her campaign for governor with a focus on fraud. Notably absent from her list of priorities: science. Leaders in Washington have gutted our crown jewel — the U.S. research enterprise. Many will argue that state government isn’t responsible for fixing the crisis […]
Forza Horizon 6 will rebalance Wheelspin rewards
Playground Games details Forza Horizon 6’s new progression systems.
Online safety campaigners reveal Starmer frustrations after Phillips exit
PM accused of dragging heels on forcing tech firms to block transmission of nude photos on children’s phones
Medina business owner bound for France to compete in four-wheeler race
While local business owner Jessica Elioff has enjoyed four-wheelers most of her life, she didn’t start racing them until 2019. And after seven years of success competing stateside, Elioff will travel to France in August with a team of two other women to compete in the international endurance race, Pont-de-Vaux.
What’s your favorite NBA Playoffs moment from a Tar Heel?
We’re fully into the NBA Playoffs swing, so what’s your favorite memory from a Tar Heel playing at the next level?
Magic Mini Golf closes in Delmar Loop; Joe Edwards teases new business
Magic Mini Golf opened in October 2023 and had 18 holes of indoor miniature golf, 2 shuffleboard courts and a fully-functioning 5-car indoor Ferris wheel.
Clever kid builds phone charger powered by pet hamster
The YouTuber turned a rodent's exercise wheel into a tiny turbine.
Car strikes local business after driver has medical episode
An older man has been taken to a local hospital after police said he had a medical episode behind the wheel.
Cybertruck recall warns that its wheels may fly off
Barely 3,500 of the EVs have sold this year so far.
Harper's new drill, Wheeler's sweeper spin and more Phillies notes
Bryce Harper has paired a new drill from the WBC with better in-zone contact, while Zack Wheeler’s sweeper is showing a different shape after surgery.
IU Kelley Student Competing in Open-Wheel Racing, While Also Pursuing a Business Degree
For more than 100 years, the Indiana University Kelley School of Business has created career momentum for thousands of students. But this May, a junior studying finance and accounting, will experience it faster than any Kelley student who has come before him. The Kelley School is supporting Joey Brienza, a Kelley direct admit and Hutton Honors College student and a race car driver who competes in the USF Pro 2000 Series, a premier open-wheel racing series in the ladder to INDYCAR. On May 9, he w
Restaurant proposed for Marshall. Some say prioritize pre-Helene ones
Anthony Willis said the Bojangles in Mars Hill, which he has owned since 2015, has only helped bring business to local eateries such as Wagon Wheel.
GSU to launch mobile health clinic with help of federal grant
Once operational, GSU Health on Wheels is expected to serve 50 to 100 individuals per clinic event.
North Shore Health introduces custom ambulance as the summer season approaches
North Shore Health Emergency Medical Services will add a custom ambulance this summer as crews respond to calls across Cook County. The vehicle is the first four-wheel-drive ambulance in the fleet, a feature that helps responders navigate the county’s varied terrain in all types of weather. “What makes this unique is that we worked as...
Everyday Heroes: Wheelchair basketball team soars to Nationals
In Portland, a wheelchair basketball program is flourishing. These athletes are Everyday Heroes because of their determination to pursue the sport they love.
Trump jokes about security concerns, mic problems and Dr Oz during freewheeling Florida speech
Trump turned a microphone malfunction into a comic riff at The Villages in Florida, joking that he was screaming his "a-- off" over the bad mic.
iPhone Fold: 3 technologies Apple is reportedly using to (finally) kill the crease
It's not reinventing the wheel, but rather, making it better
Where UNC lands in USA TODAY Sports' post-spring practice re-rank
An unfavorable 2025 season gives the UNC football team a bleak outlook heading into the fall. Where does USA TODAY Sports rank the Tar Heels?
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, May 1 to 7
Aspen Community School presents ‘Dahlapalooza,’ May 1 Aspen Community School will perform “Dahlapalooza” at 7 p.m. May 1 at the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E, Hyman Ave. The stage performance features Roald Dahl’s most popular...
CAA Rowing Weekly Awards –Apr. 29, 2026
RICHMOND, Va. (Apr. 29, 2026) – The CAA has announced its fifth honoree for rowing weekly awards during the 2026 season. Villanova’s Varsity 8 boat collected the accolades for its performance in the Lake Wheeler Invitational.
My first 32er mountain bike test ride suggests the hype is outrunning the tech. But not for long.
My first 32er test ride felt great. Still, the big-wheel bikes aren't perfect and won't be for everyone.
Candidates target Steyer, Becerra in free-wheeling California governor debate
Six Democrats and two Republicans attacked each other but struggled to offer clear alternatives in a chaotic debate that left one student voter "more confused than ever."
Gov. Pritzker Cuts Ribbon at SCHEELS Sports Park
New facility will attract an estimated $25 million in annual economic activity, draw 250,000 visitors, and boost Springfield’s tourism economy
Army Veteran finds new purpose through VA Adaptive Sports
Army Veteran Katie Verderber finds new purpose through adaptive sports, rising from injury to become a Paralympic wheelchair curler for Team USA.
Charleston Sternwheel Regatta entertainment lineup announced
Studio 3
2026 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta entertainment lineup announced
The entertainment lineup for the 2026 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta was announced Monday morning.
2026 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta entertainment lineup announced
The entertainment lineup for the 2026 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta was announced Monday morning.
WSAZ+ | Entertainment lineup announcement for Charleston Sternwheel Regatta
The City of Charleston is ready to reveal the entertainment lineup for the 2026 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.
Zack Wheeler’s return gives Phillies exactly what they desperately needed”
The team needed some life... And they got it.
Phillies' Zack Wheeler returns to rotation to face hot Braves
Phillies' Zack Wheeler returns to rotation to face hot Braves
Behavioral Health Services North expanding workforce through Glens Falls job fair
We're on the heels of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.
2026-27 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds: Can Bailey Beat Out Buckeyes?
Two Ohio State stars are on the heels of David Bailey on the DROY oddsboard. See the odds.
Arts & Entertainment Agenda, April 24-May 1
Guitar workshop with Luca Stricagnoli, April 24 “The Art of Fingerstyle With Luca Stricagnoli: Pushing the Boundaries of Acoustic Guitar” workshop will be held at 5 p.m. April 24 at The Vault at the Wheeler...
Phillies ace Zack Wheeler set for Saturday debut in return from rib removal, thoracic outlet surgery
Candidates pitch economic ideas, youth retention at ‘Voting For Business’ forum
WHEELING — Local candidates seeking seats in the West Virginia Legislature provided their thoughts Thursday night on how best to attract jobs to the Mountain State while also providing opportunities for youth to remain in the state. The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Regional Economic Development (RED) and WTOV-TV, sponsored the “Voting For […]
Politics, Activism Focus Of ‘End Of The World’ Event In Wheeling
WHEELING – Community organizers are asking the public to come get to know each other, make friends, and meet this year’s political candidates at an “End Of The World” party happening this week in Wheeling. The community improvement group “Where Do We Go From Here?” is organizing the event, set for 7-9 p.m. Thursday at […]
Braves at Phillies series recap: A sweeping statement
The Braves are currently firing on all cylinders while their divisional foes are spinning their wheels.
Spire Center Will Present The Steel Wheels
The Steel Wheels will perform on Friday, May 1, at the Spire Center for the Performing Arts in Plymouth.
Rehabilitation Research Day combines research with lived experience - UT Health San Antonio
Rehabilitation Research Day combines research with lived experience
Pinwheels and the ‘lobster district’: How Virginia Democrats drew up a US House map to all but lock out Republicans
Virginia Democrats hope the new congressional map they’re asking voters to approve Tuesday will flip four Republican House districts, delivering 10 of 11 seats in a state Vice President Kamala Harris won with just 52% of the vote in 2024. To do it, they want to dramatically rework entire sections of the state, slicing up deep blue districts in the Washington, DC, suburbs and around Richmond, and creating a new district running along the Blue Ridge Mountains that connects liberal cities. That’s required something called the “lobster district,” stretching from northern Virginia into two “pincers” grabbing up rural territory.
OVAC Honors Doug Huff For Contributions To High School Sports
WHEELING – During his storied sports writing career, Doug Huff’s influence on high school sports stretched beyond the Ohio Valley and across the United States. MaxPreps made that clear when it placed him eighth on the list of the most influential people in high school football history. The Ohio Valley Athletic Conference joined MaxPreps in […]
Invention Inspired by California Vacation Earned Him Millions
Roger Adams, creator of Heelys rolling footwear, dies at 71 of pancreatic cancer
Roger Adams Dies at 71; Invented the Rolling Sneakers Known as Heelys
You could walk in them like gym shoes, but if you rocked back on your heels the wheels emerged, turning them into roller skates. In the early 2000s, the company sold millions.
UNC Hussman offers new sports play-by-play class | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
This story, written by UNC Hussman alumna Caroline Daly ’24, was originally published on unc.edu. The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media has a new, hands-on class available for students interested in sports careers. Students in “MEJO 390: Sports Commentary and Play-By-Play” can call live radio broadcasts for Carolina sporting events, streamed live on the Go Heels website. This spring, 11 students are calling mostly softball games to gain experience and learn the preparation needed for a successful broadcast. The class is capped at a small number to provide consistent, individual feedback. Matt Krause, the radio voice of Carolina women’s basketball, teaches the class to help students sharpen their skills, using his experience with the Tar Heels and calling games for ACC Network and ACC Network Extra. “There is no substitute for live reps, and that is the only way you get better. The classroom component teaches you how to get better, but going about that requires sitting in that chair, making mistakes and being able to know your broadcast is going somewhere,” Krause said. “These students are doing real live games, and they will have tape where if they want to pursue this. They will have ready-made demos to send for jobs. Being able to utilize all the resources of UNC, GoHeels Productions and the Carolina Athletics brand and create these opportunities for students is really impactful.” In the class, students learn fundamentals like how to announce starting lineups for different sports and how to conduct research before games. Krause has led the class in mock preparation exercises, looking at game charts with information about the different teams and players that they can refer to at pivotal moments during the game. Krause and the students then critique each other, listening to clips from the past week to find ways to improve. It’s a rare class without a slew of quizzes or assignments. Their main tasks are calling games and making a portfolio or demo reel of their best calls at the end of the semester, all with the goal of being ready to step into similar roles after graduation. Laible live streams her coverage on the GoHeels website. Calling a live game while broadcasting her coverage allows her to get hands on experience. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill) Junior Anna Laible ’27 wished for a class just like this. Her first year at Carolina, she interned with the Coastal Plain League, where she was introduced to play-by-play for baseball. “I enjoy the challenge and uncertainty of each game being different because each sport looks a little different,” said Laible. “Each game is different — not just with teams but what could happen with certain records being broken or random trends. That’s what I enjoy most.” She wanted more opportunities for reps during college to prepare for a career after Carolina, so she pitched an idea for the class to Livis Freeman ’99, distinguished associate professor of sports communication. Laible and Freeman reached out to GoHeels Productions for a partnership and then connected with Krause. “This is how at UNC Hussman we separate ourselves: Our students go into the field ready,” said Freeman. “The biggest compliment we get it is when our students start their careers, they don’t need any hand-holding.” Laible calls a Carolina softball game at Kessing Stadium – after pitching the idea to Hussman faculty. Her interest in sports commentary allowed her to apply her interest as she attends Carolina. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill) Laible is now a student in the class, which has helped her strengthen her skills and deepen her passion for the field. The goal is to expand to other sports like soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. “The hands-on experience I’ve gotten here is invaluable. I’ve loved the classes and professors because they’ve taught me a lot, but it’s also the things outside of class, too, that have helped me grow,” said Laible. “Since being at UNC, I’ve grown a lot in the versatility, from doing writing to production and commentating. UNC Hussman and Carolina have given me the ability to be strong and well rounded.”
Jalan Haralson chooses Tennessee over North Carolina
Former Notre Dame forward Jalan Haralson, a top transfer prospect, chose Tennessee over North Carolina and Ohio State.
Kalshi faces Ohio fine amid sports betting legal battle
The fine comes on the heels of a court loss Kalshi suffered in March, when a federal judge said its offerings should be considered gambling.
Kalshi faces Ohio fine amid sports betting legal battle
The fine comes on the heels of a court loss Kalshi suffered in March, when a federal judge said its offerings should be considered gambling.
UNC basketball target chooses ACC rival in transfer portal
UNC and Louisville are no stranger to on-court battles. The Cardinals just won a recruiting battle over the Tar Heels on Wednesday.
This simple change stops robot swarms from getting stuck
In crowded environments, more robots don’t always mean faster results—in fact, too many can bring everything to a standstill. Harvard researchers discovered a surprising fix: adding a bit of randomness to how robots move can actually prevent gridlock and boost efficiency. By allowing robots to “wiggle” slightly instead of marching in straight lines, they can slip past each other and keep tasks flowing smoothly.
UNC basketball under Michael Malone: Insiders reveal transfer portal news, 2026 recruits, roster, best targets
TarHeel247, the 247Sports affiliate of the North Carolina Tar Heels, shares its latest college basketball transfer portal news
Derek Dixon commits to Arizona
UNC will be looking for a new point guard for next season. Derek Dixon, who entered his name into the transfer portal last week, has committed to the University of Arizona and Tommy Lloyd. The freshman averaged 6.5 points per game and led the Tar Heels in assists after he wrestled the starting point guard […]
‘Wheel of Fortune’: Vanna White Parties With Her Kids at Coachella
The longtime co-host, 69, shares two adult children, Nikko and Gigi, with her ex-husband.
Britney Spears posts racy dance video before voluntarily entering rehab
On the heels of a DUI arrest in Ventura County early last month, pop icon Britney Spears voluntarily checked herself into rehab over the weekend, but not before donning a sheer bodysuit and showing…
Coachella 2026: The story of the festival's Ferris wheel, La Grande XL
You've seen Coachella's Ferris wheel throughout your social media feeds. We talked to the operators about what it takes to put together La Grande XL.
UNC basketball under Michael Malone: Insiders reveal transfer portal news, 2026 recruits, roster, best targets
TarHeel247, the 247Sports affiliate of the North Carolina Tar Heels, shares its latest college basketball transfer portal news
Youth wheelchair racing clinic helps athletes prepare for Boston Marathon
“It’s so good to see them at such a young age getting involved in sports."
Sisters teen keeping drivers awake with caffeine lollipop business
A Sisters teen teamed up with a Portland businessman to run a caffeine lollipop business, with the goal of ensuring people don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Kale Gardner, the […]
UNC basketball reaches out to top Arkansas transfer
The UNC basketball program is pursuing Arkansas transfer Karter Knox.
Adaptive sports program visits Southern Arizona P.E. classes, wheelchairs in tow
When her class moved outside for P.E., special education teacher Tiffani Jaseph saw the excitement. After coaches and players from Adaptive Sports In Schools, or ASIS, unloaded dozens of wheelchairs at Copper View Elementary in the Sahuarita School District, they told students about racing the chairs and playing wheelchair basketball. Jaseph saw the difference in […]
SBA official visits Rochester business that builds all-wheel-drive motorcycles
The future of small businesses was the center of a visit from federal officials in Rochester on Wednesday.
Riz Ahmed powers stripped down modern-day ‘Hamlet’
Who wouldn’t want to see “to be or not to be” as delivered by an Oscar-winning actor behind the wheel of a speeding car?
Wheeling Health Right services disrupted after theft of mobile unit converter
WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The Wheeling Health Right mobile unit is out of service after thieves stole its catalytic converter, temporarily disrupting care for patients across several counties. Healt…
Wheelchair basketball collegiate championships bring increased exposure and elite competition to McKale Center
The men’s and women’s NWBA Intercollegiate National Championships took place at McKale Center recently with teams representing 12 schools.
Finding Trends in Sports Stats and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Puzzles
Ben Blatt, a data reporter for The Upshot, dreams up inventive ways to answer questions like: “Is Taylor Swift actually increasing N.F.L. ratings?”
North Carolina to hire Michael Malone as next basketball coach: Led Nuggets to NBA title in 2022-23
The Tar Heels have landed an unexpected hire as their next coach
Penguins/Panthers Recap: Pens take care of business, beat Florida 5-2, close in on playoff spot
Pregame The Penguins use the same lineup from yesterday — including in net with Arturs Silovs playing. Taylor Gauthier got the quick call up from Wheeling last minute to serve as backup, Stuart Skinner was unavailable with an upper body injury. The visiting Panthers are using this lineup, including starting Daniil Tarasov after he mopped […]
Nvidia shows neural compression can cut VRAM usage from 6.5GB to 970MB
Consider Nvidia's work on Neural Texture Compression (NTC). In its "Tuscan Wheels" demo, the company showed VRAM usage dropping from roughly 6.5GB with traditional BCN-compressed textures to...
5 Signs Your Foot Pain Might Be Plantar Fasciitis
If your heels hurt at the end of the day – or even just standing still – it could be plantar fasciitis. Here are signs to watch for.
NASA Disappoints Artemis II Astronauts By Cutting Off Chappell Roan Wakeup Song
This is a lot cooler than Katy Perry going into space: NASA played Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” to wake up the astronauts on Artemis II this morning. However, mission control abruptly cut the audio after Roan sang “heels.” “We were all eagerly awaiting the chorus,” Commander Reid Wiseman joked. Artemis II launched on Wednesday…
What's next for North Carolina coaching search after Tommy Lloyd inks new deal with Arizona?
Here are the top names to know for the Tar Heels after Tommy Lloyd's decision.
Caesars Entertainment the Latest to Offer All-Inclusive Packages for Las Vegas Hotels
Caesars Entertainment is offering its guests summer value options with the launch of its Inclusive Summer Package, a bundled hotel experience at Harrah’s L | The package includes accommodations, taxes, resort fees, two meals per day at dining outlets, bottomless drinks, High Roller Observation Wheel tickets and free self-parking.
GTA+ Members Can Claim a Free Bravado Buffalo STX Pursuit Law Enforcement Vehicle
Get behind the wheel of the aggressive Bravado Buffalo STX Pursuit Law Enforcement Vehicle now available to GTA+ Members one week before everyone else on April 9. Enjoy other great benefits including bonuses for Dispatch Work and Bail Office Bounties,...
Singer Will.I.Am Wants To Fix Inner Cities With A Ridiculously Complex $30,000 Trike With Tron Lightcycle Wheels And An AI 'Brain'
Singer Will.I.Am has designed a car, again. This one is a ridiculously complex $30,000 three-wheeler with an AI employee, to save inner cities
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, April 3 to 10
The Wood Brothers, April 3 The roots folk blues trio The Wood Brothers will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 3 at The Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave. The Wood Brothers bring decades of...
World of Wheels celebrating 18 years of business with newest ownership
The celebration will be held on Friday, April 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Local Lookout: Medicine Wheel dispute | Public Lands politics
County commissioners object to proposed updates to the preservation plan for a sacred complex and archaeological property. A new PAC kicks off public lands advocacy in Cody. A new hotline verifies sightings of federal immigration enforcement to dispel rumors and provide resources.
Scientists have discovered an 'Achilles' heel' in deadly superbugs
In a mouse study, scientists found that a bacterial sugar can be exploited to disable dangerous antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Mattel goes through another round of layoffs
The company behind Barbie and Hot Wheels plans to lay off 65 workers in May, the latest in a series of mass layoffs that have plagued Mattel in the past year.
The health care fight in the Tar Heel State
Both Republicans and Democrats look to capitalize on President Donald Trump’s and the Congressional GOP’s changes to health policy.
Phillies Get Updated Timeline on Potential Zack Wheeler Return
The Philadelphia Phillies didn’t expect Zack Wheeler to be ready for Opening Weekend, and he wasn't, at least at the big league level, but everything about his latest outing suggests his return isn’t far away.
Census data show population increases in Orlando, reductions in Pinellas, Miami-Dade
The shifts in the country’s biggest counties were largely due to lower levels of net international migration.
‘Promise and Pitfalls’ of AI in health care at center of URI Pharmacy conference
KINGSTON, R.I. — March 27, 2026 — Despite its relative infancy among world-changing technologies in human history—the wheel, the printing press, electricity, the Internet—artificial intelligence has most rapidly become ubiquitous, already adopted by billions of people just a few short years after becoming publicly available. AI has infiltrated virtually all aspects of life, including health […]
DOJ sues SeaWorld’s parent company over ban on wheeled walkers at their parks
Tthe department asked for a jury trial in Orlando to determine if United Parks & Resorts has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act
Top End Sports brings sports-based wheelchairs to life
Inside a Pinellas Park warehouse, precision engineering meets purpose. Top End builds equipment that helps athletes around the world compete at the highest level.
President Trump forms committees as push for college sports reform takes another step forward
These formations come on the heels of a college sports roundtable that took place at the White House earlier this month
UNC basketball has always leaned into tradition, should honor it in coaching search
The Tar Heels have one name that's not the top candidate pundits will throw out, but he just may be the best fit at a place where tradition matters.
Hubert Davis out as North Carolina men's basketball coach after five seasons
North Carolina fired men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis after five seasons during which the Tar Heels won but not at the consistent level of the program’s storied history.
The Trump FCC is leveraging public trust for political gain
Tom Wheeler discusses FCC Chairman Carr's recent threat against broadcasters and the broader implications for democracy.
We disagreed on politics. We agreed on wine. That was enough.
At the Virginia Governor’s Cup Gala in Richmond earlier this month, a very dapper gentleman approached me and introduced himself. In his light-colored suit and bowtie, he looked very Southern in a classical sense, the sort of Virginia Gentleman you used to see south of the Rappahannock as recently as my college days. “I’m a longtime reader and fan of your writing, if not your politics,” he said. His comment was the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, simultaneously conveying praise and disapproval while establishing boundaries. Man, I wish we still discoursed like this instead of shouting bromides and insults to try and “own” our opponents with a funny meme and a furrowed brow. Subscribe “Well, we’ll always have wine to share together,” I said, and thanked him for his kind words. We clinked glasses, exchanged pleasantries about the delicious gold medal-winning wines being poured that evening, and went our separate ways. Our exchange reminded me that more unites us than divides us. Wine brings people together to share a meal and a few hours of joy despite our differences.1 That’s why I refer to the wine community — including readers and consumers — rather than the wine industry. Together, we are so much more than production, distribution and sales statistics. A few minutes later the evening’s awards ceremony began. Applause grew as the 12 winemakers who made the top-scoring wines for the Governor’s Case took the stage, including a loud cheer for Jonathan Wheeler of Trump Winery and his 2018 Blanc de Noir sparkling wine. All the winemakers on stage had reason to be proud, Wheeler perhaps more so. Trump Winery was the only winery to win six gold medals in the competition this year. (Wineries are limited to six entries.) Two of Wheeler’s ciders also won gold medals in a separate competition. When you cover the labels and take the sour taste of politics off your palate, the wines are pretty darn good.2 Then Gov. Abigail Spanberger, newly elected Democrat and Virginia’s first female governor, was introduced to great applause to announce which of the 12 wines had won the Governor’s Cup. She spoke for a few minutes about the importance of wine to Virginia’s economy and tourism and the international acclaim Virginia wine has received. Just two weeks earlier, she gave the Democrats’ response to Trump’s State of the Union speech, but this night wasn’t about politics. That didn’t stop several people in the crowd from speculating on the irony should she have to present the trophy to Trump Winery. In the end, Valley Road Vineyards was displayed on the screen behind Spanberger as the winning winery. Blue Bee Cidery in Richmond took top honors for that category. The crowd cheered a female governor presenting the state’s highest trophy to a female winemaker and then resumed the evening’s festivities, united by their mutual love of wine. A whiff of politics couldn’t dim the cheer of celebration and a community united by its love of wine. In Memoriam: Michel Rolland The global wine community lost a giant March 20, with the passing of Michel Rolland. He was 78. Rolland was the original “flying winemaker,” a globe-trotting consultant who helped Bordeaux regain its mojo in the 1970s and then shaped the rise of Napa Valley cult Cabernet as consultant to Simi, Harlan, Newton, Screaming Eagle, Araujo, Dalle Valle and other wineries. He was instrumental in Argentina’s rise to prominence and even had his own winery, Clos de los Siete, in a partnership with other wine families. Rolland’s career arc paralleled that of Robert Parker, the world’s most influential critic. Parker championed many of the wines Rolland consulted on, helping build his reputation and demand for his services. It also made him a target for Parker’s critics. As W. Blake Gray wrote on Wine-Searcher in his excellent tribute to Rolland: Rolland created the type of wines Parker loved: rich body, plenty of fruit, soft tannins. He sometimes faced the accusation of creating a generic international style of red wine, where the great wines he made in Argentina were indistinguishable from the great wines he made in France. Rolland chafed at that critique, as did many of his fans. He was credited with championing green harvesting and leaf pulling, as well as careful selection of grapes in the winery, practices we nearly universally think of today for high-quality winemaking. “Michel was an incredible innovator who changed how wine was made and how grapes were grown,” Napa Valley winemaker Aaron Pott wrote on Facebook. “His work has transformed the wine trade. He created new ways of looking at wine, tasting wine, evaluating ripeness and quality. … This was not just a man with a ‘style’ that he imposed on vineyards but a man that understood how to make great wine from great sites.” Rolland started his consulting company in 1973 in Libourne, in Bordeaux, with his wife, Dany. Both had graduated the year before from Bordeaux’s Institute d’Oenologie. The couple sold their majority share in the business in 2020, according to Wine Spectator. Over his career, Rolland reportedly worked with more than 100 wineries in 20 countries. He even made it to Virginia, where he consulted for Kluge Estate in the mid-2000s. (Kluge Estate is now Trump Winery.) Reader feedback, please! Last week, I did my first WineLine Live! with Dr. Laura Catena of Catena Zapata winery in Argentina. We enjoyed a fascinating discussion about her efforts to preserve the genetic heritage of old vineyards in Mendoza. I conceived of WineLine Live! for paid subscribers, as a thank you for your financial support. And while only a few people joined live, the video now has more views than I have paid subscribers, so I guess that’s pretty good. Even so, I’m considering opening future installments to anyone on Substack to reach a broader audience. So my questions to you: Should these be public? And what format do you prefer? Live gives a chat feature with the potential for viewers to interact with me and the guest, while a video post would just be that. Another alternative is a podcast, which would just be audio, without video of my chins. Please let me know in the comments. Leave a comment In the Glass A few wines I’ve enjoyed recently: Bonny Doon Vineyard Take Me to Your Liter, Le Cigare Volant, Red Wine of the Earth. 2023, Central Coast, CA. Blend of Grenache, Syrah Cinsaut and Petite Sirah. Delightful wine with expressive red fruit flavors, casual drinking. Doon lovers of a certain age will remember Randall Grahm’s Big House Red; this is more in that style than his original Le Cigare Volant, modeled after Chateauneuf du Pape. The liter bottle makes it an even better value. I see this online at about $15. Great value. Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir Origines 2023. 13% - Textbook pinot noir and an excellent, affordable entry (regional) Burgundy. Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2025. $24 at Total Wine & More. Loma Larga Pinot Noir 2021 “Coastal Cool Climate Wine”, Valle de Casablanca, Chile. An older sample, showing beautifully. Spicy and fruit forward. I’m seeing widely varied pricing online, from $18-$32. At the lower end, it’s a terrific value. 13.5% Dr. Loosen Riesling Dry 2016, Mosel, Germany. Found this “in the stack.” And it stacked up well, shedding some of its youthful acidity for opulent Riesling character, including a hint of the mineral oil older Riesling often features. A great value, as I’m seeing it as low as $14 online. 12% abv. Red Tail Ridge Blau Franc Blend 2024, Sans Oak, Finger Lakes. 13.4% abv. The name is a neat portmanteau of Blaufrankisch and Cabernet Franc, thus Blau Franc. The blend is 50-50, no oak involved. The Blau dominates on the palate, with the spicy caraway seed (think New York deli rye bread). The Franc adds body. The result is juicy, energetic and joyful. Sokol Blosser Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir 2025, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon. This first rosé of 2025 was a welcome respite to our cold, snowy winter here in the Mid-Atlantic. Oh man, I needed this! Bright and energetic, exuberant even, it perks up the mood and goes down fast. 13%. Certified B Corp. Ingredient and nutrition labeling, and in a modest way that doesn’t occupy a lot of label space. (Since it’s not required, presumably there are no minimum font size requirements.) More wineries should follow this example. Dave McIntyre's WineLine is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Thanks for reading Dave McIntyre's WineLine! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share 1 Some restraint may be required. 2 Especially the bubblies.