GOLDSBORO, N.C. — An 18-year-old man was arrested at Busco Beach on October 11, 2025, after deputies discovered a Glock handgun illegally modified to fire as a fully automatic weapon during a stolen property investigation. Jordan C-Michael Fowkes was taken into custody and charged with felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction after deputies…… read more »
Category Archives: State News
18-Year-Old Arrested at Busco Beach with Illegally Modified Firearm
NC AgVentures Announces Grant Opportunity for Family Farms Across North Carolina
Program to Award Minimum of 50 Grants to Support Agricultural Innovation WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. – NC AgVentures, an NC State Extension program, has announced a new grant opportunity designed to support family farms throughout North Carolina. The competitive grant program offers funding for agricultural projects aimed at increasing farm profitability through diversification, improvement, or expansion…… read more »
North Carolina Launches Leadership Program to Strengthen Social Work Workforce
State Partnership Aims to Address Growing Demand and Retention Challenges WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina is taking steps to bolster its social work workforce through a new Public Service Leadership Program (PSLP), a collaborative initiative between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Social Work Coalition on Workforce…… read more »
North Carolina Reports First Flu Death of 2025-2026 Season
Western NC Adult Dies from Flu Complications as Health Officials Urge Vaccinations RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday the first flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season, marking an early and sobering reminder of the virus’s potentially fatal consequences. An adult in the western part of the…… read more »
North Carolina Food Assistance Programs Secure Through October Despite Federal Shutdown
State Officials Work to Protect 1.4 Million SNAP Recipients as Uncertainty Looms NORTH CAROLINA — As the federal government shutdown enters its second week, North Carolina officials are racing to minimize disruptions to critical food assistance programs that serve more than 1.4 million residents across the state. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human…… read more »
North Carolina Seeks Public Comment on $76 Million Social Services Block Grant Plan
State Agency Invites Feedback on Federal Funding Distribution for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is requesting public input on its proposed Social Services Block Grant Plan, which details the allocation of $76 million in federal funding for the upcoming state fiscal year. Funding Priorities The…… read more »
Bipartisan Congressional Bill Seeks to Clarify Joint Employer Rules for Franchise Businesses
Legislation aims to end decade of regulatory uncertainty affecting 831,000 franchise small businesses nationwide WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two members of Congress from opposite sides of the aisle have joined forces to introduce legislation designed to bring stability to the franchise industry after years of regulatory uncertainty surrounding joint employer rules. Congressman Don Davis (D-NC-01) and…… read more »
Johnston County Bridge Project Forces Multi-Month Road Closure
NORTH CAROLINA — A major bridge replacement project will close a section of Wendell Road in northern Johnston County for several months, beginning Monday, September 8. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that the Wendell Road bridge spanning Buffalo Creek, located north of Archer Lodge, will be completely closed to traffic while contractors…… read more »
Edgecombe County Educators to Rally for Democratic Representation in School District
Union Demands Voice in Policy-Making as School Board Meeting Approaches Monday TARBORO, N.C. — Educators in Edgecombe County will gather this evening to demand greater democratic participation in district decision-making, as tensions mount between the local teachers’ union and school administration over representation policies. The Edgecombe County Association of Educators (ECAE) has organized a rally…… read more »
Comedian Jon Reep Arrested on Child Sexual Exploitation Charges in Hickory
GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Comedian Jonathan David Reep, known professionally as Jon Reep, who was announced to be performing tonight at the Paramount Theatre located Downtown, has been arrested on multiple felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, according to the Hickory Police Department. The 53-year-old Hickory native was taken into custody Friday and…… read more »
