Mecklenburg Sheriff Faces Removal Petition

Rep. Carla Cunningham, D-Mecklenburg, has joined forces with former Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office deputies to petition for the court-ordered removal of Sheriff Garry McFadden.

The petition accuses McFadden—one of five county sheriffs who refused to honor federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers—of retaliating against crime victims and whistleblowers, misusing official resources, weaponizing the internal affairs unit, and threatening a state legislator.

In the petition, Cunningham said McFadden told her the people of Mecklenburg County would "come after" her if she didn't vote to sustain one of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's vetoes.

The filing coincides with Stein endorsing Cunningham's opponent, Rodney Sadler, in the March primary, underscoring intra-party tension surrounding Cunningham, who has periodically voted with Republicans on key issues. Court review of the petition is pending, with a legislative hearing scheduled for Jan. 22.

NC Auditor Finds $1.04B in Lapsed Salaries

North Carolina's Office of the State Auditor has revealed that long-term vacancies in state government have generated $1.04 billion in lapsed salaries. As of Aug. 6, 2025, 8,838 positions vacant for six months or longer—averaging 825 days—contributed to the unspent funds.

In a Dec. 30 press release, State Auditor Dave Boliek announced that the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) will release a comprehensive report on the vacancies and lapsed salaries this month, including responses from agencies subject to the analysis.

The data is available on a public dashboard published by DAVE in compliance with Session Law 2025-89, which requires reporting on vacancies lasting six months or longer. Boliek said the tool brings "transparency to the dollars and cents behind vacancies in state government."

NASCAR Program Seeks Short-Track Drivers

The Kulwicki Driver Development Program, a Concord-based nonprofit, has opened applications for its 2026 season, seeking top short-track stock car drivers across North America. Applications are due by Jan. 23.

The initiative honors the legacy of NASCAR Hall of Famer and 1992 Cup champion Alan Kulwicki by identifying talented "Underbirds"—such as 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ty Majeski—who demonstrate perseverance on and off the track. Five finalists will be selected to compete for the Kulwicki Cup.

Applicants are judged on race results, civic involvement, fan engagement, and embodiment of Kulwicki's independent spirit, with preference going to drivers ages 16-25 who have experience in late-model racing, though no age limit applies. Anyone competing in NASCAR's national series is ineligible.

The program provides unique paid support, including stipends, media training, and mentorship.

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➤ Statewide: North Carolina officials say they've received no official notice of a federal child care funding freeze tied to alleged fraud in Minnesota, while stressing strong state oversight and zero tolerance for misuse. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Department of Commerce awarded more than $12 million in Community Development Block Grants to eight communities for neighborhood revitalization, funding housing and public improvements for low- and moderate-income residents. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Wes Phillips, who was previously harassed by Ryan Camacho, blames systemic failures for allowing Camacho—now charged with murdering Ravenscroft teacher Zoe Welsh—to remain free after terrorizing Phillips' family for more than a year. (More)

➤ Durham: Records released on Monday reveal that a Durham County grand jury unanimously indicted former Duke Health nurse Jomil Uy Tugado on multiple sexual assault charges for allegedly assaulting three incapacitated patients in 2025. (More)

➤ Wake County: A group of teachers organized by NC Teachers in Action plans to call out of school today, demonstrating at intersections for higher pay for advanced degrees, capped health premiums, and restored retirement benefits. (More)

➤ Iredell County: Craig Steven Mason was arrested for shooting at juveniles who were playing "ding-dong-ditch" on Jan. 3, injuring one in the leg. Mason faces multiple felony assault charges and a charge for discharging a firearm. (More)

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➤ Former UNC basketball player Tyler Hansbrough was elected to this year's North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, along with tennis player John Isner and men's soccer player Eddie Pope. (See List)

➤ Women's AP Poll: UNC dropped six spots to No. 22 this week and is the only team in the state to make the Top 25. (See Poll)

➤ UNC quarterback Gio Lopez entered the transfer portal, clearing the way for Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards to likely become the Tar Heels' 2026 starter. (More)

➤ Carolina Hurricanes play-by-play announcer Mike Maniscalco was named North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year for 2025 by the National Sports Media Association. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Gov. Josh Stein announced Monday in Whitsett that Site Selection magazine ranked North Carolina No. 1 nationally for workforce development, citing record 2025 job growth and plans to expand apprenticeships and training programs. (More)

➤ CommScope and Morrisville-based Liquidia topped North Carolina's best-performing public stocks in 2025, fueled by a $10.5 billion division sale and pulmonary hypertension therapy advances, respectively. CommScope's stock jumped 248%, while Liquidia's rose 193%. (More)

➤ First Federal Bank donated $100,000 to Cape Fear Valley Health's new Adolescent Behavioral Health Center in Lillington, improving access to mental and behavioral health services for juveniles in Harnett County and surrounding areas. (More)

➤ Sycamore Brewing's South End location in Charlotte closed indefinitely on Jan. 5 following co-owner Justin Brigham's arrest on child sex crime charges. Its planned Cotswold Village site lease was also terminated amid the fallout. (More)

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➤ Raleigh led all U.S. cities in housing inventory growth as of July 2025, with a 54.5% year-over-year surge, while Charlotte saw a 23.9% increase—highlighting expanded buyer options in the state's key metro areas. (See Data)

➤ North Carolina held steady at No. 3 in U-Haul's 2025 Growth Index for net migration. It trailed Texas, which reclaimed the top spot, and Florida, but ranked ahead of Tennessee and South Carolina. (More)

➤ The Red Drum Satellite Tagging Project tagged 33 fish in 2025, providing researchers with valuable migration data. The public can track movements in real time—including a red drum named Big Red, who swam 3,000-plus miles. (More)

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Have you participated in a ding-dong-ditch prank?

1. Yes, I've done it
2. Someone did it to me
3. No
4. What's ding-dong-ditch?

Yesterday's Results:

If you could pick the perfect place to retire, where would it be?

1. Right where I am: 20%
2. The coast: 17%
3. The mountains: 16%
4. A small, rural town: 16%
5. Other: 16%
6. A big city: 15%

What kinds of fish accounted for more than 99% of North Carolina's state fisheries in 1890?

Show me the answer