Elections Board Approves Voter ID Fix

North Carolina State Board of Elections officials approved new guidance for 98,000 voters with mismatched registration information, allowing them to use standard ballots if they provide a valid ID at the polls. This addresses issues like typos, illegible handwriting, or name changes.

As part of the Registration Repair Project, launched in July, NC elections officials will repeatedly attempt to validate voter registration records—flagging mismatches but ensuring duly registered voters’ ballots count if they show valid ID.

Approximately 81,810 voters missing the required information must use provisional ballots, which will count in federal contests. The state has reduced mismatches by 22% and is helping voters update their registrations.

The guidance follows a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit questioning voter eligibility that was recently settled and approved by a federal judge.

Whooping Cough Surges in Buncombe County

Buncombe County has reported a record 82 whooping cough cases so far in 2025, surpassing 2024’s total of 77 and prompting health officials to urge pertussis vaccinations—especially for pregnant women—to protect infants.

North Carolina has reported more than 550 cases statewide this year and is on pace to surpass last year’s total—the highest in 70 years.

State law requires students entering kindergarten, seventh, and 12th grade to be up-to-date on vaccinations by the 30th day of school, with principals authorized to exclude children from class if families do not comply.

Civil Rights Suit Filed in Haywood County

Joseph Joines of Maryland and Angelica Hendon of Florida filed a federal lawsuit Aug. 29 accusing Haywood County officials, a sheriff’s deputy, and landfill operators of assault, false imprisonment, and civil rights violations after a June 2025 confrontation in Clyde.

The suit, seeking more than $75,000 and a jury trial, names Haywood County, Sheriff Bill Wilke, Deputy Michael Buckner, several landfill employees, two landfill companies, and four unidentified individuals. It alleges the dispute began on June 26 at TBD Landfill, when Joines, a truck driver, was accused of stealing a phone despite no evidence being found.

Joines said five workers—one of whom was armed—harassed him, and alleges that bulldozers rammed his truck and trailer, forcing him to flee to Hendon’s truck, where workers pointed a gun and took her keys.

The incident went viral on TikTok.

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➤ Franklin County: A standoff ended early Tuesday after a 70-year-old man barricaded inside a Twin Creek Drive home fired shots at deputies. Family members said he was “very, very drunk” and began shooting, prompting them to call 911. (More)

➤ Outer Banks: The Southport-Fort Fisher, Swan Quarter-Ocracoke, and Cedar Island-Ocracoke ferry routes switched to off-season schedules Tuesday. The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry will end its 2025 seasonal service on Sept. 15. (More)

➤ Calabash: A new waterfront park featuring a completed bridge and walkways is awaiting final stormwater permitting. Plans include a boardwalk, gazebo, kayak launch, playground, restroom, and open space, with construction expected to start soon. (More)

➤ UNC-Wilmington: The university closed its diversity, equity, and inclusion office, saving $1.45 million, and realigned cultural centers under the Division of Student Affairs. (More)

➤ UNC-Asheville: The Post-Helene Symposium, set for Sept. 24-26, will feature panels, performances, and art to reflect on Hurricane Helene’s impact. (More)

➤ Western NC: The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is warning of increased black bear activity due to hyperphagia, as bears seek food before hibernation. (See Tips)

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➤ The North Carolina Courage traded U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Jaedyn Shaw to Gotham FC for a record-breaking $1.25 million in intra-league transfer funds—more than double the previous NWSL record. (More)

➤ New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he believes UNC head coach Bill Belichick is welcome at the team’s facility, despite Belichick’s implication that he was banned. (More)

➤ Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton will miss two to four weeks of action as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered in Week 1. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

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➤ A $15 million, 160,000-square-foot pickleball complex planned for North Raleigh, expected to open in late 2026, will encompass 44 pickleball courts, four sand volleyball courts, four badminton courts, a bar, recovery amenities, and green space. (More)

➤ Riverside Investment & Development is planning a 43-story tower featuring offices, apartments, and retail at Queensbridge Collective in Charlotte’s South End, scheduled to open in 2028 and anchored by Moore & Van Allen’s 206,000-square-foot lease. (More)

➤ ECU Health is requesting $220 million as part of plans to reopen Martin General Hospital as North Carolina’s first rural emergency hospital and to expand ECU Beaufort Hospital to address rural healthcare needs. (More)

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➤ Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree will be held Oct. 31–Nov. 1 at Berkley Manor on Ocracoke Island, featuring colonial reenactments, a pirate parade, sword fights, and a sea battle. The festival includes living history, artisan booths, and a memorial service. (More)

➤ A roundup of five scenic Western North Carolina drives—featuring waterfalls, mountain views, historic sites, and outdoor stops—includes the Waterfall Byway, Cherohala Skyway, Appalachian Medley, Nantahala Byway, and Blue Ridge Parkway. (See Details)

➤ The NC Chamber announced 30 semifinalists for the “Coolest Thing Made in NC” contest, showcasing diverse products like Texas Pete, Cheerwine, and boats. Daily voting runs through Sept. 12 with a winner announced on Oct. 2. (More)

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Do you buy North Carolina-made products whenever possible?

1. Always
2. I try
3. Sometimes
4. Hardly ever
5. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your hot sauce preference?

1. Somewhere in the middle: 28%
2. Mild and tangy: 23%
3. No hot sauce for me: 23%
4. Scorching hot beyond belief: 14%
5. Other: 12%

What other North Carolina town, along with Nikwasi, is considered a Cherokee “mother town”?

Show me the answer