Fort Bragg Troops to Deploy to the Middle East

Fort Bragg troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in the coming days, once orders are finalized. The deployment will consist of at least 1,000 soldiers, including a battalion from the 1st Brigade Combat Team and division commander Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier.

The elite paratroopers specialize in rapid-response and forcible- entry parachute assaults to secure key objectives. A brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division is constantly on standby as an Immediate Response Force, able to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

The move comes as the U.S. and Iran remain in conflict, even as President Trump pursues a negotiated resolution. White House officials say Trump has military options available while envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, work toward a deal. Iran has denied direct talks.

Berger Concedes to Page

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger conceded Tuesday to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page in the Republican primary for District 26 after recounts confirmed Page’s narrow 23-vote victory.

The machine and hand recounts in Guilford and Rockingham counties produced no changes, solidifying the upset in one of the state’s closest and most watched races. Berger, who has led the Senate since 2011, congratulated Page and pledged to support Republican candidates and protect the party’s supermajority.

Page thanked Berger for his service and called for unity ahead of the November general election against Democrat Steve Luking in the safely Republican district.

Berger will finish his term through year’s end, and a new Senate leader will likely be chosen after the election.

AG Targets Fentanyl Money Laundering

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced on Monday that he is targeting money-laundering operations that move billions of dollars through WeChat and its Chinese counterpart, Weixin.

Jackson, joined by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general, previously secured enforceable commitments from WeChat to improve cooperation with law enforcement and make its encrypted spaces more resistant to illicit transactions.

Despite progress with WeChat, traffickers continue exploiting WeiXin, which requires a mainland China phone number for registration but operates beyond U.S. jurisdiction. The coalition sent a letter to President Trump urging federal intervention to pressure the Chinese government and regulate these platforms.

In 2025, nearly 80% of overdose deaths in Mecklenburg County were confirmed fentanyl-related.

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➤ Southeast: The National Hurricane Center will introduce an updated forecast cone for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, adding inland watches and warnings for tropical storms and hurricanes to help communities prepare earlier. (More)

➤ Statewide: North Carolina House Republicans are demanding Attorney General Jeff Jackson and DHHS Secretary Devdutta Sangvai testify on April 16 over alleged failures to address Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse. (More)

➤ Mecklenburg County: North Carolina Turnpike Authority officials report that weekday usage of the newly opened I-485 Express Lanes has nearly doubled initial projections, averaging 18,000 transactions and 7,500 unique vehicles per day. (More)

➤ Charlotte: The FBI identified longtime fugitive John Anthony Quinn, who died in Asheville in December 2025, as the suspect in a 1988 Florida vault theft of $1.3 million. (More)

➤ Raleigh: A bomb threat prompted the evacuation and closure of the federal courthouse on New Bern Avenue on Wednesday, with dozens of police officers responding to the scene. (More)

➤ Mitchell County: A wildfire north of Poplar in Mitchell County has burned about 125 acres near the Tennessee state line and is roughly 20% contained, with NC 197 closed for firefighting operations, including aircraft support. (See Map and More)

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➤ Three international soccer teams will call North Carolina home during this year’s FIFA World Cup: Germany will be stationed at Wake Forest, Scotland will be in Charlotte, and Norway will set up shop in Greensboro. (More)

➤ Top contenders to become UNC’s next men’s basketball coach include Florida’s Todd Golden, Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, and Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens withdrew from consideration for North Carolina’s head coaching job, opting to remain in the NBA after his tenure as Butler’s coach. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Brazilian manufacturer TSEA Energy will build its first U.S. factory in Rockingham County, investing $25 million in a 160,000-square-foot plant expected to create 160 jobs averaging $66,554 annually. (More)

➤ Epic Games laid off 1,000 workers on Tuesday, citing declining Fortnite engagement, spending that outpaced revenue, and the need for significant cost cuts to stabilize the Cary-based company. (More)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets remain committed to developing a larger entertainment district around the Spectrum Center, with their new Novant Health Performance Center serving as the first phase of the retail and commercial project. (See Rendering)

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➤ Duke University students saved Puppy Kindergarten after its grant funding ended. They created the Duke Puppy Club, partnering with Eyes Ears Nose and Paws to train service dogs for people with disabilities. (See Photos)

➤ The remains of World War II Marine Pfc. Luther “Dusty” Rhodes, killed Oct. 7, 1942, in the South Pacific, arrived on Tuesday at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport for burial in Henderson County. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, National World War II Museum historian Chandler Stark recorded interviews with five North Carolina veterans, including 103-year-old Clyde Church of Kannapolis, preserving their stories for the museum’s archives. (More and Watch Interview)

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How do you feel about tolled express lanes?

1. I use them all the time
2. I use them only when necessary
3. Wish we didn’t have them
4. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Would you approve of North Carolina getting rid of its state income tax?

1. Yes: 60%
2. Not sure: 23%
3. No: 17%

What does the “AA” arm patch worn by all 82nd Airborne soldiers stand for?

Show me the answer