Stein Launches Western NC Tourism Initiative

Gov. Josh Stein launched “Rediscover the Unforgettable,” a tourism initiative that targets hurricane-ravaged Western North Carolina, during a press conference at Asheville Regional Airport on Monday. 

The campaign encourages visitors to enjoy the region’s attractions, hiking trails, shops, and restaurants. “Whether it’s unforgettable landscapes, adventures, food, or crafts, Western North Carolina has so many incredible things to offer people,” Stein said. A new website provides details on the initiative.

The governor and First Lady Anna Stein are spending the week exploring the area and have already visited Catawba Falls, Old Fort, and the River Arts District.

Despite Hurricane Helene’s impact on tourism in Western North Carolina, it remains a booming industry, with travelers spending over $36.7 billion across the state during 2024, up from $35.6 billion the previous year.

Medicaid Audit Reveals Patient Safety Issues

North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek released an audit of the state’s Medicaid program on July 10 that revealed four findings auditors say threaten patient safety.

First, auditors found that some disciplined Medicaid providers, including those with suspended licenses or non-practice agreements, continued to receive payments and were not removed from the system due to a policy change.

Second, auditors found Medicaid kept providers with license limitations enrolled, increasing patient safety risks.

Third, the division improved credential checks but failed to verify Drug Enforcement Agency certifications, with nine of 63 disciplined providers lacking proof of certification.

Fourth, auditors found the division failed to corroborate ownership information of providers, risking owners bypassing background checks. Read the audit here.

Daimler Truck to Lay off 573 NC Workers

Daimler Truck North America will lay off 573 workers at its Mount Holly plant in Gaston County beginning Friday due to an 18% slump in North American sales amid economic and trade policy uncertainty.

The company notified North Carolina officials of the upcoming layoffs under the WARN Act, citing a reduced build rate and sustained decline in orders. Employees who are laid off will remain on the payroll through Sept. 9.

A company spokesperson said the layoffs, which primarily impact truck assemblers, are “expected to be temporary,” with the duration unknown.

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➤ Robeson County: The names of an all-Republican North Carolina Court of Appeals panel that, in April, blocked the certification of Democrat Allen Dial as the winner of the 2023 Pembroke mayoral race over unaffiliated incumbent Greg Cummings have now been released. (See Details)

➤ Wake County: Libertarian voter Susan Hogarth—who ran unsuccessfully for Senate District 13 in 2024—joined election officials and the county’s district attorney in filing motions to resolve a federal lawsuit challenging North Carolina’s “ballot selfie” ban without a trial. (More)

➤ Charlotte-Mecklenburg: Police took two suspects into custody Monday following a Sunday morning shootout in Uptown that fatally wounded Encore Nightclub bartender Arleigh Bryant, 37. (More)

➤ Asheboro: North Carolina Zoo CEO and Director Pat Simmons passed away Monday after losing a five-year battle with cancer. Simmons had been with the zoo since 2015 and served on several prominent zoo boards. (More)

➤ Raleigh: The State Bureau of Investigation arrested Valentin Virlizanu, one of two brothers who allegedly ran a multimillion-dollar money laundering scheme involving the sale of antique cars online. The SBI is requesting the public’s help in locating the other brother, Vasile Virlizanu. (More)

➤ Apex: Resident Matthew Privette is suing AT&T after he severely injured his leg by stepping through an unsecured in-ground fiber optics box while trimming his hedges. (More)

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➤ Cullowhee native Cal Raleigh, who plays for the Seattle Mariners, won the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby Monday night, becoming the first North Carolinian to win the event. (More)

➤ Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed for a restraining order and injunction to retain their NASCAR charters for 2025, claiming that NASCAR plans to resell the charters amid an ongoing antitrust lawsuit over its charter system. (More)

➤ The Dallas Mavericks have shut down former Duke superstar Cooper Flagg for the remainder of the NBA summer league, meaning fans likely won’t see him play again until fall. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

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➤ Ballantyne Tower, a nine-story, 260,958-square-foot office building in Charlotte, sold for $71.5 million. Located near I-485, it features high-end amenities like a fitness center, rooftop terrace, and cafeteria. (More)

➤ Greensboro law firm Brooks Pierce announced plans to open an office in Charlotte for the first time in its 128-year history. The firm also has offices in Raleigh and Wilmington. (More)

➤ Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh lost its accreditation after final arbitration but plans to file a lawsuit, regain accreditation, and hold virtual classes in fall 2025. (More)

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➤ The Ocracoke Historic Home Tour returns Friday, Nov. 28, for the first time since Hurricane Dorian impacted the area in 2019. A daylong celebration will include a parade of boats and a live performance by the Ocrafolk Opry. (More)

➤ Crews began working overnight Monday to repave six parking areas and a 7-mile stretch of Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park between mileposts 20.90 and 27.90. The project should wrap up by Sept. 30. (More)

➤ A state law that took effect July 1 allows residents to rent out private pools as long as they meet certain safety standards, such as testing and maintaining chemical levels, installing safety signage and life-saving equipment, and surrounding the pool with a fence. (Learn More and View Bill)

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Would you take a selfie with your ballot on election day?

1. No way
2. I might, carefully
3. I already have
4. I don’t take selfies

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever stayed at a bed and breakfast?

1. Yes, loved it: 35%
2. Not yet: 24%
3. No, too intimate: 21%
4. Yes, didn’t love it: 20%

What historical trail is the North Carolina Zoo’s Purgatory Trail a part of?

Show me the answer