Three people have been charged in connection with the shooting at Concord’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, an incident that shook families attending the holiday event. Ahead of Thanksgiving, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Marine families at Camp Lejeune, offering support to those stationed during the holidays. In Western North Carolina, AT&T says the historic destruction caused by Hurricane Helene is prompting the company to rebuild its infrastructure stronger and more resilient. Meanwhile, judges have rejected the 2023 redistricting lawsuits but issued no ruling on the new congressional map challenges now moving through the courts.

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Local officials say Charlotte’s recent immigration crackdown has concluded after hundreds of arrests, though DHS maintains that Operation Charlotte’s Web is still ongoing. A sweeping audit of NCORR outlines major failures in the state’s disaster-recovery agency, prompting State Auditor Dave Boliek to label the program a “third disaster” on top of the hurricanes it was meant to fix. Updated figures show 370 arrests connected to Operation Charlotte’s Web.

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Operation Charlotte’s Web has now led to more than 250 arrests as CBP continues its concentrated enforcement push in Charlotte. Federal judges are preparing to consider an injunction request that could halt North Carolina’s newly approved congressional map ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The ongoing CBP operation is also drawing attention to North Carolina’s troubling rank as ninth in the nation for human trafficking cases. Separately, a new report shows NCDHHS generated $386 million for positions that remained unfilled, raising concerns about budgeting practices. Meanwhile, Vulcan Elements has been approved as a new JDIG investment, bringing jobs and economic development to the state.

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CBP operations in Charlotte and Raleigh have now resulted in more than 200 arrests, as federal officials continue targeting criminal illegal aliens across both cities. In High Point, a local councilwoman has been selected to replace former Rep. Cecil Brockman in the North Carolina House following his resignation. The USDA has released a second round of disaster relief funding to help farmers recover from recent storms. Meanwhile, an eye surgeon and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are clashing over the future of the state’s Certificate of Need law, with both sides arguing its impact on health care access and competition.

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CBP operations in Charlotte have now resulted in more than 130 arrests, with Governor Stein confirming that additional federal agents are also being deployed to Raleigh. A new audit reveals that billions in federal COVID-19 relief dollars remain unspent in North Carolina as the federal deadline to use the funds approaches. Meanwhile, Governor Stein and Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey are jointly urging Congress to provide assistance to Outer Banks homeowners facing rising insurance costs and house collapses.

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The Department of Homeland Security has launched Operation Charlotte’s Web, a large-scale enforcement effort targeting criminal illegal aliens in Charlotte. So far, 81 arrests have been made, with DHS citing violent offenders among those detained. Governor Josh Stein released a statement emphasizing the need for local, state, and federal coordination to ensure safety while upholding due process. Meanwhile, top Republican lawmakers say Stein’s recent call for a special Medicaid session is unconstitutional, arguing he overstepped executive authority. FEMA has also approved $155 million in recovery funding for Western North Carolina communities still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene. The General Assembly returns to Raleigh this week, though no major votes are expected.

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The November Carolina Journal Poll shows a divided outlook among voters, with mixed opinions on the direction of both the country and North Carolina, as well as Americans’ personal financial situations. The poll also measures job approval ratings for President Trump and Governor Josh Stein, revealing strong partisan divides in both cases. In potential 2026 U.S. Senate matchups, the survey finds Roy Cooper leading Michael Whatley and Don Brown. Meanwhile, federal officials confirm Border Patrol agents are expected to arrive in Charlotte as early as this weekend to conduct operations.

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The federal government has officially reopened after a record-breaking shutdown, ending weeks of economic disruption and uncertainty for federal workers and contractors. In major economic news for North Carolina, Toyota has opened its first U.S. electric vehicle battery plant in Liberty, marking a milestone investment in the state’s growing clean-energy and manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile, legal teams in the State Health Plan transgender care case have jointly requested a pause in proceedings as they consider next steps following recent rulings.

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Customs and Border Protection could be reassigned to Charlotte as part of a federal security initiative, while President Trump has issued pardons to former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and attorney Sidney Powell in the 2020 election-interference case. Governor Josh Stein is calling on the General Assembly to fully fund the Medicaid rebase to prevent service disruptions and ensure stability in state healthcare programs. John Locke Foundation’s Brian Balfour is urging lawmakers to end the ongoing gridlock, emphasizing that North Carolina deserves a functional and effective legislature. With a House deal finalized, the federal government is expected to reopen today.

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After 41 days, the U.S. Senate has voted to end the federal government shutdown, breaking the longest stalemate in history. North Carolina has dropped to 13th place in the latest Tax Foundation business climate rankings, marking a slight decline in competitiveness. The state has also expanded access to care and support services for more than 600,000 veterans and their families. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Clifton Barrett is seeking the dismissal of a libel lawsuit filed against Congressman Pat Harrigan.

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