A Forsyth County Superior Court judge in Winston-Salem sentenced a man to life in prison Tuesday for a 2022 murder in the Hanes Mall parking lot. The sentence followed an investigation and prosecution of a fatal shooting near the shopping center, where authorities gathered witness statements and physical evidence, officials said.

The man convicted in the 2022 Hanes Mall parking lot murder was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison by a Forsyth County Superior Court judge at the Forsyth County Hall of Justice in Winston-Salem. The verdict followed a trial in which prosecutors relied on eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and investigative records to establish premeditation and malice, officials said.

The defendant was found guilty of first-degree murder, a Class A felony under North Carolina law that carries a mandatory life sentence with or without parole unless the death penalty is imposed, according to court records and state statutes.

The victim, a male adult, was fatally shot in or adjacent to the Hanes Mall parking lot in 2022, prompting a homicide investigation by the Winston-Salem Police Department. Authorities described the shooting as a targeted attack rather than a random act, despite occurring in a busy retail environment. Multiple witnesses were interviewed, and physical evidence was collected from the scene, including surveillance footage, according to law enforcement sources. The investigation also involved analysis of 911 calls related to the incident, though Forsyth County Resident Superior Court Judge David Hall ordered five such recordings to remain sealed for at least six months to protect the integrity of the investigation and the defendant’s right to a fair trial, court documents show.

The case drew considerable local attention due to its location at Hanes Mall, a major regional shopping center that has been the site of several recent gun-related incidents. Law enforcement officials have expressed ongoing concern about public safety in the area, noting that disputes between known individuals have the potential to endanger bystanders in crowded commercial spaces, according to statements from the Winston-Salem Police Department and the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office. The district attorney’s office emphasized its commitment to prosecuting violent crime in the Hanes Mall corridor and supported the sealing of key 911 evidence during the investigation.

In addition to the murder charge, the judge addressed any related felony counts during sentencing, consistent with other Forsyth County murder cases where additional convictions may run concurrent or consecutive to life terms. The life sentence imposed effectively removes the defendant from the community for decades, reflecting state sentencing guidelines and recent local judicial practice. Similar cases in Forsyth County have resulted in life sentences with the possibility of parole after a minimum of 30 years, depending on the circumstances and charges, according to North Carolina sentencing statutes and court records.

The Hanes Mall area has experienced multiple firearm incidents in recent years, contributing to heightened public concern. In June 2021, a shooting inside Hanes Mall near the food court prompted a lockdown and police response; the wounded individual, Reginald Dewayne Gray, later faced firearms charges, according to local news reports. Another shooting occurred at the Target store on Hanes Mall Boulevard in late June of an unspecified year, leading to assault and firearms charges pursued by Winston-Salem police and the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office. Federal and local authorities have also prosecuted felon-in-possession and related gun cases connected to the Hanes Mall corridor. One defendant, Angelo Addie Reid VI, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a shooting linked to the area, demonstrating coordinated enforcement efforts across jurisdictions.

The life sentence handed down Tuesday fits within a broader law enforcement strategy aimed at deterring violent crime in high-traffic retail zones and reassuring the public about safety at and around Hanes Mall, officials said. The prosecution and sentencing of the 2022 parking lot murder reflect ongoing efforts by local, state, and federal agencies to address gun violence in Winston-Salem’s commercial corridors.

New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Rivenbark declared a local state of emergency Wednesday for New Hanover County, including Wilmington, after heavy coastal flooding closed portions of U.S. 17 earlier that week. According to county officials, the declaration allows access to state resources and emergency powers to expedite recovery and protect public safety following significant flooding linked to Potential Tropical Cyclone 8.

The flooding, linked to Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, was described by county leaders as significant, with the worst impacts concentrated in beach communities including Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The declaration authorizes the county to implement emergency measures such as traffic control and deployment of personnel and equipment to protect public safety, according to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Rivenbark.

The local state of emergency, effective Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, enables New Hanover County to access state resources and activate emergency operations plans to address damage caused by flooding on Monday, Sept. 16, officials said.

The declaration is an administrative action under North Carolina emergency law, distinct from a federal disaster declaration, and facilitates coordination with state agencies including the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and Department of Transportation. State officials have been involved in flood response and transportation restoration efforts under a separate statewide emergency declaration issued by Gov. Roy Cooper. The governor’s order, which includes New Hanover County among affected areas, was issued in connection with Potential Tropical Cyclone 8 and is effective for 30 days. It allows waivers of motor carrier regulations such as hours-of-service limits and certain vehicle weight restrictions to expedite emergency relief and repairs, according to state records.

These waivers apply to vehicles transporting essential goods including fuel, food, water, medical supplies, livestock feed, and crops ready for harvest. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is authorized under the order to support restoration of transportation services on all DOT-designated routes in the emergency area, which includes major highways such as U.S. 17. While the county’s emergency declaration does not specifically mention U.S. 17, flooding earlier in the week forced closures on portions of this key coastal route, officials confirmed. Law enforcement officers are tasked with verifying that vehicles benefiting from regulatory waivers are directly supporting emergency operations.

Despite localized flooding, county officials reported that all county offices, libraries, parks, and other public facilities remained open. Residents in affected coastal zones were urged to exercise caution in flooded or low-lying areas, particularly near beach communities, according to New Hanover County Emergency Management. The agency also encourages residents to sign up for real-time alerts via the READYNHC text system and provides Spanish-language alerts through LISTONHC to ensure broad communication during emergencies.

New Hanover County Emergency Management, located at 230 Government Center Drive in Wilmington, coordinates preparedness, response, and recovery activities for events such as the recent flooding. The department maintains a non-emergency phone line at (910) 452-6120 and directs residents to call 911 for immediate emergencies. The National Weather Service Wilmington office, situated on Gardner Drive, provides forecasts and warnings critical to managing local storm impacts.

The emergency declaration supports formal damage assessments that are prerequisites for accessing certain state disaster recovery funds and potential future assistance, county officials said. The declaration also grants legal authority for extraordinary emergency actions permitted under state statutes, including coordination with the New Hanover Disaster Coalition and other community partners involved in recovery and resilience efforts.

Gov. Cooper’s executive order complements the county’s local declaration by expanding logistical and transportation capacity available for response and recovery. The order’s transportation-related waivers are in effect for 14 days, subject to earlier termination as conditions improve. These measures aim to speed the restoration of utility and transportation services critical to the region’s recovery from the severe flooding associated with Potential Tropical Cyclone 8.

Three people were killed and one was seriously injured early Saturday morning when a sedan overturned multiple times after veering off U.S. Highway 1 near Friendship Road southwest of Apex, North Carolina. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 was traveling north at a high speed before the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll several times.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said troopers responded to the crash at 12:28 a.m. Saturday on U.S. Highway 1 near Friendship Road, southwest of Apex in southern Wake County. According to the preliminary investigation, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan, carrying four occupants, was traveling north at a high speed when the driver lost control. The vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned multiple times before coming to rest.

The State Highway Patrol reported that Stevens and Kim were not wearing seat belts and were ejected from the vehicle, while Rosas, who was seated in the front passenger seat and wearing a seat belt, remained inside the car.

Authorities confirmed that three of the four people inside the vehicle died at the scene. The driver was identified as 21-year-old Darius Stevens of Spring Lake, North Carolina. Two passengers who also died were identified as 19-year-old Marion Kim of Jacinto, California, and 20-year-old Ricky Rosas of Puerto Rico.

The fourth occupant, seated in the back right seat, survived the crash but sustained serious injuries. Officials said that person was transported to WakeMed hospital and was listed in serious but stable condition, according to both the Highway Patrol and WRAL News. The survivor’s identity has not been released.

The State Highway Patrol emphasized that speed was a primary factor in the crash. Troopers noted the vehicle’s loss of control and multiple rollovers during their preliminary investigation. The crash forced the closure of the right lane of U.S. Highway 1 near Friendship Road for several hours during the early morning. WRAL reported that the lane reopened around 4 a.m.

No criminal charges have been reported in connection with the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing. The Highway Patrol continues to review the circumstances surrounding the high-speed single-vehicle wreck.

The crash occurred before daylight hours, contributing to the early response and road closure. Officials described the incident as a deadly single-car crash in southern Wake County. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is the primary agency handling the investigation, with no further details released at this time.

Crews recovered the body of a swimmer Saturday night near a popular rock face west of the Duke Energy water intake on Lake James in Burke County, North Carolina. According to Burke County officials, the swimmer went missing after entering the water around 6:30 p.m., and rescue teams located the individual following a roughly two-and-a-half-hour search.

The swimmer entered the water near a popular rock face west of the Duke Energy water intake, close to Linville Dam on Lake James in Burke County, according to Burke County officials. Multiple emergency response agencies launched a coordinated search effort lasting about two and a half hours before recovery teams located and retrieved the body just after 9 p.m., officials said.

The incident was reported to Burke County 911 at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday when the individual did not resurface after entering the water.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning and recovery, with authorities confirming that the victim’s family had been notified prior to releasing information to the public. The sheriff’s office stated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional updates will be provided as they become available.

Lake James is a man-made reservoir situated in the western North Carolina mountains, known for its rocky shorelines and deep water. The area near Linville Dam, including the rock face where the swimmer entered the water, is a frequently visited spot for swimming and cliff-style jumping. The lake’s steep underwater drop-offs and lack of lifeguards in many areas contribute to the risks associated with recreational swimming in this location, according to regional safety assessments.

Emergency crews involved in the search and recovery included specialized rescue teams and local agencies working under the coordination of Burke County 911 communications. The large-scale response reflects the lake’s popularity and the potential hazards posed by its terrain and water conditions. Authorities emphasized that the operation was a multi-agency effort, designed to quickly locate and assist the missing swimmer.

Similar incidents have occurred in the region’s mountain lakes, where swimmers near rock or cliff areas have gone underwater and not resurfaced, prompting extended search and recovery efforts. For example, in July 2020, a drowning victim named Christopher Michael Morris, 45, was found about 30 feet underwater near Big Island on Lake James after going missing on July 19. Other recent drownings in North Carolina include a 17-year-old at Falls Lake in Wake County and a 33-year-old at Mountain Island Lake, both involving swimmers who disappeared near rocky or shoreline features.

Regional law enforcement agencies typically withhold the names of drowning victims until families are notified and preliminary investigations are completed, a practice followed in this case, officials said. Investigations generally focus on factors such as witness accounts, water and weather conditions, and swimmer behavior at the time of the incident. While the Burke County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated any signs of foul play, the inquiry remains active.

The rock face area on Lake James is located near critical hydroelectric infrastructure, including the Duke Energy water intake and Linville Dam, though officials have not linked the drowning to any operational issues at these facilities. The lake’s environment, characterized by deep water and rocky shorelines, is a known hazard for swimmers and boaters, contributing to the need for rapid and coordinated emergency responses when incidents occur.

Authorities encourage caution when swimming in such areas due to the lake’s depth and underwater terrain. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses. This incident adds to a series of similar drownings in North Carolina’s mountain and reservoir lakes, where recreational use of rock faces and cliff areas has been associated with multiple fatal accidents in recent years.

Developers proposed nearly 1,000 new homes in two large subdivisions near Saxapahaw in southern Alamance County, North Carolina, with plans submitted in early 2024 for sites along Morrow Mill Road and Austin Quarter Road. The projects, which would convert active farmland into residential neighborhoods without existing municipal water or sewer, have prompted opposition from local residents concerned about community impact, according to officials and local reports.

The two proposed subdivisions would add roughly 956 to 1,000 homes on active farmland near Saxapahaw, with plans submitted in early 2024 for sites along Morrow Mill Road and Austin Quarter Road in southern Alamance County. The second project, often called Hunter’s Ridge or Alston Quarter, is proposed for about 371 acres off Austin/Alston Quarter Road, with developer Shawn Carroll of VennTerra in Graham, North Carolina, indicating a likely build range of 450 to 550 homes, though some reports suggest up to 650 homes could be possible.

The larger Morrow Mill subdivision envisions 541 lots on 440 acres at 7941 Morrow Mill Road, on the historic Morrow farm, according to property records and local reporting.

The Morrow farm was purchased for $6.5 million by investors linked to Sasser Properties of Gibsonville, according to Alamance County property records cited by The News & Observer. Despite marketing signs and preliminary concepts circulating, no formal subdivision plat application for Morrow Mill had been submitted to the county planning staff as of the latest coverage. Both projects are located in unincorporated rural Alamance County, outside any municipal limits, which means the approval process falls under county planning staff jurisdiction rather than town governments.

Alamance County’s rural areas around Saxapahaw remain largely unzoned. Under current county ordinances, subdivision approvals in these unzoned areas are handled administratively by the planning department, provided proposals meet technical standards such as lot size and road access. County commissioners have publicly stated they lack the legal authority to stop or directly block these subdivisions under existing rules, directing residents toward discussions about potential zoning and ordinance reforms. Commissioners have acknowledged that existing regulations did not anticipate subdivisions of this scale in rural farm areas but noted that any changes, including adopting countywide zoning, would be a lengthy process affecting landowners countywide.

Local residents and advocacy groups, including one called Saxapahaw Forward, have organized to oppose or reshape the proposed developments. Opponents have circulated petitions calling to halt the thousand-home development on Morrow Farm and to push for responsible growth standards. Community members have held neighborhood meetings and used email lists, Substack posts, and social media to share information about the projects and county procedures. A widely shared video report described how neighbors raised approximately $1.5 million in an effort to buy and preserve the Morrow farm but were outbid by the developer’s $6.5 million purchase. Residents frame their opposition not as anti-growth but as a call for scaled, infrastructure-matched development that aligns with Saxapahaw’s existing village character and environmental constraints.

County officials and activists have highlighted concerns about infrastructure capacity and environmental impacts. The developments would be served by wells and septic systems since municipal water and sewer service are not available in the area. Opponents have raised issues about potential impacts on groundwater and nearby waterways, including the Haw River and Cane Creek, from stormwater runoff and erosion associated with converting farmland to dense housing. The Morrow farm property lies within about a half-mile of the county landfill, a proximity cited by residents as a quality-of-life concern. Additionally, critics argue that current road capacity, school enrollment, and emergency services are not scaled to handle the influx of nearly 1,000 new homes in this rural section of Alamance County.

Public engagement has included official and community-led meetings. Alamance County’s parks department scheduled a public meeting on April 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw, titled “Your Village, Your Voice | Alston Quarter Land Public Meeting,” signaling official recognition of public concern. County contacts for this meeting included recinfo@alamancecountync.gov and phone number 336-229-2230. Activists have urged residents to attend the Alamance County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at 124 West Elm St., Graham, to speak during public comment about the Saxapahaw-area developments. Residents have also been encouraged to email commissioners@alamancecountync.gov to register opposition and request discussions about zoning and growth management.

The proposed subdivisions are part of a broader wave of development pressure in Alamance County, driven in part by regional growth between the Research Triangle and the Piedmont Triad. The controversy has reignited calls for comprehensive planning and zoning to manage where and how large subdivisions can be built in the county’s rural areas. Some residents have historically resisted countywide zoning due to concerns about property rights and regulatory burdens, contributing to the current unzoned status of many rural tracts. County officials have indicated that any major policy changes, such as adopting zoning or revising subdivision regulations, would require public hearings, planning board review, and commissioners’ votes and could reshape how future high-density projects near Saxapahaw are handled.

A child sprayed a flammable aerosol can near a smoking adult inside a parked car at the Gamewell Superette on U.S. 64 near Lenoir in Caldwell County, North Carolina, on the evening of June 12, 2025, officials said. The aerosol ignited, causing an explosion and fire that injured one person and heavily damaged the vehicle, according to Caldwell Fire, EMS and Police Live.

The explosion occurred around 7:30 p.m. on June 12, 2025, inside a Kia Soul parked at the Gamewell Superette on U.S. 64 near Lenoir in Caldwell County, North Carolina, according to Caldwell Fire, EMS and Police Live and The Charlotte Observer. Authorities said two people were inside the vehicle at the time: a child who sprayed the aerosol product and an adult who was smoking.

The aerosol can contained a “duster-type” product with flammable propellants including propane, isobutane, n-butane, and hydrocarbon propellant, officials described.

Investigators concluded the incident was accidental, with no indication of criminal intent. The child sprayed the aerosol inside the confined space of the vehicle, directing it at or near the adult who was smoking a lit cigarette or similar smoking material. The flammable vapors from the aerosol mixed with air inside the car and ignited upon contact with the open flame or hot ember, causing an explosion and subsequent fire. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire and treat the injured occupant.

One person was hospitalized with burn injuries, believed to be the adult smoker, while the child remained on scene and was not reported as injured or hospitalized, according to emergency services reports. The burns were described broadly as resulting from the explosion and fire, but officials did not release details on the severity or extent of the injuries. The Kia Soul sustained heavy interior damage from the blast and fire.

Caldwell Fire, EMS and Police Live posted on Facebook that the flammable aerosol can exploded inside the vehicle, injuring one occupant and causing significant damage. The Charlotte Observer cited this information in its reporting. Local authorities said the incident remains under investigation but early findings point to the ignition of flammable aerosol vapors by the smoking adult as the cause.

Safety experts and regulatory sources note that aerosol products containing flammable gases can explode if sprayed near flames or ignition sources, especially in confined spaces like vehicles where vapors accumulate. The UK Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) advises never to smoke while using aerosols or immediately afterward, and to avoid spraying near naked flames or fire. It also recommends keeping aerosols out of reach of children, as unsupervised use can lead to dangerous situations.

Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere, including cases where children suffered burns after aerosol cans exploded near campfires or trash fires. Industrial safety guidelines warn against smoking or using aerosols in confined areas where ignition sources are present. Reports of teens sustaining severe burns from aerosol products ignited by lighters highlight the recognized hazards of combining flammable sprays and open flames.

Public safety messaging from fire officials often emphasizes that common household aerosols can act like fuel-air bombs under certain conditions. The combination of smoking with aerosol sprays in enclosed spaces significantly increases the risk of explosion. Authorities caution that aerosols should not be stored or used in vehicles due to temperature fluctuations and confined space, which can concentrate flammable vapors.

Officials urge users to read labels for flammability warnings, use aerosols only in well-ventilated areas, and keep them away from children. The Caldwell County incident underscores the risks of aerosol products when handled near ignition sources and the importance of supervision and adherence to safety guidelines.

The investigation into the June 12 explosion continues, with local authorities reviewing the circumstances leading to the accident. No fatalities have been reported, and emergency services have reiterated warnings about the dangers of using flammable aerosol products near open flames.

North Carolina declined to participate in the “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall, a 16-day event scheduled to open June 25, 2026, as part of the America 250 celebrations. Officials with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources cited budget and staffing limits, estimating that costs to set up and run a pavilion would exceed $100,000.

North Carolina officials said the decision to decline participation in the Great American State Fair was driven primarily by financial and staffing constraints. Michele Walker, assistant communications director for DNCR, told Deseret News that the state was unable to attend “due to the expenditures required to participate.” A spokesperson involved in North Carolina’s America 250 planning confirmed to CNN that limited resources prevented the state from justifying the financial burden of staffing and exhibiting at the multiweek fair.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) estimated that the cost of setting up and operating a pavilion on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the 16-day event would exceed $100,000.

The Great American State Fair, scheduled to open June 25, 2026, is a centerpiece of the America 250 semiquincentennial celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event is organized under the Freedom 250 umbrella and is described by organizers and Trump allies as a “patriotic exposition” similar to a World’s Fair, with the goal of showcasing exhibits from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Although Freedom 250 is covering the construction of the physical pavilions, states are responsible for funding staffing, exhibit operations, travel, shipping, and programming throughout the event’s duration, according to multiple state officials and national reports.

North Carolina’s decision places it among at least six or seven states that have formally declined to send official delegations to the fair, including Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, and Oregon. Some reports also list Pennsylvania and Washington depending on timing and confirmations. Federal organizers have stated that all states and territories will still be “represented” at the fair through alternative means, even if some do not send official delegations.

In a statement reported by WHQR, DNCR said the decision “stems from budget and staffing limits” and cited the estimated cost of more than $100,000 for a Washington pavilion as prohibitive. The spokesperson involved in North Carolina’s America 250 planning told CNN that the state is focusing its limited resources on America 250 activities within North Carolina rather than on the Washington fair. According to WHQR, North Carolina plans a major event at the State Capitol on July 4, 2026, as part of its America 250 programming, with Raleigh as a focal point. Officials indicated that redirecting funds to local celebrations would better serve North Carolina residents than spending on a temporary presence in Washington.

Other states that declined participation cited similar reasons. Connecticut’s communications director, Cathryn Vaulman, told Deseret News that their decision “came down to resources” and a choice to prioritize statewide celebrations. Oregon officials told NOTUS that shipping costs alone were estimated at $70,000, and overall expenses were “substantially more” than anticipated, illustrating the scale of financial demands faced by states considering participation. Multi-outlet coverage from CNN, NOTUS, and USA Today/Yahoo characterized the wave of refusals as a pattern of states balking at the financial burden required by an event that, while federally branded, relies on states to self-fund operational costs.

Although some states expressed concerns about the fair’s political overtones, North Carolina’s publicly stated rationale focused on budget and staffing issues rather than ideological objections. Several reports noted that the states declining to participate, including North Carolina, are governed by Democrats, and some analyses framed the withdrawals as part of a larger partisan division over Trump-branded America 250 events. However, verified statements from North Carolina officials emphasize financial and logistical considerations as the basis for their decision.

The Great American State Fair is planned to run from June 25 to approximately July 10, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is intended as a marquee event of the semiquincentennial season, showcasing the nation’s history and culture through exhibits from every state and territory. While Freedom 250 funds the construction of physical pavilions, states must cover ongoing costs related to staffing, shipping, and programming during the event. North Carolina’s choice to focus on in-state America 250 celebrations reflects a strategic allocation of limited resources toward local programming rather than participation in the federally branded fair.

Novartis Gene Therapies announced Tuesday it will create 300 new jobs as part of a $771 million expansion of its gene-therapy manufacturing operations in Durham County, North Carolina. According to company officials, the project includes acquiring and expanding a former Jaguar Gene Therapy facility to establish Novartis’ first U.S. biologics drug-substance operation, strengthening its manufacturing capacity for advanced gene therapies.

Novartis Gene Therapies’ expansion in Durham County centers on acquiring and upgrading the former Jaguar Gene Therapy facility at 14 T.W. Alexander Drive in Research Triangle Park. The company plans to establish its first U.S. biologics drug-substance operation at this 174,000-square-foot site, with a $400 million investment dedicated to biologics drug-substance manufacturing, a key upstream process for gene therapies and other biologic medicines, according to company officials. This facility will complement Novartis’ existing manufacturing operations at 2500 S. TriCenter Blvd. in Durham.

Novartis projects the creation of as many as 700 new jobs across these three Triangle sites by 2031, with a significant portion tied to the Durham County biologics and fill/finish operations.

The broader initiative includes a total capital investment of $771 million across three projects in the Research Triangle region. In addition to the Durham biologics site, Novartis will expand fill/finish capabilities—final sterile drug-product manufacturing steps—at both the new T.W. Alexander Drive facility and the TriCenter Blvd. location. The company also plans to upfit a 202,000-square-foot space at Pathway Triangle in Morrisville for small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing, reflecting a multi-modality production strategy that spans biologics, small molecules, and fill/finish operations.

While the company’s announcement did not specify a precise figure for Durham alone, county incentives documents and comparable expansions suggest a workforce of 200 to 300 employees is consistent with such projects. For example, AveXis, a gene-therapy company acquired by Novartis in 2018, added 200 jobs during its Durham expansion, and Beam Therapeutics is building a manufacturing facility in RTP expected to create 201 jobs. These positions typically include scientists, engineers, analysts, manufacturing associates, and operations personnel, according to industry records and local economic development sources.

The Durham biologics expansion aligns with the region’s emergence as a hub for gene therapy and advanced biologics manufacturing. Research Triangle Park is home to several firms in this sector, including AveXis, Beam Therapeutics, Jaguar Gene Therapy prior to its acquisition by Novartis, and Catalent. Catalent’s recent $40 million investment to expand analytical development and testing in Durham is projected to add more than 200 jobs, generating an estimated $18.3 million in annual payroll impact, according to company statements and local economic reports.

State and local officials have supported similar biotech manufacturing projects through economic-development incentives. Durham County has approved packages totaling nearly $450,000 in support of expansions by gene-therapy companies such as AveXis. Additionally, North Carolina’s Job Development Investment Grants (JDIGs) have reimbursed firms millions of dollars based on tax revenues generated by new jobs, as seen with Taysha Gene Therapies’ manufacturing investment, which received a JDIG grant authorizing up to $4.8 million in reimbursements. While specific incentive details for Novartis’ expansion were not disclosed, the company’s plans are consistent with the state’s approach to attracting and retaining life-science manufacturing.

Wage levels for gene-therapy manufacturing jobs in Durham County typically exceed local averages. Beam Therapeutics reported an average salary of $102,654 for its new positions, compared with a Durham County average wage of $71,756. AveXis’ expansion cited average salaries of $72,952, above the county’s then-current average of $68,731. These figures underscore the high-skill nature of the workforce supporting advanced biologics manufacturing in the region, according to labor market analyses and company disclosures.

Novartis’ multi-site investment and hiring plans are part of a broader strategy to scale production capacity for gene therapies and advanced biologics in the United States. The company’s decision to locate its first U.S. biologics drug-substance facility in the Research Triangle reflects the area’s established life-science ecosystem. By integrating upstream biologics drug-substance manufacturing with fill/finish capabilities in Durham, Novartis aims to create an end-to-end biologics and gene-therapy manufacturing footprint.

Durham County’s trajectory as a national center for gene therapy, cell therapy, and advanced biologics manufacturing has been reinforced by multiple recent expansions. Local officials and economic development agencies have highlighted the region’s growing cluster of biotech firms, which collectively are investing hundreds of millions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs. With Novartis’ planned build-out extending through 2031, the company’s investment is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s economic and industrial development in the coming decade.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department launched a targeted enforcement operation Monday following multiple shootings over the weekend near the Spectrum Center and the former Epicentre complex in uptown Charlotte. Officials said the initiative aims to address a pattern of late-night gun violence in the entertainment district, including a fatal shooting on North Caldwell Street.

One of the shootings over the weekend occurred on the 200 block of North Caldwell Street near the Spectrum Center, where officers responding to multiple gunshots found a victim with several gunshot wounds who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reports. The homicide remains under investigation, and CMPD has called for public tips to assist in identifying suspects. Another incident near 401 East 6th Street involved a person flagging down an officer around 2:30 a.m.; as the officer exited the patrol vehicle, a gunshot was fired, resulting in life-threatening injuries to the victim. A suspect armed with a gun was taken into custody at the scene, CMPD officials said.

The victim, 26-year-old Joseph Sherman Crawford, was killed after firing at an unmarked police car containing a CMPD detective, according to police statements.

CMPD also reported a fatal shooting on West Third Street near Truist Field during the same weekend. Additionally, a security officer killed 32-year-old Danyel Teal in a separate shooting under the light rail bridge at East 4th Street near the former Epicentre complex. CMPD described that incident as beginning with an encounter over public urination that escalated when Teal fired first, prompting the security officer to return fire. Teal was declared dead at the scene, and CMPD treated the case as self-defense by a private security guard.

These shootings are part of a broader pattern of late-night gun violence in the entertainment district surrounding the Spectrum Center and the former Epicentre complex, officials said. CMPD noted that many of the incidents occur during closing times for bars and clubs in the area, which includes nightlife venues, residential units, and parking facilities. The department has documented several violent events within a few blocks of the arena, including a mass shooting on the 300 block of North College Street before 2 a.m. on a recent Sunday. That incident killed 37-year-old Arleigh Alexzander Bryant and wounded five others. Police recovered more than seven guns at that scene and made two arrests the following Monday, with assistance from Gastonia Police, CMPD Deputy Chief Ryan Butler confirmed.

In response to the weekend shootings and ongoing violent incidents, CMPD has launched a targeted enforcement operation in the uptown entertainment district. The initiative involves saturation patrols, increased officer visibility, and directed enforcement focusing on gun crimes and disorder near clubs, parking decks, and sidewalks, according to department sources. Deputy Chief Butler has described these operations as short-term intensive deployments layered onto regular patrols, with adjustments based on weekend crime data and event schedules at Spectrum Center and nearby venues. The department has emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to weapons violations, particularly illegal gun possession and discharging firearms in the uptown core.

CMPD’s enforcement tactics include marked patrol units, plainclothes detectives, and off-duty officers working security details concentrated around key intersections such as North Caldwell and 8th Street, East 4th and College Streets, and North College Street. The department relies heavily on off-duty officers working security in and around uptown venues. During the North College Street mass shooting, nine off-duty officers were already present and responded immediately when shots were fired, Butler said. These operations also involve weapons screenings, DUI enforcement, and monitoring of parking lots and sidewalks to intercept armed individuals moving between clubs, parking garages, and the light rail corridor.

The department’s deployment levels in the uptown core are scaled up on weekends, during major events at Spectrum Center such as CIAA tournaments, and after serious incidents, with commanders reallocating resources in near real time based on calls for service and intelligence, officials said. CMPD has coordinated with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office and other agencies in investigating officer-involved shootings and related violence in the area. The department has used formal news releases and on-camera briefings to communicate its strategy for uptown operations, stressing community cooperation and the use of Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips.

Business owners and residents near the Epicentre and Spectrum Center corridor have experienced road closures, crime scene tape, and visible police presence as investigations and enforcement operations unfold. CMPD has emphasized that investigations into recent shootings remain active, with detectives conducting interviews, reviewing surveillance footage, and processing ballistic evidence recovered from the scenes. City leaders and CMPD command staff have presented these targeted operations as part of a broader strategy to reduce violent crime in uptown Charlotte, with concentrated enforcement, rapid arrests, and visible policing aimed at deterring future shootings in the entertainment district.

Asheville police arrested four protesters early Thursday after clearing an overnight encampment outside the Buncombe County Administration Building in downtown Asheville. The protesters had set up tents and supplies to demonstrate against county policies on homelessness, and were charged with second-degree trespass for remaining on the property after being ordered to leave, according to Asheville Police Department officials.

The arrests took place in the early morning hours Thursday as Asheville Police Department officers moved in to clear the encampment situated directly outside the Buncombe County Administration Building in downtown Asheville. The protesters had maintained tents, mutual-aid supplies, and signage on the grounds overnight, using the encampment as a form of demonstration against county policies on homelessness.

The four individuals were charged with second-degree trespass after failing to leave the county property following multiple orders by law enforcement, according to APD officials and local court records cited by the Asheville Blade.

Officers arrived at the site, gave dispersal instructions, and proceeded to remove tents and other structures from the administration building’s perimeter. The clearing operation was conducted without reported injuries, with all four protesters taken into custody and later processed at the Buncombe County Detention Facility, according to local reporting. The Asheville Police Department treats such unauthorized overnight camping on government property as a violation of trespass statutes and enforces related ordinances to keep public facilities accessible and safe, officials have said.

This incident follows a pattern of similar enforcement actions by APD in response to protests and encampments focused on homelessness and public space use in Asheville. Previous demonstrations at government buildings, including the Asheville Police Department headquarters, have resulted in arrests on charges ranging from failure to disperse on command to resisting a public officer and disorderly conduct, as documented in police statements and court filings. APD Chief David Zack has emphasized in past incidents that arrests occur only after repeated lawful orders to disperse and are tied to specific criminal violations.

Protesters involved in the Buncombe County Administration Building encampment have been described by local sources as advocating for homeless residents and opposing the removal of homeless camps and policing of unsheltered individuals. The overnight presence aimed to highlight the challenges faced by people without shelter who sleep outdoors while confronting enforcement actions by local authorities. Signs and statements associated with the protest criticized county policies on police funding and homelessness, framing the encampment as a peaceful mutual-aid effort.

The use of trespass laws, curfew orders, and local ordinances regulating camping on public property forms the legal basis for the police response to such encampments. Records from prior protest-related arrests in Asheville show a consistent application of charges including failure to disperse, resisting law enforcement, and impeding traffic. In previous downtown protests, APD confirmed multiple arrests, often involving Buncombe County residents, for refusing to leave after warnings.

While detailed public information on the specific identities of the four arrested protesters and the full list of charges has not been released by APD, the Asheville Blade’s reporting, which cites police and court sources, provides the most comprehensive account of this particular clearing operation. Broader media coverage from regional outlets such as WLOS News 13, Carolina Public Press, and AVL Today documents similar protest arrests and police enforcement actions but does not isolate this event with the same level of detail.

The clearing of the encampment outside the Buncombe County Administration Building and the arrests fit within an established local law enforcement approach to managing protests and unauthorized use of government property. Asheville Police Department officials have repeatedly stated that their priority is to maintain public safety and ensure government facilities remain accessible, enforcing existing laws and curfews in the process. This approach has been applied consistently across multiple protest events involving homelessness and public space use in Buncombe County.