Treasurer Uncovers $170 Million

State Treasurer Brad Briner announced that his office has uncovered $170 million in unspent taxpayer funds found at an external cash management firm.

According to Briner, the account was opened 25 years ago and was intended to set aside excess or unspent funds on projects that came in under budget and interest that had accrued on state-funded projects. Briner had been notified of the account earlier this year.

By law, the surplus can only repay debt, fund capital projects approved by the General Assembly, or support certain projects authorized by voters.

“That money can be put to good use, and we intend to do exactly that [by] reducing our outstanding debt to improve the fiscal health of the state,” said Briner.

NC Reacts to Minneapolis Shooting

Families and parishioners around the state are reacting to the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.

At Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Raleigh, one church member said, “We need God.” Another said they wish that those impacted could feel the love and prayers being sent to them.

A Mount Tabor graduate, who was present during the 2021 shooting of a classmate said Wednesday’s shooting brought back memories of that event.

On Thursday, Gov. Josh Stein ordered all American and state flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on August 31. In a statement, Stein said he and his wife are sending condolences to the Annunciation community.

I-40 Rebuild Project Begins

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says it’s beginning work on permanent repairs to rebuild a five-mile section of Interstate 40 that was washed away by Hurricane Helene.

The construction project will cost around $1.36 billion and is being funded by the federal government. A causeway will be used to transport materials to the construction site, where crews will use two different types of retaining walls to bolster the highway.

At its peak, the number of construction crews will range between 300 and 500 workers, with 10 to 20 subcontractors.

NCDOT estimates that Helene did $5 billion worth of damage to roads throughout Western North Carolina. It also estimates that the rebuilding project will be completed by 2028.

➤ Statewide: The North Carolina Department of Labor recovered $2.5 million in unpaid wages after investigating more than 1,600 complaints, with retail and food service workers most affected by overtime shortfalls and wrongful deductions. (More)

➤ Also statewide: The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has awarded $2.25 million in grants to 10 projects to help build or upgrade sites along the coast, such as fishing piers, restrooms, and kayak launches. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in Operation Highway Guardian, a one-day event covering 420 miles of I-40, in an effort to crack down on human trafficking. (More)

➤ Clayton: A Friday fire destroyed one home and damaged two others after a neighbor reported the blaze, with investigators still determining the cause. (More)

➤ Surry County: Board of Elections Chairman James Yokeley resigned following allegations that he placed pills containing MDMA and cocaine in his granddaughter’s ice cream. (More)

➤ Gaston County: The body of a swimmer who went missing on Thursday was recovered by investigators yesterday. No details about the swimmer or the cause of death have been released. (More)

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➤ NC State beat East Carolina 24-17 on Thursday, while Duke rolled past Elon 45-17. See all the scores so far and this weekend’s matchups at the link. (More)

➤ Gov. Josh Stein awarded former UNC basketball coach Roy Williams the North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor. Williams is expected to officially accept the honor in his hometown of Asheville this fall. (More)

➤ Adam Thielen, now with the Minnesota Vikings, praised Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on Thursday, crediting his leadership and growth for extending his career and helping make the trade possible. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NCAAF | Soccer | WNBA | U.S. Open | Golf

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➤ The North Carolina Museum of History began a $180 million renovation this week to add 40,000 square feet, improve accessibility, and upgrade climate systems and infrastructure. (More)

➤ The 2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac, released Wednesday, forecasts a mild U.S. winter overall but predicts colder, snowier conditions from December to March in Asheville and the southern Appalachians. (More)

➤ Epic Padel will open its $1 million flagship facility at Prosperity Athletic Club in north Charlotte on Sept. 8, bringing the tennis-squash hybrid sport, typically played in doubles, to the city. (More)

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Did you watch ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’?

1. Yes, loved it
2. Well, I tolerated it
3. Nope, not my thing
4. Only the reruns
5. I hope to someday

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you going to a festival this weekend?

1. No: 65%
2. Maybe: 19%
3. Yes: 16%

What’s the longest-running Labor Day festival in the South?

Show me the answer