NC Employers Make Forbes ‘Best Employers’ Lists

Forbes released its 2026 lists of America’s Best Large Employers and Best Midsize Employers, with several North Carolina companies and universities earning national recognition. Compiled from surveys of more than 217,000 U.S. employees, the rankings feature companies that excel in employee satisfaction, benefits, work environment, and career advancement.

On the large employers list, made up of 700 companies with more than 5,000 employees, the top 100 included Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem at No. 59, FirstHealth of the Carolinas in Pinehurst at No. 69, and Bank of America in Charlotte at No. 81.

In the midsize category, made up of 500 companies with 1,000 to 5,000 employees, the top 100 included Epic Games in Cary at No. 17, Appalachian State University in Boone at No. 31, and Western Carolina University in Cullowhee at No. 42.

You can also view all North Carolina companies that made Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best-In-State Companies list by selecting “North Carolina” at this link.

Trump and First Lady to Visit Fort Bragg Friday

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are set to visit Fort Bragg in Fayetteville tomorrow to honor special forces members who participated in the operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Jan. 3.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that both the president and first lady are “greatly looking forward to this visit” to recognize the soldiers’ role in the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest. The event is scheduled to begin at 1:20 p.m., and they will also meet with the special forces members’ families.

The trip marks at least the president’s second visit to the base since reclaiming office in 2025.

James Van Der Beek Dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, the actor who starred as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, died at the age of 48 on Wednesday after revealing he had stage 3 colorectal cancer in late 2024.

The star of the late-1990s teen drama, which was filmed in Wilmington, publicly shared his diagnosis. He appeared virtually at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event last September.

Van Der Beek’s portrayal of Dawson defined an era of coming-of-age television, turning him into a household name alongside co-stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. He also starred in the films Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

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➤ Statewide: Officials warned the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology on Feb. 5 that North Carolina faces more than 10 billion attempted cyberattacks per month and is underprepared to manage them due to expanded policy exemptions, limited recurring funding, and reduced centralized oversight. (More)

➤ Statewide: North Carolina joined the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Operation SafeDRIVE Jan. 13-15, targeting illegal trucking. The effort removed nearly 2,000 unqualified drivers and vehicles nationwide, with state-specific results expected in the coming weeks. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Officials announced potential measles exposure at four locations on Feb. 5, including O2 Fitness, Everbowl, and two Harris Teeter stores. Potential exposure was also reported at a Walgreens on Feb. 6. (See Details)

➤ Charlotte: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department rebranded its Uptown crime initiative from Operation Safe Season to Operation Queen City Safe. The operation has resulted in 17 arrests, 14 firearms seized, and 1,478 grams of narcotics confiscated. (More)

➤ Macon County: Overnight rain on Tuesday helped crews reach 90% containment on the 230-acre Winding Stairs Alpha Fire in Nantahala National Forest near U.S. 64 as of Wednesday morning. Firefighters reinforced lines, and the cause remains under investigation. (More)

➤ Winston-Salem: Nonprofit Project Space 411 announced the development of Second Serving Studios, a new culinary media production facility, and launched a $3.8 million capital campaign to position the city as a culinary media hub. (More)

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➤ North Carolina’s gambling helpline saw nearly an 80% increase in calls within six months of legalizing online sports betting in 2024. (More)

➤ NC State’s planned home-and-home football series against South Carolina has been canceled following the SEC’s move to a nine-game conference schedule. (More)

➤ The North Carolina Courage signed midfielder Ashley Sanchez to a contract through 2027. (More)

➤ The Brunswick County Special Olympics basketball team qualified for the USA Games and will compete in 5-on-5 basketball in Minnesota in June. Training focuses on passing, dribbling, and rules. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Olympics | NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer 

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➤ Duke Energy reported nearly $5 billion in 2025 net income, up 9.8%, and $32.24 billion in total operating revenue on Tuesday. The company is seeking North Carolina regulators’ approval for a $1 billion increase in annual revenue that would raise residential bills by $17 to $30 a month. (More)

➤ Charlotte-based cryptocurrency firm FG Nexus announced a 1-for-5 reverse stock split expected to take effect Friday. The move is intended to boost its share price and attract institutional investors after the stock lost more than 90% of its value over the past year. (More)

➤ Rob Belk, heir to the Belk department store family, acquired Greensboro-based marketing agency Sales Factory and assumed the role of CEO. Former CEO Ged King will transition to chief revenue officer and equity partner. (More)

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➤ Contender, a 14-foot, nearly 1,700-pound great white shark—the largest male ever tagged by OCEARCH in the Western North Atlantic—pinged on Feb. 8 about 45 miles southeast of Cape Fear near Wilmington after spending much of January swimming along Florida’s coast. (See Photo)

➤ Winston-Salem’s Graylyn Estate, established in 1932, was named to the 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal list for its sunset bridge views, courtyard fountains, and personalized packages. (See List)

➤ Three North Carolina restaurants made USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list: Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in Asheville, known for its slow-cooked meats; Luminosa in Asheville, which serves Italian-Appalachian fusion dishes; and manna in Wilmington, which offers elevated Southern fare. (See List)

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Will you vote in the upcoming North Carolina primary?

1. Yes, on March 3
2. Yes, during early voting
3. I’ll try
4. Probably not

Yesterday’s Results:

How do you like your pizza?

1. One or two toppings: 32%
2. Load it up with toppings: 29%
3. Just cheese, please: 14%
4. Other: 13%
5. I don’t like pizza: 12%

What sports are North Carolina athletes competing in at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy?

Show me the answer