Category Archives: Triangle/Local

NC State economist predicts record job growth in 2026

NC State economist predicts record job growth in 2026

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — Economist Dr. Mike Walden says North Carolina is positioned for record-breaking job growth and business expansion in 2026. The NC State University distinguished professor emeritus told Carolina Newsmakers host Don Curtis that the state’s strong education system, workforce and stable business climate will continue to attract investment even as the national economy moderates. Walden expects new business announcements in North Carolina to reach multibillion-dollar levels and job creation to hit record highs. Nationally, he predicts easing inflation and interest rates as the Federal Reserve cuts rates and tariff reductions help stabilize prices.… Continue Reading

Tending God’s earth: a journey of faith through gardening

Tending God’s earth: a journey of faith through gardening

I have always believed that God is in everything. There can be nothing on Earth to which this idea applies more than a garden. Don’t forget — one of God’s first creations was the Garden of Eden. George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “The best place to find God is in a garden.” For me, gardening has become a spiritual quest. I would like to say I have been a gardener all my life, but truthfully, I hated pulling weeds as a boy and never pursued working in God’s earth until I was unexpectedly thrown into hosting a radio gardening show more than four decades ago.… Continue Reading

This NC plant eats bugs for breakfast — and looks beautiful doing it

This NC plant eats bugs for breakfast — and looks beautiful doing it

Most of us have seen or have some knowledge of the most iconic plant in the world: It’s the “Venus Flytrap”, which is native to a small area of southeastern North Carolina. One of its cousins, also a native to the “Tar Heel State”, is the venerable “Pitcher Plant”. It is also carnivorous and has an equally insatiable appetite for insects. This is another plant I don’t have in my landscape. I do need one after seeing the crop of the Purple Pitcher Plant at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill.… Continue Reading

Trump’s next immigration crackdown will target Charlotte, North Carolina, a sheriff says

Trump’s next immigration crackdown will target Charlotte, North Carolina, a sheriff says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte, North Carolina, is the latest U.S. city preparing for a potential immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said Thursday that federal officials plan to deploy U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents as early as this weekend. Details of the operation remain undisclosed, and local authorities have not been asked to assist. President Donald Trump has defended sending federal agents and the military into Democratic-run cities to combat crime and enforce deportation policies. Local activists and officials say they are preparing the immigrant community by sharing resources and trying to calm fears.… Continue Reading

US airlines cancel more than 2,500 weekend flights largely due to government shutdown

US airlines cancel more than 2,500 weekend flights largely due to government shutdown

U.S. airlines have canceled more than 2,500 weekend flights mostly because of the government shutdown and the Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce air traffic. The slowdown at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports will head into its third day Sunday. So far there have not been any widespread disruptions. FlightAware reports that cancellations jumped Saturday to more than 1,500, following just over 1,000 the previous day. By Saturday evening airlines already had canceled another 1,000-plus Sunday flights.… Continue Reading

Federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November

Federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November

A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to find the money to fully fund SNAP benefits for November. The ruling Thursday was in response to a challenge from cities and nonprofits complaining that the administration was only offering to cover 65% of the maximum benefit. The Trump administration said last month that it would not pay benefits at all for November because of the federal shutdown. Last week, two judges ordered the government to pay at least partial benefits using an emergency fund.… Continue Reading

North Carolina’s largest city reelects mayor after fallout over train stabbing

North Carolina’s largest city reelects mayor after fallout over train stabbing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Voters in Charlotte, North Carolina, have reelected Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles after safety concerns in the city increased following a recent stabbing on a commuter train. Lyles won comfortably on Tuesday against Republican and Libertarian challengers. The August killing of a young Ukrainian woman sparked outrage and intensified the focus on crime during the campaign. The Republican-controlled state legislature passed a law in September addressing some criminal justice issues stemming from what happened. Lyles has highlighted additional safety measures for the light rail system. Charlotte hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since 2007.… Continue Reading

Deputy fatally shoots a 13-year-old boy wanted for grandmother’s killing in North Carolina

Deputy fatally shoots a 13-year-old boy wanted for grandmother’s killing in North Carolina

RAEFORD, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina deputy has shot and killed a 13-year-old boy who was wanted in the death of his grandmother. Authorities say the teenager had picked up a piece of lumber during a chase and charged at the Lee County sheriff’s deputy. The events began Thursday in nearby Hoke County, where deputies found 68-year-old Connie Linen dead in her home. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says the boy ran when authorities later found him behind an abandoned mobile home. The State Bureau of Investigation will review the shooting that killed the boy.… Continue Reading

North Carolina lawmaker accused of sex crimes resigns from state House

North Carolina lawmaker accused of sex crimes resigns from state House

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina state legislator accused by authorities of sex-related crimes involving a 15-year-old has resigned from the General Assembly. Cecil Brockman’s resignation letter late Friday came just after the House speaker formally announced a committee to investigate Brockman’s alleged misconduct. House leaders from both parties, along with Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, had urged Brockman to resign since his arrest three weeks ago. Brockman had served in the House since 2015. He wrote that he needed to focus on defending himself. Democrats in Brockman’s district will now choose someone to serve out his two-year term.… Continue Reading

Duke University study finds EVs quickly overcome their energy-intensive build to be cleaner than gas cars

Duke University study finds EVs quickly overcome their energy-intensive build to be cleaner than gas cars

DETROIT (AP) — Producing and manufacturing electric vehicles and their batteries uses a lot of energy, leading many to be skeptical about the environmental benefits of going electric. But a new study says that after two years of use, EVs have a cleaner bottom line than gas-powered vehicles. The study also found gasoline vehicles lead to two to three times more damage to the climate and air quality than EVs in the long term. The work offers insight into a transportation sector that makes up a big part of U.S. emissions. Researchers from Northern Arizona University and Duke University published their findings Wednesday in the journal PLOS Climate.… Continue Reading

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