Melissa Wade

This week, Melissa Wade’s Pick Hit of the Week on The Light 103.9 is “Rumors,” the latest single from Canton Jones. The multi-talented artist—a singer, rapper, producer, and youth pastor—recently joined Melissa to discuss his new music and celebrated career. Canton Jones has long been a trailblazer, breaking barriers to introduce hip-hop to the Gospel […]

Major General Joseph McNeil, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and one of the original Greensboro Four, has passed away at the age of 83. A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, McNeil was a student at North Carolina A&T State University in 1960 when he helped spark a nationwide movement. On February 1 […]

Two of boxing’s biggest icons, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather, are set to square off in an exhibition match slated for spring 2026. While the exact date and location have yet to be announced, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a headline-making event. Tyson, known for his explosive power and larger-than-life persona, […]

Students across the Triangle and throughout the country are planning to walk out of class on Friday as part of a coordinated protest calling for action against gun violence in schools. “We just got back to school, and we’ve already experienced a mass shooting,” said Sam Mell, a sophomore at NC State and a chapter […]

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced that the state plans to end all childhood vaccine mandates, describing such requirements as “wrong” and “immoral.” In a recent statement, Ladapo stressed the importance of individual freedom in health decisions, saying, “Who am I as a government or anyone else, who am I as a man standing […]

McDonald’s is turning back the clock to win over budget-conscious customers. After a six-year hiatus, the fast-food giant is bringing back its beloved Extra Value Meals, starting September 8. Originally launched in 1991, Extra Value Meals bundled an entrée, side, and drink at a discounted price, but the offer quietly disappeared in 2019. Now, it’s […]

Students in Wake County are starting the school year with a major change — no more phones during class time. Under a new district-wide policy, all students must keep their devices silenced and out of sight during instructional hours. The Wake County Public School System now requires phones to be stored away — either in […]

Just days before the start of a new academic year, Saint Augustine’s University is facing fresh uncertainty following the resignation of Interim President Marcus Burgess. The university confirmed that Burgess stepped down for personal reasons after serving in the role for 18 months. His resignation, submitted on July 16, officially took effect on Sunday, leaving […]

September is nationally recognized as Gospel Music Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich legacy and cultural impact of gospel music. In celebration, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame (GMHOF) is proud to present its 2025 Induction Gala Ceremony and Expo, taking place September 5–6, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. The two-day celebration kicks off […]

The Gospel Music Association has revealed the second group of artists and presenters set to appear at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Among the newly announced names are gospel legend CeCe Winans, ELEVATION RHYTHM, and Grammy-winning artist Lecrae. The highly anticipated event will be held on October 7, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and […]

Gospel artist Casey J joined Melissa Wade on The Light 103.9 to discuss her new single, “Song of My Life,” which was featured as the Pick Hit of the Week. The Atlanta native shared how the song serves as a beautiful testament to the past decade since her debut album. “If there was a through […]

The African American Cultural Festival marks its 16th year this Labor Day weekend, bringing thousands to downtown Raleigh for two days of celebration, community, and culture. Executive Director Pam Thompson-Smith joined Melissa Wade of The Light 103.9 to preview the highly anticipated Sunday schedule, which promises a meaningful mix of faith, comedy, arts, and entertainment. […]