Duke Deploys AED Deliveries by Drone

Duke University researchers have launched a groundbreaking clinical trial within a 4.5-mile radius in Forsyth County, deploying drones to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during real 911 calls for cardiac arrest.

This first-of-its-kind program in the U.S., led by cardiologist Dr. Monique Starks, dispatches drones alongside traditional emergency medical services (EMS) to expedite access to the lifesaving devices. Bystanders receive guidance from 911 operators to use the AED upon delivery.

The initiative targets the critical time gap in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, where, according to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 occur nationwide each year, with survival rates below 10%.

The drones fly directly—unhindered by traffic—at speeds up to 40 mph, aiming to deliver the AEDs in under 4 minutes, compared to the typical 6 to 10 minutes for EMS arrival. Researchers hope the findings will help expand the approach nationwide.

Court Program Fights Human Trafficking

A Cumberland County court program that provides support to survivors of human trafficking has helped more than 100 survivors through individualized mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and long-term assistance.

The court-led initiative is called WORTH, which stands for We Overcome Recidivism Through Healing, and is presided over by Judge Toni King. WORTH has served survivors ages 14 to 57 throughout the county—considered a hotspot for trafficking—who have experienced coercion, force, and abuse.

WORTH’s goal is to reduce recidivism and foster independence among participants, who receive comprehensive clinical assessments and personalized plans to address trauma and barriers to recovery.

January is recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with a series of events taking place to raise public awareness. The first event is scheduled for Thursday in Fayetteville. Read more details here.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Adds 18 New Cars

The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte unveiled the sixth edition of the iconic Glory Road exhibit on Saturday, adding 18 new historic racecars under the theme Glory Road: Owners.

The display, refreshed every three years, spotlights team owners who shaped NASCAR from its origins to modern championships and showcases vehicles from 1937 through 2025 across seven manufacturers and six racing series.

The collection includes cars linked to Hall of Fame inductees such as Roger Penske (2022 Ford Mustang), Richard Childress (2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo), Rick Hendrick (2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo), and Junior Johnson (1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo).

View photos of and details about each car on display here.

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➤ Statewide: North Carolina’s 2026 primary election, marking the first use of a new congressional map, is set for March 3. The mailing of absentee ballots started yesterday, and early in-person voting starts Feb. 12. (More)

➤ 12 Counties: The North Carolina State Board of Elections will meet today to decide on disputed early voting plans for 12 non-unanimous counties ahead of the March primary: Alamance, Brunswick, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Greene, Guilford, Harnett, Jackson, Madison, Pitt, and Wayne. (More)

➤ Cary: Residents are demanding answers, with some calling for town leadership resignations, as state and internal investigations continue into the town’s finances. The probes were triggered by controversial spending and land purchases that led to the town manager’s resignation in December. (More)

➤ High Point: Firefighters rescued a driver early Saturday after his vehicle went off the I-85 northbound bridge near Riverdale Drive and plunged into the Deep River. Crews found the driver sitting safely on the bridge. No other occupants were involved. (More)

➤ Orange County: The trial of 21-year-old Issiah Mehki Ross for the 2022 first-degree murders of 14-year-old Lyric Woods and 18-year-old Devin Clark began Monday. Ross rejected a plea deal for second-degree murder with 20 years per count, served consecutively. Jury selection starts today. (More)

➤ Morehead City: More than 500 residents signed a petition against Project Grander at Mitchell Village Park on Saturday, pushing the total to more than 1,600 signatures opposing the sale of four city parks to fund a waterfront redevelopment. (More)

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➤ Men’s Basketball AP Poll: UNC rose three spots to No. 14 this week, while Duke held steady at No. 6. (See Poll)

➤ The Carolina Panthers announced they’re extending defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s contract. Head coach Dave Canales said there’s a “100% chance” Evero will be with the team in 2026, despite interest from the Falcons and Raiders for head coaching roles. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu ruptured his patellar tendon in the Panthers’ playoff loss over the weekend, putting his 2026 availability in jeopardy. (More)

➤ Former Miami wide receiver Ny Carr signed with Wake Forest over the weekend. A former top-70 recruit, Carr has three seasons of eligibility remaining. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ The North Carolina Supreme Court issued a temporary stay on an Appeals Court ruling that allowed Rhode Island-based Textron to be sued in North Carolina over an Arkansas aircraft accident—a decision critics warn could fundamentally transform state personal jurisdiction law for businesses. (More)

➤ Macy’s will close its Triangle Town Center store in Raleigh, the company confirmed, leaving its Crabtree Valley Mall location as the city’s only remaining store. A closing date wasn’t provided. (More)

➤ North Carolina ski resorts, still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s widespread damage that deterred tourists last season despite good snow, now face additional challenges from staff shortages. They hope heavy snowfall this winter will spark a comeback. (More)

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Real Estate Is “Too Cheap to Ignore”

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➤ Waynesville native and X Games silver medalist Zeb Powell launched his 2026 Pop Out Tour this week. He’s teaming up with Alex Caccamo and friends for demos, hot laps, and park sessions at Cataloochee today, Beech Mountain Wednesday, and Appalachian Ski Mountain Friday. (More)

➤ Chowhound ranked North Carolina-based Krispy Kreme doughnuts, including several new flavors, from worst to best. Top honors went to the original glazed cake (No. 1), original glazed lemon-filled (No. 2), and original glazed cinnamon roll (No. 3). (See Rankings)

➤ The 13th Annual Gymnastics Gala concluded Sunday at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, drawing around 1,600 young gymnasts and delivering a major economic boost to the region. (See Photos)

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Have you been to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not yet
4. Not gonna happen

Yesterday’s Results:

Should the U.S. Department of Agriculture have removed “moderation” from the dietary guidelines on alcohol?

1. No: 35%
2. Yes: 33%
3. Not sure: 32%

What department store was converted to Macy’s, marking the company’s expansion into North Carolina?

Show me the answer