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North Carolina Attorney General Initiates 51 Inquiries and Referrals Following Gas Price Gouging Complaints

North Carolina Attorney General Initiates 51 Inquiries and Referrals Following Gas Price Gouging Complaints

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced that his office has launched 51 inquiries and referrals in response to consumer complaints regarding gas stations. These actions stem from the 'N.C. Fuel Check' initiative, which was established after the General Assembly passed and Governor Josh Stein signed Session Law 2026-62. This law temporarily suspended the state's 41-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline and diesel from October 10 through November 30. Of the 51 actions, 42 were inquiry letters sent to gas stations suspected of not passing the tax savings to drivers. Additionally, nine referrals were made to the N.C. Department of Agriculture concerning discrepancies between advertised and actual pump prices. Attorney General Jackson emphasized that while broad compliance is observed, his office is scrutinizing specific cases where concerns have been raised by North Carolina drivers.

Lumberton Residents Oppose Proposed Data Center Amidst Environmental and Resource Concerns

Lumberton Residents Oppose Proposed Data Center Amidst Environmental and Resource Concerns

Residents of Lumberton, North Carolina, have voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center project, codenamed Project Alps, during a community meeting. Concerns primarily revolve around the potential impact on water availability and quality, increased electricity rates, and health risks. The city is currently in discussions with a developer for Project Alps, which could use approximately 50,000 gallons of water and up to 50 megawatts of power daily. The Lumberton City Council is set to vote on an ordinance to regulate data centers, which would establish rules for location, building requirements, noise limits, and water-efficient technologies. City officials are considering the project for the Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park, citing potential economic benefits such as $800 million to $1 billion in capital investment and millions in annual property and electricity tax revenues.

Steve Buscemi Injured, Vince Vaughn Arrested in 2001 North Carolina Incident

Steve Buscemi Injured, Vince Vaughn Arrested in 2001 North Carolina Incident

Steve Buscemi Injured, Vince Vaughn Arrested in 2001 North Carolina Incident

Governor Stein Announces North Carolina Receives Certification for 204 Opportunity Zones

Governor Stein Announces North Carolina Receives Certification for 204 Opportunity Zones

Governor Stein Announces North Carolina Receives Certification for 204 Opportunity Zones

Governor Josh Stein Selects NCCU Military Affairs Leader for North Carolina Hall of Firsts

Governor Josh Stein Selects NCCU Military Affairs Leader for North Carolina Hall of Firsts

Governor Josh Stein has selected North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Associate Vice Chancellor for Military Affairs, Ariel Aponte (Ret. Chief Warrant Officer Three), for induction into the North Carolina Hall of Firsts Class of 2026. Aponte is recognized for his distinguished military career and civic service, which have brought significant honor to himself, his family, and North Carolina. The North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts (NCMHOF), managed by the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, acknowledges individuals who have excelled in their military careers or through their civic contributions. Since joining NCCU in July, Aponte has utilized his military and government leadership experience to enhance coordination, partnerships, and support for military-affiliated students. NCCU has reported a 13.2% increase in military-affiliated student enrollment this fall, reflecting the university's growing dedication to serving veterans and service members.

Governor Stein Announces Expansion of Child Care WAGE$ Program in Hurricane-Affected Counties to Support Early Childhood Workforce

Governor Stein Announces Expansion of Child Care WAGE$ Program in Hurricane-Affected Counties to Support Early Childhood Workforce

Governor Josh Stein has announced an $11.3 million expansion of the Child Care WAGE$ salary supplement program over three years. This initiative aims to support the early education workforce in 39 North Carolina counties significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Child Care WAGE$ Program, established in 1994, provides education-based, biannual salary supplements directly to low-paid family child care providers, early childhood teachers, directors, and other staff working with children from birth through age 5 in licensed facilities. The program is designed to address low base wages and high turnover in the child care industry by rewarding educators who advance their formal early childhood education. Funding for this expansion comes from a $75 million award to the state from the Administration for Children & Families’ Office of Child Care through the American Relief Act’s Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care. In partnership with Early Years Inc., the program will be established in Ashe, Madison, ...

Charlotte Mayor Proposes New I-77 Toll Lane Working Group to Oversee $300 Million Community Benefits

Charlotte Mayor Proposes New I-77 Toll Lane Working Group to Oversee $300 Million Community Benefits

Charlotte Mayor Rob Harrington has proposed the creation of a new working group to oversee the allocation and implementation of $300 million in community benefits promised by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for west Charlotte. This initiative is directly linked to the Interstate 77 toll lanes project. The NCDOT recently detailed how these funds could be utilized, with a significant portion—at least $150 million—earmarked for a concrete cap over a section of the highway near uptown. Additionally, the state plans to invest in addressing critical community needs such as food deserts and a lack of recreational spaces in the surrounding neighborhoods. City Council member Joi Mayo expressed support for maintaining flexibility in how these goals are pursued, suggesting that solutions for food insecurity could extend beyond traditional grocery stores to include farms and community co-ops. The Charlotte City Council is scheduled to vote on Monday to establish this new working group.

North Carolina Home-Based Businesses Face Initial Startup Costs Ranging from $500 to $2,500

North Carolina Home-Based Businesses Face Initial Startup Costs Ranging from $500 to $2,500

North Carolina Home-Based Businesses Face Initial Startup Costs Ranging from $500 to $2,500

Durham Faces Severe Water Shortage Amid Persistent Drought

Durham Faces Severe Water Shortage Amid Persistent Drought

Durham, North Carolina, is grappling with a severe water shortage as drought conditions persist. The city’s two primary reservoirs, Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir, are at just 31% of their combined storage capacity. Lake Michie is 12.71 feet below its full level, while Little River Reservoir is 19.08 feet below its maximum. With only 81 days of water supply remaining, Durham is supplementing its resources through additional sources like Teer Quarry and Jordan Lake. The city is also purchasing treated water from Cary and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA). Officials are closely monitoring conditions that could trigger Stage 3 water restrictions, which would be implemented if forecasts indicate a 10% chance of reservoir levels dropping to 25% within eight weeks. Rain is forecast in the coming days, which may provide some relief.

Local High School Runners Compete in NCHSAA Cross-Country State Championships

Local High School Runners Compete in NCHSAA Cross-Country State Championships

Local High School Runners Compete in NCHSAA Cross-Country State Championships

Uber Eats Expands Same-Day Grocery Delivery in Danville, Offering Rapid Service

Uber Eats Expands Same-Day Grocery Delivery in Danville, Offering Rapid Service

Uber Eats Expands Same-Day Grocery Delivery in Danville, Offering Rapid Service

Oker Kenneth Keene, Jr., Longtime Educator and Army Veteran, Passes Away at 93 in Coats, NC

Oker Kenneth Keene, Jr., Longtime Educator and Army Veteran, Passes Away at 93 in Coats, NC

Oker Kenneth Keene, Jr., a devoted educator, U.S. Army veteran, and local business owner, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at his residence in Coats, NC, at the age of 93. Born on November 20, 1932, Mr. Keene dedicated his life to his family, country, and education. After graduating from High Point College in 1955, he served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army and continued his military service in the Army Reserves until 1962. On November 6, 1959, he married Cecile Elaine Jones Keene, with whom he built a life in Coats, NC. Mr. Keene taught for 32 years in the Harnett County School System, influencing generations of students. He also managed his parents' local business, O.K. Keene & Company, after their passing until the early to mid-1980s. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Rose & Graham Funeral Chapel in Coats, NC, with a private burial to follow.