Durham Police Chief Scrutinized for Kirk Post

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams said the city is reviewing whether a now-deleted social media post made by Police Chief Patrice Andrews on her personal account following conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination violated policies, emphasizing public servants’ responsibility for their statements.

In the post, Andrews wrote she was “outraged at the way this man is being honored by people that I thought I knew,” and described Kirk as a man who “shamed Black women like me” and created a “culture of divisiveness.”

The post sparked an online petition demanding that Andrews resign, amid national debates over free speech.

During Monday’s city council meeting, Williams defended Andrews’ First Amendment rights, stating, “I support her freedom of speech in her personal capacity like I do those who have reached out and requested her resignation.”

Brothers Charged in Wake Deputy’s Murder

Brothers and illegal immigrants Alder and Arturo Marin-Sotelo, accused of murdering Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd on Aug. 11, 2022, were set to enter a plea deal on Tuesday, potentially avoiding a trial scheduled for September 2026.

Byrd, 48, was killed after being shot four times near his patrol vehicle while investigating a suspicious truck. Dashcam audio captured six gunshots as the truck fled. The brothers were arrested a week later.

While awaiting trial on state murder charges, Alder was convicted on a federal charge of possessing a firearm while living in the U.S. illegally.

He escaped custody in Virginia in 2023, fled to Mexico, and was extradited in February 2025 after prosecutors took the death penalty off the table in September 2023 to convince Mexico to release him back to the U.S. to face the murder charge.

NC Towns Make ‘Best Places to Live’ List

Raleigh secured North Carolina’s highest ranking among Niche’s 2025 Best Cities to Live in America report, ranking No. 22 nationwide with an A grade and an average rating of 4.1 stars from 1,449 users. Cities were ranked based on public schools, family-friendliness, housing, crime, nightlife, and diversity.

Cary earned the highest spot in North Carolina on Niche’s 2025 Best Places to Live in America report, at No. 28. Selections were based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities.

Within North Carolina, the top five places to live, according to Niche, are Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Davidson, and Dilworth, based on crime rates, school quality, activities, cost of living, housing, diversity, jobs, and resident reviews.

Search the entire list of rankings here.

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➤ Statewide: A North Carolina Appeals Court panel—two Republicans and one Democrat—will hear arguments on Oct. 15 in a dispute between Gov. Josh Stein and Republican legislators over laws limiting his judicial and utilities commission appointments. (More)

➤ Durham: The North Carolina Appeals Court withdrew its August ruling against a 141-lot Durham subdivision, which had cited the county commissioners’ non-compliance with local ordinances. The decision is under review after neighbors challenged the Mason Farms project’s approval. (More)

➤ UNC-Wilmington: Hundreds gathered outside the student center Monday evening at a vigil organized by the university’s Turning Point USA chapter to honor conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in Utah last week. (More)

➤ Fayetteville: An autopsy reveals former North Carolina Green Beret Clint Bonnell was shot multiple times in the back and dismembered. His wife, Shana Cloud, is charged with murder. (More)

➤ Charlotte: American Airlines is extending seasonal nonstop flights from Charlotte to Vail, Colorado—originally set for Dec. 18 to Jan. 5—with service resuming Feb. 12 to April 6. Weekend nonstop flights to Aspen will also operate from Dec. 18 through March. (More)

➤ NC Coast: Two tropical systems off Africa have a 90% and 20% chance of developing within the next week. Meteorologists expect a cold front to steer the first system away from the East Coast around Sept. 23-24. (See Details)

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➤ The Carolina Panthers will place starting guard Robert Hunt and center Austin Corbett on injured reserve following Sunday’s loss to Arizona. (More)

➤ NC State defensive end Isaiah Shirley was named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week after his performance against Wake Forest, which included an interception he returned for a touchdown. (More)

➤ A football player from Smith High School is expected to face charges after punching a referee during Friday’s game against Andrews High School. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

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➤ The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling Company for allegedly discriminating against a disabled employee by requiring an early medical exam and firing her because of her limp, despite her ability to perform the job. (More)

➤ Four Oaks town leaders approved annexing 70 acres off N.C. 96 for Novo Nordisk’s factory expansion, despite resident concerns about industrialization and lack of transparency. The move follows the company’s announcement of 9,000 layoffs. (More)

➤ Statesville’s city council unanimously approved rezoning 340 acres of farmland on Stamey Farm Road on Monday for a Compass Data Centers project, despite resident concerns about losing farmland and pollution. No development timeline was provided. (More)

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Scientists have discovered that men with prostate concerns often share one surprising experience.

In a study of 1,688 men, every participant reported a distinct sensation in the lower abdomen while urinating—an early sign that the prostate may already be enlarged.

This signal could mean a higher risk for ongoing urinary problems and long-term complications if left unchecked.

Learn the full story here: Do you notice this when you pee? It could be a warning sign for your prostate.

➤ A modular home was blown off a trailer by 65-70 mph winds on N.C. 12’s Marc Basnight Bridge north of the Oregon Inlet Monday, causing the bridge to close. The home was removed by 8 p.m., and all lanes reopened. (Watch Video)

➤ The historic, 121-year-old Grassy Creek Community Church in Ashe County burned down Sept. 14 after an accidental fire started in the furnace room. No one was injured. (Watch Video)

➤ ABC’s Good Morning America will broadcast live from Asheville’s Biltmore Estate tomorrow, Sept. 18, as part of its 50 States in 50 Weeks series, spotlighting local changemakers and community resilience nearly a year after Hurricane Helene swept through the region. (More)

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