Saturday, March 14, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1862, after the Union’s victory in the Battle of New Bern, town officials surrendered the city to Brig. Gen. Ambrose Burnside. He and roughly 11,000 troops entered the city amid flames after retreating Confederate forces set fire to warehouses and ammunition in anticipation of the “Yankees” taking over New Bern.

Guilford County is set to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a kickoff event aimed at bringing the community together around local history. See all the details in today’s Et Cetera section.

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Vance Visits Rocky Mount

Vice President JD Vance visited Rocky Mount on Friday to deliver a speech focused on the economy, discussing tariffs, taxes, and their impact on North Carolina.

The speech, held at the Power House, emphasized President Trump’s goal of “rebuilding the American Dream”. Vance cited declines in rent prices and average tax refunds of $3,700 for North Carolinians. He also said that American companies can expect tax cuts while foreign companies can expect increased tariffs.

He also backed Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley and questioned Democrat nominee Roy Cooper’s handling of violent crime while he was governor of North Carolina.

When asked about Iran and rising gas prices, Vance said the president doesn’t want higher oil prices but believes confronting Iran will ultimately make Americans safer and lower gas prices.

Former Deputy Pleads Guilty to COVID Scheme

Former Robeson County sheriff’s deputy Ricky McMillian and his family have pleaded guilty to stealing more than $540,000 in fraudulent COVID-19 loans.

Ricky, along with his wife Erica and two adult sons, Dwayne and Derian, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The McMillian family submitted five false loan applications for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program for four Robeson County businesses. They also submitted false tax forms and bank statements.

They’re required to repay the money, along with a $1 million fine, and they face a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

Jewish Leaders Respond to MI Attack

Jewish leaders around the state are reacting to the targeted attack against a synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Rabbi Yossi Groner of Charlotte, whose wife is from Michigan, says the attack hits close to home and that many people may be surprised by how much the Jewish community has invested in security.

Rabbi Mitchell Levine of Asheville also spoke about increasing security as well as education. “Part of the answer [to antisemitism] is education. We have to educate people, we have to talk to people.”

Rabbi Andy Koren of Greensboro immediately called the attack an act of antisemitism and encouraged the Jewish community to stand strong together.

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➤ Statewide: The American Meteor Society is asking witnesses to report sightings after more than 50 people saw a likely meteor fireball Thursday night across Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. (More)

➤ Also statewide: North Carolina is among 26 states selected by the FAA for electric vertical takeoff and landing craft training because of its proximity to medical facilities and potential emergency supply deliveries. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Local businesses expect a sales boost during the 2026 ACC men’s basketball tournament after last year’s event generated $33.8 million in visitor spending. (More)

➤ Wilmington: Authorities recovered an inactive Stinger missile training device from a New Hanover County yard as federal officials investigate how it ended up there. (More)

➤ Cary: Residents questioned town leaders on Thursday about a reported ICE office planned near Koka Booth Amphitheatre and ongoing investigations tied to the firing of former town manager Sean Stegall. (More)

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➤ Duke freshman Cameron Boozer earned Sporting News National Player of the Year honors after leading the ACC in scoring and rebounding while posting one of the most statistically dominant seasons in college basketball. (More)

➤ North Carolina fell 80-79 to Clemson in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, missing a last second shot and extending the Tar Heels’ drought without a conference tournament title to 10 years. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes added three minority partners to their ownership group, including former NHL player Bobby Farnham, while Tom Dundon retains majority control of the franchise. (More)

➤ David Tepper, who owns the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, was ranked as the 10th-richest sports owner in the world. He’s worth $23.7 billion. (More)

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➤ Feel Better Friends, a Pittsboro nonprofit, gives children with disabilities custom crocheted dolls resembling them, helping kids feel seen and included. (More)

➤ Guilford County begins its yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday with reenactments of the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Guilford Courthouse and Battle of New Garden, plus living history demonstrations and vendors. (More)

➤ The owner of Page’s Country Store in Rockingham County spent three decades collecting antiques to recreate a 1930s-era shop on his property, filled with restored gas pumps, vintage goods, and nostalgic displays. (More)

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