NC Reacts to Charlie Kirk’s Death

North Carolina leaders, students, and businesses are reacting to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Gov. Josh Stein called the act “senseless,” while Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd offered prayers as the suspect remains at large.

NC State Turning Point USA members expressed shock and grief over the conservative advocate’s death, calling him a hero and mentor. Chapter members painted tributes in the Free Expression Tunnel and held a vigil for Kirk at Talley Student Union on Thursday night.

Duke and Durham community members held a vigil mourning Kirk on Wednesday night, condemning political violence and urging civil discourse and unity.

In Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers reportedly fired communications staffer Charlie Rock for posting a controversial comment on social media about Kirk’s death. The post, referencing Kirk’s 2023 Second Amendment comments, went viral and led to Rock’s dismissal.

More FEMA Funds Released for Helene Recovery

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced $12 million in FEMA grants Tuesday for North Carolina communities recovering from Hurricane Helene, targeting infrastructure and disaster resilience.

The grants follow a broader $322 million FEMA commitment, with $161 million disbursed since July 14.

Western North Carolina leaders, including Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, reported delays in federal reimbursements, with funds delayed in the office of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for expenditures over $100,000, impacting projects like Asheville’s $11 million water filtration system.

Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) criticized DHS for delays in delivering the reimbursements, calling the process slow and demanding that authority be delegated to speed up payments.

Durham Becomes a ‘4th Amendment Workplace’

Durham’s City Council voted unanimously to declare Durham a “Fourth Amendment Workplace” on Sept. 2, directing staff not to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents without a judicial warrant.

The resolution was prompted by the progressive activist group Siembra NC and an ICE appearance at the Durham County Courthouse.

Supporters view the declaration as upholding constitutional rights, but critics, including the NC Center for Constitutional Law, call it a sanctuary policy that obstructs federal immigration enforcement, fosters mistrust in law enforcement, and lacks legal grounding.

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➤ Charlotte: Gov. Josh Stein said he welcomes working with the legislature to address systemic gaps following the murder of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail. He emphasized the need for enhanced law enforcement and mental health resources. (More)

➤ Nags Head: Dare County approved $3.34 million to build a boardwalk at the Soundside Event Site featuring a half-mile concrete walkway, a pergola, seven boat slips, a gazebo, and wildlife panels. Completion is expected in spring 2026. (More)

➤ Winston-Salem: North Carolina’s Local Government Commission voted to hire an outside firm to conduct an internal controls audit of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System after a state audit revealed a $46 million budget deficit. (More)

➤ Greensboro: The North Carolina Folk Festival will take place downtown this weekend, featuring music, crafts, food, and cultural performances. The event is expected to generate $20–$30 million in local economic impact. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Dorothea Dix Park will undergo major upgrades, including new trails, art, community gardens, and a music festival deal. Demolition and renovations start in 2026, with costs estimated between $90 and $120 million. (More)

➤ Jacksonville: An elderly fisherman who fell into alligator-infested waters at Wilson Bay Park after a guardrail broke was rescued by good Samaritan Julian Santiago. (Watch Report)

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➤ NC State quarterback CJ Bailey threw three touchdowns in the Wolfpack’s 34-24 victory over Wake Forest last night. (More)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets quietly canceled this season’s Sports Betting Night against the Miami Heat after fans pointed out the irony that Terry Rozier—under FBI investigation related to gambling and a former Hornets player—was scheduled to return with Miami on that same night. (More)

➤ No. 18 Wake Forest women’s soccer beat the Miami Hurricanes 3-1 to open conference play on Wednesday night. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NCAAF | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Golf

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➤ Duke Health announced Wednesday that Dr. Craig Albanese, CEO of Duke University Health System since 2023, will resign at the end of September to become president of Kaiser Permanente. An interim leader will be appointed until his successor is named. (More)

➤ Cape Hatteras National Seashore recorded 1,559,175 visitors through July 2025, on pace with recent years. The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry transported 109,884 vehicles, and the Ocracoke passenger ferry saw its highest May-July ridership since 2022. (More)

➤ UNC-Chapel Hill’s $110 million dorm project for 700 students reportedly shocked trustees due to its $300,000 per-room cost. Rising regulations, durable design, and competitive amenities are driving the escalating construction expenses. (More)

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➤ Monopoly: Raleigh Edition will launch in 2026, spotlighting the city’s landmarks, destinations, and events. Gamemaker Top Trumps USA is asking residents to suggest places for the game board via email or Instagram using the hashtag #MonopolyRaleigh. (More)

➤ The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau landed on a list of seven travel experts’ favorite Southern getaways thanks to its historic charm, cozy mountain living, hiking, fishing, and food and wine scene. (See List)

➤ NC State researchers identified a gene mutation in golden retrievers linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a deadly heart disease, potentially improving early detection, prevention, and understanding of the condition in both dogs and humans. (More)

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Which of these board games is your favorite?

1. Monopoly
2. Clue
3. Risk
4. Candy Land
5. I don’t like board games
6. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Should more colleges offer three-year degrees?

1. Why not: 29%
2. Need to learn more: 22%
3. Don’t really care: 18%
4. Not sure: 17%
5. Other: 14%

Which North Carolina area is considered the “Yosemite of the East”?

Show me the answer