Triangle/Local
Red and black chokeberries thrive in North Carolina landscapes
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) and Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are versatile shrubs native to North Carolina. I have seen many of the red varieties, while black varieties have never shown up in my path. They are similar however, with obviously, the main difference, the color of the berries. In addition, the red has a more upright and slender shape preferring moist soil, while the black are more tolerant of various soil conditions. The berries of the black varieties usually drop in summer while the berries of the red varieties last until winter. Otherwise the two types are much alike. The flowers, of course, come in the spring and with the help of pollinators, make these small berries.
Trump approves federal disaster aid for storms and flooding in 6 states
President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster aid for six states and tribes following storms and floods this spring and summer. The disaster declarations, announced Thursday, will provide federal funding to Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, as well as tribes in Montana and South Dakota. In most cases, it took Trump over a month to approve the aid requests, continuing a trend of longer waits for disaster relief. An Associated Press analysis shows delays in approving federal disaster aid have grown over time. The White House says Trump is providing a more thorough review of requests.
Previous charges, delayed mental health evaluation were missed opportunities in Charlotte stabbing
After Decarlos Brown Jr. was arrested for the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee aboard a North Carolina commuter train, he was quickly sent to a state mental hospital for an evaluation. That’s a sharp contrast from a January arrest, where it took more than six months for a court to order a mental evaluation after Brown told officers that he had been given a human-made substance that controlled him. The January arrest was just one of the missed opportunities in Brown’s criminal history, according to experts. He had cycled through the criminal justice system for more than a decade. He now faces federal and state charges in the Aug. 22 killing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska,
Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles secures Democratic nomination despite political fallout of train killing
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A Democratic mayor secured a comfortable win in a primary election despite days of intense backlash following the deadly stabbing of a young Ukrainian woman on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mayor Vi Lyles is seeking a fifth term but is coming under criticism after images of the attack sparked widespread outrage from President Donald Trump and others in the Make America Great Again movement. They say the killing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska shows how Democrats are too soft on people with criminal records. Democrats who challenged her in the primary have also said the mayor’s response has been insufficient.
Man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee on North Carolina train charged with federal crime
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has charged a man with the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a North Carolina commuter train. The charge means he could face the death penalty. Decarlos Brown Jr. has a lengthy arrest record with 14 prior criminal cases. He allegedly killed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska last month on a train in Charlotte. The case has sparked debate over crime and transit safety in such cities. North Carolina prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder. He now also faces a federal charge of causing death on a mass transportation system.
State/Regional
Appeals court rules felony offenders can’t be prosecuted for voting unlawfully by mistake
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that a North Carolina law making it a crime for felony offenders to vote before completing their punishments without knowing they were breaking the law is unconstitutional. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a trial judge’s decision, pointing out that the law has disproportionately affected Black ex-defendants. The General Assembly changed the law so that starting in January 2024 it required intent to break the law for it to be a crime. But the law had not changed for pre-2024 voting and became the lawsuit’s focus. The unanimous appeals court ruling could be appealed.
Americans mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with emotional ceremonies
NEW YORK (AP) — Americans are marking 24 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with solemn ceremonies, volunteer work and other tributes honoring the victims. At the World Trade Center site in New York City, the nearly 3,000 victims’ names were being read aloud Thursday. At the Pentagon in Virginia, a memorial service honored the 184 service members and civilians killed. And near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a similar ceremony honored the victims of Flight 93. The remembrances are being held during a time of increased political tensions. The 9/11 anniversary comes a day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a college in Utah.
A Democrat governor, a Republican legislature: How Josh Stein is navigating North Carolina politics
FLETCHER, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is taking a more collaborative approach with Republican opponents in his first eight months in office despite disagreeing with them on many issues. Stein succeeded fellow Democrat Roy Cooper in January. He aims to work with the GOP-controlled General Assembly and has built dialogue with them. Stein’s approach contrasts with Democratic governors elsewhere who have taken more combative stances against President Donald Trump and the GOP. Republican leaders have said they appreciate the open lines of communication with Stein. Still, the new governor has vetoed 15 bills, with lawmakers so far overriding eight of them.
Republican North Carolina state Sen. Bobby Hanig announces bid to unseat Democrat Don Davis in 2026
POWELLS POINT, N.C. (AP) — Republican state Sen. Bobby Hanig has announced his bid for a U.S. House seat in North Carolina. The coastal legislator aims to unseat two-term Democratic Rep. Don Davis. Hanig plans to run for the 1st Congressional District, which is the state’s only swing district and spans 22 counties. Davis has already filed federal candidate paperwork for the 2026 race. Another Republican, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, has filed as well. The official election filing period is in December, with primaries in early March. Republicans currently hold 10 of North Carolina’s 14 U.S. House seats.
Trump and Republican senators fight over a century-old tradition for judicial nominees
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says the Senate’s century-old tradition of allowing home state senators to sign off on some federal judge and U.S. attorney nominees is “old and outdated.” Republican senators disagree. Trump has been complaining about what’s called the blue slip process for weeks and has pushed Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley to abandon the practice. But the veteran Iowa Republican senator hasn’t budged. On Monday, Trump said he may sue, arguing he can only get “weak” judges approved in states that have at least one Democratic senator. Senate Republicans have been unbowed, arguing they used blue slips to their own benefit when Democrat Joe Biden was president.
World/National
Retail sales up 0.6% in August from July even as tariffs hurt jobs and lead to price hikes
NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers increased their spending at a better-than-expected pace in August from July, helped by back-to-school purchases, even as President Donald Trump’s tariffs are starting to hurt the job market and lead to price hikes. The performance was also helped by the continued efforts by Americans to keep pushing up purchases ahead of expected price increases. Retail sales rose 0.6% last month from July, when sales were up a revised 0.6%, according to the Commerce Department’s report released Tuesday.
Israel’s military begins its ground offensive in Gaza City and thousands of residents flee
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military has begun its ground offensive in Gaza City, slowly closing in on the Palestinian territory’s largest city. Tuesday’s operation marked another escalation in the war. Thousands of people streamed out of the city in vehicles laden with their belongings, but hundreds of thousands more remain. The conflict has already decimated much of the Gaza Strip and roiled the Middle East for nearly two years, and the new operation likely pushes any ceasefire farther out of reach. The military wouldn’t offer a timeline for the offensive, but Israeli media suggested it could take months. The military says it aims to “destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure.”
Wall Street ticks toward another record as Tesla vrooms higher
NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street is ticking toward another record. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5% Monday and was on track to top its latest all-time high set last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 31 points, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.9%. Tesla jumped after Elon Musk bought stock worth roughly $1 billion in it, potentially signaling his faith in the electric vehicle company. The week’s main event will arrive Wednesday, when traders expect the Federal Reserve to announce its first cut to interest rates of the year. Perhaps more important will be whether it hints more cuts are coming, as Wall Street also expects.
After Charlie Kirk’s death, workers learn the limits of free speech in and out of their jobs
NEW YORK (AP) — In the days following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, numerous workers have been fired for their comments on his death, among them MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd. It’s not the first time workers have lost their jobs over social media posts. Laws can vary across states, but overall, there’s very little legal protections for employees who are punished for speech made both in and out of private workplaces. And the prevalence of social media has made it increasingly common to track employees’ conduct outside of work.
Political leaders confront security concerns — and fear — after Kirk’s assassination
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Some political leaders are canceling public appearances after Charlie Kirk’s killing. Others are relying on a large police presence to keep them safe. And still others insist that the assassination that shook the nation last week won’t have any impact on their plans. Elected officials at every level and in both parties are grappling with tough choices as they move deeper into an election season in which the prospect of further violence lingers. And as they weigh risks to their personal safety, Democrats and Republicans are being forced to confront their own feelings of grief, anger and fear.
Entertainment
Robert Redford, Oscar-winning actor, director and indie patriarch, dies at 89
Robert Redford has died at 89. The Hollywood golden boy who became an Oscar-winning director, liberal activist and godfather for independent cinema died in Utah on Tuesday. His publicist didn’t immediately provide a cause of death. After rising to stardom in the 1960s, Redford was one of the biggest stars of the ’70s with such films as “The Candidate,” “All the President’s Men” and “The Way We Were.” Redford played the wily outlaw opposite Paul Newman in 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” a box-office smash from which Redford’s Sundance Institute and festival got its name.
Vance hosts Kirk’s radio show and says he’ll honor his friend by being a better husband and father
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance says he’ll honor Charlie Kirk by being a better husband and father. Vance commented Monday while hosting the radio program once hosted by Kirk. The founder of the Turning Point USA political organization was fatally shot last week during an outdoor appearance on a Utah college campus. Vance talked about visiting with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and said she told him that her husband had never raised his voice to her and had never been cross or mean-spirited to her. Vance said he couldn’t say the same about his own behavior toward his wife, Usha Vance.
‘The Studio’ and Seth Rogen have record-setting Emmys as Noah Wyle and ‘The Pitt’ get top drama wins
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Pitt” has won best drama series at the Emmys, with Noah Wyle taking best actor in a drama. “The Studio” sets a record for most wins by a comedy series in a single season. Netflix’s “Adolescence” dominates the limited series categories with six victories, including best limited series. Seth Rogen, co-creator of “The Studio,” personally takes four Emmys. Owen Cooper, at 15, becomes the youngest Emmy winner in over 40 years. Cristin Milioti wins best actress in a limited series for “The Penguin.” Jean Smart won best actress in a comedy for “Hacks” for the fourth time.
Analyst Matthew Dowd loses his MSNBC job following his Charlie Kirk commentary
Veteran political analyst Matthew Dowd is out of a job at MSNBC following some commentary regarding Charlie Kirk that drew a heated reaction. After a gunman killed the conservative activist Wednesday, Dowd said Kirk was a divisive figure and that “hateful words” can lead to “hateful actions.” MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler apologized for “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable” commentary. Dowd later apologized online, saying he did not intend for his comments to blame Kirk for the shooting. MSNBC later said Dowd “is no longer with the network.” The one-time aide to President George W. Bush and longtime ABC News analyst had been with MSNBC since 2022.
Apple’s iPhone 17 line-up includes a new ultra-thin model and $100 price hike for Pro model
CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple has rolled out its next generation of iPhones that includes a new ultra-thin model and a slight price hike for one of its high-end models, while the company feels the squeeze of a global trade war. The iPhone 17 line-up includes a new slimmed-down model that will adopt the “Air” name that Apple already uses for its sleekest iPads and Mac computers. The new iPhones are the first to be released since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and unleashed a barrage of tariffs, in what his administration says is an attempt to bring overseas manufacturing back to the U.S. — a crusade that has thrust Cook into the hot seat.
Sports
Amazon Prime Video will stream the Masters for the first time beginning next year
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Amazon Prime Video will stream two hours of coverage during the first and second rounds of the Masters beginning next year. The Masters will stream on Prime Video from 1-3 p.m. Eastern daily on April 9 and 10, leading into ESPN’s coverage both days from 3-7:30 p.m. Paramount+ will stream the third and fourth rounds on April 11 and 12 from noon-2 p.m. Eastern before CBS takes over beginning at 2 p.m. With the addition of Prime Video, primary broadcast and streaming coverage of the Masters will be at least 27 hours, up from 18 hours last year.
QB Young showed fight Panthers want to see despite failing to complete comeback against Cards
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Dave Canales benched Bryce Young two games into the 2024 season for ineffectiveness following a flurry of turnovers resulting in Carolina losing its first two games by a combined margin of 73-13. More than six quarters into this season it looked as if Canales might be answering similar questions about Young’s future. The Panthers fell behind 27-3 to the Arizona Cardinals and appeared on the verge of getting blown out for the second straight week. Young had two turnovers on the first two drives, one that was returned for a touchdown. And then something clicked. Young got going in the second half against Arizona, rallying the Panthers to 27-22 with three second-half touchdown passes.
Bell wins at Bristol, completing sweep in first round of NASCAR Cup playoffs for Joe Gibbs Racing
BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Christopher Bell seized the victory on a late restart at Bristol Motor Speedway, completing a first-round sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs for Joe Gibbs Racing. Leading the final four laps, Bell finished 0.343 seconds ahead of Brad Keselowski, who was trying to end a 51-race winless streak. Bell joined teammates Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe as playoff winners as Toyotas remained unbeaten in the 10-race championship run. Zane Smith finished third, followed by Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano.
Gio Lopez accounts for 3TDs as North Carolina dominates Richmond for Belichick’s first home win
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Gio Lopez combined for three touchdowns and freshman Demon June rushed for 148 yards and a score as North Carolina beat Richmond 41-6 for its first win at Kenan Stadium under coach Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels scored on their first four possessions and jumped to a 20-0 lead in the first half.
Former NC A&T athlete among 13 former NCAA basketball players under investigation for sports betting violations
The NCAA is investigating potential sports betting violations involving 13 former men’s basketball players from six schools. The schools themselves are not under investigation. The NCAA’s integrity program flagged unusual betting activities, including athletes betting on their own games and sharing information for betting purposes. The NCAA Committee on Infractions has resolved similar cases, permanently revoking the eligibility of three players from Fresno State and San Jose State for manipulating game outcomes. The NCAA will not name the athletes involved until the investigation concludes. NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasized the need for stricter regulations to address integrity risks.
