Triangle/Local
Trump’s next immigration crackdown will target Charlotte, North Carolina, a sheriff says
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte, North Carolina, is the latest U.S. city preparing for a potential immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said Thursday that federal officials plan to deploy U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents as early as this weekend. Details of the operation remain undisclosed, and local authorities have not been asked to assist. President Donald Trump has defended sending federal agents and the military into Democratic-run cities to combat crime and enforce deportation policies. Local activists and officials say they are preparing the immigrant community by sharing resources and trying to calm fears.
US airlines cancel more than 2,500 weekend flights largely due to government shutdown
U.S. airlines have canceled more than 2,500 weekend flights mostly because of the government shutdown and the Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce air traffic. The slowdown at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports will head into its third day Sunday. So far there have not been any widespread disruptions. FlightAware reports that cancellations jumped Saturday to more than 1,500, following just over 1,000 the previous day. By Saturday evening airlines already had canceled another 1,000-plus Sunday flights.
Federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November
A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to find the money to fully fund SNAP benefits for November. The ruling Thursday was in response to a challenge from cities and nonprofits complaining that the administration was only offering to cover 65% of the maximum benefit. The Trump administration said last month that it would not pay benefits at all for November because of the federal shutdown. Last week, two judges ordered the government to pay at least partial benefits using an emergency fund.
North Carolina’s largest city reelects mayor after fallout over train stabbing
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Voters in Charlotte, North Carolina, have reelected Democratic Mayor Vi Lyles after safety concerns in the city increased following a recent stabbing on a commuter train. Lyles won comfortably on Tuesday against Republican and Libertarian challengers. The August killing of a young Ukrainian woman sparked outrage and intensified the focus on crime during the campaign. The Republican-controlled state legislature passed a law in September addressing some criminal justice issues stemming from what happened. Lyles has highlighted additional safety measures for the light rail system. Charlotte hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since 2007.
Deputy fatally shoots a 13-year-old boy wanted for grandmother’s killing in North Carolina
RAEFORD, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina deputy has shot and killed a 13-year-old boy who was wanted in the death of his grandmother. Authorities say the teenager had picked up a piece of lumber during a chase and charged at the Lee County sheriff’s deputy. The events began Thursday in nearby Hoke County, where deputies found 68-year-old Connie Linen dead in her home. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says the boy ran when authorities later found him behind an abandoned mobile home. The State Bureau of Investigation will review the shooting that killed the boy.
State/Regional
The shutdown has disrupted air travel. Will that drive a surge in car rentals and train bookings?
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. government shutdown has rattled air travel — most recently with an unprecedented effort from the Federal Aviation Administration to cut flights by 10% at airports nationwide. And the disruptions are causing some to instead hit the road or buy a train ticket. That could mean more and more business for car rentals, long-haul buses and commuter rails like Amtrak — particularly if flight delays and cancellations continue piling up as the U.S. approaches Thanksgiving and other peak holiday travel. Amid the latest scramble, Hertz is already reporting a sharp increase in one-way car rentals. Meanwhile, Both Amtrak and Greyhound owner Flix North America are also preparing for potential growing demand.
UPS cargo plane with 3 aboard crashes, explodes on takeoff at Louisville airport, igniting huge fire
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Officials say a large UPS cargo plane with three people aboard crashed and exploded while taking off from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky, igniting a huge fire on ground. The Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday that the plane crashed at about 5:15 p.m. The FAA said the plane was scheduled to fly to Honolulu after it took off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Photos on social media showed a large plume of black smoke rising into the sky. The Kentucky governor says there are injuries, but no fatalities have been confirmed.
Flight disruptions continue as air traffic controllers brace for their first full missing paychecks
A shortage of air traffic controllers has caused more flight disruptions at airports across the country. On Monday, Los Angeles International Airport experienced brief delays, while Dallas and Austin airports saw delays averaging 20 and 40 minutes, respectively. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary ground stop in Austin earlier Monday for about an hour. The disruptions come as the federal government shutdown nears a month. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned last week of increased delays and cancellations as controllers work without pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association reports mandatory overtime and missed paychecks are adding stress to the job.
Virginia gubernatorial candidates debate trans youth rights as LGBTQ+ voters weigh a fraught moment
SALEM, Va. (AP) — The rights of trans youth could be a factor Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial election and legislative control in Richmond. Republican Winsome Earle-Sears opposes the rights of trans kids at school. Democrat Abigail Spanberger has largely avoided the subject. Each candidate is trying to cast the other as the extremist on the issue. LGBTQ+ Virginians have been grappling with what it means to be queer and trans in a moment where their identities are thrust into statewide and national politics. Other Virginians, meanwhile, worry about its impact on their children.
Democrats look to long term as North Carolina GOP redistricting plan seeks another seat for Trump
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Democrats have rallied against a proposed U.S. House map by North Carolina Republicans in Raleigh. The new map seeks to stop the reelection of Democratic Rep. Don Davis by redrawing two congressional districts. This proposal could result in Republicans winning 11 of the state’s 14 seats. The GOP aims to satisfy President Donald Trump’s call for mid-decade redistricting to attempt to retain a House majority in 2026. The map seems headed for enactment after final House votes as soon as Wednesday. The state Senate gave its final approval Tuesday. Democrats at the rally acknowledged they’ll likely be unable to halt the redraw now but vowed wins in the long run.
World/National
Trump scraps tariffs on beef, coffee and tropical fruit in a push to lower grocery store prices
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced the removal of U.S. tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruits and other commodities. This move comes amid pressure to address high consumer prices. Trump had focused on tariffs to boost domestic production and the U.S. economy. However, recent off-year elections showed economic concerns as a top issue, with Democrats gaining wins. Inflation remains a challenge despite Trump’s claims to have vanquished it. The administration insists tariffs weren’t a major factor in rising grocery prices. Democrats and industry groups argue this move acknowledges the impact of Trump’s tariffs on consumers. “We just did a little bit of a rollback on some foods like coffee,” Trump said later Friday night.
President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed a government funding bill that ends a record 43-day shutdown. The disruption caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks. The signing ceremony came just hours after the House passed the measure on a mostly party-line vote of 222-209. Democrats wanted to extend an enhanced tax credit that lowers the cost of health coverage obtained through Affordable Care Act marketplaces and refused to go along with a spending bill that did not include that priority. But Republicans said that was a separate policy fight to be held at another time, and they prevailed.
Epstein email says Trump ‘knew about the girls,’ but White House calls release a Democratic smear
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is accusing Democrats of selectively leaking emails from disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein to “create a fake narrative” to smear President Donald Trump. Epstein wrote in a 2011 email Trump had “spent hours” at Epstein’s house with a victim of sex trafficking and said in a separate message years later Trump “knew about the girls.” The emails made public by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday add to the questions about Trump’s friendship with Epstein and about any knowledge he may have had in what prosecutors call a yearslong effort by Epstein to exploit underage girls. The Republican president denies any knowledge of Epstein’s alleged crimes.
Speaker Johnson faces an unruly House as lawmakers return for shutdown vote
WASHINGTON (AP) — After refusing to convene the U.S. House during the government shutdown, Speaker Mike Johnson is recalling lawmakers back into session. They are set to consider the bill to reopen the federal government on Wednesday. As hundreds of lawmakers return they are bringing pent-up legislative demands after nearly two months away. There are calls to release the Jeffrey Epstein files and swear-in Arizona’s Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won her special election back in September. It’s all a test of the speaker’s leadership and shows the ways he has amassed power alongside President Donald Trump.
Senate approves bill to end the shutdown, sending it to the House
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed legislation to reopen the government, bringing the longest shutdown in history closer to an end after a small group of Democrats struck a deal with Republicans. The shutdown could last a few more days as members of the House, which has been on recess since mid-September, return to Washington to vote on the legislation. President Donald Trump has signaled support for the bill, saying Monday that “we’re going to be opening up our country very quickly.” The final 60-40 Senate vote broke a grueling stalemate that lasted more than six weeks as Democrats demanded that Republicans negotiate with them to extend health care tax credits. The Republicans never did.
Entertainment
A look at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 inductees and how they were honored
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has inducted its 2025 class, celebrating influential musicians and figures. The ceremony took place Saturday at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, featuring tributes, speeches, and performances by artists like Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa, and Big Boi of Outkast. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after their first release. This year’s inductees include Outkast, Bad Company, Salt-N-Pepa, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Warren Zevon, Thom Bell, The White Stripes, Carole Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Lenny Waronker.
Farmers’ Almanac says it will cease publication after 208 years, citing financial challenges
A 208-year-old publication that farmers, gardeners and others keen to predict the weather have relied on for guidance will be publishing for the final time. Farmers’ Almanac said Thursday that its 2026 edition will be its last, citing the growing financial challenges of producing and distributing the book in today’s “chaotic media environment.” Access to the online version will cease next month. The Maine-based publication was first printed in 1818. It’s distinct from the Old Farmer’s Almanac in neighboring New Hampshire. Both publications were among hundreds of almanacs that served a nation of farmers over two centuries ago. Most were regional publications and no longer exist.
Slime, Battleship and Trivial Pursuit join the Toy Hall of Fame
The gooey, sticky and often-homemade plaything slime was enshrined into the National Toy Hall of Fame on Thursday along with perennial bestselling games Battleship and Trivial Pursuit. The Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, honors toys that inspire creative play across generations. Battleship and Trivial Pursuit have each sold over 100 million copies. Slime has been sold commercially since 1976 but is also a popular DIY project. The National Toy Hall of Fame is located inside The Strong National Museum of Play.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Which stars are joining this year’s lineup?
NEW YORK (AP) — Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon and Kool & the Gang will feature in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The event will also spotlight “KPop Demon Hunters” with performances by the film’s singers and themed balloons. The parade kicks off on Nov. 27, featuring 32 balloons, 27 floats and 11 marching bands — all leading to Santa Claus. Broadway shows and the Radio City Rockettes will perform. Four new character balloons, including Buzz Lightyear and Mario, will debut. Spectators can expect performances from stars like Debbie Gibson and Shaggy, with marching bands from across the U.S. and Panama.
Heidi Klum reveals her much-anticipated 2025 Halloween costume
NEW YORK (AP) — Heidi Klum has revealed her latest Halloween costume, donning green scales and squirming snakes to transform herself into Medusa. Klum says she loves the Greek myth in which a goddess turns a beautiful woman into a monster with serpents for hair, the sight of which turns living things around her to stone. Klum said she spent 10 hours getting into costume for her annual Halloween party. Klum’s husband dressed as a man turned to stone. The supermodel-turned-TV personality went viral in 2022 when she arrived at her party on the end of a fishing line, encased in a slithering worm costume.
Sports
UNC’s Belichick says he has ‘not and will not’ pursue open NFL jobs, is committed to Tar Heels
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick said he isn’t pursuing any jobs as a head coach in the NFL. That comes amid the first changes of the current hiring cycle. In a statement posted on social media Friday night, the 73-year-old who led the NFL’s New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles said he remains committed to building the Tar Heels program. In the statement, Belichick said: “I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies.” Belichick’s Tar Heels have won two straight entering Saturday’s game at Wake Forest.
PGA Tour returning to Asheville for the first time in 86 years as it adds to fall schedule
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The PGA Tour is returning to Asheville, North Carolina, for the first time in 86 years. It announced a four-year deal with the Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville sharing duties as the title sponsor. The Biltmore Championship will be the third week in September 2026 at The Cliff at Walnut Cove. It adds to the growing part of the FedEx Cup Fall. The tour already has announced a new event in Austin, Texas. Asheville has history on the PGA Tour. It held the Land of Sky Open from 1939 through 1942. Ben Hogan won the last three times.
No. 25 North Carolina guard Seth Trimble breaks arm in team workout
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — No. 25 North Carolina senior guard Seth Trimble is out indefinitely after suffering a broken left forearm during a workout. The school said a timetable for Trimble’s return will be determined following surgery this week. Trimble entered the season as a team leader on a roster with 11 new players and had a huge immediate impact in the Tar Heels’ 87-74 win over No. 19 Kansas on Friday. The 6-foot-3, fourth-year player rebounded from a quiet first half to score 13 of his 17 points in the second as North Carolina rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit. Trimble also played a crucial role defensively, helping to slow Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson in the second half.
Tyler Shough throws for 2 TDs to earn first win as Saints defeat Panthers 17-7
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rookie Tyler Shough has earned his first win as an NFL starting quarterback. He threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns as the New Orleans Saints beat the Carolina Panthers 17-7 on Sunday to snap a four-game skid. Shough connected with Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson for long touchdowns, and Alvin Kamara ran for 83 yards for the Saints. New Orleans outgained Carolina 388 yards to 175. Bryce Young was limited to 124 yards passing and turned the ball over twice as his four-game win streak as a starter ended.
Carolina rookies Legault, Nystrom make team history by scoring 1st NHL points in win over Sabres
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Rookie defensemen Charles Alexis Legault and Joel Nystrom picked up their first NHL points in the Carolina Hurricanes’ 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres. It marks the first time in the Hurricanes’ team history that two defensemen posted their first points in the same game. And, it was the fourth time in Carolina history — since the relocation from Hartford — that any two players recorded their first points in a game. Legault had an assist and an empty-net goal, and Nystrom assisted on a goal early in the third period as Carolina extended its winning streak to three games.
