Violence Concerns Up Among Health Care Workers 

Workplace violence is a growing concern for nurses and hospital staff across the state, with surveys showing nearly half of North Carolina nurses have witnessed violence on the job and more than a quarter have been victims themselves.

Hospital systems including UNC Health, Duke Health, and FirstHealth say they’ve expanded security measures—installing metal detectors, training staff in de-escalation, and creating on-site police departments—to better protect workers.

State lawmakers passed the Hospital Violence Protection Act in 2023, increasing penalties for assaulting health care personnel. Still, nursing leaders say fear and burnout remain high, calling the trend an “epidemic of violence” that threatens the state’s health care workforce.

First Citizens To Expand

Raleigh-based First Citizens Bank is buying 138 branches from Chicago’s BMO Bank in a $5.7 billion deposit deal that spans 11 states from North Dakota to Oregon. The acquisition adds about $1.1 billion in loans and marks the bank’s 20th acquisition in the past decade.

CEO Frank Holding Jr. said the purchase strengthens liquidity and supports long-term growth as the nation’s largest family-controlled bank continues its expansion push. The deal is expected to close mid-2026, pending regulatory approval.

Analysts say the move broadens First Citizens’ reach but creates an “unusual map” for the North Carolina-based lender, which now operates more than 500 branches nationwide following last year’s Silicon Valley Bank acquisition.

College Commissions New Research Vessel

Cape Fear Community College has commissioned an 86-foot research vessel now under construction in Louisiana, built by digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther for the school’s Marine Technology program.

The aluminum vessel will support multi-day research trips throughout the Cape Fear River system and up to 100 nautical miles offshore, with lab space, sleeping quarters, and a stern platform for divers.

CFCC President Jim Morton said the project is an investment in the program’s future, giving students a world-class platform for hands-on maritime training when the ship launches in 2026.

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➤ Statewide: Thousands across North Carolina joined the “No Kings” protests, rallying in cities including Raleigh, Durham, Clayton, and Charlotte. (More)

➤ Wake County: A power dip at the NC State Fair left riders stranded 100 feet in the air on The Vertigo swing ride Thursday night, which officials blamed on a low-voltage issue. No injuries were reported. (See Video)

➤ Raleigh: An e-bike caught fire in a home’s garage on Thomas Road early Saturday, damaging the structure but leaving all occupants unharmed. (More)

➤ Western North Carolina: NOAA’s Winter Outlook predicts a warmer, drier season ahead for western North Carolina, with below-average snowfall likely to disappoint ski resorts and snow lovers alike. (More)

➤ Transylvania County: A former Cold War spy station in Rosman—now home to the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute—is on the market for $30 million. The site spans 192 acres. (More) 

➤ Buncombe County: A husband and wife were found dead Thursday at their home on Noble Road in Fairview. Deputies say there’s no threat to the public as the investigation continues. (More) 

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➤ The Carolina Panthers hit the road today to play the 0-6 New York Jets as they look to go on a three-game winning streak for the first time under former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. (See Preview)

➤ Duke outgained No. 12 Georgia Tech 441-376, but the Yellow Jackets capitalized on a 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown and a fourth-quarter surge for a 27-18 win over the Blue Devils. (Recap)

➤ Appalachian State led Coastal Carolina 31-17 in the third quarter, but the Chanticleers scored 28 second-half points to win 45-37 in Boone. (Recap)

➤ UNC narrowly lost to ACC foe Cal on Friday night, 21-18, after its late comeback attempt fell short. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NHL | NCAAF | Soccer | Tennis | LPGA

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➤ PopUp Bagels has opened its first North Carolina shop at The Bowl at Ballantyne in Charlotte. The New York chain is known for its “rip-and-dip” bagels and rotating schmears. (More) 

➤ The Blue Ridge Conservancy is buying 73 acres on Howard Knob in Boone, opening the mountain’s north and east sides for public hiking and climbing by year’s end. (More)

➤ The Turchin Center at Appalachian State University is accepting submissions for the 23rd Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition, themed “I Know Why the Mockingbird Sings.” Entries close Nov. 20. (More)

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Do you prefer fall leaf-peeping in the Great Smoky Mountains or the Blue Ridge Mountains?

1. Great Smoky Mountains
2. Blue Ridge Mountains
3. Other
4. Don’t like leaf-peeping

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your perfect outdoor temperature range?

1. 71-73 degrees: 32%
2. 68-70 degrees: 25%
3. 65-67 degrees: 22%
4. Other: 21%

What was the first ride at the North Carolina State Fair?

Show me the answer