Border Patrol Targets Raleigh

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents began an immigration enforcement operation in Raleigh on Tuesday. The move follows Operation Charlotte’s Web, which resulted in over 200 arrests over the weekend and prompted widespread fear and school absences among Charlotte’s immigrant community.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell announced her awareness of the impending operation on Monday, stating, “While RPD is not involved in immigration enforcement, we are committed to protecting our residents and to following the law.”

Gov. Josh Stein urged agents to target violent criminals only, while Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe asked residents “to refrain from engaging or confronting Border Patrol personnel and allow them to carry out their official duties.” Mayors of nearby cities, as well as local school officials, are also communicating their prioritization of safety with the public.

The Raleigh operation is raising concerns across the Triad that Border Patrol agents may target Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point next, although no such operations have been confirmed.

Hendrick Motorsports Sold 25 SUVs to ICE

Concord-based Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions sold 25 unmodified Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under a contract authorized for $2.25 million, though federal records show the company was paid about $1.5 million, according to documents reviewed by WBTV.

The vehicles are intended to support enforcement, investigations, removals, and visible uniformed operations.

The contract, signed in August, was awarded without competition after ICE cited an “unusual and compelling urgency” for immediate delivery.

Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions, owned by Rick Hendrick, told WBTV the sale was a standard commercial transaction, similar to others it has conducted with federal agencies over the years. The company said it has no control over how the vehicles are used after purchase.

Fire Engulfs Historic Graystone Inn

A massive fire ravaged the historic Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington Friday afternoon, leaving extensive damage to the century-old landmark and a “big hole” in the city’s historic district. No injuries were reported.

The blaze, ruled accidental, started in the basement during construction work. Firefighters from across the city battled the flames for hours before bringing them under control.

The inn’s stone walls remain, though the interior was severely damaged—after years of renovation and just ahead of a planned reopening of the Preston Restaurant, which briefly operated in 2023 before closing due to a kitchen fire.

Built in 1905, the Graystone Inn has served generations as a premier venue for weddings, celebrations, and romantic getaways. 

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➤ Statewide: North Carolina has nearly $3 billion in American Rescue Plan Act COVID-19 funds left untouched by several departments. All unused funds expire on Dec. 31, 2026, and will be returned to the U.S. Treasury. (More)

➤ Avery County: A wildfire burned over 120 acres near Banner Elk amid a red flag warning for extreme fire danger. As of Tuesday morning, it was encircled after threatening six homes, with aircraft and bulldozers assisting firefighters. (See Video)

➤ Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported 20,935 students across its 185 schools were marked absent on Monday, constituting 15% of enrolled students. Officials did not say whether the absences were connected to ongoing immigration operations. (More)

➤ Gaston County: Paramedic Mary Jolly, 27, was fatally struck by a car on Saturday while assisting a crash victim on I-95 in Florida. She died on Monday, and colleagues said her loss will be deeply felt across the organization. (More)

➤ Winston-Salem: A federal three-judge panel will hear arguments today on enjoining North Carolina’s congressional map, which lawmakers defend as lawful partisan gerrymandering under Supreme Court precedent, against plaintiffs’ claims of unconstitutional racial targeting and retaliation in District 1. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Landen Glass was sentenced Monday to 262 days of confinement after pleading guilty to charges including misdemeanor death by motor vehicle for losing control of his truck and fatally striking 11-year-old Hailey Brooks at the 2022 Raleigh Christmas Parade. (More)

➤ Johnston County: Search warrants reveal that the accused Zebulon father, Wellington Dickens III, had a fifth child who died unreported in 2023. Dickens allegedly buried the infant’s body in an unmarked grave behind the home. (More)

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➤ Women’s AP Poll: UNC dropped three spots to No. 14 this week, while NC State dropped six spots to No. 16. Duke took the steepest drop this week, falling from No. 15 out of the Top 25 entirely. (See Poll)

➤ The state of North Carolina sent by far the most teams to the NCAA men’s soccer championship tournament, which kicks off tomorrow. UNC, Duke, High Point, NC State, UNC Greensboro, and Elon all made the cut. (See Bracket)

➤ UNC field hockey defeated Duke to advance to the NCAA Final Four later this week. Despite the Blue Devils’ loss, the semifinal games will take place on Duke’s campus Friday. (More)

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

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➤ The U.S. Department of Agriculture released Phase 2 of its Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, providing payments to farmers for 2023-24 disaster losses not fully covered by insurance. (More)

➤ Charlotte-headquartered Pike, a utility infrastructure engineering and construction firm founded in 1945, has been acquired by TPG and La Caisse from previous owner Lindsay Goldberg in a deal valuing the company at over $5 billion. (More)

➤ Sealed Air, also headquartered in Charlotte, will go private in a $10.3 billion all-cash acquisition by New York-based Clayton Dubilier & Rice, which is paying $42.15 per share—a 41% premium. The deal is expected to close in mid-2026. (More)

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➤ The National Gingerbread House Competition returned to Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn this year after Hurricane Helene canceled last year’s event. Judging took place Monday, and public viewing started yesterday. (See Photos)

➤ Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is closed through Friday to catch up on some necessary operations, but will reopen Saturday. (More)

➤ Martha White, granddaughter of Charlotte’s Web author E.B. White, condemned federal officials for naming an immigration operation in Charlotte after the book because it contradicts the book’s theme and her grandfather’s values. (More)

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At which of these historic North Carolina inns have you stayed?

1. Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville)
2. Green Park Inn (Blowing Rock)
3. Graylyn Estate (Winston-Salem)
4. Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst)
5. Graystone Inn (Wilmington)
6. More than one of them
7. None of them

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever seen a Venus flytrap in person?

1. Yes: 42%
2. No: 31%
3. Not that I’m aware of: 27%

Who was the Graystone Inn built for?

Show me the answer