ICE Raids Kings Mountain Business

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials worked with multiple agencies to detain at least 16 people Wednesday at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company in Kings Mountain while federal investigators carried out a criminal search warrant.

Later reports indicated the number of detainees had risen to more than 30.

Officials said they were investigating alleged identity theft and other possible federal crimes, but didn’t clarify whether any charges were being brought against the detainees. Specifically, an employer was accused of using stolen IDs so undocumented workers could be hired.

Some employees claim agents told them to turn off their phones. Investigators said there was no danger to the public and that more details would be released as the investigation continues.

Tillis Reintroduces Safe and Open Streets Act

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., joined by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and three other Republican senators, reintroduced the Safe and Open Streets Act this week in direct response to what Tillis referred to as the “radical tactics of anti-ICE protestors who have intentionally blocked roads and highways across the country.”

The act, which would make it a federal crime to purposely obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by blocking a public road or highway, was first introduced in 2023 after protesters blocked NC-147, also known as the Durham Freeway, during rush hour. The group held “Free Palestine” banners opposing Israel’s response to the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre by Hamas on Israeli civilians.

If the bill passes, violators could face fines or up to five years in prison.

Independent Voter Registrations Rise in NC

North Carolina’s share of registered independents and third-party members has more than doubled since 2000, with much of that growth coming at the expense of the Democratic Party, according to newly released voter registration data.

In 2024, nearly 39% of the state’s electorate was unaffiliated with either major party, mirroring nationwide data showing that 32% of registered voters across the country chose not to join the Democratic or Republican parties, up from 23% in 2000.

Experts attribute this trend to many voters feeling that the parties don’t represent their views. The data also suggests that even though more voters are registering as unaffiliated, most still vote for major party candidates.

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➤ Charlotte: Between May 2024 and May 2025, at least 13 teachers were charged with taking indecent liberties or other inappropriate actions with students in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Catawba, Cabarrus, and York counties. (More)

➤ Robeson County: Republicans now hold a majority on the county’s Board of Commissioners for the first time in history, after three members changed their party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, giving the GOP a 6-2 majority. (More)

➤ Cleveland County: Gov. Josh Stein announced that the state is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the 2000 disappearance of Asha Degree, and Cleveland County upped its reward to $75,000. (More)

➤ Durham Parks and Recreation needs to fill more than 40 lifeguard vacancies at city pools due to a nationwide shortage. Officials are offering $19.37 to $20.62 an hour and are willing to hire people who can work as little as a few hours a week. (More)

➤ Wilmington: Three local pools participated in the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina’s yearly World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Thursday to teach water safety basics: Robert Strange Pool, Legion Stadium Pool, and the YWCA Lower Cape Fear Pool. (More)

➤ Fuquay-Varina: A company called Celestis launched a deceased Fuquay-Varina man’s ashes into space, fulfilling his dream. However, the capsule containing his remains, meant to return, crashed into the Pacific Ocean after its parachute failed. (More)

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➤ The Carolina Hurricanes hold six picks in tonight’s NHL draft, with their highest being the No. 29 overall pick. (More)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets dealt star center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night in exchange for the No. 29 overall pick, which they used to select 6-foot-7 UConn forward Liam McNeeley. (More)

➤ Four-star safety Jamarrion Gordon has announced his commitment to UNC football. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | PGA | LPGA

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➤ House Bill 442, which would have banned inshore shrimp trawling, died in the House Wednesday following increasing protests from shrimpers. The Senate-passed bill aimed to protect fish but faced opposition for threatening the state’s seafood industry. (More)

➤ The Macerich Company announced Tuesday it bought Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh for $290 million with plans to invest $60 million through 2028 to redevelop and lease the property. (More)

➤ Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s are ending their doughnut partnership, currently available at 2,400 McDonald’s locations, due to unprofitable results for the North Carolina-based doughnut company. (More)

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➤ Speaking of Krispy Kreme, the company released its Stars, Stripes & Sweetness Collection in honor of the Fourth of July, featuring the Freedom Ring, USA Party Doughnut, and—new this year—the Vanilla Cookies & Kreme Liberty Crunch Doughnut. (See Photos)

➤ Tourists are descending on Grandfather Mountain this week to escape the heat wave, thanks to the Avery County peak’s comfortable 72-degree weather. The all-time high temperature recorded there is 83 degrees. (More)

➤ Permanent signage for Kuwohi, Cherokee for “mulberry place,” was installed at the peak formerly known as Clingmans Dome, located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. (See Photo)

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Have you been to the top of Mount Mitchell?

1. Yes
2. Not yet
3. Not interested

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever traveled by train?

1. Yes: 52%
2. Only on a ride or at a park: 19%
3. No: 16%
4. Not yet: 13%

Why was Clingmans Dome originally named in honor of Thomas L. Clingman?

Show me the answer