Unsanitary Conditions Found at Turkey Plants

Federal inspectors found repeated sanitation problems at several North Carolina turkey processing plants in October, including residue on equipment and waste on production floors.

Food-safety experts say inspectors have limited enforcement options, allowing plants to correct issues and continue operating with few consequences.

Prestage Foods, which was cited at its St. Pauls facility, said it quickly addressed the violations and maintains strict food-safety standards.

Christmas Trees Arrive for Troops at Cherry Point

Volunteers at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point unloaded 425 Christmas trees on Friday as part of the 21st annual Trees for Troops program, which provides free trees to active-duty service members and retirees.

The effort, organized by the Christmas Spirit Foundation and FedEx, is one of nearly 100 deliveries to military installations nationwide this season, with more than 18,000 trees distributed and personal messages included from tree farms in Alabama and New York.

Marine families say the gesture helps make the holidays feel closer to home, especially for those recently relocated or far from relatives, as Cherry Point marks its 20th year participating in the program.

Retirees Choose Calabash Over Florida

More Northeastern retirees are relocating to Calabash, drawn by its quieter beaches, lower costs, and a shorter drive back home compared to Florida’s major cities.

Real estate agents say “half-backs”—retirees who first moved to Florida and then halfway back up the coast—are increasingly choosing the Brunswick County coast for its milder climate and fewer crowds.

State migration data shows nearly 40,000 people moved from Florida to North Carolina in 2023, as newcomers cite affordability, community feel, and a more manageable pace of life.

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➤ Charlotte: Police charged a 33-year-old man in a Friday light rail stabbing near North Brevard Street; court records say he was previously deported and is being held without bond. (More)

➤ Onslow County: New details emerged this week about an October incident in Holly Ridge, where wildlife officials say a buck illegally kept in a fenced yard for years charged and gored a woman who was visiting an acquaintance to pick up a table. (More)

➤ Lenoir County: Pink Hill will celebrate its 65th Miss Merry Christmas contest today, continuing a tradition that highlights local teens for service and community spirit. (More)

➤ Central North Carolina: Another round of isolated light snow is possible Monday morning as cold air and limited moisture move in, with some models showing light accumulations. (More)

➤ Statewide: The National Park Service has updated its 2026 fee-free entry days, removing MLK Day and Juneteenth and adding June 14, which is both Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, with free admission now limited to U.S. citizens and residents. (More)

➤ Hickory: A section of 14th Avenue NW will close Dec. 9-10 for tree trimming, with detours in place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. (More)

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➤ No. 17 Virginia forced overtime in the ACC Championship with a last-minute touchdown pass, but Duke sealed the 27-20 upset with an interception on the Cavaliers’ overtime possession. (See Interception)

➤ No. 4 Duke erased a five-point deficit to beat No. 7 Michigan State, 66-60, as Cameron Boozer’s double-double powered the Blue Devils to their fourth top-25 win and the Spartans’ first loss. (Recap) 

➤ Charlotte Hornets star rookie Kon Knueppel is currently posting a 61% true shooting percentage, putting him on pace to break Magic Johnson’s all-time rookie record. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAF | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer | PGA

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➤ A new travel guide highlights 10 standout destinations in the North Carolina mountains—from small-town main streets to waterfalls and high-country trails—offering visitors a quick look at some of the region’s top experiences. (More)

➤ La Grange will host its fourth annual Jingle Mingle today, featuring a Carolina Sound Christmas concert and the town’s holiday tree lighting in the park. (More)

➤ Kings Grant, a tree-lined Wilmington suburb near the Cape Fear River, is highlighted as an overlooked coastal gem with easy access to parks, waterways, and Wrightsville Beach. (More)

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How many winter coats do you own?

1. One
2. Two or more
3. None

Yesterday’s Results:

Did you get a wintry mix or just rain where you live?

1. Rain: 41%
2. Wintry mix: 21%
3. Both: 19%
4. Neither: 19%

What was the largest group of North Carolinians involved in a single military unit during World War II?

Show me the answer