Judge Sanctions AG for Court Violations

A federal judge sanctioned the North Carolina Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Jeff Jackson, for repeated violations of court rules by its Public Safety Section.

In a 43-page order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Numbers criticized the section’s persistent disregard for federal judiciary authority by ignoring orders, missing deadlines, and filing “baseless” motions to “unnecessarily” delay trials.

Sanctions include admonishment, co-signed filings for a year, referral of attorney Sonya Calloway-Durham to the state bar, and a report from Jackson addressing the deficiencies.

Jackson has not addressed the federal sanctions, issued amid reports that the North Carolina Supreme Court may examine his authority to pursue environmental lawsuits against DuPont and Chemours, who argue his actions encroach on the Department of Environmental Quality’s jurisdiction.

DMV Online License Renewals Spike

North Carolina’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports a surge in online license renewals, with over 18,000 completed in two weeks since Senate Bill 245 was signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein.

The bill allows second consecutive online renewals for REAL ID and non-REAL ID licenses, easing DMV office traffic by over two days’ worth of visits.

Teens can soon upgrade provisional licenses online, with 400,000 annual transactions expected to shift online.

Calling it a “game-changer for North Carolinians who value convenience and efficiency,” Commissioner Paul Tine highlighted reduced wait times through new queuing systems, certified driving school tests, and new scanners that boost efficiency by 100,000 transactions yearly. Staffing improvements include filling 95% of examiner roles.

NC College Applications Free This Week

North Carolina’s College Application Week, which runs through Oct. 26, allows in-state students to apply to most public universities and all community colleges, along with many private institutions, for free.

The initiative encourages early applications to align with scholarship deadlines and provide more time for enrollment decisions.

Students must create a College for North Carolina account to apply, using a personal email. Students can also submit transcripts directly via the application system, and it’s advised that they consult school counselors for guidance on programs and college choices.

View a list of participating colleges and universities here.

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➤ Statewide: The Senate approved a new congressional map on Monday to secure an additional Republican seat for 2026, which would shift the balance to 11-3. It now moves to the House, and can’t be vetoed or blocked by the governor. (More)

➤ Rocky Mount will lay off just over 10% of its full-time workforce—around 100 employees—due to ongoing budget cuts, but says it will maintain essential services and support affected workers. (More)

➤ Durham: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued an arrest detainer for Werner Orosco-Clemente, a Guatemalan citizen accused of fatally hitting a 61-year-old Durham man while driving under the influence, after being deported in 2020. (More)

➤ Charlotte: The Charlotte Chess Center announced Monday that Chess Grandmaster and commentator Daniel Naroditsky, 29, unexpectedly passed away. The prominent player had lived in Charlotte since 2020. (More)

➤ Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain open through Nov. 2 thanks to funding from Friends of the Smokies, Tennessee, local counties, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and nearby cities. (More)

➤ Pisgah National Forest’s Davidson River Campground will close from November through May for bathhouse upgrades funded by the Great America Outdoors Act. Alternative sites include the Lake Powhatan and North Mills River campgrounds. (More)

➤ UNC-Chapel Hill announced that innovation efforts generated $8 billion in economic impact, with $1.55 billion in research expenditures. Commercialization metrics rose over 20%, boosting 682 startups, 79% of which are in North Carolina. (More)

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➤ The Charlotte Hornets kick off the NBA season at home tonight as five-point favorites against the Brooklyn Nets. (More)

➤ Charlotte unveiled the revamped Spectrum Center yesterday morning, which received a $245 million renovation thanks to its tourism tax. The new stadium will feature more concession items, seating, and suites as part of the facelift. (More)

➤ The North Carolina Courage will play Gotham FC on Nov. 2, as part of the National Women’s Soccer League’s Decision Day matchup. The game could make or break the Courage’s playoff hopes. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAF | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Greensboro submitted certificates of need on Oct. 15 for two 24/7 freestanding emergency departments, to be constructed on Church Street and S. Elm-Eugene Street. (More)

➤ Jewelers Mutual opened a 31,000-square-foot Raleigh office with 50 employees focused on enhancing digital and analytic capabilities. The company plans to create 200 high-paying jobs over the next five years. (More)

➤ Charlotte’s Bar-B-Q King, in business since 1959, will close on Nov. 1 due to the sale of its land. (More)

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Harvard scientists just revealed prostate growth isn’t caused by age or testosterone—but by a thick, chalky sludge clogging your prostate like limestone in an old pipe. This buildup wraps around your bladder and urethra, causing weak dribbles, constant urges, and sleepless nights.

Fortunately, a Kentucky doctor discovered a 15-second method to flush it out naturally. Watch how here.

➤ The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island successfully released 13 rehabilitated sea turtles this summer with nicknames like Cheesecake, Hot Tamale, Queen Anne’s Revenge, and Teacup. (More)

➤ North Carolina is ranked No. 33 among U.S. states and the District of Columbia in food services and accommodation spending per capita, at $3,898. Colorado is ranked No. 1 at $5,677, and West Virginia is ranked No. 51 at $3,080. (See Rankings)

➤ Butternut squash soup is North Carolina’s most popular fall dinner based on The Kitchn’s analysis of recent search data. Other popular dishes across the U.S. include pozole, beef bourguignon, cheeseburger soup, and chicken cacciatore. (See List)

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Have you ever renewed your driver’s license online?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I will be soon
4. I don’t drive

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever seen a Brocken spectre?

1. No: 32%
2. A what? 27%
3. Not sure: 21%
4. Yes: 20%

What North Carolina dessert is celebrated with an annual festival near Mount Airy?

Show me the answer