North Carolina

President Trump suggested temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts demand changes to a $1.8 billion IRS settlement granting Trump immunity from audits. Blanche can remain acting AG, but Trump may wait until the senators leave office next year, risking a Democratic Senate takeover.

91 reports · 15 sources · Updated Aug 11, 02:49 PM UTC

Former FBI Director James Comey has filed a motion to dismiss a federal indictment accusing him of threatening President Donald Trump. The charge stems from an Instagram photo of seashells arranged to read "86 47," which prosecutors interpreted as a death threat. Comey’s lawyers argue the post is protected political hyperbole under the First Amendment, not a "true threat." They also allege vindictive prosecution and illegal Secret Service surveillance of Comey and his wife. The DOJ has not yet responded.

12 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:00 PM UTC

Lenovo, the Chinese PC and server giant, has expanded its Whitsett, North Carolina manufacturing facility, doubling its footprint to 890,000 square feet to meet growing demand for US-made AI servers. The company invested millions, adding production lines capable of assembling 1,400 server nodes per day. Executives cited customer demand for trusted, domestically produced AI infrastructure as the key driver. The facility currently employs 400 line workers with plans to scale to 1,000. Lenovo leverages its nearby R&D hub in Morrisville and local universities for talent. The expansion took nine months from empty warehouse to full production, including 20 MW of power capacity from Duke Energy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:27 PM UTC

A federal lawsuit filed in the Southern District of California alleges that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) illegally used facial recognition technology, license plate readers, and other surveillance tools to identify individuals observing and protesting immigration enforcement actions during the Trump administration. The plaintiffs, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and three individuals from Minnesota, South Carolina, and California, claim DHS retaliated by revoking their TSA PreCheck and Global Entry trusted traveler status. The suit cites incidents in Minneapolis where two observers were killed by federal agents in January 2026. It argues DHS violated the First Amendment, federal privacy law, and the Administrative Procedure Act by targeting peaceful observers and removing a 2023 facial recognition policy from its website without proper process. A DHS spokesperson denied that trusted traveler status is revoked for exercising First Amendment rights, citing low-risk traveler criteria.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:26 PM UTC

Robert Mihaly, a self-taught sculptor, spent 30 years building Castle Mont Rouge by hand on a mountaintop in North Carolina. After a brief romance with Julie Seel, met on Match.com in 2023, the pair quickly entered a joint business venture to turn the castle into an event venue. Seel lent $250,000 to the project under an informal agreement. When the romance soured, a two-year legal battle ensued. Seel sought a lien on the property to recover over $233,000 she spent on tools and labor, which could have forced Mihaly to sell. However, Durham County Superior Court Judge Josephine Kerr Davis dismissed both parties' claims before the jury reached a verdict. Court filings revealed Seel had been involved in similar litigation with three other men. Both sides suffered significant financial and reputational damage from the scorched-earth legal fight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:15 AM UTC

Elevate Textiles, Inc., owner of Burlington Industries, announced the permanent closure of its finishing plant in Burlington, North Carolina, effective December 31, 2026. The closure, disclosed in a WARN notice filed with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, will affect 150 employees. The plant specializes in textile finishing and dyeing. The company cited changing market dynamics and reduced production volumes as reasons for the shutdown, stating that despite efforts to identify new product lines, volumes remain too low to sustain viable operations. Most production is expected to be completed by September 30, 2026. The closure is a blow to the U.S. textile supply chain. Burlington, founded in 1923, produces performance synthetics, worsted wool, and blended fabrics for military, medical, uniform, and workwear markets. The company also operates facilities in China. Earlier in July 2026, Elevate Textiles celebrated the modernization of its dyehouse in Raeford, NC, which supplies fabrics for U.S. military branches.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:08 PM UTC

The Carolina Panthers and Bank of America have extended their long-standing naming rights agreement for Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the venue undergoes a $1.3 billion renovation. New renderings from architect HOK show expanded indoor-outdoor gathering spaces, a 500-level social patio, larger scoreboards, upgraded seating, and a signature illuminated crown for the skyline. The project also includes a 4,400-capacity entertainment venue hosting 80-100 events annually. The City of Charlotte is capped at $650 million from hospitality taxes, with Tepper Sports & Entertainment covering the remaining balance and cost overruns. Construction is phased to allow games to continue, with interior work in 2026, fan-facing elements starting in 2027, and completion scheduled for 2030.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:00 PM UTC

ZenaTech, Inc., an AI drone company, announced on July 23, 2026, the completion of its 26th Drone as a Service acquisition by purchasing BA Land Professionals LLC, a surveying firm based in Dayton, Ohio. The acquisition gives ZenaTech its first Ohio location and expands its U.S. network to 12 states. BA Land Professionals is licensed in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina, serving construction, energy, industrial, and government clients with land surveying, drone mapping, and LiDAR services. ZenaTech plans to introduce additional drone-based services such as construction monitoring, utility inspections, and precision agriculture in the region. The deal also brings an established customer base and a management team with 40 years of combined surveying experience. CEO Shaun Passley highlighted the strategic leverage of entering four states at once. ZenaTech shares closed at $1.51 on the day of the announcement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:01 AM UTC

Schubert North America is constructing a new 45,000-square-foot headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, on a 7.36-acre site. The facility will house customer training, engineering, sales, service, and final assembly for packaging machinery, allowing customers to conduct acceptance testing and training locally instead of traveling overseas. Designed under Schubert's global Mission Blue sustainability program with LEED standards, the building includes a service workshop, commissioning areas, and room for future expansion. Construction is led by Charlotte-based CoxSchepp Construction, with an opening planned for early 2027. CEO Hartmut Siegel emphasized North America as a key growth market and the investment's role in strengthening customer support.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:43 AM UTC

VinFast Auto expects to reach break-even in its domestic Vietnamese market by 2027, with global profitability anticipated shortly after, according to deputy CEO Anne Pham speaking at the Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit. The Vietnamese EV maker's new VF 2 model, priced at about $7,145 including battery, drew 29,000 orders within three days of its July launch. VinFast delivered 115,916 vehicles in Vietnam in H1 2026, up 72% year-on-year, and aims for at least 300,000 global EV deliveries in 2026, up from roughly 200,000 in 2025. However, the company posted a net loss of VND28.1tn in Q1, widening 58.9% due to international expansion costs. VinFast faces a legal dispute over its proposed North Carolina factory after the state filed a lawsuit alleging breach of agreements. The company has established factories in India and Indonesia and is expanding into Kazakhstan and the Philippines. Shareholders approved transferring Vietnamese factories to a separate entity to reduce debt, expected to generate VND13.3tn.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:11 PM UTC

Consumer Reports advises against avoiding fruits and vegetables despite a record Cyclospora outbreak in the US, with over 1,400 infections reported. The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, leading to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. North Carolina has seen over 500 cases. The article emphasizes that the health benefits of produce outweigh the risks, and recommends proper washing and handling to reduce infection risk. The outbreak is linked to contaminated produce, but experts say avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables is not necessary.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:51 PM UTC

East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G) is expanding in North Carolina with a new location in the Piedmont area, targeting a Q2 2027 opening. The franchise is owned by Brent and Sherry Weaver, who have operated ECW+G locations for over 20 years. The new restaurant will be part of a retail center they are developing, with the Weavers owning the real estate. The expansion is structured for eventual generational transfer to their son, Andrew. CEO Sam Ballas highlighted the brand's focus on unit level economics, enabling franchisees to become real estate investors. The growth aligns with North Carolina being named a top franchise market. ECW+G continues disciplined, density-driven growth in the South and Midwest, supported by Dine Growth Group.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:11 AM UTC

The upcoming U.S. midterm elections will feature 26 ballot initiatives on taxation across 13 states, giving voters a direct say in tax policy. While California's proposed 'billionaire tax' (Prop. 40) has drawn the most attention, the majority of measures focus on rolling back property taxes, which affect homeowners' most valuable asset. States including Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming have proposals to curb property tax expenditures through increased exemptions, new senior citizen exemptions, or outright prohibitions on state property taxes. Local officials, such as Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, warn that these cuts could severely reduce municipal budgets, leading to cuts in roads, libraries, parks, and public safety. The article highlights the tension between lowering personal tax burdens and maintaining local government revenue, framing the votes as a test of voter sentiment on government spending.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:15 PM UTC

On July 18, 2026, U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, was killed during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone at Erbil Air Base, Iraq. A second service member was wounded. Swinton, an Air Defense Early Warning System Operator, will be posthumously promoted and awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge. The incident is under investigation. Separately, two other U.S. soldiers were killed in a separate Iranian attack in Jordan.

22 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:30 PM UTC

A decade-long, $10 million conservation effort involving 35 organizations across 16 states has led to a 45% increase in American oystercatcher populations along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The birds, which were largely wiped out in New England by 1900 due to hunting and egg collecting, are now recovering through measures including fencing off nesting sites, trapping predators like skunks and raccoons, and educating beachgoers. Biologists recently banded chicks at Rhode Island's Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge as part of the nationwide restoration. The effort, led by Manomet Conservation Sciences and the American Oystercatcher Working Group, focused on improving chick survival rates. The recovery is notable given that most North American shorebird populations are declining, and demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted conservation before species become endangered.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:33 PM UTC

A decade-long, $10 million conservation effort involving 35 coastal organizations across 16 U.S. states has led to a significant recovery of the American Oystercatcher bird population. From 2008 to 2023, numbers increased by 45% along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, a notable success given that most North American shorebird populations are declining. The campaign focused on educating beachgoers, protecting ground nesting sites from predators and pets, and implementing tailored plans for different sites addressing threats like recreational disturbance, predators, and sea level rise. Key measures included seasonal fencing, signage, predator control, and leveraging federal protections for the threatened piping plover, which shares nesting habitats. The recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated, sustained conservation partnerships.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:45 PM UTC

The article analyzes the uncertain confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General, focusing on Senator John Cornyn of Texas as the key swing vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Cornyn is dissatisfied with Blanche's refusal to formally kill the 'anti-weaponization fund' deal that protects Trump from IRS audits. A federal judge issued a blistering ruling calling the underlying lawsuit collusive, and an ethics complaint has been filed against Blanche. Senator Thom Tillis has indicated tentative support after a meeting with Epstein survivors. The piece questions why Republican senators who dislike Trump might still hesitate to vote no, citing threats against judges and political intimidation as possible factors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:00 PM UTC

The confirmation of Todd Blanche as Attorney General hangs on a single Republican vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, with Texas Senator John Cornyn undecided. Cornyn is dissatisfied with Blanche's refusal to confirm in writing that a controversial anti-weaponization fund—part of a deal immunizing Trump from IRS audits—is truly dead. A federal judge ruled the underlying lawsuit was collusive and non-adversarial, and sent the case to the New York State Bar, where over 100 former judges filed an ethics complaint against Blanche. Blanche also faces scrutiny over his handling of the Epstein files. While Senator Thom Tillis appears satisfied after meeting Epstein survivors, Cornyn remains the key holdout. The article notes broader intimidation concerns, citing threats against judges and former Senator Mitt Romney's fear for his safety, questioning whether Cornyn will cave to pressure.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:00 PM UTC

Republican lawmakers and candidates are largely ignoring Donald Trump's renewed push to focus on debunked 2020 election fraud claims, as the issue fails to resonate with voters. Following a 25-minute Trump speech demanding mail-in ballot bans and voter roll purges, most GOP candidates are prioritizing other issues like public safety and the economy. North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley, a former Trump supporter on election fraud, held a campaign event without mentioning Trump's priorities. Outgoing Senator John Cornyn questioned the focus on past elections with midterms approaching. Republican strategists note voters care more about affordability and safety. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin threatened to fine or jail state officials who refuse to purge voter rolls, though he lacks legal authority to do so. Democrats criticize the address as groundwork for challenging upcoming elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:03 PM UTC

Republican lawmakers are largely ignoring former President Donald Trump's recent 25-minute speech reviving debunked 2020 election fraud claims, as the issue fails to resonate with voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. GOP candidates like Michael Whatley are focusing on local issues such as public safety and the economy instead. Top Republicans, including outgoing Senator John Cornyn, express frustration with revisiting past election grievances. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin threatened to fine or jail state officials who do not purge voter rolls, though he lacks legal authority to do so. Democrats criticize the speech as groundwork for challenging upcoming elections. Republican strategists note that voters prioritize affordability and economic concerns over election conspiracy theories.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:03 PM UTC

Republican lawmakers and candidates are largely ignoring former President Donald Trump's recent 25-minute speech reviving debunked 2020 election fraud claims. According to The Washington Post, most GOP candidates are unwilling to revisit the issue as it fails to galvanize voters. For example, North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley held a campaign event focusing on community safety, not Trump's priorities. Outgoing Texas Senator John Cornyn questioned the relevance of discussing the 2020 election with midterms approaching. Republican strategists note that voters are more concerned with the economy and affordability. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin threatened to fine or jail state officials who do not purge voter rolls, though he lacks the legal authority to do so. Democrats criticize the speech as groundwork for challenging upcoming midterm elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:03 PM UTC

Amid a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US linked to leafy greens, Business Insider analyzes the safety of eating lettuce. The FDA retracted a positive test pointing to Taylor Farms as a source, calling it a false positive, though Taylor Farms' voluntary recall of Mexican-grown iceberg lettuce remains. Over 8,260 confirmed cases have been reported since May, concentrated in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, and Colorado. Infectious disease expert Dr. Tyler Evans advises that risk depends on location, health status, and preparation methods. The article categorizes risk into three tiers: lowest (cooked vegetables only), medium (whole heads of lettuce washed thoroughly), and high-risk (raw bagged pre-chopped lettuce). High-risk groups including the elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant women, and children under 2 are advised to avoid all leafy greens until fall. The cyclospora parasite thrives in hot weather, and the outbreak may last through August.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:40 PM UTC

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) plans to spend $59 billion annually on capital expenditures through 2032, following its acquisition of Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). The combined company aims to capitalize on surging electricity demand driven by AI, data centers, and electric vehicles, with demand expected to rise 60% between 2025 and 2045. NextEra's regulated utilities and its large contract solar/wind business will both benefit. The spending is projected to support annualized earnings growth of 9% or more, up from 8% without the deal. The company also plans to maintain its decades-long dividend growth streak, offering a 2.7% yield with roughly 6% annual dividend increases.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:35 PM UTC

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) plans to spend $59 billion annually in capital expenditures through 2032, partly enabled by its acquisition of Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), a $60 billion market cap competitor. The combined company aims to capitalize on surging electricity demand driven by AI, data centers, and electric vehicles, with demand expected to rise 60% between 2025 and 2045. The acquisition expands NextEra's regulated utility reach beyond Florida into North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia—home to a major data center market. NextEra also operates one of the world's largest contract solar and wind power businesses. The capex is expected to support annualized earnings growth of 9% or more, up from 8% without the deal. The company maintains a 2.7% dividend yield with plans for ~6% annual dividend growth, appealing to dividend growth investors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:35 PM UTC

StubHub Holdings (NYSE: STUB) saw its stock drop 13% this week after the Washington, D.C. City Council passed the RESALE Act, which caps secondary-ticket sale markups at 10%. The law, effective January 1, 2027, directly threatens StubHub's profitability model that relies on high markups. Citigroup analyst Jason Bazinet estimated that if similar caps averaging 15% are applied across jurisdictions, StubHub's revenue could fall by 30%, and EBITDA could decline by $95 million if 20% of sales are affected. D.C. joins Maine, Vermont, and Ontario in imposing such caps, with similar legislation introduced in New York, Massachusetts, California, and North Carolina. The article suggests more regulatory actions are likely, posing ongoing risks to StubHub's business model.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:23 AM UTC

A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has led Taylor Farms to voluntarily recall its product for the US market. Over 8,260 confirmed cases have been reported, primarily in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, and Colorado. The cyclospora parasite thrives in hot weather, and public health authorities warn the outbreak could last until the end of August. Infectious disease expert Dr. Tyler Evans offers a three-tiered risk assessment system: lowest risk involves cooking vegetables to 158°F; medium risk includes buying whole heads of lettuce, discarding outer leaves, and washing thoroughly; highest risk involves eating raw, unwashed bagged greens. High-risk individuals (elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant, children under 2) are advised to avoid all leafy greens until fall. The article notes that past outbreaks have also involved raspberries, snap peas, and fresh herbs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:03 PM UTC

During a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina sharply criticized Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought over the perceived failure of the now-shuttered Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Tillis demanded that Vought name a single DOGE initiative he could describe as 'exquisite,' expressing frustration that he and other senators were left to 'pick up DOGE s**t because people did it wrong.' The exchange highlights ongoing Republican discontent with the efficiency and outcomes of the short-lived government agency.

1 reports · 1 sources

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a retiring Republican and vocal critic of the Trump administration, delivered a harsh rebuke of President Trump's top-priority voter ID legislation, the SAVE America Act, on the Senate floor Thursday morning. Tillis threatened to stall the bill if it returns to the Senate, specifically referencing reconciliation procedures. The move underscores deepening intra-party divisions as Tillis, who is not seeking reelection, positions himself against the Trump agenda on election integrity measures. The legislation is a key priority for the Trump administration, and Tillis's threat could complicate its passage in a closely divided Senate.

1 reports · 1 sources

Debbie Norris Woodell, former executive director of the Dunn Housing Authority in North Carolina, was sentenced to two years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to steal taxpayer money. From 2016 to 2021, she collaborated with others to steal over $200,000 through fake bids and invoices for maintenance work never performed, forged documents, misled the housing authority board, and used agency credit cards for personal purchases such as home improvements and an ATV. In addition to her prison sentence, Woodell must repay $238,448 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

1 reports · 1 sources

First Bancorp (FBP) has agreed to acquire First Carolina Bancshares, the parent company of Carolina Bank, in a transaction valued at $166 million. The purchase price is based on First Bancorp's share price of $64.22 as of July 13, 2026. Payment to First Carolina shareholders will consist of approximately 1.96 million First Bancorp common shares and $40 million in cash. The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the merger, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 or early first quarter of 2027, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. Carolina Bank, a privately owned community lender based in Florence, South Carolina, has about $831 million in assets and operates 14 branches across six counties. On a pro forma basis, the combined entity would rank among the ten largest institutions by deposit market share in both North Carolina and South Carolina, enhancing its commercial banking, retail banking, and wealth management capabilities.

1 reports · 1 sources